The Warminster Area Board meeting on 10 December 2024 saw a number of funding decisions made, including grants awarded to the Southwestern Ambulance Service Trust Fund and Heytesbury and Codford FC, as well as updates from key partners like Wiltshire Police and the Warminster Health and Wellbeing Forum.

Area Board Funding

The Board approved several grants, including £4,080 to the Southwestern Ambulance Service Trust Fund for a Community First Responder Raiser Chair and Observation Kit. The Raiser Chair is designed to assist responders in safely lifting fallen patients, reducing the need for prolonged waits for ambulance crews.

Heytesbury and Codford FC received £3,319.99, split between the Community Area Grants and Young People Grants, for football pitch dugouts.

Warminster Youth Club was granted £5,000 for an SEN youth club to provide a calm environment with sensory and developmental activities.

Warminster Town Council also received £5,000 for their Youth Activities Program, which will offer free activities for youths, such as canoeing, climbing, and archery, in partnership with the Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team.

Wiltshire & Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Update

Philip Wilkinson, the Wiltshire & Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), addressed the meeting, highlighting his three-year tenure and the progress made in tackling crime across the county. Notably, he cited improvements in call response rates, support for victims, and a reduction in various crime types, including domestic abuse, violent crime, rape, and anti-social behavior.

Mr Wilkinson also discussed the success of speeding enforcement, with a significant increase in points, fines, and courses issued. He mentioned Wiltshire Police's leading role in disrupting County Lines drug operations and plans to focus on retail crime and harm to shop workers in the new Police and Crime Plan.

Partner and Community Updates

Inspector Lou Oakley of Wiltshire Police provided an update on local policing initiatives. Given the national rise in retail crime, Inspector Oakley, now the operational lead for the County, detailed a delivery plan to tackle business crime. This includes working with the Police Business Analyst to analyze crime data, establishing an Offender Intervention Panel with partners, and setting up Retail Groups to improve communication and reporting with local businesses.

Regarding youth anti-social behavior (ASB), Inspector Oakley confirmed continued efforts to address the issue, including funding from the PCC for detached youth work and the designation of Warminster Town Centre as an ASB hot spot eligible for government funding for overtime officer patrols.

Warminster Health and Wellbeing Forum

David Reeves, representing the Warminster Health and Wellbeing Forum, highlighted their ongoing efforts to identify and address community needs. The Forum is actively seeking a new location for the Warminster School Tech Club, a valuable resource for older and vulnerable people needing assistance with technology.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

Councillor Bill Parks presented the minutes and recommendations from the recent LHFIG meeting, which focused on various local highway and footpath improvement projects. Nigel Linge, a local resident, provided a Right of Way update, detailing his work on improving paths and bridleways in the area.

Other Business

The Area Board acknowledged the government's warnings regarding Storm Darragh, and Dave Reeves expressed gratitude for the Board's support in securing a third pharmacy for Warminster. Councillor Neil Carpenter raised concerns about discrepancies in sewage management charges levied by Selwood Housing, an issue being investigated by Councillor Bill Parks and MP Andrew Murrison.

Councillor Tony Jackson provided updates on environmental initiatives, including the ongoing consultation regarding the closure of Smallbrook Road during toad mating season, and plans for the Cranborne Chase Star Fest in March 2025.