The Trowbridge Area Board met to elect a new chair and vice-chair, and to appoint representatives to the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). Councillor Stewart Palmén was elected as Chair and Councillor Denise Bates was elected as Vice-Chair. The Area Board also appointed its representatives to the LHFIG.

Appointment of Representatives to the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The Area Board appointed representatives to the Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). The LHFIG operates as an informal working group making recommendations to the Area Board for approval.

The following councillors were appointed to the LHFIG:

• Councillor Denise Bates
• Councillor Chris Brautigam
• Councillor Ernie Clark
• Councillor Mel Jacob
• Councillor Eunja Palmén
• Councillor Stewart Palmén
• Councillor Jo Trigg
• Councillor Chris Vaughan
• Councillor Julie Vine

The terms of reference for the LHFIG state that it will normally be made up of members of the Area Board, town and parish council representatives, and community/stakeholder representatives. The purpose of the LHFIG is to make recommendations to the Area Board regarding priorities and levels of expenditure required for small-scale transport schemes in the community area. The LHFIG can recommend funding for pedestrian improvements, cycle improvements, bus infrastructure, traffic signing, new road markings, speed limits, waiting restrictions, footpath improvements, drainage, street lighting, and traffic management measures. The LHFIG cannot fund routine maintenance, service subsidy, promotional campaigns, SID equipment¹, or improvements for individuals and properties.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Councillor Stewart Palmén was elected as Chair of the Trowbridge Area Board for the forthcoming year 2025-26. Councillor Jo Trigg nominated Councillor Stewart Palmén, and Councillor Mel Jacob seconded the nomination.

Councillor Denise Bates was elected as Vice-Chair of the Trowbridge Area Board for the forthcoming year 2025-26. Councillor Stewart Palmén nominated Councillor Denise Bates, and Councillor Mel Jacob seconded the nomination.

The procedure for the election of chairs is set out in Part 3 of the council's constitution. According to the constitution, a member's nomination must be seconded to be valid, and in the event of only one valid nomination being received, the person presiding will declare the nominated member elected.