The Malmesbury Area Board met to discuss a range of community issues, including updates from partners such as Wiltshire Police and Community First. Councillors considered grant applications, reviewed highway improvement projects, and discussed strategic frameworks for community engagement. The board approved funding for the Malmesbury Public Living Room and discussed priorities for the coming year.

Shared Lives Service Update

Amy Louise Smith, Service Manager for the Shared Lives Scheme, gave a video presentation to inform members and attendees about the Shared Lives service. The Shared Lives scheme supports vulnerable adults over the age of 16, including those with learning difficulties, mental or physical health needs, or elderly individuals, to live as independently as possible within the community. Carers provide practical and emotional support within their homes, offering long-term, short-term, respite, and home-from-hospital placements.

Shared Lives carers support people to meet their goals, providing board and lodging, meals, a furnished bedroom, and support with personal care, activities, medication, budgeting, and community inclusion. Carers are self-employed and receive a weekly fee based on the level of support they provide, and are eligible for tax breaks and mileage claims.

Cathy West, a Shared Lives carer, shared her experiences of sharing her life with the young people she supports, helping them achieve their goals and grow in confidence. The Shared Lives Wiltshire team is actively recruiting new carers and encourages the community to spread the word and recommend the scheme to those in need.

Area Board Funding

The board considered and approved an application for grant funding.

• The board approved £500 for the Malmesbury Health and Wellbeing Forum to support the Malmesbury Public Living Room in providing refreshments. The Public Living Room, supported by Julie Dart, the Area Board's Health & Wellbeing Champion, offers a relaxed communal space for people to meet and socialise at Malmesbury Library.

The board also considered applications from:

• Charlton Recreational Centre Committee, requesting £2,500 for phase 2 of energy improvements at Charlton Village Hall.
• The Stay Safe Initiative CIC, requesting funding for the Boyz 2 Men and The Digital Empowerment Programme at Malmesbury School.
• HEALS of Malmesbury, requesting funding for their Summer Activities Programme 2025.

Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The board reviewed recommendations from the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) meeting held on 13 May 2025, as detailed in the Malmesbury LHFIG Note Tracker. Key discussion points and actions included:

• 7-24-22 Charlton, B4040: A request for horse warning signs along the B4040 at Charlton was prioritised, with a design proposal and cost estimate being developed.
• 7-24-23 Charlton, Bridleway CHAR7: A request for repair/drainage work on Bridleway CHAR7 was prioritised, with Stephen Leonard (Rights of Way Officer) to assess the issues.
• 7-24-24 Leigh, B4040 and B4696: A speed limit reduction to 40mph was requested, with a cost estimate of £4,250 for the review. The four parish councils involved (Leigh, Minety, Ashton Keynes and Charlton) were to agree on a shared cost.
• 7-24-21 Little Somerford, Dauntsey Road: A proposal to relocate the village sign south of the railway bridge was submitted to the Parish Council, with a total cost of approximately £500 and a 30% contribution required from the Parish Council.

Partner Updates

The board received updates from various partners, including Wiltshire Police and Community First.

Wiltshire Police

The Road Safety Update included information on the #Fatal5 education campaign, which addresses the five main causes of serious road traffic collisions: speeding, drink and drug driving, distracted driving, careless driving and not wearing a seatbelt. The update also detailed community engagements, speed checks, and enforcement activities undertaken by the Royal Wootton Bassett Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Community First

The Community First Update provided an overview of the organisation's activities, including youth action, employability programmes, community development, outdoor education, grants, and support for village halls and community transport schemes. The update highlighted the importance of community engagement and collaboration in delivering effective services.

Community Area - Engagement and Partnerships Update

The board received a report from the Engagement and Partnerships Manager, outlining the strategic and local work being delivered by the service. The report emphasised the importance of connecting the community with the council, building strong relationships, and supporting community-led action. Key workstreams included delivering the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector and Wiltshire Council framework, tackling food insecurity, supporting employment opportunities for residents with SEND¹, and addressing loneliness and social isolation.

Appointments

The board considered the appointment of lead members to outside bodies, as detailed in the Appointments Report. Councillor Gavin Grant was appointed to the Malmesbury Local Youth Network (LYN) and the Malmesbury Community Safety Partnership, while Councillor Chuck Berry was appointed to the Malmesbury Health and Wellbeing Forum (HWB). The board also noted the Terms of Reference for the Local Highways and Footway Investment Group (LHFIG) and appointed Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall as the lead member for the LHFIG.

VCSE and Wiltshire Council Framework

The board received an update on the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) and Wiltshire Council Framework, as outlined in the Area Board Briefing Note. The framework aims to develop a strategic partnership between the VCSE sector and Wiltshire Council, facilitating open communication, increasing awareness of respective roles, and identifying areas for collaboration. The board was asked to promote the framework and encourage local VCSE organisations to participate in a survey to provide feedback and shape the framework.