The Bradford on Avon Area Board meeting scheduled for 19 November 2025 was set to cover a range of community matters, including funding applications, updates from local partners, and strategic planning. Key discussions were anticipated around the allocation of Area Board funding to various community projects and initiatives, alongside updates on policing, road safety, and integrated care systems.

Area Board Funding Applications

The board was scheduled to consider several applications for funding. Under the Community Area Grants, two applications were listed: one from Made in BOA CIC for £3,000 towards The Creative Community Smug sewing workshops, aiming to combat loneliness and promote recycling through creative activities. The second was from Freshford Community Farm Limited requesting £5,000 towards planning permission for a community farm in Limpley Stoke and Freshford, intended to grow local produce and deliver educational programmes. For Older and Vulnerable grants, the Holt Sports and Recreation Committee had applied for £667 towards the refurbishment of a Multi-Use Games Area court, specifically for the construction of a storage facility and the purchase of pickleball equipment. The report indicated that the opening budgets for 2025/26 were £14,266 for Community Area Grants, £7,500 for Older & Vulnerable grants, and £12,607 for Young People grants. A delegated funding award of £1,000 to Wiltshire Rural Music was also noted.

Partner Updates

Several partner organisations were scheduled to provide updates. The Neighbourhood Policing Team was expected to present their activities and priorities, following a written update that noted an increase in Violence and Sexual Offences and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bradford on Avon between July-August 2024 and 2025, though shoplifting incidents had significantly decreased. The Road Safety Update was to cover initiatives such as #FATAL5 education and traffic surveys. Wiltshire Police were also to provide their quarterly update on Violence Against Women and Girls, detailing work on Project Vigilant and efforts to tackle stalking. Wiltshire AGE UK was to share their latest newsletter, highlighting activities like daytime discos and community support services. An update from the Family Hub was also on the agenda. Verbal updates were anticipated from Parish and Town Councils, as well as from Climate Friendly Bradford.

Information Items

The board was to receive information on the BSW Together (Integrated Care System), detailing changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England and the appointment of Rob Whiteman as the new Chair of the Dorset, Somerset and BSW integrated care board cluster. An update on the departure of ICB Chief Executive Officer, Sue Harriman, was also expected. Additionally, the Family and Community Learning Impact Report 2024/25 was to be presented, showcasing the programme's success in supporting learners with skills development, confidence building, and wellbeing, with 635 individual learners supported and a high rate of achievement and progression.

Area Board Priority and Action Plan

An update report from the Strategic Engagement and Partnership Manager was scheduled regarding the Area Board's priorities and action plan. This plan aims to focus on specific actions and outcomes aligned with the Council Plan, with funding available from Area Board grants and an additional £7,000 allocated from the Household Support Fund towards addressing food insecurity and cost of living issues.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The minutes from the LHFIG meeting held on 1 September 2025 were to be noted, with consideration given to any recommendations. The report detailed numerous highway improvement schemes and requests across various locations including Bradford on Avon, Holt, Limpley Stoke, and South Wraxall. Discussions were scheduled regarding potential speed limit reductions on roads such as Bath Road and Winsley Road in Bradford on Avon, and Elms Cross Road in Westwood. Several applications for funding for specific projects were also to be considered, including contributions towards pedestrian improvements, speed limit assessments, and the installation of bollards. The report highlighted that the remaining budget for 2025/26 after proposed allocations was £5,676.93.