The Tidworth Area Board met on Monday 2 February 2026, approving £12,470 in grant funding for various community projects and hearing updates from partners including Wiltshire Police and the Armed Forces Equine Charity. The Board also noted information items on council plans and local initiatives.

Partner Updates

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson OBE discussed the potential impact of central government plans to establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities, which could lead to the splitting of the Wiltshire and Swindon Police Force area. He also highlighted that PCCs are set to be removed from 2028/29, with a new Strategic Mayoral Authority potentially replacing the role. Mr. Wilkinson expressed concerns that this new role could become party political. He detailed Wiltshire's position as one of the lowest-funded police forces in England, receiving £115 per head in Home Office grants compared to the national average of £164. A £4.6 million savings target for 2026/27 was noted, with a proposed £15 annual increase to Band D council tax to address a £30 per head shortfall.

Inspector Gavin Brewster of Wiltshire Police provided an update on the Neighbourhood Policing Team's (NPT) priorities. He reported a reduction in anti-social behaviour in Tidworth following partnership work with the Youth Justice team and local schools. Rural crime and burglaries remain a focus, with operations targeting motor vehicles on the plain and byways, and a spate of tool thefts from outbuildings being investigated in collaboration with Hampshire Police. Inspector Brewster confirmed the NPT's willingness to engage in partnership working to address issues such as drivers without number plates and stated that electric scooters are targeted when reported. He also detailed the NPT's involvement in County Lines operations and child exploitation, including working with schools and premises that may be being cuckooed.

Town and Parish Council Updates provided a comprehensive overview of local activities and concerns:

• Tidworth Town Council, represented by Mayor Carole Webb, reported a successful Remembrance event, Christmas Fair, and the awarding of the first Freedom of Tidworth to Mark Connelly. Upcoming events include a litter pick, Easter Party, and Tidworth Festival. The council has allocated £800 to repair graffiti damage at the skate park and is monitoring rising Riverbourne water levels. Ongoing concerns about potholes were highlighted, with temporary fixes proving ineffective and costly. Four grit bins reported a year ago had been refilled or replaced. Allotments are nearing completion.
• Ludgershall Town Council, represented by Joyce Bowyer, noted a strong turnout for Remembrance Day and ongoing issues with street lighting. Upcoming events include an Easter Children's Disco and a Medieval Street Fair linked to St James's Day. Joint work continues on establishing a safer walking route to Wellington Academy, with a meeting scheduled to address congestion. Complaints have been received regarding piling works and contractor vehicles at the Tesco Development, and further construction is due to begin near the doctor's surgery.
• Chute Parish Council, represented by Carolyn Wall, is working to re-establish a bus route through the chutes and noted minimal vandalism, though potholes remain a concern.
• Collingbourne Ducis Parish Council, represented by John Wood, discussed setting the precept and arranging a litter pick. A public consultation agreed to use school meadow as a play area for young people. Ongoing issues with lorries damaging kerb stones along Church bends were reported.
• Everleigh Parish Council, represented by Kim Wheeler, reported success with their annual Bonfire Party and Christmas Carol Event. An Easter Party is planned, and the council is addressing street name signage and the replacement of a defibrillator. Concerns remain about road surfaces deteriorating due to heavier vehicles, and the council has requested clearer communication from Wiltshire Council regarding the works programme and prioritisation.

Dame Sue Gray, CEO of the Armed Forces Equine Charity, provided an overview of the charity's work, which focuses on equine therapy, learning, recovery, and wellbeing initiatives. The Tidworth hub facilities, including an equine and polo centre, support individuals experiencing trauma. Programmes include work with homeless veterans via Alabaré, a Remembrance Parade, and ongoing support for participants with weekly sessions. The charity also engages with the justice system, women veterans, and local schools. An outreach programme is being developed to engage local young people. Members emphasised the importance of keeping the hub open through winter and expressed support for its work.

Priority Updates

Youth - Councillor Keith Allen reported meeting with Wellington Academy and establishing a 10-person youth group, which identified a lack of local activities and proposed ideas such as music events, sports activities, a youth employment event, and the creation of a youth shelter. Funding has been requested to support these initiatives.

Health & Wellbeing - Councillor Chris Williams detailed a meeting held on 2 December, with plans for a Health & Wellbeing event in May/June at Ludgershall Memorial Hall, coinciding with an existing coffee morning. A Digital Inclusion Event is also being organised to support older and vulnerable residents with digital skills at Tidworth Leisure Centre Library.

Community Safety - Councillor Dave Lumsden reported on the first meeting of the Community Safety Group, which had low attendance but shared positive ideas. The group will be re-advertised, with the next meeting planned for March. Councillor Lumsden is also collaborating with councillors from the Stonehenge Area Board on a similar initiative and plans to meet with Inspector Brewster of the NPT to develop joint approaches.

Area Board Funding

The Tidworth Area Board approved £12,470 in grant funding across various categories:

• Area Board Initiatives:
  • Detached Youth Work Project: £5,000 awarded from the Youth Budget.
  • Youth Engagement Project: £2,000 awarded from the Youth Budget.
  • Tidworth Area Youth Committee Projects: £1,000 awarded from the Youth Budget.
  • Chutes Connect Community Transport Initiative: £870 awarded from the Older and Vulnerable Budget.
• Community Area Grants:
  • Ludgershall Memorial Hall Improvements Project: £3,600 awarded from the Community Area Grants Budget.
• Older & Vulnerable / Youth Grants:
  • Tidworth Community Area Safety and Security Group Project: £2,000 awarded, split equally (£1,000 each) from the Older & Vulnerable budget and the Youth Budget.

Graeme Morrison, Strategic & Engagement Partnership Manager, noted that as this was the last meeting of the financial year, any projects requiring urgent funding before the next meeting should be submitted for consideration under delegated powers by the end of March.

Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The minutes from the LHFIG meeting held on 7 January 2026 were noted. There were no funding recommendations arising from this meeting.