The South West Wiltshire Area Board met on Wednesday 4 February 2026, discussing significant issues including potential charges for using Dorset's Shaftesbury Household Recycling Centre and the proposed closure of Mere and Wilton fire stations. The board also approved several grant applications to support local community initiatives.

Dorset Council's Charge for Shaftesbury Household Recycling Centre

A major point of discussion was Dorset Council's proposal to introduce a booking system and charge non-Dorset residents, including those from South West Wiltshire, to use the Shaftesbury Household Recycling Centre (HRC). Councillor Bridget Wayman, who had raised the issue previously with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, Councillor Paul Sample JP, outlined the concerns of local residents. Many in the surrounding parishes use Shaftesbury as their nearest HRC, combining trips with other local errands. The proposed £8.50 charge per visit was deemed unreasonable, and there were fears it would lead to increased fly-tipping in the area, particularly in secluded woodlands near the border.

Wiltshire Council officers, including Martin Litherland, Head of Waste Management, explained that Dorset Council was seeking to recover costs associated with waste disposal from non-residents. While Wiltshire Council already provided a network of 10 HRCs, including sites in Warminster and Salisbury, which had sufficient capacity to absorb any additional demand, the cost of negotiating a cross-border arrangement with Dorset was estimated to be around £200,000 per year, a figure deemed unaffordable within Wiltshire's Medium-Term Financial Strategy. Wiltshire Council is also planning a pilot booking system at four of its own recycling centres from August 2026, with a view to potentially extending it across the network, which could allow for charging out-of-county users in the future. Despite the lack of an immediate solution, the Area Board resolved to ask the Cabinet Member to continue negotiations with Dorset Council and explore options such as a voucher system for South West Wiltshire residents.

Potential Closure of Mere and Wilton Fire Stations

Representatives from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), including Dave Waters, Greg Izon, and Jason Moncrief, presented an update on the proposed closure of eight fire stations, including Mere and Wilton. They explained that DWFRS faced significant ongoing financial challenges, with a projected annual deficit of over £1 million due to reduced government funding, inflationary pressures, and nationally determined pay awards.

While DWFRS had achieved substantial savings since the merger of Dorset and Wiltshire fire services, further efficiencies were required. A sub-committee had reviewed all 50 fire stations, shortlisting eight one-pump, on-call stations for potential closure. No final decisions had been made at the time of the meeting, but the Fire and Rescue Authority had agreed to put all eight shortlisted stations out to public consultation, which was due to commence on 13 February 2026 and close on 15 May 2026. A final decision was expected in June 2026.

Concerns were raised by councillors and residents regarding the potential impact on response times and community resilience. DWFRS representatives explained that decisions were data-driven, considering incident rates, proximity to other stations, and overall demand. They acknowledged that average attendance times might increase but highlighted improvements in appliance mobilisation. The importance of responding formally to the public consultation was stressed, with petitions also being accepted.

Area Board Funding

The Area Board considered several applications for grant funding.

• Sounds Better 2022 CIC was awarded £1,390 towards their Sing Out for Lung Health in Wilton project. The project aims to support the Salisbury Breathless Singers and course alumni to rehearse with Wilton Voices, culminating in a joint performance.
• The South West Wiltshire Area Board Health and Wellbeing Group (Area Board Initiative) received £1,000 for their Spring and Christmas Big Band Bashes, initiatives that had previously proven successful in engaging isolated older people.
• Councillor George Jeans on behalf of the South West Wilts Area Board Health and Wellbeing Group (Area Board Initiative) was awarded £1,000 for a New Memory Support Project for Mere Community Area. This project aims to address the lack of dedicated memory support groups in Mere, where a significant number of residents are over 65 and a considerable proportion have been diagnosed with dementia.

Partner and Community Updates

Inspector Tina Osborn provided an update on behalf of Wiltshire Police, highlighting that the Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) covers the Warminster, Westbury, Mere, and Tisbury areas. She noted staffing challenges, including the impending medical retirement of PCSO Stu Hunt, which would result in thinner coverage for Mere and Tisbury. Current priorities for the NPT include rural crime, retail theft, and road safety. Discussions also took place regarding retail crime in Mere, with concerns raised about under-reporting and long wait times on the 101 non-emergency number. A joint initiative with the Mere Town Council was underway to encourage reporting.

Karen Linaker, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager, provided updates on Area Board priorities. These included a workshop on renewable energy in the Tisbury, Fonthill Gifford, and Hindon area, progress on a memory support initiative in Mere, and the success of digital inclusion sessions across South West Wiltshire. Updates were also given on food support projects and employment opportunities for adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG)

Councillor Bridget Wayman, Chair of the LHFIG, noted that the next meeting was scheduled for 18 February 2026, meaning no funding recommendations would be considered at this Area Board meeting. She also raised concerns about a proposal to reduce the number of Area Board meetings from four to three per year, which she felt would disadvantage smaller parishes in South West Wiltshire.