The Marlborough Area Board met on Tuesday 10 February 2026, approving grants totalling over £10,000 for local community projects and hearing updates on policing, road safety, and community initiatives. Key decisions included awarding funds to Church Rooms Ramsbury, Avebury Cricket Club, and 2nd Marlborough Scouts for community improvements, as well as supporting Age UK Wiltshire and Wiltshire and Swindon Sport for initiatives benefiting older and vulnerable people.

Policing and Community Safety

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson OBE, MPhil, provided a comprehensive update on Wiltshire Police's performance and national policing reforms. He highlighted that Wiltshire has the lowest crime rate per capita in England and Wales, despite being one of the lowest-funded forces. Mr. Wilkinson expressed concerns about potential government proposals to reduce the number of police forces, fearing it could dilute local accountability and neighbourhood-focused policing. He noted that Wiltshire Police recorded 40,227 crimes in the past year, with a significant reduction in violent crime in the Marlborough area between November and December 2025. The Neighbourhood Policing Team's proactive approach, including town centre patrols and engagement with retailers, has led to the highest shoplifting detection rate in Wiltshire. Police Community Support Officer Mark Braithwaite was commended for his bravery in tackling shoplifters.

Grant Awards for Community Projects

The Area Board awarded grants to several local organisations. Church Rooms Ramsbury received £2,275 towards acoustic panels to address noise complaints, Avebury Cricket Club was granted £2,275 for ground equipment, and 2nd Marlborough Scouts received £743 for additional tables and benches. These awards were made despite the Community Area Grant budget being overspent, with applicants asked if they could proceed with reduced funding.

Support for Older and Vulnerable People

For the Older and Vulnerable People's Grants, Age UK Wiltshire was awarded £930 for their Arts and Friendship Club in Marlborough, and Wiltshire and Swindon Sport received £1,000 for their Love to Move Parkinson's programme. The Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group's request for £1,000 towards their Recharge Café was deferred, with applicants encouraged to reapply in the next financial year.

Youth Grants

In the Young People's Grants category, Marlborough Area Youth Forum received £1,191.08 for discretionary activities, Savernake Explorer Scout Unit was awarded £1,191.09 for adventurous activities and hardship support, and Marlborough Sports and Activity Festival 2026 was granted the full £2,530 requested. These awards were made due to insufficient funding to meet all requests in full, with the Marlborough Sports and Activity Festival prioritised due to its time-sensitive nature. The other two applicants were encouraged to reapply in the new financial year.

Community Initiatives and Action Plan Updates

Andrew Jack, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager, presented findings from the annual Area Board grant survey, highlighting that £850,000 in council funding had unlocked £4.7 million in community funding, benefiting approximately 143,000 residents. Updates on the Area Board's Local Action Plan included progress on the Health and Wellbeing Group's events, the Community Support Forum's role in coordinating local support, and efforts to address food insecurity through initiatives like the Food Ladder project. The plan also noted ongoing work on the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and efforts to support residents with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) into employment through discussions with the Co-op Group.

Road Safety and Local Highways

The Area Board noted that there were no financial recommendations from the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) meeting held on 5 February 2026 that required approval. A written update from the LHFIG meeting would be included in the next Area Board agenda.

Other Matters

A question was raised regarding the potential closure of Ramsbury Fire Station, prompting the Area Board to agree to write to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to express their concerns. Future meeting dates were confirmed for 26 May 2026 at Marlborough Town Hall and 6 October 2026 at Winterbourne Monkton Community Hall.