The Warminster Area Board met on Thursday 12 February 2026, discussing funding applications, receiving updates from partners including Wiltshire Police, and reviewing local highway improvement proposals. A key decision was made regarding the Warminster Park Community Centre grant application, which was deferred to a delegated funding process due to declared interests.

Area Board Funding

The Area Board considered applications for funding. An application from Warminster Park Community Centre for £250 towards its operational costs was recommended for consideration under the Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM) delegated funding process due to declared interests by Councillor Russell Hawker and Councillor Andrew Davis. Councillor Hawker declared an Other Registerable Interest as a non-voting member of the Community Centre's Management Committee, while Councillor Davis declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as a former Trustee.

Chairman's Announcements and Information Items

Councillor Russell Hawker, Chairman of the Warminster Area Board, presented several announcements and information items. These included the monthly update from Community First, information on the Household Recycling Centre booking system pilot, a quarterly video update from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, a call to action to support governor recruitment in Wiltshire schools, and details of upcoming events and training opportunities from Wiltshire Money.

During the discussion on the Household Recycling Centre booking system, Councillor Barry Pirie noted that a booking system had been in place during the pandemic for safety reasons. A show of hands indicated that the majority of attendees were against the reintroduction of such a system in Warminster, with concerns raised that it could reduce usage and potentially increase fly-tipping.

Partner and Community Updates

Wiltshire Police

Inspector Lou Oakley provided a verbal update on behalf of the Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT). He noted that the team was stretched due to two members being on long-term sick leave, with no replacements yet provided, although two special constables had joined. The NPT's priorities for Warminster were identified as rural crime, retail crime, and road safety. Statistics presented showed a decrease in anti-social behaviour in Warminster compared to wider Wiltshire, and most shoplifting offences had positive outcomes, with charges often resulting from the Warminster CCTV network.

Inspector Oakley referenced community engagement activities, including successful arrests and warrants for drug supply, and highlighted that details of future community drop-in sessions were available on the Wiltshire Police website. He also mentioned Operation Limit, which took place in December across Wiltshire and resulted in 120 arrests for drink or drug driving offences. The importance of reporting crimes was stressed to enable effective resource allocation. The work of the mobile police station was also referenced, and Inspector Oakley noted he had taken over as Tactical Lead for Stop and Search for the force, with data to be included in future reports.

Following the update, questions were raised regarding the 35% increase in drink and drug-related traffic offences, which was attributed to both an increase in crimes and improved equipment. The operation of the mobile police station, which shared across the county on a seven-week rota and often visited rural locations, was explained. Concerns about knife crime in Warminster were addressed, with it noted that while not a significant issue, an incident involving a young person carrying a knife had led to increased crime prevention work with schools. Details were requested on upcoming retail action days, road safety operations, and further operations to tackle overnight crime. The potential for the mobile police station to attend street fairs was also discussed, with the possibility of purchasing an additional mobile station mentioned.

Town and Parish Councils

Councillor Neil Carpenter, speaking on behalf of Corsley Parish Council, reported that work was underway to map the village with the aim of replacing all stiles with gates accessible to disabled people, with a timescale to be provided at the next meeting.

Councillor Andrew Davis, representing Warminster Town Council, noted that the Warminster Neighbourhood Plan was out for consultation and encouraged residents to respond.

Warminster Health and Wellbeing Forum

A written update was noted, and clarification was provided that the Chairman had contacted NHS England in mid-January regarding the mobile Breast Screening Unit in Warminster, but no response had been received. Dave Reeves stated he would meet with councillors to discuss next steps. Points were also raised about the temporary pharmacy located in a shipping container, with Dave Reeves having encouraged the applicant to share information on opening times. Councillor Barry Pirie reported receiving complaints from residents about the appearance of the container and had contacted planning enforcement to review it against its original plan and design statement.

Area Board Priority Update

Caroline LeQuesne, Engagement and Partnerships Lead, and Lead Members provided updates on the Area Board's priorities:

• Green Spaces in the Town Centre: Councillor Andrew Davis had contacted the Planning Officer regarding No. 3 , which had a complicated application. It was suggested that councillors discuss the complications further, noting that demolition would require replacement. A petition concerning the green space was mentioned, and the Town Council was due to discuss the application.
• Community Resilience to Food Insecurity: A food ladder workshop had taken place to highlight available support and share local knowledge. The Area Board had allocated £7,000 for such projects, and ideas were encouraged.
• Safe Places and Positive Activities for Older Young People with SEND: This priority was not currently progressing, but discussions were ongoing with the hope of using the upstairs of the Warminster Action Group (WAG) premises for activities.
• Warminster Roads as Safe Places: The previous Area Board meeting had focused on road safety. Work was underway regarding the Warminster West Urban Extension, with a Town Council Group established. A reduction in speeding complaints on social media was noted, with gratitude extended to the Police for prioritising the issue.
• Weight Limits in Chapmanslade, Corsley, and Maiden Bradley: Work on Chapmanslade was progressing, with the scheme being designed and due for consultation. Somerset Council had agreed to proposals for Corsley, with LHFIG funding earmarked. Work regarding Maiden Bradley was dependent on National Highways and the A303, with a meeting agreed with the Cabinet Member and National Highways design team. Concerns were raised about Chitterne being affected as a diversion route for HGVs, and the Parish Council was encouraged to contact the LHFIG.
• Review of Blanket Weight Limit in Warminster/Norton Bavant/Sutton Veny/Bishopstrow: Councillor Bill Parks provided an update on behalf of Councillor Christopher Newbury, stating that Highways engineers had informed the LHFIG that the legal orders for Norton Bavant were compliant, making progress unlikely under current policies.
• Employment for People with Complex or Special Needs: This work had paused and evolved into a larger scheme with a greater emphasis on consulting individuals about their desired opportunities.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

Councillor Bill Parks introduced the minutes and recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 14 January 2026. The minutes were agreed as a correct record, with spending recommendations approved.

Key items discussed included:

• Maiden Bradley Traffic Calming: Improvements were required to the traffic calming build-out, with proposals to remove it due to recent incidents and investigate new speed indicator device (SID) locations. The group agreed to commit £5,000 towards new gateways and SIDs.
• Warminster Waiting Restrictions: Several roads in Warminster were subject to ongoing assessment for waiting restrictions, with plans to be finalised and sent to Warminster Town Council (WTC) for agreement before proceeding to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process. The TRO consultation period was due to close, with a Cabinet Member report likely in Spring 2026 and potential implementation in Summer 2026.
• Warminster Town Centre 20mph Speed Limit: Following resident requests, a 20mph speed limit assessment was underway. WTC had agreed to the recommendation and intended to proceed to formal advertising and consultation, with potential implementation in late Summer 2026.
• Horningsham Lining Works: The criteria for extending the 30mph speed limit further out of the village were not met. Discussions were ongoing with Horningsham Parish Council regarding lining works, with implementation likely in Spring 2026, subject to the Parish Council's agreement to contribute.
• Codford Salisbury Road New Street Lighting: A resident had requested street lighting due to darkness and concerns about a nearby layby. A cost estimate was being prepared, and clarification was needed from Codford Parish Council on whether the lighting was for general public benefit.
• Codford Salisbury Road Speeding Issues: A resident had requested speed bumps, but the Police did not support them. Metrocount data was awaited to provide evidence of speeding before any designs were undertaken.
• Chapmanslade A3098/Short Street Safety Concerns: Concerns for safety at the Short Street junction onto the A3098 were being addressed with proposals for improved signing and lining. National Highways had been contacted regarding slip roads.
• Warminster Batch 3 Waiting Restrictions: Additional sites were being assessed for waiting restrictions, with a minimum of five sites required for progression.
• Heytesbury Red Lion Bus Stop: A request for bus stop markings was agreed, with funding from LHFIG and Heytesbury Parish Council. Works were imminent but weather-dependent.
• A3098 Chapmanslade Revise 18T Weight Limit to 7.5T: This scheme was progressing to formal advertising in February/March 2026.
• Corsley Geys Hill Speed Limit: A request for a 20mph speed limit and 40mph limit on Geys Hill was being assessed, with Metrocount data awaited.
• A362 Corsley Weight Limit: The existing one-way 18-tonne weight limit was to be converted to a two-way 7.5-tonne limit. This was a slow process, with discussions ongoing with Somerset County Council.
• Upton Scudamore Warning Signs: Horses and pedestrians were at risk from speeding vehicles, and Metrocount data was awaited for assessment.
• Upton Scudamore Parking Issues: The group agreed that no further action would be taken regarding parking issues on a corner in Upton Scudamore.
• Codford Chitterne Road: A request for a speed limit change, traffic calming measures, and a 20mph speed limit was noted, to be revisited once the speed limit policy was reviewed.
• Imber Road Speeding: A request for an extension to the 20mph speed limit was noted, with clarification of the location and issue required. Engineering measures would be considered.
• Bests Lane, Sutton Veny: Concerns about pedestrian safety on a narrow lane were raised, with proposals for hard standing areas and drainage improvements.
• Corsley Whitbourne Moor: Issues with larger vehicles using narrow lanes were being assessed.
• Corsley RoW: Awaiting delivery of gates for Right of Way improvements.
• Maiden Bradley Trow Lane Road Safety: A request for a speed limit reduction, SLOW markings, and double white lines was being assessed.
• Warminster Bread St/Fore Street Dropped Kerb: Costs and plans for a dropped kerb were to be provided by the next meeting.
• Heytesbury High Street Waiting Restrictions: Waiting restrictions were to be assessed.

The meeting concluded with a reminder about the process for submitting new issue forms to the LHFIG, the dates for future meetings, and the importance of updating contact details. It was also noted that requests for bus stop work should be made directly to Bus.Stops@wiltshire.gov.uk. A budget discussion regarding LHFIG and Town/Parish Council contributions for the next financial year was to be held separately by Wiltshire Councillors.