The Corsham Area Board meeting scheduled for Thursday 5 March 2026 was set to cover a range of community matters, including updates from local partners, consideration of grant funding requests, and discussions on highway improvements. A key focus was also to be placed on the Corsham Future Energy Landscape project and updates from Wiltshire Police.

Update from Chief Constable Roper

The meeting was scheduled to include an update from Chief Constable Catherine Roper, who was invited to share her perspective on the current activities within the Wiltshire Police force. Discussions were expected to cover police funding, statistics, and the implications of the forthcoming abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioner role.

Corsham Future Energy Landscape (FEL) Project

An update was scheduled to be provided by Ellie Phillips from the Centre for Sustainable Energy regarding the Corsham Future Energy Landscape project. This initiative aims to explore the potential for community-led renewable energy projects within the Corsham area.

Partner and Community Updates

The Board was scheduled to receive both verbal and written updates from various local partners and community groups. These included:

• Verbal Updates:
  • Corsham Climate Action, represented by Adam Walton.
  • Pound Arts Trust, with Ruth Hill providing an update.
  • Wiltshire Police, represented by Sgt Mike Tripp.
  • Nominated representatives from Town and Parish Councils.
• Written Updates:
  • Corsham Climate Action update from Adam Walton.
  • Neighbourhood Policing Team Update from Sgt Mike Tripp.
  • Road Safety Update from Wiltshire Police.
  • Updates from Corsham Town Council, Colerne Parish Council, and Box Parish Council.
  • An update on Corsham Health Centre from Emma Higgins, Head of Combined Place – BSW ICB.

Area Board Grant Funding Requests

The Board was due to consider applications for funding from its various grant streams. The remaining budgets at the time of the meeting were noted as:

• Community Area Grants: £923.00
• Older & Vulnerable People Grants: £3,645.75
• Youth Grants: £0.00

Applications scheduled for consideration included:

• Community Area Grants:
  • Park Lane Community Garden, requesting £923.00.
• Older & Vulnerable Grants:
  • Park Lane Community Garden, requesting £729.00.
  • Move Meet Eat, requesting £2,915.00.

Additionally, a funding award made under delegated authority between meetings was to be noted:

• Pound Arts Trust, for a Meal and a show to support those in food poverty, which received £780.

Area Board Priority Updates

Updates were scheduled on the Area Board's priority areas:

• Environment, with Cllr Phil Chamberlain.
• Youth, with Cllr Peter Wragg.
• Business, with Cllr Helen Belcher OBE.
• Food Insecurity, with Cllr Ruth Hopkinson.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The Board was asked to note the minutes from the LHFIG meeting held on 3 February 2026 and consider any recommendations. A specific recommendation was for the Corsham Active Travel Group, concerning dropped kerbs for informal crossings on Cross Keys Road, Newlands Road, and Bences Lane, with an associated cost of £2,712.21.

Information Items

The Board was also asked to note several information items, including:

• A quarterly video update from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
• Information on events and training opportunities from Wiltshire Money.
• An update from Community First for February 2026.
• A call to action to support Governor Recruitment in Wiltshire Schools.
• An update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System) for February 2026.
• A briefing note and poster from Alcoholics Anonymous.
• Information from the Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal.