The Corsham Area Board met on Thursday 5 March 2026, approving £4,567 in grant funding for local projects and discussing a range of community updates and highway improvement proposals. Key discussions included an update on the Corsham Future Energy Landscape project, concerns raised by parish councils regarding highway matters, and an overview of Wiltshire Police's current priorities and future reforms.

Update from Chief Constable Roper

Chief Constable Catherine Roper provided an update on the significant financial pressures facing Wiltshire Police and the forthcoming abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) role in 2028. She outlined proposed government reforms that could lead to a reduction in the number of police forces nationally, with a focus on greater consistency and revised governance. Despite delivering £8 million in savings this year, a further £5 million will be required next year. The Chief Constable assured the board that plans were in place to maintain service delivery.

During the discussion, the Area Board thanked the Chief Constable for her update, noting improvements in neighbourhood policing. The force's current priorities were identified as safe spaces, burglary, and violence, with burglary response rates having improved significantly. The Chief Constable also clarified the definition of burglary and highlighted the force's dedicated Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) team.

Corsham Future Energy Landscape (FEL) Project

Ellie Phillips from the Centre for Sustainable Energy provided an update on the Corsham Future Energy Landscape Project. The project has held workshops and online surveys, revealing community interest in renewable energy, particularly community-owned models. Concerns were raised regarding the loss of agricultural land, visual impact, and proximity to homes. The Centre for Sustainable Energy is now analysing the data to assess community appetite for taking schemes forward. A final decision on the project's feasibility is expected within a fortnight, with a community meeting planned for April.

Partner and Community Updates

The Area Board received updates from various partners and community groups.

Neighbourhood Police Team

Sergeant Mike Tripp reported on the neighbourhood team's activities, including significant speed enforcement in Box, where 50 speeding offences were recorded in under an hour. The team has also been engaged in school outreach, delivering drug awareness sessions and providing guidance on knife crime following a recent murder in Chippenham. The PubWatch scheme has led to 17 bans, contributing to safer evening economies, and officers are promoting the Ask Angela safety scheme. Anti-social behaviour concerns were noted, with encouragement for direct reporting.

During the discussion, the Area Board thanked Sergeant Tripp for the team's proactive approach. The increase in reported drug offences was attributed to a more proactive approach, including increased use of stop and search. Box Parish Council expressed gratitude for speed enforcement work and requested an introduction to their new parish clerk. The appropriate agency for reporting vehicles parked without MOT or insurance was clarified as Wiltshire Council for extended periods, or the neighbourhood team if anti-social behaviour is an issue.

Corsham Town Council

Alan Brown, Chairman of Corsham Town Council, reported on the progress of their new Strategic Plan, which is nearing completion and will be subject to community consultation. Corsham Town Council received a National Association of Local Council's Star Award for its environmental work. An ecofair is planned for 18 April to showcase local environmental groups and sustainability initiatives. The town council also continues to host business breakfasts and the Taste of Corsham event.

Colerne Parish Council

Jane Mellet from Colerne Parish Council reported that work had begun on the Pinewood Community Green Space. She highlighted the importance of up-to-date neighbourhood plans, especially given Wiltshire's inability to meet its five-year housing land supply targets. The Area Board suggested that the parish council contact Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement, and Corporate Services, for information on Pride in Place funding for play equipment. The Chairman noted that Wiltshire Council's draft Local Plan had been rejected by the planning inspector, and discussions were underway about developing a new plan.

Box Parish Council

Tim Walton, Chairman of Box Parish Council, raised concerns about the role of Area Boards and the consultation process for their future. He also highlighted issues with the Local Highways and Footways Improvement Group (LHFIG) survey and sought clarity on planned site visits for Speed Indicator Devices. Thanks were given to Cllr Martin Smith for attending a meeting on traffic management on Hazelbury Hill. The importance of Wiltshire councillors attending parish council meetings was emphasised. The Chairman suggested that parish councils could email Cllr Mel Jacob directly with suggestions regarding the LHFIG and Area Board model. She also noted that the Highways department faced resource challenges in addressing the significant increase in potholes.

Lacock Parish Council

Dr Louise Heren, Chairman of Lacock Parish Council, reported on staffing capacity improvements and ongoing issues with potholes, drainage, and parish steward availability. Cllr Peter Wragg offered to follow up on a query regarding the procurement of a tanker for drainage issues. Cllr Phil Chamberlain mentioned that Wiltshire Council's Environment Select Committee would be undertaking a task group on potholes.

Corsham Health Centre

The Chairman reported that Corsham Town Council planned to visit the health centre and were in ongoing discussions with the NHS. The provider who had explored reusing the site as an administrative hub had withdrawn their interest, meaning the site would proceed to be sold as surplus to NHS requirements.

Area Board Grant Funding Requests

The Area Board approved £1,652 for Park Lane Community Garden towards garden equipment, with £923 from the Community Area Grant budget and £729 from the Older and Vulnerable Adult budget. The project supports volunteers with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and those facing isolation.

Move Meet Eat was awarded £2,915 towards an inclusive intergenerational dance project. This initiative will provide 32 weekly sessions offering a warm space, advice on food security, and socialisation opportunities for older adults at risk of loneliness and isolation.

The Board also noted that £780 had been awarded to Pound Arts Trust under delegated authority for a Meal and a Show initiative to support individuals and families experiencing food poverty.

Area Board Priority Updates

Environment

Cllr Phil Chamberlain reported on environmental network activities, including a community garden in Royal Wootton Bassett and a River Rights Charter meeting in Bristol. He suggested that parishes could share best practices with Corsham Town Council, which had recently received an environmental award.

Youth

Cllr Peter Wragg encouraged volunteering as school governors and highlighted that the Rise Trust had taken over the running of the Local Youth Network.

Business

The Vice-Chairman noted that energy costs were likely to become a significant issue for businesses. Local businesses were encouraged to attend business breakfasts and consult Corsham Town Council's website for further information.

Food Insecurity

The Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager reported on a workshop held to support the Corsham community in moving from food poverty relief to community resilience. The Household Support Fund is to be renamed the Crisis Resilience Fund.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The Area Board noted that recommendations from the LHFIG meeting on 2 December 2025 had been approved by the Leader of Wiltshire Council under delegated authority. The minutes of the LHFIG meeting held on 3 February 2026 were considered, and the Board approved £2,712.21 towards Issue 5-24-36, for Corsham Active Travel Group dropped kerbs for informal crossing on Cross Keys Road/Newlands Road/Bences Lane.

Date of Next Meeting

The next Area Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday 28 May 2026 at 7pm in Colerne Village Hall. Box Parish Council raised a scheduling conflict with their annual full council meeting on the same date, and the Area Board agreed to investigate the possibility of rescheduling.