The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board met on 4 March 2026, addressing a range of community issues including the future of household recycling centres, funding for local projects, and road safety. Key decisions included the awarding of grants to various community groups and the continuation of services at the Purton and Lower Compton household recycling centres.

Household Recycling Centres and Future Waste Collection

The Area Board received an update on the future of household recycling centres (HRCs) in Purton and Lower Compton. Following public concern and petitions, the decision was made to keep the Purton HRC open for at least three years, with a new contract awarded for Lower Compton on a rolling one-year basis. A phased booking system will be introduced at both sites from August to manage demand and improve efficiency. Weekly food waste collections and fortnightly collections for soft plastics are also planned from 2027 to increase recycling rates.

Funding Applications

The Area Board considered several funding applications across different grant streams.

Older and Vulnerable Adult's Grants:

• Toucan Cafe Lyneham and Bradenstoke Self-Help Group was awarded £200 towards venue costs and refreshments for their social self-help group.
• Age UK Wiltshire received £1,900 towards their Royal Wootton Bassett Monday Friendship Club, which provides activities and social connection for older residents.
• Wiltshire Hope and Harmony was awarded £3,296 towards their Royal Wootton Bassett Dementia Choir and Café, with £3,070 from the Older and Vulnerable Adult's Grant and £226 from the Community Area Grant for capital items. This funding will support their therapeutic music sessions for individuals with dementia and their carers.

Young People's Grants:

• Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council received £2,200 towards a pop-up skate park event, aimed at engaging young people in the development of a permanent skate park.
• The Rise Trust was awarded £1,740 for holiday sessions in Royal Wootton Bassett and £500 for a similar pop-up event in Purton, providing activities like cooking and games for young people.
• 2491 Lyneham Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets received £3,250 towards a residential training event at PGL Liddington, focusing on teamwork, leadership, and personal development.

Road Safety

Inspector Scott Anger and Sergeant Kate Isaac from the Neighbourhood Police Team provided an update on road safety initiatives. Over the past three months, 123 speeding tickets were issued across the Area Board's area. The team continues to conduct speed enforcement operations and work with the community to address concerns. The Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson OBE, also spoke about the importance of neighbourhood policing and the challenges of police funding in rural areas.

Community Transport

Jason Salter, Head of Passenger Transport at Wiltshire Council, presented an overview of community and voluntary transport services, highlighting the success of the Wiltshire Connect on-demand bus service. The service, which operates in the Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury area, has seen strong uptake, particularly among younger people, and connects residents to key destinations. The council continues to support 21 community transport groups across Wiltshire, which provide vital services for residents who struggle with traditional public transport.

Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The minutes from the LHFIG meeting on 11 February 2026 were noted. Several highway improvement schemes were discussed, including those in Lydiard Millicent, Purton, Broad Town, and Royal Wootton Bassett. Some projects are awaiting final design or programming, while others are progressing. The financial position of the LHFIG was reviewed, showing a remaining balance of £5,865.31 for the 2025/26 financial year.

Chairman's Updates

The Chairman provided updates on several other matters:

• Lime Kiln Leisure Centre: The refurbished fitness suite has reopened with new equipment and facilities.
• Purton Library: The library has reopened after a refurbishment funded by Section 106 contributions, offering new shelving, seating, and modern furniture.
• Community Governance Review: Wiltshire Council's Electoral Review Committee is conducting a review of parish arrangements in the Devizes, Marlborough, and Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board areas. Draft recommendations are expected by the end of March or early April, followed by a public consultation.
• Local Plan: Wiltshire Council received a letter from planning inspectors regarding the draft Local Plan, offering two options: withdrawal or a recommendation for non-adoption. The council is expected to provide a timescale for its decision by 13 March 2026.

Spotlight on Parishes and Partners

Updates were received from various partners, including Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership, Wiltshire Money, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cricklade Town Council, Lyneham Air Cadets, Alcoholics Anonymous, Wiltshire Police, Purton Parish Council, and Purton Uniformed Groups. Inspector Scott Anger and Sergeant Kate Isaac provided a detailed update on neighbourhood policing activities, including tackling speeding and anti-social behaviour. The Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson OBE, discussed police funding, crime statistics, and the potential implications of devolution.

Our Community Matters

Andrew Jack, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager, provided an update on the Local Action Plan. Progress was noted on the Community Directory, Techie Tea Parties to improve digital inclusion, and work to support food resilience initiatives. Discussions also covered the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and employment opportunities for young people with SEND.

RWB&C Community Care Group

The Area Board noted the update from the Community Care Group, thanking Stevie Palmer for her work on carers' events.

Get it Off Your Chest

There were no queries raised during this session.

Close and Future Meeting Dates

The next meeting of the Area Board will be held on Wednesday 10 June 2026 at Clyffe Pypard and Bushton Village Hall.