The Melksham Area Board met on Wednesday 18 March 2026, discussing a range of community issues and approving several grant applications. Key topics included updates from Wiltshire Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and local youth organisations, alongside significant funding allocations for community projects and initiatives.

Partner and Community Updates

Wiltshire Police provided an update on crime data, noting an increase in reported crimes and violent offences between December 2025 and February 2026. Inspector Andy Lemon highlighted the team's priorities for 2026, which include tackling retail crime, anti-social behaviour, road safety, and rural crime. The force is also facing budget pressures, with the Police and Crime Commissioner requesting a £15 increase in the Police Precept per Band D household to address inflationary pressures and historical underfunding. Despite these challenges, Wiltshire remains one of the safest counties in the country.

The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service presented a concerning financial outlook, facing a budget deficit that could lead to the closure of eight fire stations, including Bradford-on-Avon. A public consultation is underway, and attendees were encouraged to participate.

Updates were also received from Community First, highlighting their work on the Household Support Fund and various youth support programmes like Splash. BSW Together (Integrated Care Board) provided an update on their five-year strategic commissioning plan, focusing on community-based care, digital tools, and prevention.

Area Board Priority Updates

The Area Board received updates on six key local priorities. Progress was noted on improving provision for young people through a youth network and street art workshops. Efforts to maximise open space included work on the Campion Drive area and exploring a permissive path behind the Canberra Centre. The board is also focusing on moving food poverty from relief to community resilience, with plans to map provision and identify areas for support, including a partnership with Citizens Advice Bureau and Melksham Foodbank to encourage self-resilience. Explorations into establishing a local housing management group and providing bespoke employment support for individuals with complex needs were also discussed.

Melksham Local Highways and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The minutes from the LHFIG meeting on 5 February 2026 were approved. The board agreed to allocate funding for several highway improvements, including the installation of bolt-down traffic islands on the A365 Devizes Road/Hornchurch Road, ad-hoc road markings across Melksham for 2026-27, and a finger post for the Kennet and Avon Canal bridleway SEEN13. Concerns were raised about the condition of the Riverside Path in King George V Park, with Cllr Jon Hubbard agreeing to investigate land ownership to facilitate potential improvements.

Melksham Health & Wellbeing Group

The Area Board noted the update from the Melksham Health & Wellbeing Group. Key discussions included the challenges of providing face-to-face counselling in Melksham due to costs and venue availability, with a focus on exploring transport solutions for residents needing support. The group also discussed funding for the Melksham Foodbank, with plans to integrate Citizens Advice Bureau referrals to ensure users receive optimal support and to introduce a pantry system where users pay a nominal amount for chosen items. Funding was also discussed for Age UK's Melksham Daytime Discos and Help Counselling's Nourish and Flourish project.

Melksham Local Youth Network

Cllr Charlie Stokes reported on the progress of the Local Youth Network, noting growing interest and engagement from local organisations and individuals.

Area Board Funding

The Area Board considered and approved several grant applications across different funding streams:

Community Area Grants:

• Corsham Cricket Club was awarded £1,673 towards a new sports pavilion.
• Melksham Amateur Boxing Club received £500 for new equipment.
• Bowerhill Baby and Toddler Group was awarded £419 for a cordless vacuum cleaner.
• Steeple Ashton Guides Brownies and Rainbows received £120 for damp and mould prevention at their storage facility.
• 4Youth Southwest was awarded £2,750 towards roof repairs at the Canberra Centre.
• Bowerhill Village Hall Trust received £2,750 for the installation of air conditioning.

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

• Age UK Wiltshire was awarded £2,500 for Melksham Daytime Discos.
• Melksham Area Board received £2,730 towards tackling transportation obstacles to accessing local support services.

Young People Grants:

• Melksham Area Board was awarded £1,365 towards the Melksham Teen Takeover initiative.
• 1st Bowerhill Scout Group received £491 for Bushcraft Knife and Tomahawk Axe Equipment.
• 4Youth Southwest was awarded £5,000 for the No Limits Inclusive Youth Club for Young People with SEND.
• Melksham Town Council received £1,760 for the Bath Road Toilets Art Project at KGV.