The Trowbridge Area Board met on Thursday 19 March 2026 and approved a significant number of grant applications for local community projects and young people's initiatives. The board also received updates on highway improvements, partner activities, and noted information items from various organisations.

Area Board Funding

The Trowbridge Area Board awarded grants totalling £23,426.27 to various community groups and young people's projects.

Community Area Grants:

• Trowbridge Mens Shed received £1,500 towards the installation of a stair lift at their premises, enabling greater accessibility for potential members.
• Read Easy North and West Wiltshire was awarded £500 to purchase learning and publicity materials to support their adult literacy work in Trowbridge.
• Trowbridge Town Football Club received two grants: £4,720 for the installation of new shower facilities and £4,965 towards path improvements, goals, and a storage container for their grounds.
• Wiltshire Rural Music was granted £2,625 for the refurbishment of their kitchen facilities at their hub on Gloucester Road, improving health and safety and enabling them to continue serving refreshments at community events.
• Friends of Southwick Country Park received £457.27 to purchase additional equipment to support their local nature reserve maintenance programme, matching their increase in volunteers.
• Trowbridge Future was awarded £5,000 towards the renovation of their Seymour Community Hub, addressing issues of poor insulation, damp, and security in a building located in one of Trowbridge's most deprived areas.
• The Big Community Grow received £1,184 for the creation of a community growing area, providing residents without gardens the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and fostering community engagement.
• The Pump Trowbridge CIC was granted £4,547 to purchase necessary equipment to upgrade their venue to national standards, supporting their youth and adult programmes.

Young People Grants:

• Community First Splash received £5,000 for their Positive Activity Days, which provide early intervention support for young people facing challenges through confidence and skill development.
• Sustainable Image Lab CIC was awarded £800 to secure a 'pod' area at their SILT Studio for four months, providing a quieter working environment for young people on their Colour and Light Youth Programme who require it.
• Trowbridge Child Wellbeing Partnership received £406 towards their TeenTrowbridge 26 event. While the full amount requested was not awarded due to budget constraints, the board expressed full support and will re-examine the application for further funding next financial year, given the event is scheduled for Summer 2026.

Area Board Priorities and Action Plan Updates

Caroline LeQuesne, Engagement and Partnership Manager, provided an update on the Area Board's priorities. Particular attention was drawn to the priority of 'Increase community influence over local energy plans'. Members were informed about the Future Energy Landscapes workshops, held in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and community energy organisations, funded by the Ofgem Redress fund. These workshops aim to engage communities in discussions about community-led energy generation projects, exploring local values, renewable energy potential, and community benefits. A local workshop was scheduled for Thursday 2 April 2026 at the Staverton Social Club. It was emphasised that the scheme is funded by the Ofgem Redress fund, not the council's budget, and that a wide range of opinions are encouraged to ensure community representation and prevent an echo chamber. The aim is to provide cheaper and reliably priced energy for communities.

Partner Updates

The Area Board received updates from various partners.

Wiltshire Police

Inspector Andy Lemon provided a verbal update, highlighting the results of two warrants executed in Councillor Jo Trigg's ward and at the old Barclays Bank on Fore Street. Concerns were raised about improving community reporting, particularly regarding locations with repeated incidents, and it was noted that intelligence is gathered from multiple channels, with a focus on increasing the use of Crimestoppers UK. Discussions at the recent Health and Wellbeing Board regarding the statutory 'Serious Violence Duty' were referenced. Concerns were also raised about anti-social behaviour linked to the site of the old Sir Isaac Pitman pub, with acknowledgement that closure orders, while necessary, can lead to resident displacement. The work of the Council's Housing Solutions Team was praised, especially when police powers are limited, and it was noted that police interventions are handled sensitively.

Town and Parish Council Nominated Representatives

• North Bradley Parish Council, represented by Councillor Roger Evans, reported that speed indicator devices (SIDs) installed in late 2025 are effectively deterring speeding, and the council is considering purchasing another device. The Parish Council is also pursuing its own Neighbourhood Plan, with thanks extended to Trowbridge Town Council for their assistance.
• Trowbridge Town Council, represented by Councillor Mel Jacob, noted that they are also developing their own Neighbourhood Plan. A consultation on Trowbridge town park was launched, running until the end of May 2026, with both online and in-person options available.

Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The Area Board approved the notes and recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 5 March 2026. Key decisions included:

• Silver Street Lane: A highlighted pedestrian crossing point was approved, with a £4,500 allocation subject to a £1,500 contribution from Trowbridge Town Council.
• Eastbourne Road Area: A 20mph speed limit was approved with an allocation of £8,250, subject to a £2,750 contribution from Trowbridge Town Council.
• Frome Road, Southwick: A highlighted pedestrian crossing point was approved with an allocation of £4,500, subject to a £1,500 contribution from Southwick Parish Council.
• Westfield Road (Outside Studley Green School): Approval was given for three Jislon Bollards at a cost of £360, subject to a £120 contribution from Trowbridge Town Council.
• Longfield Road (Trowbridge Mosque): Two dropped kerbs were approved with an allocation of £2,250, subject to a £750 contribution from Trowbridge Town Council.
• Leap Gate: Two NAL sockets for SID infrastructure were approved with an allocation of £600, subject to a £200 contribution from Trowbridge Town Council.
• Elizabeth Way: A speed limit assessment was approved with an allocation of £2,437.50, subject to an £812.50 contribution from Hilperton Parish Council.

Highways Update

Kirsty Rose, Principal Engineer Manager, presented an update on the Longfield Gyratory and Leisure Centre Access Improvements Project. The project aims to upgrade traffic signals and road layouts to improve safety, efficiency, and future capacity, replacing outdated equipment and accommodating increased vehicle movements from the new Leisure Centre. The works include replacing signal junctions, widening carriageways, installing new shared-use paths, and upgrading pedestrian and cycling crossings. Progress includes completed civil engineering works on Castle Street, the eastern half of the gyratory, and Brown Street, with ongoing works on County Way and night-time surfacing. Future works on Mortimer Street and Bythesea Road are scheduled from May to September 2026. Members requested that the presentation slides be shared publicly on social media to assist residents with queries.

Information Items

The Area Board noted several information items, including a call to action to support governor recruitment in Wiltshire schools, updates from Alcoholics Anonymous, Community First, BSW Together (Integrated Care System), the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service quarterly update video, Wiltshire Money events and training opportunities, and the Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal.