MELKSHAM TOWN COUNCIL. Written Reports For the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

Transcription

1 MELKSHAM TOWN COUNCIL Written Reports For the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 25 April 2016

2 CONTENTS Report from Councillor Terri Welch as Mayor Report from Wiltshire Councillors Councillor Pat Aves Councillor Jon Hubbard Councillor David Pollitt (No report) Reports from Chairman/Chairs Committees: Councillor Bruce Sanders, Chairman Policy & Resources Councillor Hayley Spencer, Chairman Town Development Councillor Pat Aves, Chair Development Control (Planning) Reports from other organisations: Melksham Area Board Report Melksham Community Area Partnership Report Reports from those Groups who received grants during the Year: (Separate document) 1 st Bowerhill Scout Group AFC Melksham (No report) Alzheimer s Support Amateur Swimming Club Avon Bowls Club (No report) Beanacre & Melksham Cricket Club Bookfair (No report) Cactus & Succulent Society Carer Support Wiltshire Chloe Orr Fundraising Event (No report) Christmas Lights Committee Dad Club (No report) Devizes & District Opportunity Centre Enigma Forest AFC (No Report) Forest Community Centre (No report) Group Five (No report) Melksham Carnival Committee Melksham Community Area Partnership

3 Melksham Council of Community Service (No report) Melksham Country Dancers (No report) Melksham & District Girl Guiding Melksham & District Historical Association Melksham Food Bank Melksham Gardeners Society Melksham Party in the Park Melksham PHAB Club Melksham Railway Development Group Melksham Rugby/Football Club Melksham Seniors 55+ Club (No report) Melksham Sixty Plus Club Rachel Fowler Centre RAFA Relate Mid Wiltshire Shed Club (No report) Special Needs Activity Scheme Splitz Support Services (No report) Tourist Information Centre Wessex MS Therapy West Wilts Model Car Club Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust Wiltshire Citizens Advice Wiltshire Mind

4 ANNUAL REPORT TO MELKSHAM TOWN COUNCIL FROM COUNCILLOR TERRI WELCH MAYOR. This past year has seen many changes, and certainly the next couple of years will see our town change significantly. The rugby and football clubs will be able to move to their purpose built site at Woolmore Farm, the date of completion date for this is August this year. Work will start later this year in the Market Place making the new access to the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Melksham House. Once the Rugby and Football clubs are able to relocate to their new homes at the end of the season, then work will start on the new leisure facilities at Melksham House, construction is expected to start early next year The Town Council is looking into possibly relocating this Assembly Hall to the Melksham House site and if all goes well Melksham will have superb facilities for the future. The Town Council works hard to enhance Melksham, and to provide for all inhabitants. An example of this is the summer flowers. Again we received a Silver Gilt in the South West in Bloom competition, the mild weather, in the autumn meant that flowers continued to bloom late into the year. Melksham is proud to host a series of events that are enjoyed by large numbers, the Christmas Fayre which leads to the lights switch on is a massive town event, the Carnival and Party in the Park, together with the Food and River Festival are all, rightly, very popular. Then we have the superb offering of comedians, films and other entertainment which take place here at the Assembly Hall. This year we joining in the national celebrations for the Queen s 90 th birthday by holding a picnic in the park on 12 June. Let s hope the sun is out for us that day!! Changes have taken place in our town, the final opening of the Link Road leading to the new Herman Miller factory has eased traffic in the Bowerhill area. We all realise that Wiltshire Council has severe budget restrictions, and the Town Council are working with them to take over some of the services that affect our town, this will increase with time, so changes will happen. It looks very much that we will soon be seeing movement in the plans for the Wilts and Berks Canal. All studies are now in the hands of the Planning Department at Wiltshire Council, then follows a secondary consultation period. This will have a large impact on our town, and we look forward to seeing boats along the river.

5 Another major incomer we look forward to is the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, I do not know the dates of their construction plans, but they already have outline planning permission. So much is due to change in the Berryfield area. The Town Council supports groups by the annual award of grants this acknowledges the superb work done by the voluntary sector in our town. Mention must be made of our councillors who try hard to make the right decisions for our town, to the town hall staff, our town caretakers and the staff of this Assembly Hall for their work throughout the year. Councillor Terri Welch Mayor

6 ANNUAL REPORT TO MELKSHAM TOWN COUNCIL FROM COUNCILLOR JON HUBBARD MELKSHAM SOUTH WARD It s been another busy year at Wiltshire Council as we continue to see the impact of the massive cuts being imported by central government. This year saw the first rise in council tax for 6 years of 3.9%, which although regrettable, was sorely needed to fund the council s services. I still regret that the Conservative administration at Wiltshire Council did not accept my proposals for a modest 1.9% increase last year which would have provided the funding to protect the Wiltshire Hopper service and prevent the new Garden Waste Tax amongst other services. However, we are where we are, and tragically, despite the best efforts of some of us to save it, we will see the Wiltshire Hopper cease altogether at the end of June. During the past year I have continued to serve as the Chair of the Children s Select Committee at the council, where we scrutinise and challenge the council s work in this area. In Melksham South I have continued to receive numerous reports of issues with the state of our roads, although I am delighted that I have finally managed to get Spa Road resurfaced and more the the vital repairs have taken place in the Kenilworth Estate. The process of getting the new 20mph limit introduced on this estate is progressing and I hope to see the signage up soon. I was particularly please this year to successful get the Canberra Youth Centre reopened. Now run by Young Melksham, a local charity working with children and young people where I am proud the be Chair of the Board of Trustees, the centre is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings to all secondary school age young people. On the Area Board our work has continued and as the Children and Young People s Champion I have continued to work with local groups and organisations to support and develop their services. We are just starting a new project where we will be working with all of Melksham s schools to make every school in the Melksham Community Area to be a Health School. Last year we handed out our full quota of grant funding, supporting local community groups to improve and develop their activities and resources. If you are aware of a group or organisation who could benefit from funding support from the Area Board please do not hesitate to contact me. Cllr Jon Hubbard Melksham South

7 ANNUAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING COUNCILLOR PAT AVES MELKSHAM NORTH WARD As County Councillor for Melksham North and Vice Chair of the Area Board, this last year has been very busy indeed. At Full Council I supported the bid to unite both Melksham Town and Melksham Without, which I sincerely believed would be to the benefit of both. It failed to be adopted, but in the process new links were forged and there was a new understanding of the way each worked, with the result that we now work together more closely. So, although not what we hoped, never the less a satisfactory outcome was achieved. I have continued to represent my ward at Children's Select, the Corporate Parenting Panel and Safeguarding Children and Young People. I have also worked at two task groups, Child Sexual Prevention, where we are exploring ways of educating the public to the ways in which children are at danger, and a Waste Task Group, where we have been looking at ways to improve the service. I have also chaired the Childhood Poverty and Obesity task group. We made twelve recommendations to Cabinet regarding tackling this problem locally. I have recently become a member of the Fostering Panel. As a Town Councillor I have been involved with several sub Committees, including the South West in Bloom and Blooming Melksham. I remain a trustee of the Melksham Almshouses and attend Chamber of Commerce meetings. Councillor Pat Aves Melksham Town North

8 ANNUAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING POLICY & RESOURCES REPORT 2015/16 The main business of the Policy & Resources committee has been to recommend to Council a Precept that allows the Council to fulfil its objectives. This year has seen responsibility for a number of services transfer from Wiltshire Council to the town, this has been a major factor in the increase in Precept. It is anticipated that this trend will continue. The work and projects of the voluntary sector add value to the town and the committee recognises that future demands from this area for funding will be a challenge. We have therefore made provision to increase the funds available from incomes in operational budgets to a maximum of The Policy & Resources committee now incorporates the roles previously undertaken by the Staffing committee which streamlines the operation of Council. The other key role has been in relation to policies and the committee has reviewed a range of policies to improve the Council s operations and to safeguard staff and the public. As a standing committee Policy & Resources have reviewed recommendations from working groups which include the Assembly Hall working group and the Health working group and when needed have authorized expenditure. I would like to thank the members of the committee and the Town Hall staff for their support and commitment. Cllr Bruce Sanders Chairman Policy & Resources

9 ANNUAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TOWN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2015/16 As my first year as Town Councillor, I was elected to jump straight in with the responsibility of chairing the Town Development Committee a role I was very pleased to accept and has also been a fast learning curve into the activities of the Town Council and ensuring Melksham continues to be a wonderful place to live for all. The Town Development Committee has continued to work with community groups to deliver fantastic events and activities, including South West in Bloom, The Food and River Festival and Melksham Town Team Congratulations goes to the South West in Bloom Team for their achievements once again this year. Their voluntary efforts to keep our town beautiful, alongside our Town Team with their regular Town Tidy Days is a testament to the people we are lucky to have in Melksham. Thank you to all groups involved in the continued success at the South West in Bloom competition, which includes Melksham Gardener s Society, Climate Friendly, all allotment holders, and town centre businesses who dress their store and office fronts so beautifully all year round. A thank you is also to be extended to the joint efforts of our caretakers and Lackham College students for completing improvements throughout the town centre, as well as major works to uncover a lost pathway in the churchyard of St Michael s and All Angels Church. The Prince of Wales Gardens has benefitted from repairs to the pond, and instalment of the bird bath. Despite the Wiltshire Council budget cuts, our caretakers continue to work tirelessly to keep on top of Melksham Town Centre s maintenance requirements. Our flowerbeds continue to be well-kept, repairs are carried out in more than acceptable timescales and they can always be seen working, and having time to keep residents and visitors informed of goings-on which is lovely to see. Our tree wardens in the town continue to work enthusiastically and we would thank them for all their help with tree issues. Melksham Food and River Festival was a new combined event, moving to King George V Playing Fields and we were treated to fantastic weather and an equally brilliant turnout. Lots of fun was had, and everyone was in high spirits, enjoying the wonderful array of food and drink, boat rides and enjoyment for the whole family. The Chilli Eating Contest was a particular personal highlight! The market has been held again in town on a Tuesday; although only a few stalls it is quite well supported and adds to the ambience. We look forward to the Market Place redevelopments commencing later this year.

10 Successful Sports Road shows were held in the King George V Park in the summer and were well supported children and parents seem to very much enjoy and appreciate something to do during the long holidays, and within walking distance of many residential homes too. Signs have been put up in all children s play areas in Melksham, encouraging people to not smoke in these areas, in an effort to encourage a healthy family environment in our town, and also to discourage young people to take up the habit in the first place. Town Credits continue to be used for a variety of volunteer activities across the town, and we continue to encourage them to be used. The Melksham Christmas Lights once again brought a huge turnout of people to our town, and as always, they did not disappoint! A wonderful, albeit chilly afternoon in the Market Place was held, offering many things for families and individuals. I d like to extend thanks, compliments and a huge amount of appreciation to all volunteers in this town, across all events, community groups and clubs that continue to offer something for everyone. Your work does not go unnoticed and it s people like this that make up the inspiring and motivation community that I for one, am proud to be a part of. And finally, thank you to the committee members and officers of the Town Development committee who continue to provide their time and efforts to progressing Melksham. I very much look forward to seeing what the next 12 months brings! Councillor Hayley Spencer Chairman, Town Development Committee

11 ANNUAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING DEVELOPMENT CONTROL (PLANNING) 2015/16 As a Town Councillor I have been a member of Town Development and chaired Planning. I have overseen the Boundary Review, the plans for the Canal development, the final details of the plans for George Ward Gardens and supported the residents of Shurnhold in the refusal of the Gladman development opposite. We have welcomed plans for the developments of much needed housing at Sandridge and the East of Melksham. Councillor Pat Aves Chair of Planning

12 MELKSHAM AREA BOARD 2015/ 2016 Overview During the 2015/16 period there have been 6 Area Board meetings, with an average attendance of th April 2016 Semington Village Hall, 40 attendees 17 th June Melksham Assembly Hall, 42 attendees 9 th July Melksham Town Hall, 76 attendees (Older person theme) 9 th September Melksham Assembly Hall, 145 attendees 18 th November Seend Community Centre, 66 attendees (Community Safety theme) 24 th February 2016 Melksham United Church, 160 attendees (Melksham Campus theme) The Melksham Area Board also hosted the Community Resilience/ Emergency Planning workshop on 3 rd December 2015, with 8 of the 11 parish councils represented and 54 attendees in total. Parish Councils across the community area have put this into action with a number of emergency plans now well underway. Community grants The Melksham Area Board has awarded 43 community grants this year with the allocated funding of 56,673. These grants have enabled community groups to undertake projects totalling 209,230. The leverage is therefore A few responses from the grant recipients are as follows: Melksham Community Area Partnership - The bowser has made a huge difference to the town. Already well known for its superb floral displays during the summer, the bowser means volunteers can ensure displays are kept watered and fresh, all of which can only help Melksham s efforts towards a Gold Award in the South West in Bloom competition. It s helped engender a team spirit amongst volunteers by showing that they matter and builds on the strong sense of community which is one of Melksham s greatest assets. Thanks to the Area Board for helping make this happen! Bulkington Village Hall - After removing some 14 square meters of damaged floor boards and joists the estimated repair and redecoration costs were over 5,000. A high volume air extractor fan and under floor ventilation system has been installed to improve the underfloor ventilation. The repairs have now been completed and the hall is in use. The management committee consider that we were extremely fortunate in receiving a grant from the Area Board which has enabled us to restore our hall for use by our villagers.

13 Riverside Club - The flat roof of the above was 45 years old and deteriorating badly but with the help of the Area Board Grant we were able to renew the decking and coverings and upgrade the insulations to current standards. It never rains but what it pours and at the same time as the above, the large kitchen which was originally built for meals on wheels was condemned and again with the help of another grant from the Area Board we were able to refit it to continue to provide meals for the Rainbow Club and others. The full list of successful recipients of grants this year are as follows: Friends of St Georges School Semington Melksham Community Area Partnership Bulkington Village Hall Melksham Music Festival The Learning Curve Wiltshire Mind Melksham Adventure Centre Melksham Senior's Forum Shaw and Whitley Community Café ReaadEasy Melksham Shaw & Whitley pre school AFC Melksham Disabled Football Club Broughton Gifford and Holt Scouts Melksham Without PC Keevil PC Riverside Club Atworth Village Hall & Recreation Ground Committee Avon Bowls Club Broughton Gifford and Holt Scouts West Wiltshire Model Railway Circle Atworth Parish Council Poulshot Ladies Club YMCA Green Shots Nursery Young Melksham Seend Trust and Community Centre West Wiltshire Multi Faith Forum Bloom in Melksham Poulshot Village Trust Broughton Gifford PC (Returned Cheque) Atworth Village Hall and Recreation Ground Committee 1st Bowerhill Scout Group Avon Bowls Club St John Ambulance 1st Bowerhill Scout Group Melksham & District Girlguiding Community Area Transport Group During the 2015/ 16 the CATG has approved the following schemes: Improvements to Zebra Crossing on Bath Road, Atworth Melksham Kenilworth Estate 20mph speed limit Seend High St traffic management within narrow section (successfully bid for substantive funding to enable this project to take place) Bollard for Bowmans Ct, Melksham Footway link between Blackmore Rd to Malvern Close Footway link Hurricane Road to Grassmere Dropped kerbs at Corsham Road, Whitley Dropped kerbs at DeHavilland Place, Bowerhill Handrails down Keevil Main Street Melksham Station board and signage improvements

14 The group also successfully worked in partnership with Wiltshire Council, Melksham Without Parish Council, Forest and Sandridge School Governors, Green Square to deliver the Forest and Sandridge new path in time for the schools opening. Local Youth Network The Local Youth Network (LYN) has had an amazing first year. An established and strong LYN management group with varied adult stakeholder representation from within the Melksham community area. The group also has 4 dedicate seats for young people, some of which have presented at the Area Board. The voice and opinion of these young people is held in high regard by the group which has enhanced the success of the LYN. The Melksham LYN was one of the only groups across the county who deployed their full allocation of funding during 2015/16. Some of the successful recipients were as follows: Mini Bus - This grant has also enabled them to maintain a mini bus donated by Seend Community Shuttle. This shuttle provides young people in the whole Melksham Community Area with transport to and from the club and holiday activities. Voice your choice consultation - This was held at the assembly hall. It was an event that invited young people to have their say on how and what they wanted to happen with their ring-fence funding. Genshin Kai School of Martial Arts - For the delivery of a programme targeting anti-bullying and raising self-esteem, for disengaged and vulnerable young people with a particular emphasis on young females, and the associated protective clothing. Melksham & Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club - To setup a sustainable delivery supporting, SEN and physically disabled young people. This grant included specialist training and equipment, Also, some building modifications in order they complied with the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act). Spice Time Credit - This is a programme where Young people volunteer their time on positive community activities and in return receive credits against trips during the school holidays. This has been a fantastic success with many positive communications from councillors and community members praising the young people on their efforts. Bowerhill Scouts - To hold a ring fenced welfare bursary that will financially support those from low income families. Also, training and permit costs to enable new experiences for all the young people. Young Melksham - To employ dedicated sessional youth workers for two years for the delivery of positive activities, informal education and guidance on social and moral challenges that face our young people today.

15 To establish a youth club at the Canberra building that would create a dedicated youth space and ownership by the young people. Also, offering a safe environment where they could express themselves and have viewpoints challenged and explored without judgment. The club delivers 3 sessions per week with over 120 members and growing with many who return time and time again. During the Holidays there are also plans to run activities during the daytime utilising the building and its grounds. The funding has also supported the annual You Choose! small grant funding held as part of the Melksham Young people s awards. Health and Wellbeing Centre (formerly Campus) The Melksham Area Board have worked closely with Wiltshire Council, partners and the community to agree the Market Place improvements and finalise the accommodation schedule for the Health and Wellbeing Centre. Planning permission and tender to take place later this year with work anticipated to start on site in early The Market Place improvements are due to get underway in September The new home for Melksham Football Club and Melksham Rugby Club at Woolmore Farm is due to be ready for August Bowerhill and Hampton Park Business Initiative The Bowerhill and Hampton Park estate is key for the Melksham and Wiltshire economy, and it is important that businesses, the Council and others work together to improve the long term vibrancy and attractiveness of the Business Park. A steering group was set up and in September 2015 the first newsletter was distributed to over 150 businesses, large and small. The group is still in the formative stage. Bowerhill is changing; witnessing a gradual regeneration. The introduction of Herman Miller, the new link road, and the hangars are coming down and businesses are expanding. In the Spring edition of the newsletter there are contributions from some of the businesses, information on a range of issues including apprenticeships, help/support from the Council, planning, Air Ambulance relocation, Melksham Neighbourhood Plan and Emergency planning. The purpose of the newsletter is to give information and contact details to help businesses. Whilst this is put together and distributed by Wiltshire Council it is your newsletter and the group want to hear views, successes, challenges and importantly what Wiltshire Council and other organisations can do for the businesses of the area. Health and Wellbeing Group The group attracts a wide range of professionals from all parts of local health services, both professional and voluntary. Numbers are continuing to increase at every meeting and attendees exchange information about the services they offer, thus enabling a personally tailored service to patients, above and beyond the conventional medical needs. Plans are in place for the group to continue to grow in 2016/17.

16 Other projects Magna Carta - enabled young people to take part in a countywide parade through the streets Salisbury. Having designed their individual barons and supporting banners with a theme that they felt reflected the community they lived in (young bright and going places). No Cold Calling Zones supported the successful installation of No Cold Calling zones in Atworth, Queensway area, Melksham and Chalfield Crescent/ Fullers Close, Melksham. Clean for the Queen supported partners and the community to organise 8 local litter picks in preparation for the Queens 90 th birthday. Communities have been provided with equipment to make this a sustainable activity. Report author Rhys Schell Melksham Community Engagement Manager rhys.schell@wiltshire.gov.uk or

17 MELKSHAM COMMUNITY AREA PARTNERSHIP Annual Report

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