The Tidworth Area Board convened on Monday 15 June 2026. The Board approved £10,170 in funding for various community projects, noted updates from key partners including the MOD and Wiltshire Police, and reviewed recommendations from the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). The Board also elected its Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the upcoming year.

Funding Approvals for Community Projects

The Tidworth Area Board allocated £10,170 towards several community initiatives. The Tidworth Area Youth Committee Projects received £1,000 for small youth engagement projects, and Age UK Wiltshire was awarded £170 for their Daytime Discos event for individuals aged 55 and over. The Army Welfare Service (AWS) received £1,500 towards summer youth activities and a residential programme, while Spurgeon's Children's Charity Wiltshire Family Hub was granted £500 for their Street Sports project. Collingbourne Ducis Parish Council was awarded £5,000 for the development of the Saunders Meadow Community Area.

The Board also noted delegated funding awards made between meetings: £300 to Stand Easy Veteran UK for a tri-weekly hub in Tidworth, £830 to Age UK Wiltshire for their Daytime Discos event, and £2,500 to the Army Welfare Service for summer youth activities and a residential programme.

Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG) Recommendations

The Board approved funding for two recommendations from the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). Tidworth Town Council received £2,000 for signage amendments at Dingleys Promise, and a further £2,000 for street name plate replacements on Zouch Farm Close and Sidbury Circular.

Partner Updates

Inspector Gavin Brewster of the Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) provided an update, highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), particularly with the onset of school holidays. He noted that ASB in retail settings was being addressed, and that specialist resources were being used to combat the safety concerns surrounding electric motorcycles. Rural crime, including hare coursing and outbuilding burglaries, remained a focus, with coordinated efforts and preventative advice being offered. The NPT also continued to work with local retailers and businesses to address crime and share information.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Philip Wilkinson OBE, presented proposals for a new policing hub at Old Sarum, Salisbury, to replace the current Bourne Hill site. He outlined the significant financial pressures facing Wiltshire Police, noting it is the second lowest-funded force in the country. The PCC also touched upon national discussions regarding the future of PCC roles and potential police force amalgamations.

Colonel Rupert Whitelegge provided an update on behalf of the MOD, noting that a new regiment would be stationed in the area by September of the following year. He highlighted potential implications for local schools and employment due to the Defence Infrastructure Programme (DIP), and anticipated increased pressure on housing stock.

Updates were also received from Tidworth Town Council, Ludgershall Town Council, Chute Parish Council, and Everleigh Parish Council, covering a range of local activities, events, and ongoing projects.

Youth Theme Discussion

An open discussion on youth projects and activities took place, with suggestions raised to explore the potential involvement of the SEN Learning Trust in identifying skilled individuals for youth work. The possibility of joint provision between Ludgershall and Tidworth was discussed, alongside a proposal for an outreach or multi-venue worker model. Support for higher-need young people was emphasised, with a preference for flexible, detached provision. The potential for a venue in Ludgershall was noted, though suitability and funding arrangements require clarification. Challenges with volunteer capacity, particularly regarding DBS checks and training, were also highlighted.

Appointments

Cllr Keith Allen was elected as Chairman of the Tidworth Area Board for 2026/27, with Cllr Chris Williams elected as Vice-Chairman. Cllr Christopher Williams was appointed as Lead Member to the Tidworth Leisure Centre Executive Committee, and Cllr Dave Lumsden was appointed as Lead Representative to the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG). The Terms of Reference for the LHFIG were noted.