The Environment Select Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to discuss a range of environmental and service-related updates. Key topics included performance reports on leisure services and the Wiltshire Libraries Strategy, alongside an update on the Wiltshire Freight Action Plan and an interim report from the Highway Repair Task Group. The committee also received updates from various task groups and considered proposals for a new Public Rights of Way Task Group.

Leisure Services Update

The committee received an update on Leisure Service performance for 2025/26. The report detailed the service's financial performance, noting a favourable year-end position of £943k against a budget of £4.90 million. Membership growth remained strong, with core memberships increasing by 13% and significant growth in Fitness Zone memberships reflecting investment in gym facilities. Refurbishment projects at Marlborough, Leighton, and Lime Kiln leisure centres were highlighted, with notable membership increases following these improvements. Customer satisfaction, measured by Net Promoter Score (NPS), was reported as strong, with staff consistently identified as a key strength. The report also outlined the expansion of the free swimming programme and positive outcomes from the LDAS project, which provided free gym memberships to identified participants. Overall, the Leisure Service generated an estimated £35.6 million in social value during the last twelve months.

Wiltshire Libraries Strategy 2025-2030 Update

An update was provided on the delivery of the Wiltshire Libraries Strategy 2025-2030. The report indicated that 23 out of 44 strategic ambitions had been progressed or completed. Progress was noted in developing a sustainable network of library buildings and mobile libraries, including the introduction of new electric delivery vans and refurbishment of Purton Library. The strategy also aimed to encourage flexible use of library buildings through systems like Open+, extending opening hours at Calne and Tisbury libraries. The service had secured additional income through grant funding for initiatives such as Warm Spaces and the purchase of loanable thermal imaging cameras. Staff development was a priority, with the launch of induction modules and improvements to the appraisal process. A new marketing strategy included a quarterly newsletter to promote library services. The strategy also focused on building a literate community through reading initiatives, expanding the cultural offer, and exploring opportunities to engage individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. Digital inclusion was addressed through digital support appointments and the provision of free mobile data SIMs. Health and wellbeing initiatives included the launch of the Family Health Reading Well book collection and the expansion of the Wearable Wellness scheme. The strategy also aimed to support children and young people through targeted programmes and promote library membership across different age groups.

Wiltshire Freight Action Plan Update

An update was provided on the Wiltshire Freight Action Plan, drafted as a key outcome of the Local Transport Plan (LTP4). The plan aims to manage freight in Wiltshire by developing the Freight Sub-Strategy, refreshing the advisory freight route network, and updating the Freight Assessment and Priority Mechanism (FAPM). The plan includes measures to avoid unnecessary freight travel, shift freight to more sustainable modes, improve vehicle and network efficiency, and support the overall delivery of freight management. Following a Cabinet Liaison meeting, the draft plan was reviewed and strengthened, with public consultation underway. The plan details measures such as reviewing consolidation centres, planning for HGV deliveries in new developments, and implementing freight kerbside delivery management. It also addresses shifting freight to rail, supporting low-emission freight, and improving HGV parking and rest stops. The updated FAPM aims to prioritise community freight concerns, and the advisory freight route network has been revised, introducing local access routes for some towns.

Interim Report of the Highway Repair Task Group

An interim report from the Highway Repair Task Group was presented for discussion. The task group was established to review highway repair and maintenance arrangements across Wiltshire, focusing on improving cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The report highlighted challenges such as Wiltshire's diverse geology, the legacy of older road infrastructure, weather impacts, and rising vehicle weights. Communication with residents and councillors was identified as a key theme, with a focus on improving public understanding of maintenance decisions and reporting mechanisms. The report also explored the relationship between drainage management and highway maintenance, the quality and longevity of repairs, and the use of emerging technologies in road maintenance. The task group intended to develop a councillor-focused pothole and defect reporting dashboard and establish an officer/member innovation and improvement group. The report noted that Wiltshire's road condition compared favourably with national averages, but further investigation into repeat repairs and quality assurance was planned.

Task Group Updates

Updates were provided from several task groups. The Waste Transformation Task Group provided an update on its progress, including the outcomes of a public engagement exercise which showed strong support for weekly food waste collections but sensitivity around three-weekly residual waste collections. The task group also received updates on the Waste Transformation Programme launch, staff transfers, and operational arrangements. The Climate Emergency Task Group reported that it had not met since the last committee meeting, with its forward work plan including items on annual climate updates, delivery plans, biodiversity net gain, and the Local Transport Plan.

Proposal for a Public Rights of Way Task Group

A proposal was presented to establish a Public Rights of Way Task Group. This followed a Notice of Motion at Full Council requesting a review of Wiltshire Council's policies, procedures, and decision-making framework for discharging its duties under Section 130 of the Highways Act 1980, particularly where public rights of way are affected by disputed private rights. The review would consider how statutory duties are balanced against private rights, evidence assessment, enforcement options, communication with stakeholders, and transparency. The handling of the SHREW 18 case was proposed as a case study. The committee was asked to consider the proposal to set up the task group and delegate the finalisation of its membership to the Chair and Vice-chair.

Public Participation

A question was raised by Councillor Nigel White regarding the number of rounds and total budget for the Local Highways Footway Improvement Groups (LHFIGs) Substantive Bids for 2026/27. Councillor White sought clarification on whether two bidding rounds would still be possible given the current date and if the budget would remain £500,000.