The Westbury Area Board met on Wednesday 14 October 2026 to discuss new funding opportunities for community projects and to review local highways and footpath improvements. The board considered applications for grants, received updates from key partners including Wiltshire Police, and discussed new initiatives aimed at enhancing community wellbeing and financial resilience.

New Area Board Funding Opportunities

The Westbury Area Board discussed several new funding opportunities designed to support community wellbeing and local infrastructure projects.

Community Wellbeing Fund: This new fund, delivered through the Crowdfunder platform, aims to support community-led projects that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen preventative support within Wiltshire. Each Area Board has been allocated up to £11,000, with funding available in two rounds. Projects must benefit Wiltshire residents and align with priorities such as improving mental health, increasing social inclusion, and enabling residents to live independently. Area Board Councillors are encouraged to promote the fund and signpost potential applicants.

Wiltshire Voluntary Sector Organisation of the Month: This initiative, commencing in January 2027, will recognise a voluntary, community, or social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisation each month with a certificate and a £100 award. The scheme aims to improve the recognition, recruitment, and retention of volunteers and trustees within the VCSE sector, aligning with the Wiltshire Council and VCSE Sector Framework. Funding for the awards will come from the Wiltshire Community Lottery, with an estimated annual requirement of £1,200. Area Boards will play a role in publicising the scheme and presenting awards.

Locally Identified Infrastructure Projects (LIIPs) Fund: Approved by Wiltshire Council's Cabinet, this fund allocates up to £250,000 annually for three years to support capital infrastructure projects that accommodate growth and address the effects of development. Bids are expected to range from £50,000 to £75,000, with a requirement for equivalent match funding from town and parish councils. Projects must provide or improve infrastructure and demonstrate a clear relationship to growth or development impacts. Town and parish councils will act as the accountable body for these projects, with Area Boards providing local democratic input and endorsing projects for collective review. The first funding round is expected to run from October 2026 to May 2027.

Community Resilience Hubs and Supporting People to Build Financial Resilience: This programme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Crisis and Resilience Fund, aims to help residents build long-term financial resilience. Each Area Board will have approximately £75,000 to invest in proposals that demonstrate local support and alignment with programme objectives. Funding can be used for capital improvements, staffing, training, specialist support services, and equipment. The programme adopts a cash-first approach, focusing on maximising household income, accessing welfare and debt advice, and improving financial skills. Area Boards are key to local delivery, shaping and endorsing locally led solutions.

Area Board Funding Applications

The Board reviewed remaining budgets and considered several applications for funding:

• Westbury Area Board - Youth Podcast Equipment (ABG3021): £500 was requested to support the Future Sound of Westbury youth project by providing equipment for a series of podcasts interviewing bands and acts.
• Crosspoint Westbury - Crosspoint Westbury Counselling Service (ABG2962): £4,000 was requested to subsidise counselling services for individuals who do not meet the criteria for statutory mental health services but are experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
• Dilton Memorial Hall - DMH Community Lunch (ABG2998): £500 was requested to support the provision of free community lunches for residents of Dilton Marsh and surrounding areas, offering a meal, entertainment, and transport for those who need it.
• Age UK Wiltshire - Celebrating Age Wiltshire (ABG3045): £2,000 was requested for a creative health and wellbeing project delivering arts, music, theatre, and heritage events for older, vulnerable adults in local daytime settings.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) Update

The Board noted the minutes and recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 24 September 2026. Several highway and footpath issues were discussed and actions were agreed:

• Westbury Gibbs Close Parking Issues: A site meeting was scheduled to discuss parking issues and consider options for double yellow lines.
• Westbury A350 Trowbridge Road Pedestrian Safety: The group concluded that adequate pedestrian infrastructure, including a signal-controlled crossing, is already in place and deemed the issue closed.
• Bratton Court Lane PROW BRAT24 Pedestrian Safety: A site meeting was planned to revisit the junction and consider the feasibility of a pedestrian build-out and traffic calming measures.
• Westbury Soisy Gardens, Edwards Street Pedestrian Safety: The issue was referred to Westbury Town Council as Soisy Gardens is not part of the public maintainable highway.
• Westbury Leigh Road Parking Issues: Advisory access protection bar markings will be implemented as part of a new process.
• Westbury Eden Vale Road Speeding Issues: The group noted that an advisory 20mph speed limit could be progressed through the TAOSJ initiative once the school updates its School Travel Plan, and suggested traffic surveys.
• Bratton Combe Lane Signing: A site visit was scheduled to review signage.
• A350 Haynes Road Signing: The group acknowledged concerns about footway widths and dropped kerbs, noting that variations are a consequence of accommodating access requirements.
• Westbury Thornbury Road Alleyway Accessibility Concerns: A site assessment was planned to determine if gates could be removed and to consider resurfacing and lighting.
• Westbury Footpath Chicane: A site assessment identified locations with staggered railings, with the removal of one section recommended.
• Dilton Marsh Shepherds Mead Parking Issues: A site meeting was undertaken, and no evidence of dangerous parking was observed, leading to the issue being closed.
• Edington Crossroads Farm Junction: Action to remove a hedgerow and install a fence to improve visibility will be taken forward as a separate workstream.
• Westbury Area Board Waiting Restrictions Review: Consultation feedback was received, and a Cabinet Member report was submitted for review.
• Westbury Station Approach/Station Road Pedestrian Safety: A pedestrian crossing assessment was in progress.
• Westbury Bratton Road Cemetery Parking Issues: Works to install planters were complete.
• Westbury Frogmore Road/Slag Lane/Hawkeridge Road Speeding Issues: Works orders were issued for the installation of 20mph roundels.
• Edington B3098/Lower Road/Tinhead Road: Works were complete, and a further survey was planned for the B3098.
• Edington Monastery Road/Lower Road: Works were complete, addressing slippery paving slabs.
• Street Name Plates and Dropped Kerbs: Works for various locations across Westbury, Dilton Marsh, and Bratton were either complete or in progress.

Key Partner Updates

Wiltshire Police: Updates were provided on road safety initiatives, including speed enforcement operations and the #FATAL5 campaign targeting speeding, drink/drug driving, mobile phone use, seatbelt non-compliance, and careless/dangerous driving. The force highlighted its commitment to reducing retail crime, burglaries, and improving road safety, with specific priorities for the Westbury area including rural crime and serious organised crime. The report detailed crime data for Westbury, showing an increase in violence and sexual offences and criminal damage, alongside a decrease in theft and anti-social behaviour. The Neighbourhood Policing Team's engagement activities, including foot patrols, community events, and the use of mobile police stations, were also outlined.

Town and Parish Councils: Updates were received from Bratton Parish Council regarding a questionnaire on delegating responsibilities and their use of CIL funds. Westbury Town Council provided information on various local events, the progress of public toilets, park improvements, and their strategic plan consultation.

New Area Board Funding Opportunities

Graeme Morrison, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager, provided an update on new funding opportunities, including the Community Wellbeing Fund, the Wiltshire Voluntary Sector Organisation of the Month award, the Locally Identified Infrastructure Projects (LIIPs) Fund, and the Community Resilience Hubs Programme.

Community Discussion

The Board was scheduled to discuss the Westbury White Horse, including visitor facilities and maintenance responsibilities.

The next meeting of the Westbury Area Board was scheduled for 17 February 2027.