The Tidworth Area Board met to discuss local priorities, funding, and highway improvements. The board considered a report on area board priorities and agreed to support the delivery of identified actions. Councillors also reviewed and discussed recommendations from the Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG), including funding for new street name plates in Everleigh and double yellow lines in Tidworth.

Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The board reviewed recommendations from the LHFIG, which met on 30 July 2025, as detailed in the Tidworth LHFIG Minutes - July 2025. The LHFIG is responsible for considering and recommending local highway and footway improvements within the Tidworth area. Rhiann Surgenor, Wiltshire Council Highways (Traffic), and Grish Lohani, Wiltshire Council Highways (Maintenance) were in attendance at the LHFIG meeting.

Key items discussed and agreed upon include:

• Everleigh street name plates: The group supported a request from Everleigh Parish Council for new street name plates on Marlborough Road and The Street, where the lack of signage was causing issues for delivery drivers and visitors. The board agreed to waive the 25% contribution usually expected from the parish and fund the £800 project in full.
• Tidworth waiting restrictions: The group supported the installation of double yellow lines on Merrington Way with Zouch Farm, Tidworth, to improve visibility at the T-junction. Tidworth Town Council will provide evidence of poor parking in the area. The expected cost for implementation, including the Traffic Regulation Order¹, is around £3,100.
• Collingbourne Ducis junction alteration: The group discussed a previous bid for alterations to the A338 / A346 Church Street / High Street Junction in Collingbourne Ducis, which was unsuccessful due to its high cost-to-benefit ratio. The group chose to proceed with a revised bid option, with half of the scheme funded by the group (£30,000) and £3,900 from Collingbourne Ducis Parish Council (CDPC). Rhiann Surgenor will confirm costs directly with the parish council.
• Ludgershall road markings: Regarding the replacement of worn road markings on Empress Way in Ludgershall, the group was awaiting construction dates. Refurbishment of the highlighted crossing area with Buff HFS² was estimated to cost £2,000. Ludgershall Town Council (LTC) will fund 25% of the cost.
• Wylye Road Footpath: The group was awaiting a final signed copy of the legal agreement from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for a new footpath on Wylye Road in Tidworth. The site is now a day care centre run by the local authority for children with learning difficulties, and therefore qualifies for funding under LHFIG.
• Butt Street/Castle Street collision reduction: For collision reduction measures on Butt Street / Castle Street in Ludgershall, Atkins³ has completed the design, and the project is awaiting a confirmed funding agreement with Major Maintenance/Traffic Engineering.
• Upper Chute road narrows sign: Regarding the relocation of a road narrows sign on Forest/Hookwood Lane, Upper Chute, the group agreed in principle to the relocation, with a cost estimate of £640. Chute Parish Council (CPC) confirmed a 25% contribution.
• Old Common Way dropped kerbs: It was confirmed that developer approved plans show dropped kerbs included as part of the construction at the entrance to the Bartlett House site entrance, on Old Common Way, Ludgershall, and this issue was closed.
• Andover Road pedestrian safety: Ludgershall Town Council are due to undertake their own consultation with residents regarding pedestrian safety on Andover Road, and will present the information when gathered to the LHFIG.
• Ordnance Road signage improvements: The group agreed to proceed with signage improvements on Ordnance Road, Tidworth, with Tidworth Town Council confirming their contribution.
• Church Street bollards: The Area Board confirmed funding on 23rd June for bollards on Church Street, Collingbourne Ducis, and Rhiann Surgenor will submit to MGroup August 2025, with a construction date to be confirmed.
• Station Road taxi parking: Rhiann Surgenor has advised Tidworth Town Council that the LHFIG should await the outcome of the Taxi Licensing department's internal review of required 'ranks' across Wiltshire, prior to any consultation on the removal of taxi parking on Station Road, Tidworth.

The remaining highways funding balance for the 2024/2025 financial year, following the LHFIG recommendations, is £62,817.68.

Area Board Priorities and Action Plan

The board discussed and agreed to support the delivery of actions identified in the Priorities Action Plan Tidworth Area Board 2025. The plan focuses on several core themes:

• Improving engagement with young people: This includes creating a youth network and establishing a regular programme of detached youth work⁴ in the community area. Councillor Keith Allen and Graeme Morrison will lead these efforts.
• Improving the health and wellbeing of older and vulnerable adults: Actions include organising a health and wellbeing event in Tidworth/Ludgershall to showcase local services and opportunities, and designing and delivering engaging digital inclusion activities, such as 'Techie Tea Parties', to promote confidence and access to technology. Councillor Christopher Williams and Karlene Jammeh will lead this.
• Supporting low-income families or those in crisis: The board aims to work with food providers and other partners to map provision and identify where more support should be given, as well as ensure debt/benefit advice services are accessible in the Tidworth Community Area (TCA). Councillor Dave Lumsden and Graeme Morrison will lead this.
• Making communities safer: This involves establishing a community safety group to address local issues, led by Councillor Dave Lumsden and Graeme Morrison.
• Supporting community cohesion: The board will work with military and civilian partners to promote military/civilian integration, with Councillor Dave Lumsden and Graeme Morrison leading the effort.
• Helping more people with complex or special needs gain employment: The board will collaborate with the Wiltshire Council West Team to identify opportunities for possible employment, voluntary work, work experience, or training, with Graeme Morrison leading.

Area Board Funding

The board reviewed the Tidworth Area Board Grant Report - 1st September 2025, which provided details of grant applications made to the board.

The current financial position for each funding stream is as follows:

• Community Area Grants: £15,871.00
• Youth Grants: £15,655.00
• Older and Vulnerable People Grants: £7,500.00

The board considered one application for a Community Area Grant:

• Tidworth and Ludgershall Men's Shed: A request for £3,750 towards the £7,500 cost of a toilet facility.