The Westbury Area Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday 1 October 2025 was set to cover a range of community matters, including updates from local partners, funding applications, and highway improvements. Key discussions were anticipated around the Area Board's priorities, the reinvigoration of Wiltshire Carers Champions, and updates from Wiltshire Police and BSW Together.

Elections Update

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on elections, including information regarding the renewal of postal votes and the annual canvass of electors. The update highlighted that postal votes applied for before 31 January 2024 will expire on 31 January 2026 and will need to be renewed. Electors will be contacted by email or post to remind them to reapply, with the option to do so online. The annual canvass aims to ensure the accuracy of the electoral register, with forms being sent to properties over the coming months before the register is republished on 1 December 2025. Young people turning 16 can register to vote, with applications being accepted online.

Highways Dashboard and Surfacing Schemes

An update was scheduled on the Highways dashboard, detailing completed defects from April 2024 to January 2025, and potholes reported and repaired in December 2024 and January 2025. This was to be accompanied by a report on completed surfacing schemes for the 2024/25 financial year up to the end of December 2024. The data provided a breakdown of completed surfacing schemes across various areas, including Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade, Salisbury, South West Wiltshire, Southern Wiltshire, Stonehenge, Tidworth, Trowbridge, Warminster, and Westbury.

Age UK and Community First Updates

The meeting was to receive an update from Age UK Wiltshire, highlighting their services and recent initiatives. This included the expansion of their Wellbeing Checks with Meals service, the introduction of Daytime Discos for those aged 55 and over, and the continuation of their Arts & Friendship Clubs. The update also mentioned the success of their Winter Fuel Payment campaign and the ongoing recruitment of Community Connectors.

Community First was also scheduled to provide an update on their work. This included information on their upcoming AGM and Awards Celebration on 8 October 2025, marking their 60th anniversary. Updates were expected on their Youth programmes, including Splash summer activity days and outdoor education at Oxenwood and Linkenholt. The Carers Together Wiltshire partnership, led by Age UK Wiltshire, was to report on their support for unpaid carers, including referral data and event participation. Other updates from Community First included their Employability Programmes, Community Insurance services, and Minibus Driver Awareness Training (MiDAS).

Reinvigoration of Wiltshire Carers Champions

A briefing note was scheduled to outline proposals for the reinvigoration of the Wiltshire Carers Champions initiative. This initiative, originally introduced in 2016 to ensure compliance with the Care Act 2014, aims to strengthen support for unpaid carers through improved visibility and engagement. The proposed refreshed model includes a simplified role description, comprehensive training, a clear support structure, and peer support networks. The aim is to recruit at least one Carers Champion per Area Board to represent unpaid carers, raise local issues, and engage with commissioning teams to shape future support. A pilot phase was proposed in selected areas with higher levels of deprivation.

Wiltshire Citizens Advice and Wiltshire Money Update

An update was scheduled from Wiltshire Citizens Advice and Wiltshire Council's Engagement and Partnerships Team, highlighting their collaborative work to ensure local advice and support services are accessible. Wiltshire Money, managed by Wiltshire Citizens Advice, acts as the lead body for financial inclusion activity in Wiltshire, providing a network for organisations to coordinate efforts and share knowledge. The update was expected to detail their support for individuals and groups affected by financial inclusion issues and the cost-of-living crisis, and to request Area Board support in connecting with relevant local organisations.

Wiltshire Police Update

Wiltshire Police were scheduled to provide an update, including a report from the Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Warminster, Westbury, Mere, and Tisbury. The update was expected to cover policing priorities, including retail crime, youth anti-social behaviour and crime, and rural crime. Information on road safety initiatives, including the Community Road Safety Team and Community Speed Watch, was also anticipated. The report highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), including work with the Ending VAWG Coalition, stalking awareness initiatives, and Project Vigilant.

BSW Together (Integrated Care Board) Update

An update from BSW Together (Integrated Care Board) was scheduled, providing information on the formation of new cluster organisations for integrated care boards in England. This included the announcement of Rob Whiteman as the new Chair of the Dorset, Somerset, and BSW integrated care board cluster. The update was also expected to cover the departure of the ICB's Chief Executive Officer, Sue Harriman, and provide further opportunities for the public to learn about the new Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre. Information on flu vaccinations for pregnant women and young children was also to be shared.

Area Board Priorities and Funding

The meeting was scheduled to determine the Area Board Priorities and Lead Councillors. This was to be followed by a discussion on Area Board Funding, where remaining budgets for Community Area Grants, Youth Grants, and Older and Vulnerable People Grants would be noted. Applications for funding were to be considered, including those from Crosspoint Westbury for improving mental health and resilience for older people, Dilton Memorial Hall for a Christmas Lunch, and 4Youth South West for detached youth work in Westbury.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The meeting was to receive minutes and consider recommendations from the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) meeting held on 24 July 2025. The report detailed numerous highway improvement requests across various parishes, including Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Edington, and Bratton. These requests covered a range of issues such as waiting restrictions, dropped kerbs, street name plates, speed reduction measures, pedestrian safety improvements, and footway maintenance. The report also outlined the financial position of the LHFIG, detailing allocated funds and remaining balances.

The Westbury Area Board meeting was scheduled to take place at Leighton Recreation Centre, Wellhead Lane, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 3PT.