The Corsham Area Board met to discuss local priorities, grant funding requests, and highway improvements. The board approved funding for youth piano access, the Corsham Youth Zone, and a local youth network, while also noting updates from partners such as Wiltshire Police, Corsham Climate Action, and the Pound Arts Trust. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved recommendations from the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).

Area Board Grant Funding Requests

The board considered and approved several grant applications:

• Youth Piano Access: The board approved £3,944 for the Pound Arts Trust to purchase a grand piano and fund a pilot bursary scheme for young people in economic need. The aim is to increase access to piano lessons and promote social mobility, as the piano is used for live performances, therapeutic work, music teaching, and examinations.
• Corsham Youth Zone and Local Youth Network: A grant of £5,000 was approved for The RISE Trust Youth to support the Corsham Youth Zone, a youth club for 11-18 year olds at Springfield Campus, and to re-establish the Local Youth Network in Corsham.
• Heritage Trails Project: The board approved £974.25 for the Heritage Trails Project to update trail information and fund a fifth print run of 2,000 leaflets for each of the eight trails. The project aims to encourage the local community and visitors to appreciate the historical environment and experience the natural beauty of the North Wiltshire countryside.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG)

The board reviewed and approved the recommendations from the LHFIG meeting held on 2 December 2025. These recommendations included various highway and footpath improvements within the Corsham area.

Some of the key items discussed and agreed upon were:

• Waiting Restrictions 2024 Batch: The board noted that the scheme has been marked out, but weather is causing issues with laying the restrictions. The restrictions are planned for The Corsham Estate, Pickwick Road, and Potley Lane.
• Box Area Waiting Restrictions/Lining: The board was informed that plans are with the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) team, but there is no advert date yet. The proposed restrictions include A365 Devizes Road/A4 Box Bus stop markings, A4 Valens Terrace, and A365 Chapel Lane Box.
• Lacock A350 Coach Access: The board noted that Lacock Parish Council agreed to contribute, and the order can be placed. The scheme aims to deter coaches from using the northern junction and direct them to the southern junction for safer passenger disembarkation.
• Colerne, Thickwood Safety Improvements: The board was informed that Colerne Parish Council needs to confirm the sites they want to proceed with. The total cost for the scheme is £10,045, with the LHFIG contributing £7,533.75 and the Colerne Parish Council contributing £2,511.25.
• Box SID Posts and Sockets: The board noted that Box Parish Council needs to send in a HIF (presumably a Highways Improvement Form) for Speed Indicator Device (SID) posts and sockets in the Box area. The total cost for five sites is £2,775, with the LHFIG contributing £2,082 and the Box Parish Council contributing £693.

Local Priority Updates

Updates were provided by the lead members on the three local priorities:

• Environment: Cllr Phil Chamberlain provided an update on environmental initiatives in the area.
• Youth: Cllr Peter Wragg gave an update on youth-related activities and support.
• Business: Cllr Helen Belcher OBE provided an update on business-related developments.

Cllr Ruth Hopkinson also provided an update on the food insecurity workshop.

Partner and Community Updates

The board received verbal updates from representatives, including:

• Wiltshire Police: Inspector Pete Foster provided an update on policing activities in the area.
• Corsham Climate Action: Adam Walton gave an update on climate action initiatives.
• Pound Arts Trust: Adam Walton and Ruth Hill provided an update on the centre's activities and financial situation.
• Town and Parish Council Nominated Representatives: Representatives from town and parish councils provided updates on local issues and projects.

Written updates were also noted from:

• Brad Stevens of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
• Wiltshire Police on road safety.
• Lacock Parish Council.
• Colerne Parish Council.
• Corsham Town Council.
• Inspector Pete Foster of Wiltshire Police.

Wiltshire Youth Council Elections

The board was asked to encourage local schools to participate in the upcoming Wiltshire Youth Council Elections in February 2026. The elections aim to elect youth councillors who will represent young people and influence local decisions. Schools are required to nominate a link teacher to support the students and facilitate communication with the wider student body.

Information Items

The board noted several information items, including:

• Age UK Wiltshire Newsletter – News & Views issue 10.
• Family and Community Learning Impact report 2024-25.
• Beyond Dementia (new name for Alzheimer's Support) briefing note.
• Briefing note on Wiltshire Children and Young People Health and Wellbeing Survey 2026.
• Wiltshire Youth Council Elections update.

Community Litter Picks

Cllr Ruth Hopkinson shared information about community litter picks, including those organised by the Rudloe Wombles and Clean Up Corsham.