The Devizes Area Board met on Monday 2 March 2026, approving £8,157.26 in grant funding for local projects and discussing a range of community and highways matters. Key decisions included the approval of funding for a bike hanger facility in Devizes and improvements to the Little Cheverell Village Hall.

Area Board Funding

The Devizes Area Board approved a total of £8,157.26 in grant funding for four local projects.

• The Little Cheverell Village Hall received £513.18 towards improving their hot water system and purchasing comfortable chairs.
• Sustainable Devizes was awarded £2,500 towards the creation of a secure bike hanger facility in Devizes, aiming to encourage cycling and reduce carbon emissions.
• The Mind Tree Café CIC received £4,811.08 to improve the facilities of their wellbeing service, including upgrading their heating system and enhancing Wi-Fi access.
• Devizes Area Board Initiative was granted £2,334 for Hideout Hub, a youth session specifically designed for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Chairman's Updates

Councillor Dominic Muns, Chairman of the Devizes Area Board, provided several updates:

• Canal Incidents: Investigations are ongoing into recent incidents of dead fish and canal discolouration in the canal. The Environment Agency (EA) has ruled out algal toxins as the cause of the dead fish, and the source has not yet been identified. Separately, the EA is investigating canal discolouration near the Lay Woods development, believed to be dirty water from the construction site.
• Black Dog Crossroads: The highways improvement project at Black Dog Crossroads, initiated in July 2024, has seen the installation and activation of adaptive traffic lights, which are reportedly functioning effectively and responding to traffic flow.
• Caen Hill Junction: Councillor Tamara Reay reported on proposed improvements to the junction of Caen Hill, Poulshot Road, and Marsh Lane, identified by residents as dangerous, particularly for traffic heading towards Rowde. Formal proposals are expected from Highways officers within weeks, and the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for a proposed speed limit reduction on Caen Hill has already been consulted upon.
• Community Governance Review (CGR): Councillor Muns provided an update on the CGR covering parishes within the Devizes, Marlborough, and Royal Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Area Board areas. Draft recommendations are expected by late March or early April, followed by a public consultation period from April to June. Parishes directly affected are encouraged to review the recommendations and submit comments.

Information Items

The Board noted several information items, including updates from Community First, BSW Together (Integrated Care Board), Wiltshire Money, Alcoholics Anonymous, and a call to action regarding governor recruitment in Wiltshire schools.

Partner and Community Updates

• Wiltshire Police: Inspector Simon Garrett of the Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) presented crime statistics for December and January. Overall crime remained stable, with slight increases in arson, criminal damage, sexual offences, and burglary, while theft, drug offences, and vehicle crime saw reductions. Violent crime in public spaces was low, with detection rates remaining strong. The Inspector addressed concerns about diversion routes and HGVs, noting that while the NPT would support where possible, traffic management was primarily a Highways responsibility. He also reported on efforts to address street drinking in Devizes town centre, noting that data indicated a reduction in incidents.
• Devizes Town Council (DTC): Councillor Iain Wallis provided an update on the Devizes Gateway Project, with progress being made towards a potential announcement regarding Westbury Station in the coming months. DTC is also progressing with plans for four Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) and is preparing a bid for the Town of Culture initiative, emphasizing the town's rural setting and inviting neighbouring parishes to participate.

Area Board Priorities and Actions Updates

Richard Rogers, Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager, provided updates on ongoing work:

• Youth Engagement: The youth hub is planning a street takeover event and a festival of discovery.
• Food Insecurity: A Food Ladder workshop has been held to map provision and support resilience, with cookery sessions planned focusing on budget cooking. The transition from the Household Support Fund to the Crisis Resilience Fund aims to address underlying causes of hardship.
• Parish Council Engagement: Meetings are underway with parish councils to discuss shared challenges and collaborative opportunities.
• Support for Complex Needs: Work is ongoing to identify local employment opportunities for adults with complex needs and those with SEND.

Local Highways and Footpaths Improvements Group (LHFIG)

Councillor Philip Whitehead, Chairman of the LHFIG, reported on the group's activities. The minutes from the 4 December meeting were noted, and a funding recommendation for dropped kerbs in Nursteed Road, Devizes, was approved. This scheme, costing £9,000 (£6,750 from LHFIG and £2,250 from DTC), aims to improve accessibility to the medical centre.

Air Quality and Sustainable Transport (AQST)

Councillor Tamara Reay updated the Board on the AQST Group's work. Key points included:

• Zelf Car-Share and Mobility App: Progress is being made on a car-sharing scheme and a ride-booking app integrating local private hire operators. Discussions are ongoing regarding commercial arrangements, licensing, and TRO implications.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: Wiltshire Council has secured £5m in LEVI funding for EV charging infrastructure, with initial rural hub discussions involving four parishes. A pilot for gully-based charging is also under consideration.
• Developer Contributions: Section 106 funding is allocated for walking and cycling improvements at Northgate Brewery and for junction improvements at Shane's Castle. Funding is also designated for Bishops Cannings Crossroads.
• Le Marchant Path: Surveys and designs are progressing for this walking and cycling connection, with funding options being explored.
• London Road Active Travel Scheme: Options for a pedestrian/cycle bridge are being developed, with engineering surveys underway.
• Schools Active Travel: Efforts are being made to encourage schools to develop active travel plans, with funding available for improvements.
• Accessibility: A pilot project to identify a priority accessible route is being planned, with potential S106 funding for dropped kerbs and surface improvements.
• Bus Services: A comprehensive update on bus service performance and town bus reviews is expected at the next meeting.
• LCWIP: A workshop to identify quick wins and priorities for the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is to be rescheduled.
• Devizes Area Board Funding: An application for approximately £2,500 from the Area Board for a cycle lock-up facility is being processed.

Open Floor

During the open floor session, several issues were raised by attendees:

• Potholes: Councillor Iain Wallis of Devizes Town Council raised concerns about the timely repair of potholes, requesting that the Area Board relay this issue to the Highways team. The Chairman agreed to write to the Cabinet Member for Highways.
• Station Road Diversion Concerns: Issues were raised regarding Station Road being used as an unofficial diversion route, leading to speeding and safety concerns, particularly with upcoming road closures on Northgate Street. Suggestions included parking suspension and the enforcement of the 20mph limit, along with the deployment of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs). Members noted the need for a balanced decision regarding parking suspension and that a speed assessment would be required for SIDs.
• Youth Lounge: Councillor Jaden Irvine of Devizes Town Council thanked the Area Board for funding the youth lounge, highlighting its positive impact on young people and volunteers.