The Corsham Area Board met on Thursday 5 March 2026, discussing a range of local issues including policing, community grants, and highway improvements. Key decisions included the allocation of grant funding to the Park Lane Community Garden and Move Meet Eat project, and approval for dropped kerbs to improve pedestrian access.

Policing and Community Safety

Chief Constable Catherine Roper provided an update on Wiltshire Police, highlighting financial pressures and the forthcoming abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioner role. She outlined proposed national policing reforms, including potential force mergers, and assured the board that neighbourhood policing would remain a priority. The force's current priorities are safe spaces, burglary, and violence, with improvements noted in burglary response rates. The Chief Constable also detailed the definition of burglary and the force's commitment to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Sergeant Mike Tripp of the Neighbourhood Policing Team reported on recent activities, including speed enforcement in Box and Neston, and engagement with local schools on drug awareness and online safety. He noted the success of the PubWatch scheme and the promotion of the Ask Angela safety initiative. Concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour, and the team encouraged direct reporting. The board was informed of a drugs warrant executed in Northcroft Road and enforcement action targeting a driver who refused a sample.

Community Grants and Projects

The Area Board approved grant funding for several community initiatives. The Park Lane Community Garden received £1,652 from both the Community Area Grant and Older and Vulnerable Adult budgets for garden equipment, including tools and safety equipment for a wildlife pond. This project supports volunteers with diverse needs, including those with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and those facing isolation.

The Move Meet Eat project was awarded £2,915 from the Older and Vulnerable Adult Grant. This initiative offers weekly sessions at Holton House Sheltered Housing in Corsham, providing creative movement, a warm space, and shared meals for older adults at risk of loneliness, isolation, and food poverty. The funding will support staff, marketing, printing, administrative costs, and venue hire.

Additionally, £780 was awarded to Pound Arts Trust under delegated authority for a Meal and a Ticket initiative to support families experiencing food poverty. This project provides a free meal and show tickets, alongside art workshops, aiming to offer cultural experiences that can aid social mobility and wellbeing.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvements

The Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) presented recommendations for several projects. The Area Board approved £2,712.21 for Corsham Active Travel Group to install dropped kerbs for informal crossings on Cross Keys Road, Newlands Road, and Bences Lane.

The board also noted updates on various highway matters, including ongoing discussions about rights of way, with a particular focus on the challenges of maintaining public rights of way over private land and the preferred use of gates over stiles to accommodate disabled access. The Corsham Future Energy Landscape (FEL) Project received an update, with residents showing interest in community-owned renewable energy models.

Partner and Community Updates

Updates were received from various local organisations. Corsham Town Council reported progress on its new Strategic Plan and its nomination for a National Association of Local Council's Star Award for environmental work. They also highlighted upcoming events like the Eco Fair and Taste of Corsham.

Colerne Parish Council noted the commencement of work on the Pinewood Community Green Space and the importance of neighbourhood plans in light of housing development pressures. They also sought information on government funding for play equipment upgrades.

Box Parish Council raised concerns about the role of Area Boards and the LHFIG process, requesting greater clarity and more timely responses from Wiltshire Council officers. They also highlighted ongoing highway issues, including potholes and the need for clearer communication regarding traffic management schemes.

Corsham Health Centre update confirmed that the site would proceed to be sold as surplus to NHS requirements, as a potential reuse as an administrative hub would not be progressing.

Area Board Priorities

Updates were given on the Area Board's priority areas: Environment, Youth, Business, and Food Insecurity. Cllr Phil Chamberlain highlighted environmental network activities, including a community garden in Royal Wootton Bassett and a River Rights Charter meeting. Cllr Peter Wragg encouraged school governor volunteering and noted the Rise Trust's takeover of the Local Youth Network. The Vice-Chairman, Cllr Helen Belcher OBE, raised concerns about energy costs for businesses, and the Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager discussed efforts to move from food poverty relief to community resilience.

The next meeting of the Corsham Area Board was scheduled for Thursday 28 May 2026 at Colerne Village Hall.