Area Board projects support the county’s communities

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 01:00

Wiltshire Council’s area boards have been involved with a huge range of projects in recent months.

Here is a round-up of some of the projects, ranging from support to providing a new play area, a silent disco to help the well-being of older people, providing positive activities for young people and the success of a newly-constructed outdoor classroom area.

Commenting on the recent area board activity, Cllr Ashley O’Neill, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Area Boards, said: “Once again, our area boards, with support from our partners, have played pivotal roles in a range of programmes and projects that are supporting people of all ages.

“It’s particularly pleasing to get feedback on how successful a project has been following support from the area board, and hearing about the lasting impact it will have.”

Area boards bring local decision-making into the heart of the community. There are 18 area boards across Wiltshire, with each one holding devolved budgets to facilitate community action at a local level.

They work alongside other organisations on local priorities in the community. These groups can include town and parish councils, voluntary and community groups, youth organisations, sports clubs and local charities.

Here are some of the projects that Area boards have been involved with in our area: Silent disco proves to be lots of fun, bringing older people together

The ‘Sshh Silent Disco for Seniors’ at Woodfalls and Morgan's Vale that recently took place was a noisy and joyous afternoon of dancing and singing along. Everyone who attended seemed to be thoroughly surprised and enjoyed themselves, with people laughing and dancing.

Some were transported back to their younger days and fond memories of the past. There was a wide collection of music, and many joined in, demonstrating their moves to tracks including the ‘Twist’, ‘Is This the Way to Amarillo’, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘These Boots Are Made for Walking’.

Money raised for new play area

Barford St Martin, Community Fund committee, raised a record £80,000 in just eight months for a new play area in the village, helped by a grant from South West Wiltshire Area Board and Wiltshire Council’s special educational needs fund. The Earl of Pembroke officially opened the play area, surrounded by an impressive turnout of villagers of all ages. The Community Fund continues and has already started working on subsequent local village projects.

The work of the area boards plays a key role in helping the council achieve its Business Plan priorities, such as ‘supporting Wiltshire to be a place where we stay active’ and ‘live well together’.

More information about the area boards can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/6142/Introduction