Andy Munns
Wiltshire Council’s area boards have been involved with a huge range of projects to improve their communities in recent months.
Grants provided by the area boards have funded a range of projects and events designed to support and improve the lives of people living in Wiltshire.
Area Boards are made up of the Councillors who represent the area on Wiltshire Council.
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 throughout the county.
“The work of the area boards plays a key role in helping the council achieve its Business Plan priorities to support Wiltshire to be a place where we stay active and live well together.
“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, each with devolved budgets to facilitate community action at a local level.
They work alongside other organisations on local priorities in the community. These groups include town and parish councils, voluntary and community groups, youth organisations, sports clubs and local charities.
More information about the area boards can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/6142/Introduction.
Here is a round-up of some of the local projects:
Salisbury
Cost of Living support
The Salisbury Area Board developed, funded and printed 18,000 cost of living support flyers, working in partnership with Salisbury City Council and a wide range of community groups, charities and organisations to ensure those most in need have access to information regarding financial, food and wellbeing support. The leaflet is available in public spaces across the city and has been hand delivered by area board councillors and officers in specific areas where there is a known need for additional support.
Southern Wiltshire
Winterslow Youth Club
Community First officers, funded by the Southern Wiltshire Area Board, to lead the Rural Youth Outreach Project helped to re-start the Winterslow Youth Club. The club has a steady and growing attendance, including two young people with additional needs. This is a vital club situated in one of Southern Wiltshire’s most rurally remote parishes and offers unique access to youth support and activities, and training for new young leaders.
South West Wiltshire
Festive Fun at the Nadder Centre
In December, over 100 residents travelled to the Nadder Centre for intergenerational festive fun, organised by the South West Wiltshire Area Board. The event was a partnership between Wiltshire Council, Celebrating Age Wiltshire, and St John’s Primary School in Tisbury. Salisbury Big Band were the headline act, supported by Tisbury School carollers.
Stonehenge
HWB Christmas Concert event
Festive fun and food were enjoyed at the Christmas concert event held in December at Antrobus House, Amesbury. Organised by the Stonehenge Area Board in partnership with Celebrating Age Wiltshire, over 130 local older residents enjoyed festive melodies and celebrated the holiday season together.
