April 2005 April

Community Plan Community Community Plan Community

Westbury Area Westbury Westbury Area Westbury

This document is printed on paper from sustainable source.

Westbury Area Community Plan

West Primary Care Trust

If you would like to comment on this Community Plan, or become involved in supporting any of the areas identified, please contact the Westbury Area Community Assistant on 07837 359 523. Westbury Area Community Plan

CONTENTS Page no.

1. Welcome and Introduction to the Westbury Area Community Plan 4

2. Strategic Themes and Key Actions 6-33 Education, Skills and Learning 6 Environment including Countryside and Land-based Issues 10 Transport 12 Crime and Community Protection 16 Westbury-under-the-Playne, as the town was Economy 18 once called, is situated below the vast chalk Social Care and Health 22 Culture 26 escarpment on the edge of . Housing and the Built Environment 30 On travelling eastwards towards Devizes one 3. Westbury’s Parishes - What you said 34 comes across the parishes of Bratton, Edington with Tinhead and Coulston. Dilton 4. Community Involvement – listening, taking part Marsh stretches Westward on the other side and working together 36 of the town with Hawkeridge and Heywood 5. Taking the plan forward 37 on the northern side of the community area 6. Keeping the plan up to date 37 toward . The town and these parishes form the Westbury community area 7. Abbreviations and Glossary 38 and are all included in the Community Plan.

3 Westbury Area Community Plan 098 B3 1 A350 Colston Hawkeridge Heywood B3098 West Wilts Edington Trading Estate Bratton Welcome to Westbury Westbury White Horse

Dilton Marsh Westbury Leigh the Westbury Area

A3098 A36 Community Plan

On behalf of the community planning partnership for Westbury, Funding for this project which has included establishing the I have pleasure in presenting the very first Community Plan for partnership, consultation and printing and distribution of the the Westbury community area. The plan has been developed plan, has been received from the Market and Coastal Towns after much consultation with people living in Westbury and the Initiative, Wiltshire County Council, West Wiltshire District Council surrounding villages. The work has been co-ordinated by Westbury and Westbury and District Community Development Trust. Many Area Action Group or WAAG, which is the community planning other organisations such as Westbury Town Council have partnership for the area. The partnership is made up from people contributed their time and support to the plan. Many individuals living in the area and many organisations including the County, have also given their time and commitment to the process. District, Town and Parish Councils, Westbury and District Community Development Trust, voluntary groups, the police, The plan is one of twenty community area plans which have been faith communities, youth representatives and schools. developed across Wiltshire. Each district also has a Local Strategic Partnership or LSP. West Wiltshire LSP will address The Westbury Area Community Plan addresses the needs and common issues arising from the Community Area plans from aspirations of the community in the Westbury area. The overall Westbury, , Melksham, Bradford on Avon and aim of the plan is to improve the quality of life by helping to Trowbridge. There is also an overarching partnership for Wiltshire create the community and environment that people would like called the Wiltshire Strategic Board who have produced a strategy to live in. It highlights where actions and improvements need called “A County Fit for our Children”. These three tiers will to be made. The aim of the plan is to make a difference and to work together to ensure that services are provided which are see real outcomes where it matters – in the community. tailored to local need.

The plan will help to direct the work of organisations and groups operating in the Westbury area so that their programmes of work reflect the vision, needs, and aspirations of the There are many priorities and ideas for projects in the plan which communities they serve. The have been identified through consultation with the people of Now we have County, District, Town and Westbury. These are detailed in section 2 from page 6. One of Parish Councils are signed up the most important themes that has emerged through consultation the priorities, to support community is how much people like the community they live in. People planning and the services they value the friendliness of Westbury and the surrounding villages the next step provide will be based upon and the beautiful countryside in which they live. the issues identified by is to work the community. Other Following the publication of the plan, WAAG and some of the together to organisations involved with organisations within the partnership will be developing project the partnership include plans for the priorities and seeking funding to implement them. make things local businesses, voluntary Wherever possible, the service plans of local authorities and other organisations, faith agencies will also incorporate the wishes expressed in this plan. happen. communities, the police and Implementing this plan will help to improve the quality of life schools. The plan will help to for people who live in the community area. Details about how inform the work of these this will be done are given on page 37. organisations. Also, new groups may be set up to work on particular areas of the plan. The plan will be reviewed and updated to ensure that the priorities Many of these projects will require funding from external agencies within it are being carried out and to ensure that it remains up such as the Lottery or grant-giving Trusts. Some of the projects to date and relevant to the people of Westbury. are short term and can be implemented within 1 to 3 years, or sooner. Some of the projects will be more long-term. A start I would like to thank all the people who have been involved in will be made on all projects as soon as possible. producing the plan including those who have responded to surveys. Your time and commitment is much appreciated. To make sure that as many people as possible have been involved in developing this plan, there have been numerous consultation Rev. Paul Richardson, events since the establishment of the partnership in 2002. You Chair, Westbury Area Action Group can see the details about participation in the plan on page 36. April 2005

5 Westbury Area Community Plan 6 Westbury Area Community Plan 2

2005 – 2010 Strategic Themes and Key Actions The current picture The Westbury community area has 7 Priorities and projects have been divided into 8 themes primary schools and a secondary for the Westbury Community Plan. These themes are school with a sixth form, Matravers, It would be also used by the Wiltshire Strategic Board and the West located in the town. good if there Wiltshire Local Strategic Partnership. It makes sense There are 2 independent special were more for Westbury to utilise the same broad themes so that schools for 16 – 23 year olds and one better linkages can be made to other partnerships and for 11 – 18 year olds. There is also a evening organisations. All of the issues raised within these branch of Wiltshire College in classes in the themes have been identified by the people of Westbury. Westbury town centre providing computer based and other courses. villages and the surrounding parishes. These are shown in detail A wider range of courses are available in the following pages. in Warminster and Trowbridge. Dilton Marsh, consultation Westbury has the 3rd lowest Education, skills and learning proportion of people with post 16 (This theme includes schools and further and higher education, qualifications (2001 census). It also has a lower number qualifications and training, adult education and lifelong learning) of people with degrees than the Wiltshire and National average and a lower number of professional categories. The Vision for the Westbury area is to ensure good quality education is available and to support and encourage lifelong learning. Included in this What you said vision is the need to raise the level of basic skills and One of the issues identified through consultation in to ensure that a wide variety of both formal and Westbury is that people would like to have more informal learning opportunities are available to all opportunity and choice in the range of both daytime members of the community, whatever their age or and evening learning opportunities available to them. background. Education and lifelong learning are Local centres such as Matravers school and the primary seen as crucial to the long-term growth and prosperity schools could be used more. of the community.

Education, skills and learning - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Lower percentage Sixth form at Matravers School Increase support for Homework clubs set up in Library, WCC, WTC, obtain higher level Lifelong Learning Partnership homework clubs – in library by end of 2005 parishes, Schools qualifications from Learn Direct library and in villages area NEETS for 16 – 19 year olds Library services Look at use of mobile Survey demand for clubs Connexions learning centre in villages Summer 2005 Skills4Business inc. IIP and Free2Learn Improve the links between Establish round-table by Matravers School, Modern Apprentice scheme schools, colleges and end of 2005 Wiltshire College, employers Chamber of Commerce, Business Link, West Wilts Economic Partnership Basic skills needs Basic skills classes at Increase take up of courses Programme of publicity Wiltshire College, in the community Matravers School developed September Schools, Library Wiltshire College on-line course 2005 Library stock To improve adult basic skills is a priority for Wiltshire Strategic Board

Improve health Drug counselling via GP services Improve drink / drug Information expanded Schools, education and groups run by BADAS education for young and improved 2006 Health Promotion Schools, Health Promotion, Youth people Youth Service, Service, Connexions and Connexions, PCT, GP voluntary organisations all services, Youth services provide information

Lower percentage Encouragement to hi-tech Attract research, I.T. and Develop Westbury West Wilts Economic of professionals in businesses to locate to engineering businesses Prospectus 2006 Partnership, WWDC, area Westbury to area WCC and WACC Training for business

7 Westbury Area Community Plan 8 Westbury Area Community Plan Education, skills and learning - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Not enough daytime Plenty of leisure opportunities Increase availability and Audit of what is available Wiltshire College, Library, or evening classes in Wiltshire College has branch in range of classes in Westbury Summer 2005 WTC, Parishes, Matravers Westbury area inc. Westbury School, primary schools, villages Library offers information services Maximise facilities at Further consult on classes U3A. and activity guide Matravers School and required – eve and daytime WAAG Consultation undertaken primary schools Summer 2005 with young people Learning for leisure, pleasure and Set up group to look at information using books from Westbury branch of U3A library Identify opportunities for courses in schools following audit and consultation above

9 Westbury Area Community Plan 10 Westbury Area Community Plan

Environment including The current picture

countryside and land-based Westbury community area is rich in issues rural beauty nestling on the edge of Salisbury plain. It has an abundance I really worry (This theme includes agriculture, landscape management, conservation, of wildlife and areas of historical wildlife, biodiversity, water quality, waste-disposal, rights of way) interest which enhance the quality about Lafarge of life for the people who live there. burning tyres The Vision is to protect the beautiful countryside and wildlife habitats of the community area whilst The community area spans 7,327 and their plans at the same time supporting the diverse economy in hectares, most of which is rural with to burn liquid a sustainable way. Westbury town nestling in the centre, with a population of 11,496 (2001 fuel census) in 4,896 households. The community area has a population of Bratton, 15,919 with 6,716 households. consultation

Sites of Special Scientific Interest include Westbury Ironstone Quarry, Upton Cow Down, , Salisbury Plain and Picket and Clanger Wood. Sites important for nature conservation include Clanger, Picket and Round Woods. There are conservation areas in Bratton, Edington and Westbury.

What you said

All of the surveys undertaken to date show that what people like about living in Westbury and the surrounding villages is the beautiful countryside. Westbury and many of its villages are situated on the edge of Salisbury plain and overlooked by the White Horse.

Environment including countryside and land-based issues - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Lafarge cement WWDC have a watching brief Address public concern over Further work with WWDC WWDC, WTC, Parish works – concern over Lafarge, recognising that this issue Lafarge Liaison group. Councils, Lafarge, PCT, over emissions and the environment agency Environment agency, health effects regulate the site. Improve publicity including CPRE, The Air That We (See also Transport / Liquid fuel trials halted for now. information about emissions, Breathe group, WWDC Air quality) filters, soil samples etc. Lafarge Liaison group.

Concern over loss of WCC Ranger manages WCC Encourage hedgerow Ongoing WCC, WWDC, WTC, WWT, wildlife habitat land near White Horse promotion where CPRE, RSPB, Parish Butterfly research programme appropriate Councils, Schools Barn owl monitoring Leisure and recreational needs Involve community in Support provided to at least WWT, WWDC and other analysis to include natural areas management of wildlife one community group each Partners (WWDC) habitats year developing a wildlife WWDC and Wiltshire Wildlife project Trust in partnership have a Community Wildlife Officer Encourage bird feeding in Ongoing Environmental Stewardship Winter months Scheme open to farmers 2005 Wildlife friendly farming Introduce Quiet Lanes Possible areas for Quiet WCC, WTC, Parish Councils Lanes Scheme identified Autumn 2005 Waste disposal is an Wildlife Trust – composting, Need more recyling boxes in Central collection points WWDC, WCC, CPRE, Parish increasing problem work with schools villages established in villages Councils – new EEC regs Black box recycling collections require less to introduced Provide further education Establish specific WWT, schools. landfill sites. WCC consultation on waste programmes requirements and location issues Rethink Rubbish Directory Increase publicity for Publicity campaign 2005 WWT www.wasteinwiltshire.com composting and encouraging reduction of other waste To become the most waste efficient county in England by 2010 is a Establish a household Feasibility study Summer WCC, WWDC, WTC Wiltshire Strategic Board priority recycling centre in Westbury 2005

Grass verges and Identify owners of problem Problem areas and owners All partners, WCC. other common areas areas and liaise identified can seem untidy No parking allowed on verges

11 Westbury Area Community Plan 12 Westbury Area Community Plan

Transport The current picture (This theme includes public transport, highways, road maintenance, road safety, accident prevention, air quality) Westbury is located on the primary route, the A350 between Poole and the M4. Traffic volumes are increasing The Vision is ease of access to transport for all sections and there are serious issues in Westbury It’s difficult of the community, particularly those who are town centre about air quality and to get from vulnerable or who live in rural areas. Included within congestion. There is a main line railway station in Westbury with good links to the train this vision is the need to build a bypass for Westbury Bath, Bristol, Southampton, Salisbury to alleviate the environmental impact of the A350. and London, but infrequent services to station into All transport options should consider accessibility and and Swindon. The station the environmental impact. is located somewhat out of the town the town centre. Dilton Marsh also has a railway halt whose usage may be increased by Westbury new Leigh Park residents. There are survey also plans to provide a rail freight centre What you said in Westbury. There are numerous bus routes between the villages and The main transport concern for people in Westbury Westbury and to Warminster, Devizes, Trowbridge and was that a bypass should be built to alleviate congestion Bath. Some routes operate only during the day. Car and pollution on the A350 running through the centre ownership is high and in line with the county average of the town. Other issues included ensuring traffic but 16.5% of the population do not have access to a car. stays within the speed limit. Bratton and Edington were concerned about speeding traffic through their The bypass is a key issue which remains on the agenda village and also the number of large vehicles using the although shorter term improvements are necessary. roads. There are strong links between transport issues and the Economy and Housing and Built Environment themes. Many people wanted to see improved transport links between the villages and Westbury and this was a Wiltshire County Council is looking at options for Westbury particular issue for young people. Town Centre in liaison with the Town Council and the Community Planning Group. A plan will be ready by the end of this year.

Transport - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Public transport WCC monitors service Improve public transport Identify gaps end 2005 WCC, WTC, Parish between Westbury services between villages Councils and villages is not and town frequent enough Look for extra support for Develop publicity Link Scheme, WAAG, Link scheme – especially programme Autumn 2005 Community First the need for more voluntary drivers Work with WCC to look at Feasibility study Autumn WCC, WWDC, WTC, establishing a cycle track 2005 Parish Councils, between Westbury and Westbury Wheelers Dilton Marsh and Westbury Cycle routes, Leigh Park to Bratton Community Association Full town centre cycle Planned for 2010 network New bicycle stands in town 2005 Inter urban cycle network Link to Sustrans / WCC,WTC, Parish Trowbridge – Westbury – Councils, Sustrans Warminster route Better access to WCC is currently implementing Look at other Community Research by Autumn 2005 WCC bidding unit, information about live passenger information for Transport options and Community First, bus services and buses funding WAAG timetables Publicity via library Timetables distributed widely Increase publicity of Options identified WCC, WWDC, WTC, timetables with additional Autumn 2005 parishes, library access points Work with WCC to develop Look at feasibility and WCC larger print timetables demand 2005

Public transport New Westbury and area Web site by end 2005 WCC, all partners expensive website to be developed – to include services and timetables Look at feasibility of Investigate 2005/06 WCC, WWDC, WTC reduced fare passes or subsidies for certain groups

13 Westbury Area Community Plan 14 Westbury Area Community Plan Transport - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Roads are WCC continue to seek funding Keep community better Regular press releases WCC, WWDC, WTC, congested, for bypass informed of developments issued from WCC A36/A350 Corridor particularly A350 regarding bypass funding Alliance, CPRE, Parish and villages – too WCC Travelwise Scheme – Councils much traffic encourages other forms of transport than the car Encourage forms of Further work on WCC transport other than car – Travelwise Scheme 2005 public transport, cycling, walking, community transport Develop walking bus As above WCC, WTC, Parishes schemes for schools Improve and develop cycle network - see previous page

Westbury Railway The Heart of Wessex Railway Involve Matravers / Enrichment week July Matravers, WCC, Station as main Partnership looking at network rail and WCC for 2005 WWDC, WTC, Wessex gateway needs improvements to station improvements Launch in September Trains improving Speeding traffic in Dilton Marsh traffic calming Introduce traffic calming WCC to identify options WCC, WTC, Parish town and villages, introduced measures in Bratton and and implement preferred Councils, police particularly Bratton Traffic calming in The Ham is Edington and other roads solution 2006 and Edington now in place to be made as necessary Westbury police to train permanent more officers in the use of mobile speed cameras Too many large Introduce weight limits in Identify options and WCC, WTC, Parish vehicles, HGVs on Bratton and Edington and implement preferred Councils road – Westbury and other roads as necessary solution 2006 villages

Transport - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Need more Bypass planned – will alleviate Work with WCC to WCC, WTC, parishes crossings (opposite some traffic introduce further accessible Market Place, crossings Haynes Road, Local Transport Plan Bratton Road, near Co-op, Town Centre improvements See Economy section Plan by end 2005 WCC, WTC, WAAG Hospital to Leigh Road and villages) This was a particular concern of young people and people with mobility difficulties WCC, WTC, SW Trains Access to transport Link scheme Work with WCC to First Bus limited for introduce more low floor disabled people buses Work with SW trains to Station fully accessible WCC, WWDC, WTC, make improvements to 2006 Wessex Trains Westbury Railway Station – Heart of Wessex Partnership Look for funding for taxi Research Summer 2005 WCC, CBU, other scheme partners Concern over air WWDC will develop an Air WCC continue to look for Draft plan to DEFRA 31st WWDC, WCC quality Quality Management Plan funding for a Westbury March 05. Bypass planned bypass Lack of access for Petition via Mobility Works Work with WCC to improve Town Centre WCC, WTC, Mobility wheelchairs in pathways for people in improvement plan by end Works town centre scooters and wheelchairs 2005 Increase the number of Town Centre improvement dropped kerbs plan by end 2005 Problem parking Community Support Officer is WTC liaise with police and To see improvements in WWDC, WTC, Police, inc. on pavements looking at issue WWDC, WCC 2006 WCC is dangerous

15 Westbury Area Community Plan 16 Westbury Area Community Plan

Crime and Community The current picture

Protection Crime in Wiltshire is now officially the (This theme includes policing, community safety, trading standards, lowest in the country. Within emergency planning, and fire service activities) Wiltshire, the Westbury area is ranked It would be around the middle depending on the The Vision is to have a community where people particular crime. However, it is the nice to see old show respect for their environment and each other. 4th highest in Wiltshire for vehicle fashioned crime. Despite the low crime rate Within this community people will feel safe. This generally in Wiltshire, the perception bobbies on vision includes further reducing the relatively low that crime is high remains. There are crime rates within the area and tackling specific issues also some anti-social behaviour issues the beat such as anti-social behaviour. Access to and contact to address in Westbury. sometimes. with the police will be made easier. It is also important to reduce the fear of crime, particularly for vulnerable West Wiltshire Community Safety Westbury Partnership aims to reduce anti-social survey people such as the elderly. behaviour, victimisation, drug and alcohol related harm, road casualties and aims to help make people feel safer.

The countywide strategy for Crime Disorder and Drugs Misuse Reduction will set out clear priorities for reducing crime and the fear of crime.

What you said

Consultation results show that it is anti-social behaviour and improving access to the police that people are most concerned about. Young people were also concerned about the high level of bullying they encounter.

Crime and Community Protection - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Late night drinking Alcohol free zone (Town Centre, Work in with Partnership Reduce alcohol related Police, WCC, WWDC, WTC, and alcohol abuse, Grassacres Park, Queens Road shops, Anti-social behaviour criminal activity - 2006 Westbury licencees, particularly in Leigh Park area) Reduction officer (PASBRO) Residents and Community Market Square Proof of age cards and district-wide Community Associations, West Underage drinking Pub watch in operation Safety Officer Wiltshire Police in parks / public CCTV (extra camera pending) Community Liaison Group, places Licensing policy adopted by WWDC Work to provide more See Culture Section West Wilts Community facilities for young people Safety Partnership (see Culture Section for more detail on this action) WWDC to look at Alcohol Alcohol strategy WWDC, WTC Strategy implemented 2005 Develop Neighbourhood Identify new areas by end of Community Safety Watch Schemes 2005 Partnership, Police, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator

Improve Community Safety Police Officers Continue to improve police Westbury Police Station Police, WCC, WWDC, WTC communication with introduced visibility and contact. reviewing contact and police Evaluate impact of PCSO opening hours expanding service as required. Increase face to face contact Liaison with Community with the public via physical Support Officer presence at police station Improve cleanliness Liaise with PASBRO – increase Cleanliness improved by end Police, WCC, WWDC, WTC, of the area – dog no. of bins for litter and dog of 2005 West Wiltshire Police mess and litter mess disposal Community Liaison Group Do more to stop Info in library Raise awareness of issue Ongoing Police, WCC, WWDC, WTC, bullying in schools Work in schools within community including schools and on the streets Safer Schools Project safety on the streets Westbury to follow on from Evaluate end of 2005 “Transitions” pilot Vandalism and Liaise with PASBROs Reduce by Spring 2006 Police, WCC, WWDC, WTC graffiti

17 Westbury Area Community Plan 18 Westbury Area Community Plan

Economy The current picture (This theme includes jobs, enterprise, tourism, inward investment) Westbury is a significant commercial and industrial centre due to the major West Wilts Trading Estate and several smaller estates on the northern side of the town. The predominant economic The Vision is to secure and improve the economic activities are based on cement production, light engineering and distribution services. Manufacturing accounts for 18% of the wellbeing of the area. economy, wholesale and retail 17%, construction 8%, real estate 10%, public administration 7% and health 8%. This includes: The unemployment rate is slightly higher than the Wiltshire • maintaining and improving the town centre average at 3.79%. Unemployment amongst 16-24 year olds is as a viable shopping centre focussing on 27.45% which, again, is slightly higher than the rest of Wiltshire. The number of professionals is 36.8% which is lower than the individual and unique shops which offer a rest of Wiltshire. Between 1998 and 2002 Westbury experienced real alternative to other major centres the 2nd largest fall in the number of jobs in the county and the • maintaining low unemployment largest percentage drop of -14.28%. • promoting better paid employment The town centre has two supermarkets, one in the centre and • realising the tourism potential of the area one on the eastern side of the town. A local centre is currently • supporting the rural economy being developed at Leigh Park. It also has a range of small specialist shops and services. West Wiltshire District Council’s Economic Home to the famous Westbury White Horse, which is carved into the chalk escarpment overlooking the town, Westbury boasts a Development Policy aims “to achieve and retain a Georgian market square and some fine Victorian buildings. Its balanced and robust economy”. The focus is also on heritage includes a proud history of cloth-making, weaving and regeneration, social enterprise and inclusion. glove-making. Several large housing estates have grown around the town over the last 30 years, though the number of local jobs has not kept the same pace. Many residents have chosen to live in the town What you said because of cheaper house prices. This has led to the town being treated as a dormitory town by many of those who commute to Consultation results consistently showed that one of the highest priorities middle management and other professional jobs elsewhere in for people living in Westbury and the surrounding villages was to the district, region or country. The mainline railway station enables increase the range and number of shops in Westbury. Respondents easy commuting to London. also prioritised support for village shops. Many people also want to see more made of the tourism potential of the area.

Economy - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Encourage wider Town Centre viability group: WCC and all partners via Consultation Spring / Town Centre Viability retail and business WAAG is currently looking Summer 2005 Group, Development use in town centre • A Vision for Westbury at improvements to Town Proposal developed end Trust, Chamber of and villages • Pop to the Shops leaflet Centre 2005 Commerce, WCC, • New maps WWDC, WTC, Heritage Encourage more activities See culture section Society, WWEP Support for Farmers market in town Wessex Rural Business New Town Guide 2005 Publish Autumn 2005 TCVG, Chamber Network Leader + and Sustain the Plain Co-ordinate opening hours Implement Summer 2005 TCVG, Chamber – support to local businesses New Friday market Implement Summer 2005 TCVG, Chamber Resisting loss of retail and pending employment sites through planning policies (WWDC) Further develop tourism in Assess potential All partners the area 2005 (see also culture) Work with WCC for more Ongoing - see transport WCC, WTC, Parishes cycle routes Produce Employment Autumn 2005 WWDC Audit Target Work with villages and Develop Action Plan 2005 WCC, Westbury Credit Village Shops Advisor Union, WTC, Parish Councils, Community First Support for rural ViRSA, SEW Work with WCC to look at Identify options and WCC shops, post offices Credit Union in Westbury traffic flows in villages (see implement preferred and services in Wilts and Swindon Rural also transport) solution 2006 villages Regeneration Partnership appointed Village Shops Investigate feasibility of Needs analysis 2005 Credit Union Advisor credit union in villages Wessex Rural Business Network Pop to the shops leaflet for Spring 2006 TCVG Leader + and Sustain the Plain villages – support to local businesses

19 Westbury Area Community Plan 20 Westbury Area Community Plan Economy - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Develop local Info in Library Small business initiatives Plan by Summer 2006 Schools, WCC, WTC, employment Visitor’s Centre WWDC, Chamber of opportunities West Wiltshire Economic Link with Credit Union Ongoing Commerce, WWEP, Partnership Credit Union More training locally Ongoing Chamber Commerce, WWEP Schools / business work Information to schools Chamber Commerce, together and employers Spring WWEP It would be good if 2006 there were more Westbury area web-site Establish by end 2005 WAAG Partners shops to choose Support working at home Information to local Chamber Commerce from in Westbury, employers 2005 then I wouldn’t go to Trowbridge to shop Young persons’ consultations

21 Westbury Area Community Plan 22 Westbury Area Community Plan

Social Care / Health The current picture (This theme includes public transport, highways, road maintenance, road safety, accident prevention, air quality) Wiltshire is generally a wealthy area but with substantial pockets of deprivation, some of which is evident in the Westbury area. Dilton Marsh ranks 17th most deprived The Vision is to have a community where people out of 137 wards in Wiltshire and Westbury town is have healthy and active lifestyles. Within the ranked at 53. The community area as a whole is 5th most deprived. 18.5% of the population is over 65 which community it is important that the most vulnerable is slightly higher than the national average. people are well cared for by health and social care services. Health is generally good with 70.3% of the population of the area reporting their own health as good (national average is 68.8%). People in Westbury expect a longer, healthier life than the national average and there is lower than expected incidence of most serious conditions, although deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents are higher.

There is a very popular community hospital in Westbury which provides inpatients beds (including a stroke unit), outpatients services, physiotherapy, day surgery, a day hospital, a dental access service as well as a base for community teams of health visitors, district nursing and social care services. People are keen to keep the community hospital.

There is a large GP Practice in Westbury with a branch surgery in Bratton and GP Suite at the Community Hospital. There are two Private Dental Practices and two opticians.

Through consultation it is evident that people would like to have better access to GP services through either another surgery or expansion of the current one. They would also like better access to NHS dental care.

Social Care/Health - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Concern about PCT has said that there is no Innovative use of existing Ongoing PCT (including PALS availability of GP case for GP Practice expansion premises service), services at this time Patient’s Forum, Monitor numbers living in Ongoing Carers Support, Possibility of using the branch the community area – Social Services surgery and the GP suite at consider whether the hospital in different ways additional health and care staffing is necessary New Out of Hours service National “Access” targets for time taken for patients to see a doctor Concern about the PCT service Review Full Westbury Service Review completed PCT, Local Authorities, future of the WAAG rep on PCT community representation in end 2005 including Town and Hospital group Comprehensive PCT Service Consultation early 2006 Parish Councils Review Community Groups, Better information Doctors Surgery To improve information Information on Westbury WCC, on health issues NHS Direct, PCT Website and increase website 2005 Westbury Community required Library understanding Information at library Area Website Family Centre at junior school 2005 Library Better access to NHS No NHS dentist taking on new Improve access NHS access improved by PCT, dental services patients in Westbury New Dental Services 2006 Local dentists, There is an emergency dental New Contracts with Dental Access Service access service Dentists More care for older WCC and other partners Work with voluntary sector Identify gaps 2005 Supporting People people at home and provide services, including to provide company and Team their carers (see also home care, to keep people social life to patients and WWDC. Housing) healthy and in their own carers WWHS and other homes for as long as possible. Work with providers to Registered Social Supporting People team develop existing services Landlords PCT Intermediate Care Team Voluntary sector groups WCC PCT

23 Westbury Area Community Plan 24 Westbury Area Community Plan Social Care/Health - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved More resources for “Valuing People” white paper Identify specific gaps and Identify gaps 2005 WCC, PCT, people with WCC / PCT and other partners work with appropriate Voluntary sector, learning difficulties provide range of services agencies to develop Housing Providers (See also Housing) services Support for people The Avon and Wiltshire Identify specific gaps and Identify gaps 2005 Mental Health Trust, with mental health Mental Health partnership work with The Mental Increase understanding of WCC, PCT, issues NHS Trust is main provider. Health Trust and others to mental health issues Voluntary sector, There is also a range of develop provision Community Groups voluntary sector organisations Support & info for Drug counselling via GP Work with partners to co- Information expanded Schools, young people on services and groups run by ordinate and develop and improved 2006 Health Promotion sexual health, drugs BADAS information Youth Service, & alcohol Schools, Health Promotion, Connexions, PCT, GP (See also Education Youth Service, Connexions and services, Youth services and Learning) voluntary organisations all provide information

Lafarge emissions See Environment theme Health of the “Choosing Health” Public Partner agencies to Schemes to reduce PCT, Health Promotion, General Population Health White Paper investigate ways of smoking, increase exercise, GP services, WWDC, Wiltshire Strategic Board reducing “health reduce obesity and WCC, Voluntary priority inequalities” encourage sensible Organisations drinking

25 Westbury Area Community Plan 26 Westbury Area Community Plan

Culture The current picture (This theme includes leisure, recreation (including sport), arts and heritage) Culture in terms of recreation, leisure, sports and the arts makes a major I think there’s The Vision is to support and develop a thriving leisure contribution to the quality of life. quite a lot to and cultural environment to create a vibrant There are over 80 groups for leisure activities in the Westbury area, do in community life. It is also vital to protect the heritage including sports clubs and facilities, Westbury but of the town and villages. Young people in particular music and dance groups and other sometimes it’s will benefit from a rich and diverse community life. leisure time activities. There are 4 There are also opportunities to develop tourism Conservation Areas – 1 each in hard to find in the area. Westbury and Bratton and 2 in out what’s on Edington, and almost 300 listed buildings. and where What you said Young persons’ consultation Consultation suggests that people would like to know more about what is available. Young people would like more activities and cultural events targeted at them. It is also important that the library service and the current building can keep up with the growing population over the coming years.

Culture - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Lack of knowledge Library supplies information Develop activity guide (see Guide produced Summer WTC, WCC, Chamber of about what is also Economy) 2005 Commerce available in the area Library, Parish Councils Library has programme of Work with young people to Publicity programme holiday activities market and publicise activities developed by end 2005

Develop web-site for Web-site by end 2005 WAAG and Partners Westbury area Use annual sports events to Event in 2006 promote clubs and activities

Further develop tourism in Assess potential All partners the area 2005 (see also Economy) Welcome pack for all new Packs developed 2006 residents More leisure and WWDC, WTC, WAAG Leisure and Recreational April 2005 WWDC, WTC, Parish sports activities and investigating needs Needs analysis to be Councils facilities completed Investigate possibility of Liaise with Lafarge 2005 making better use of Lafarge facilities – path required

Review Recreational Planning April 2005 WWDC Policies and Proposals

Better use of school fields & Ongoing WWDC, WTC, Parish facilities Councils, schools More play areas and WWDC Play Area Grant WTC working to develop 2005 WWDC, WTC, Parish open spaces Skate Park Councils WTC improving existing Ongoing facilities and supporting additional sports facilities

27 Westbury Area Community Plan 28 Westbury Area Community Plan Culture - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Access to facilities, Disability Discrimination Act now Promote Disability Increased publicity WAAG, WTC, WCC services difficult for in place Discrimination Act disabled people Liaise with West Wilts Access Ongoing Group

Protect the area’s Westbury Heritage Society: WTC also to look at this issue Ongoing Heritage Society, WDCDT, culture and heritage New information centre open WTC Produce Residential Design Adopt end 2005 WWDC Guide Target

Review Town Centre Consult by Autumn 2006 WWDC Conservation Area and produce Conservation Area Character Assessment

More activities Library Summer Holiday Activity guide as above As above WTC, WCC, Library, needed for young programme and under 4’s Development Trust people including the activities Parish Councils villages Needs assessment completed Promotional programme to Develop in 2005/6 WAAG and Partners Merlin database provides recruit adult helpers for information about groups activities Look at reducing costs for Assess options popular activities Feasibility study for youth Research by early 2006 café Continue to work with young Ongoing people to develop provision Digging for History Project Ongoing Development Trust WWDC Arts programmes – Ongoing WWDC, WCC Participatory Arts Workshop (PAWS), Rural Arts Wiltshire (RAW) Wiltshire Youth Arts Partnership

Westbury Area Cinema Club Look for financial support for Research 2005 WAAG and Partners Cinema club, expansion to villages Feasibility study for mobile cinema SPLASH project Police, WCC, WWDC

29 Westbury Area Community Plan 30 Westbury Area Community Plan

Housing and the built The current picture

environment The Westbury Area has the 7th smallest (This theme includes homelessness, village and townscape planning and population of any Community Area in design) Wiltshire with one of the lowest There are too numbers of settlements reflecting the town’s small hinterland. Together with many houses The Vision is to ensure that there is sufficient good its small area, it has the 6th highest quality affordable housing to meet the needs of the population density in Wiltshire and has being built community. Vulnerable people such as young people, had the 11th greatest population with no increase. older people and disabled people should have access facilities to to appropriate housing. When housing is developed The Area has a very similar proportion there should be consideration given to local amenities, of homes owned outright compared to match. the Wiltshire average, although services and facilities such as shops, transport, doctors, Westbury ownership with a mortgage is over 6% places of worship and schools. The character of the Survey higher. Overall, Westbury has the 3rd area should be preserved. highest level of owner-occupation in the county and has the 4th lowest level of rental from social landlords (local authority, housing associations). Westbury has had a significant number of new homes built since 1991 - the 6th highest in the county. From July What you said 02 – Sep 03, Westbury had the 8th largest increase in house prices in the County. Many people were concerned about the number of new houses being built with concerns over the level There are 4 Conservation Areas – 1 each in Westbury and of corresponding services to meet the needs of Bratton and 2 in Edington, and almost 300 listed buildings. residents. Consultation also showed that people were A number of partners have shown their commitment to keen to make sure that affordable housing was the historic buildings in the town by allocating a budget available in the community. towards regeneration of the worst buildings in poor condition.

Housing and the built environment - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Westbury town Town Centre Viability Group Ensure convenience parking is Ongoing 5TI, Chamber of centre in need of WCC currently looking at options enforced (See Transport) Commerce, WCC, WTC, redevelopment WWDC, Ringway Better accessibility / road Consult on options Summer Parkman, police circulation. Work with WCC to 2005 look at improvements to Town Centre (See also Economy Plan finalised by end 2005 theme)

Raise business confidence Develop Programme Chamber of Commerce through Chamber of 2005/2006 Commerce activities and publicity

Need to develop an evening See culture section culture for all ages

More sheltered housing WCC Supporting People team Encourage more innovative WWDC work with developers WWDC, Housing for people with housing schemes Associations, WCC, disabilities including GOSW, mental health difficulties Support for people at home Identify gaps in 2005 Regional Assembly (See also Social Care / Health) More affordable WWDC through to next round of Rural Housing Enabler to carry Targets identified 2005 WWDC, Community First, housing required Private Finance Initiative for out housing needs survey Housing Associations affordable homes (social housing). Rural Housing Initiative Likely to be allocated between 55 WWDC to develop affordable Allocation made and sites & 75 housing units in town and a housing supplementary identified 2005/2006 share of 85-115 units across rural planning guidance (140 per West Wiltshire annum low cost ownership and Town and Parish Councils, WWDC rental) and housing associations to identify suitable sites for affordable housing Investigate Affordable Housing 2005 WWDC Planning gain via developers Private Finance inititative Review Affordable Housing Commence 2006 WWDC Planning Policies

Finalising Affordable Housing Adoption by Autumn 2005 WWDC Supplementary Planning Guidance

31 Westbury Area Community Plan 32 Westbury Area Community Plan Housing and the built environment - continued Your concerns What is happening The next steps Targets and milestones Partners involved Some pavements in Work with Wiltshire County Ongoing WCC need of repair Council to identify and repair Lighting a problem WWHA and WTC working on New lamps planned Lighting improved WWHA, WTC, OPRA, around Oldfield Park, this issue 2005/2006 Youth Centre The Ham and other areas Concerns over too WWDC work with WCC, WWDC, Town much new housing Local Plan (WWDC), restricts WWDC Recreation Needs developers ongoing and Parish Councils, being built future development on Assessment to recommend Developers, local greenfield land protection of open space in amenity and sports clubs Limiting development to within the District WWDC District Plan policy town policy limits (WWDC) Housing to match local population needs Facilities to go alongside any WWDC District Plan policies development Adopt by end 2005 WWDC Produce Residential Design Guide Target Commence Jan 2006 WWDC Review Core Strategy planning policies to determine future housing levels

33 Westbury Area Community Plan 34 Westbury Area Community Plan 3

Edington Westbury’s Parishes - What villagers like about their community what you said P Desirable, ancient village P Lovely countryside on edge of Salisbury plain P Good community feel, good social life P Good local pub Heywood P Part-time post office What villagers like about their community What villagers would like to change in their community P The countryside O Speeding traffic of great concern Coulston P Good amenities, especially on the Ham with O B3098 unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists a Post office and shop What villagers like O Better evening bus service – useful for young people about their P Good pub in Hawkeridge O Lack of activities for young people community P Friendly community O GP services could be improved P Good schools nearby P The beautiful O Dental services could be improved countryside P Play area at Hawkeridge Park – must O Watching brief on mobile phone masts P Community spirit keep open P Activities in What villagers would like to change in village hall their community P Close to amenities O Too much traffic along B3097 A350 but still rural O HGVs should go through the Trading Estate What villagers would like to and not The Ham change in their community

Coulston O More buses especially at weekend and evening Hawkeridge Heywood O Westbury needs updating B3098 O Lafarge cement works and Edington the pollution Bratton O Need more things to do, especially for young people

Westbury Westbury White Horse

Dilton Marsh WESTBURY Bratton

What villagers like about their community

P Bratton School is excellent Dilton Marsh P Rail links What villagers like about their community P living by the Salisbury Plain P a friendly community were we do not have to lock P The park in Bratton our doors P good local school P The beautiful countryside, P lovely people, community spirit, village atmosphere the unspoilt hills P community activities P Friendly community, access to the countryside, close P great rural setting, good walks enough to big towns but far enough away P good pub P the swimming pool in Westbury P railway P Activities available P sports centre P like the size of the playing field P The White Horse P good to have shops and Post Office in village P Coopers store P the playing field What villagers would like to see changed in their community P The village shop and pub O too much litter O not enough toddler play toys at playfield What villagers would like to change in their community O not enough affordable housing for rent or buy, builders still building big houses, O LaFarge cement works and pollution caused O too much traffic O Lafarge tyre burning O village growing too much, too much traffic, urbanisation O more shops needed O traffic/HGVs O no by-pass between Westbury and Bratton O litter and dog mess, especially in park O Westbury town centre needs improving O planes and military activity at night O stop encroachment on our rural buffer and becoming part of Westbury O Westbury town centre and lack of amenities O too many residential developments O need more things in park O lack of youth facilities O the way the village lost a community amenity, the Kings Arms O local doctors surgery O better bus service for Sundays and Bank holidays O threat of losing Post Office

35 Westbury Area Community Plan 36 Westbury Area Community Plan 4 Community Involvement – listening, taking part and working together The plan for Westbury has been developed by the Community Planning Group (WAAG) and the local community. This has been achieved through:

The full range of consultation events which have been used to • WAAG partnership meetings – at least 3 a year collect information for the plan can be seen below: which are widely publicised June 2002 - A community event is held at Matravers • Listening to people at public meetings School, attended by over 100 people. A • Special events such as the Community Day in workshop is held to determine people’s November 2003 aspirations for their area • Numerous consultation events Nov 2003 - Community Day event held, where everyone • Attending events such as fetes in Westbury and had the opportunity to vote on major issues the surrounding villages • Face to face interviews Feb 2004 - Coulston village - WAAG attended local • A major questionnaire survey to 1 in 3 households village meeting which was also published in the White Horse News Mar 2004 - Visioning Event and Business Meeting and placed in the Doctors surgery and the library Apr 2004 - Westbury Leigh School - consultation Apr 2004 - Westbury Junior School - consultation Apr 2004 - Westbury Youth Council consultation meeting May 2004 - Partnership Meeting - consultation workshops held May 2004 - Bratton - attended Bratton Hilly Run event to undertake consultation with local community May 2004 - May Fayre at Grassacres - undertook consultation at event May 2004 - All Saints Spring Fayre, Westbury - undertook consultation at event June 2004 - Dilton Marsh School Fete - undertook consultation at event July 2004 - Market Place Design Game July 2004 - Dilton Marsh Church Fete - undertook consultation at event July 2004 - Edington Fair - undertook consultation at event July 2004 - Westbury Street Fair - undertook extensive consultation at all day event July 2004 - Heywood and Hawkeridge Summer event - undertook consultation at event Aug 2004 - Town Centre Viability Group - daytime event - WAAG consultation undertaken at event Aug/Sept - Questionnaire sent to 1 in 3 households in the Westbury and surrounding area as part of the 2004 Consultation process Aug/Sept - Questionnaire (as above) taken to White Horse Day Centre and Over 60s Club 2004

Sep 2004 - Town Centre Viability Group Design Event Sept 2004 - Partnership meeting - Consultation on draft community plan Sept 2004 - Consultation questionnaire printed in local newspaper to give other people opportunity to respond to survey Nov 2004 - - Extensive consultation on the draft Community Plan March 2005

5 Taking the plan forward

P Partner organisations have already been involved in creating this plan. They will now try to ensure that their service delivery incorporates this plan wherever possible. This includes Wiltshire County Council, West Wiltshire District Council, Westbury Town Council, Parish Councils, the police, schools and other public organisations. P Organisations will work in partnership to implement the projects in the plan. P Westbury and District Community Development Trust will take on some of the projects in this plan. P WAAG will continue to work on implementation of this plan and will help to start some of the projects. P Priority projects will be determined in consultation. P Funding for projects will be sought from external funders such as the lottery and grant-giving Trusts. P It is planned that a number of projects in the plan will be implemented this year.

6 Keeping the plan up to date

This plan has a variety of strategies and projects in progress. The plan will be updated on a regular basis. Westbury Area Action It is important that the plan is monitored and evaluated to Group will produce an update to the plan once a year. This will make sure that the actions identified are being undertaken include a report on what has been undertaken so far and how and that the outcomes are making a difference to people the projects are progressing. living in the area.

37 Westbury Area Community Plan 38 Westbury Area Community Plan 7

Abbreviations and Glossary

5TI Five Towns Initiative CPRE Campaign for the Protection of Rural England Link Scheme GOSW Government Office for the South West Good neighbour scheme which includes a volunteer driver scheme IIP Investors in People MOD Ministry of Defence Mobility Works NEETs Young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training A Wiltshire based business offering a wide range of products suitable for indoor and OPRA Oldfield Park Residents Association outdoor use from leading mobility manufacturers PASBRO Partnership Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction Officer PAWS Participatory Arts Workshop Scheme Participatory Arts Workshop Scheme PCSO Police Community Support Officer (PAWS) West Wiltshire District Council is part of the PAWS scheme which has already PCT Primary Care Trust been successfully operated in South Wiltshire by Salisbury District Council. The scheme RAW Rural Arts Wiltshire is open to any type of group in West Wiltshire interested in creating arts opportunities SW Trains for local people in West Wiltshire District’s rural villages and towns, including youth groups, local arts groups, after school clubs, playgroups and playschemes, disability U3A University of Third Age groups and so on. PAWS provides groups with a project run by a professional arts ViRSA Village Retail Services Association worker at a heavily subsidised rate WAAG Westbury Area Action Group, the local community planning partnership WACC Wiltshire Association of Community Councils Patients Forum WCC Wiltshire County Council The Patients Forum is a network of national and regional organisations concerned WTC Westbury Town Council with the healthcare interests of patients and their families and carers. The remit of WWDC West Wiltshire District Council The Patients Forum is to promote discussion about health issues with organisations WWHA West Wiltshire Housing Association representing patients and carers and improve arrangements for communication, timely WWT Wiltshire Wildlife Trust consultation and liaison between the health consumer network and government and YTC Youth Town Council relevant statutory and professional organisations Primary Care Trust Glossary: Primary Care is the care provided by people you normally see when you first have a health problem. It might be a visit to a doctor or dentist, an optician for an eye test, A36/A350 Corridor Alliance (ACA) or just a trip to a pharmacist to buy cough mixture. NHS Walk-in Centres, and the A group comprising environmental campaigners from Southampton to Chippenham and phone line service NHS Direct, are also part of primary care. All of these services are working to develop plans to solve Westbury's traffic problems. The group devised a link managed for you by your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) road scheme which it believes to be a better option than the bypass which has been considered for Westbury Regional Assembly The South West Regional Assembly is a partnership of councillors from all local Air That We Breathe Group authorities in the region and representatives of various sectors with a role in the The Air that We Breathe Group was founded over seven years ago following concerns that region's economic, social and environmental well-being. It covers an area of 23,829 respiratory health in the Westbury area was far worse than the 'norm'. It is a campaigning square kilometres and represents a population of almost five million. Full Assembly group opposing proposals by Lafarge Cement in Westbury to burn toxic solvents, tyres and Meetings are usually held in Devon County Hall, Exeter, and are open to the public other hazardous wastes in their cement kilns Rural Arts Wiltshire (RAW) Business Link This is a rural touring scheme that helps bring village and rural communities together Business Link is the brand under which the Small Business Service ( branch of the Department to organise and enjoy professional arts on their own doorsteps. Some of the UK's finest of Trade and Industry) provides services to small and medium-sized businesses in England artists, including musicians, dancers, actors and puppeteers perform in West Wiltshire as part of Rural Arts Wiltshire. Chamber of Commerce A local association of business people whose purpose is to promote commercial and industrial Skills for Business interests in the community The Skills for Business network comprises the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) and employer-led Sector Skills Councils (SSCs). The SSDA funds, supports and champions the new UK-wide network of influential SSCs

Community First Town Centre Viability Group Community First is the rural Community Council for Wiltshire and is a charitable organisation. A working group of representatives from Westbury Town Council and community It works at the forefront of community development to help improve the quality of life and partners aiming to rejuvenate and improve the town centre economic well being of people and local communities throughout Wiltshire and Swindon. Community First work in close partnership with local grass roots communities, voluntary Transitions pilot organisations, statutory agencies and funders to help develop and deliver wide ranging A pilot Theatre in Education project looking at racially motivated bullying, victimisation community programmes that bring social, economic and environmental benefits to local and tolerance in St Lawrence School, Bradford on Avon. If successful it may be offered people in Wiltshire and Swindon to other schools Connexions Travelwise Scheme Connexions is a new service in Wiltshire and Swindon that aims to help young people, between TravelWise is a national campaign promoted by more than 120 local authorities the ages of 13 and 19, make the most of their talents and opportunities and to support them including Wiltshire. The aim of TravelWise is to raise awareness of the problems of car through the many choices they have to make. Key to the service is partnership with a whole dependency and to promote more sustainable travel such as public transport, cycling range of other agencies working with young people and walking English Heritage English Heritage is responsible for making sure that the historic environment of England is U3A (University of the Third Age) properly maintained and cared for. They aim to help people understand and appreciate why U3A groups around the United Kingdom are members of the Third Age Trust. Its main the historic buildings and landscapes around them matter purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those no longer in full time gainful employment Environment Agency This is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England Village Retail Services Association and Wales. It works with businesses and other organisations to prevent damage to the ViRSA is a charity working with villages throughout England helping them save their environment by providing education and guidance. Where necessary it can enforce regulations shops. ViRSA's work is motivated by the fact that a community is worse off without through prosecutions a retail outlet. It believes this has a profound effect on those who are constrained by lack of transport - the elderly, young parents, teenagers and the financially deprived Five Towns Initiative (5TI) A partnership between West Wiltshire District Council and the Five West Wiltshire Town Westbury Credit Union Councils, Action Groups and Chambers of Commerce. It began in 1997 when West Wiltshire Westbury Credit union is a financial co-operative offering members an easy and District Council and the partners appointed URBED (Urban and Economic Development Group) convenient place to save and access to low cost loans when required. Members are and Donaldsons Chartered Surveyors to prepare a report on the health and regeneration encouraged to make regular contributions into savings accounts which create a central potential of the five town centres in West Wiltshire. From this report, short, medium and pool of funds. This is used to provide loans back to the membership at very favourable longer term projects were identified by the partners and these formed the basis of a 3 year rates Action Plan for each town Westbury and District Community Development Trust Free2learn Development Trusts are community-led enterprise organisations, working in towns, Launched in September 2002 with a budget of £6.19 million. A further £8.2 million bid for cities and rural areas across the UK, combining community-led action with business work force training to August 2004. They aim: expertise. Distinctively, Development Trusts seek to move beyond provision of welfare • to engage employers in training their employees services, by setting up enterprises (social businesses) which encourage self-help and • to build the skills base of those requiring training at Level 2 reduce dependency. • to support personal capability development of employees through basic skills training West Wilts Economic Partnership An umbrella body for the co-ordination of economic development and business support Government Office for the South West in West Wiltshire Government Office for the South West works with regional partners and local people to help deliver the Government’s central aims in the region - to achieve high and stable levels of West Wiltshire Local Strategic Partnership growth and employment, and build an inclusive and prosperous society that can develop in A partnership of organisations from the public, private and voluntary sector working a sustainable way together to improve the quality of life for the people of West Wiltshire. The strategy is entitled, “West Wiltshire, A Place to be Proud of” Investors in People Investors in People is the national Standard which sets out a level of good practice for training Wildlife Trust and development of people to achieve business goals. The Standard provides a national Wiltshire Wildlife Trust manages 37 Nature Reserves and promotes a sustainable future framework for improving business performance and competitiveness, through a planned for wildlife and people approach to setting and communicating business objectives and developing people to meet these objectives Wiltshire Strategic Board A partnership of organisations from the public, private and voluntary sector working Learn Direct together to improve the quality of life for the people of Wiltshire. This group has Learn Direct has been developed by Ufi (University for industry) with a remit from government to provide high quality post-16 learning which: produced a strategy for Wiltshire called “A County fit for our Children” • Reaches those with few or no skills and qualifications who are unlikely to participate in traditional forms of learning; • Equips people with the skills they need for employability, thereby strengthening the skills of the workforce and increasing productivity; • Is delivered innovatively through the use of new technologies

39 Westbury Area Community Plan