As per the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, Broad Town Parish Council has made its Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year 2020-21 available for inspection by any interested person, together with all accounting records; books; deeds; contracts; bills; vouchers; receipts and other documents relating to these records.
If you have any issues to raise or wish to see the full accounts, please contact the Parish Clerk on . In accordance with the guidelines, the full accounts are available to view between 1st July 2021 and the 19th August 2021.
The full Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) documents and internal audit reports can be found here under the financial year 2020-21.
Broad Town Parish Council qualifies for an exemption from an external audit, due to it having income/expenditure below £25,000 in 2020-21. The completed and signed Certificate of Exemption for 2020-21 can be found here.
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/3-tc_5lrorm-scaled-e1593418162377.jpg16961408Clerkhttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngClerk2021-06-15 09:07:292021-06-15 09:08:36Broad Town Parish Council - Inspection of Accounts 2020-2021
Broad Town Parish Council has a vacancy for a Parish Clerk. The role is part time with an average of 5 hours per week. (which will fluctuate in line with workload). Remuneration is subject to skill level and experience.
This position is home based and the candidate will require access to a room/desk space, file storage space and a broadband/phone connection. The post-holder will be provided with a laptop and scanner printer exclusively for Parish Council use. This will remain the property of the Parish Council though you will be expected to insure it in your home. The Parish Council will reimburse any additional insurance costs for this equipment.
The successful applicant will be flexible in their approach to the work and be capable of minute taking and correspondence. A working knowledge of Parish Council procedures and/or public administration is desirable but not essential as training is available. Good literacy and IT skills are essential as are the qualities of integrity and impartiality.
The Clerk is also the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) and responsible for managing the Council finances and accountancy, preparing meeting agendas and supporting papers, attending and providing advice at meetings, taking minutes and overseeing the completion of actions arising. The Parish Council meet each month in the evenings on the second Monday of the month currently online via Zoom but usually in the Village Hall at Broad Town. For more information about Broad Town and the Parish Council, including past minutes, community posting, village information etc., visit the parish council website at: https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk
The salary for the post is in accordance with the current National Joint Salary Scale LC1, salary points 7 to 12, and is calculated pro rata for 5 hours (subject to on-going review), with reference to the standard working week for local government staff of 37 hours.
For further information please contact the Chairman, Councillor Mr Rupert Pearce at Please apply with a personal statement and CV via email to the Chairman, Councillor Mr Rupert Pearce. The Closing Date for applications is: 31st May 2021. Shortlisted candidates will be required attend a initial online interview via Zoom.
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.png69534Clerkhttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngClerk2021-03-12 09:42:152021-05-26 12:34:45Vacancy for Broad Town Parish Clerk
Applications to the Good Energy Community Fund are invited.
The deadline for fund applications is Monday 22nd February 2021.
Applications are welcomed from all community groups in Broad Town and the local area. The fund is also currently open to any groups with funding needs related to the current COVID-19 situation.
Details of how to apply for the fund and a downloadable application form can be found here and here.
Please contact the Parish Clerk if you would like more information about applying to the fund.
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/good-energy.png26662670Clerkhttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngClerk2021-01-14 08:39:342021-01-14 08:42:17Good Energy Community Fund Grants - February Applications
The census is coming. By taking part, you can help to inform decisions on services that shape your community, such as schools, doctors’ surgeries and bike lanes.
It’s important you fill in your census questionnaire because the information you share affects the life of every single person living in England and Wales.
Because these things matter to us all, everyone needs to complete the census. Do not worry, your information is protected by law. That means government officials dealing with payments or services you receive cannot see it.
Census Day is Sunday 21 March. You can fill yours in online as soon as you get your access code in the post. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let The Office for National Statistics (ONS) know.
If you need help, you can visit www.census.gov.uk where there’s a wide range of support services available.
Land South of Broad Town Primary School, Broad Town Road, Broad Town, SN4 7RE
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
Residential development of up to 10 entry-level affordable dwellings, with associated access roads and car parking, a community car park, a publicly accessible village green, landscaping, drainage and other associated infrastructure.
INSPECTORATE REFERENCE:
APP/Y3940/W/20/3249284
APPEAL START DATE:
11 November 2020
The Parish Council has been notified that appeal has been made to the Planning Inspectorate in respect of the above site.
Any comments interested parties may have already made following the original application will be forwarded to the Inspectorate (unless they are expressly confidential) but you may withdraw, modify or amplify them now if you wish. All comments received will be copied to the appellant and will be taken into account by the Inspector in deciding the appeal.
The Planning Inspectorate have introduced an online appeals service which you can use to comment on this appeal. You can find the service through the Appeals area of the Planning Portal – see https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can send your comments to or Planning Inspectorate, Room 3c, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN, quoting the Inspectorate reference. Comments should be received by 16 December 2020.
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/download-1.jpg217366Clerkhttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngClerk2020-11-20 07:48:542020-11-20 07:48:54Notification of planning appeal hearing - Land South of Broad Town Primary School, Broad Town Road, Broad Town- 19/03874/OUT
The census is taking place in March 2021.
It’s a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. It helps plan and fund public services, like transport, education and healthcare.
By taking part and encouraging others to do the same, you’ll help make sure you and your community get the services you need.
Nearer the time, you’ll receive more information. There’ll be plenty of help to take part for people who need it.
Find out more at www.census.gov.uk
Follow the census
@Census2021
The council will be publishing Covid-19 case statistics for Wiltshire every week through its channels. This week’s statistics (as at 22 October) are attached to this newsletter.
Also attached are some new assets to support the promotion of key COVID-19 preventative health messages across our communities. These are additional materials to the COVID-19 Tool Kit and resources sent to previously.
COVID-19 Poster to encourage people to play their part to prevent the introduction of increased restrictions in Wiltshire (3 versions: banner, twitter and Facebook)
Medium Local COVID Alert Level Poster
COVID-19 Poster (including Arabic and Polish translated versions)
COVID-19 Business and Employees Tool Kit
COVID-19 Self-isolation guidance poster
COVID-19 Car share poster
All the latest guidance and advice published by Government can also be sent directly to you by clicking the following link: GOV.UK COVID-19 updates.
If there are any additional resources or formats you think would be beneficial for your communities please do get in contact with our Communications Team .
Thank you for all your help to get these key preventative health messages out.
COVID-19 Schools update
Precautionary COVID-19 measures taken at schools in Wiltshire
Following advice from public health professionals, 25 education settings, including independent and boarding schools in Wiltshire are currently taking precautionary COVID-19 measures due to positive cases being confirmed in their settings. This information is correct as at 9.00am on 23 October.
Whilst the number of positive cases are very low in each setting, a total of 1,610 pupils are currently being asked to self-isolate to ensure any risk of transmission is kept as low as possible. The self-isolation of the pupils is very precautionary to minimise any risk to others and to reduce onward transmission of the virus.
All schools are working closely with the Public Health team at Wiltshire Council to ensure all the necessary measures are in place.
Business update
The Chancellor has announced the following increased support for businesses:
Job Support Scheme
The original scheme, starting on 1 November 2020, saw employers paying a third of their employees’ wages for hours not worked and required employees to be working 33% of their normal hours. Yesterday’s announcement means the employer contribution to those unworked hours has been reduced to 5% and the minimum hours requirements reduced to 20%, so those working just one day a week will be eligible.
Employers will continue to receive the £1,000 Job Retention Bonus for each employee retained until February 2021.
The Job Support Scheme Closed which supports those businesses legally required to close remains unchanged.
More information can be found in the Job Support Scheme Open Factsheet
The amounts of profit covered by the two forthcoming self-employed grants has been increased from 20% to 40%, meaning the maximum grant will increase from £1,875 to £3,750. The first grant will cover a three-month period from the start of November 2020 until the end of January 2021. The second grant will cover a three-month period from the start of February until the end of April 2021.
Business Grants
Cash grants of up to £2,100 per month will be available, primarily for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sector that may be adversely impacted by the restrictions in high-alert areas. Businesses in Very High alert level areas may qualify for up to £3,000 per month.
The council has produced a COVID-19 Business and Employee Tool Kit to help provide useful advice and guidance to support. Within it you’ll find a range of resources including symptoms step-by-step guides, advice on car sharing, guidance on staying safe outside of work, and a lot more.
The Valuation Office Agency is contacting businesses to request rental information to support the next revaluation of business rates in England and Wales – Revaluation 2023. Once businesses receive a letter they can go online to submit up-to-date details. It is important to provide this information to ensure business rates are accurate.
Leaving the EU
The government is urging businesses to step up preparations for leaving the EU on Australian-style terms based on simple principles of global free trade from 1 January 2021.
Businesses need to take the following actions:
If you sell goods to the EU you must prepare for new customs procedures. Visit GOV.UK to check duties and customs procedures for exporting your goods worldwide from 1 January 2021
If you travel to the EU for work purposes you will need to check if you need a visa or work permit and apply if necessary
If you employ overseas nationals, you will need to prepare your business for the implementation of the new immigration system. From 1 January 2021, if you want to hire anyone from outside the UK, including the EU, you must be a Home Office licenced sponsor
If your business receives personal data from contacts in the EEA, you may need to take extra steps to ensure that the data can continue to flow legally at the end of the transition period
If you provide services in the EU, you must ensure that your qualifications are now recognised by EU regulations to be able to practice or service clients in the EU
You can get a personalised summary of the actions you need to take by using a simple tool on gov.uk/transition (https://www.gov.uk/transition).
Self-isolation £500 payment for people on low income who cannot work from home
A £500 payment is available for people who have to self-isolate, on a low income and will lose money because they cannot work from home.
If they are self-isolating because they’ve come home from another country this does not mean they are eligible, they must have a unique Test and Trace number provided by the NHS to qualify.
To be eligible a person must:
· have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace after Monday, 28 September 2020 and have a unique Test and Trace number provided by the NHS
· are employed or self-employed
· have lost income by being unable to work from home while self-isolating
They must also be receiving at least one of the following benefits:
· Universal Credit
· Pension Credit
· Housing Benefit
· Income Support
· income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
· income-based Employment Support Allowance
· Working Tax Credit
The council is in the process of finalising a system to allow people to claim for this payment as quickly and easily as possible, and this will be live next week. People who are eligible for this payment will be able to make a backdated claim to 28 September 2020.
More information on how to apply locally will be available on the council’s council tax and benefits pages next week. In the meantime, more information can also be found on the government website.
Other matters:
Halloween 2020
The council is encouraging families to have a fun but safe Halloween this year.
Wiltshire is currently the Medium tier of the government’s local COVID alert levels, but with cases rising locally, the council is asking people to avoid trick or treating, not hold gatherings for more than six people, and instead take part in fun Halloween household activities.
Wiltshire Council has produced a Halloween themed information pack with some useful advice and guidance and some fun activities for youngsters. It can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus.
Wiltshire Libraries have a series of online Halloween themed activities. They are running a Facebook Halloween quiz to test people’s knowledge of all things spooky. The quiz will be published at 7pm on Thursday 29 October, with answers published 24 hours later.
People Friendly Salisbury, the scheme that will see pedestrians and cyclists prioritised in several city centre streets as a result of restricting through traffic movements, started on Wednesday 21 October.
The project will reduce through traffic in the city centre, improving air quality and prioritising pedestrians and cyclists, in turn encouraging an increase in the number of visitors and shoppers in the city.
The scheme creates a Low Traffic Zone (LTZ) in the city, with only some vehicles allowed to access the LTZ with a free permit.
Emergency vehicles, buses and coaches, taxis and bicycles will not require a permit to access the LTZ, but residents and commercial vehicles that are loading and unloading, plus Blue Badge holders, will need to apply for a free permit to access the LTZ. Vehicles over 7.5t are not able to access the LTZ between 10am and 4pm, and outside of these times they will also need a free permit.
The project, which is scheduled to last for 18 months as a trial, is subject to an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), a legal document that allows the council to collect feedback and make changes to the scheme as appropriate. At the end of the ETRO period, the council will take into account the feedback received throughout the life of the ETRO and make a decision on whether to make any of the changes permanent, or to revert the streets back to the way they were.
The project will be fully monitored, with 47 sensors providing anonymous data on vehicle and pedestrian movements within the LTZ, on the A36 and at other key points in the city.
To help make people aware of the scheme, the council has sent letters to every residence and business in the LTZ, and has also sent letters to around 1,500 Blue Badge holders in the south of the county.
Following extensive refurbishment work, Calne Leisure Centre, now to be known as Calne Community Campus, is set to open on Tuesday 3 November 2020 – with the new facility delivering fresh, modern and safe facilities for the Calne community area.
The council has invested more than £3m into the project, which will help ensure the centre is sustainable and available for use by the community for the long-term. The reopening of the refurbished Leisure Centre completes the overall community campus project, which also included the work to the Community Hub and Beversbrook sports facility.
Some of the features the community can look forward to are:
Fitness suite twice the size of the previous suite with state-of-the-art equipment.
Refurbished dry changing rooms with an accessible changing room – interim COVID-19 measures will be in place
Sports hall re-decorated with a new sprung floor installed and a new system for temperature controlled ventilation.
Fitness Studio re-decorated with improved access, refurbished floor and a new sound system
Swimming pool hall redecorated with new floor surround and pool cover
New swimming village change area including personal care room, 23 separate cubicles, family cubicles, individual showers and new entrance to poolside.
Refreshed entrance area including automatic and assessible doors
First floor refurbished throughout, with new toilets, including an accessible toilet, new furniture and a movable wall for flexible use of space for functions and meetings.
The campus will open with full COVID-19 safety measures in place, so people can feel as safe as possible whilst visiting. The same safety measures have seen the council successfully reopen many of its leisure facilities up and down the county to positive feedback from customers during the current pandemic. More information about leisure services and measures during COVID-19 can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-covid19.
All enquiries relating to the new facility can be sent to .
Partners join forces to step up awareness of child exploitation on public transport
A new drive to help people know how to spot the signs of a child in danger, and who to contact if they are concerned, is being launched across Wiltshire.
The message – child exploitation we need your help to stop it – will be shared widely encouraging taxi drivers, train and bus staff as well as the general public to look out for the signs and help protect young people.
The initiative comes to help track down cases where young people are victims of child sexual exploitation or child criminal exploitation and encourage the public to raise the alarm if they have concerns.
People are being encouraged to look out for children and young people who are:
Travelling during the school day or during unusual hours, such as late in the evening
With an older individual who appears controlling
A victim of physical assault or unexplained injuries
Receiving lots of texts, phones or video calls
Looking withdrawn or distressed in the company of adults
In a vulnerable state due to drink or drugs, accompanied by older individuals
Possibly from another area, look lost or have a distinct accent
Collected and taken to hotels, parties, B&Bs or other gatherings
With an adult expressing sexualised behaviour to them
Dropped off at any location that causes concern
Having their fares paid by adults who are not in the taxi
Guidance:
If you’re worried – make a note of what you see and hear then call 101
For immediate danger dial 999
If you think a child is at risk of significant harm for Wiltshire call MASH on 0300 456 0108 8:45pm – 5pm and until 4pm on Friday and out of hours 0300 456 0100
For Swindon call 01793466903 8.45am-5pm, Monday-Thursday and 8.45am-4pm Friday; out of hours 01793 436699 or email
For non-emergency response or advice contact Crimestoppers 0800 55511 or crimestoppers-uk.org
£75 million funding agreement with Homes England given seal of approval
Cabinet has agreed to sign the Grant Determination Agreement with Homes England, the government’s housing agency, subject to conditions, to secure £75 million of Housing Infrastructure Funding.
This decision, made on 13 October 2020, ensures funding is available to contribute towards the cost of delivering the strategic infrastructure in and around Chippenham to support the potential longer-term growth of the area.
The infrastructure improvements include the creation of a new relief road to the east and south of Chippenham, linking the A350 at the northern and southern ends of the town, as well as specific improvement to J17 on the M4.
The HIF bid identified the opportunity to provide 7,500 homes at Chippenham. The level of growth at the town to 2036 including where new homes could be allocated is being considered through the separate Wiltshire Local Plan review process. Any new housing allocations will be examined by an independent Inspector. Consultation on the Local Plan will be carried out early in the new year.
Work to make trees safe will close A4 at Derry Hill for 11 days
The A4 at Derry Hill, near Calne, will be closed for 11 days (including the weekend) from Thursday 22 October as the Bowood Estate and Wiltshire Council carry out urgent works to remove around 400 ash trees that are dying of ash dieback disease, as well as other trees that are causing a material risk to the highway.
Ash dieback is a fungus that, in time, kills ash trees, and leads to large, dead branches throughout the crown of the tree, which can fall at any time, with a real risk of causing injury or death to people, particularly in high winds.
The work at Derry Hill, between the junction of the A342 and the village of Studley, is being undertaken by Bowood Estate, with Wiltshire Council supporting through traffic management. Anyone wishing to access the villages of Derry Hill, Studley or Bowood will still to be able to do so throughout the works.
As three separate sets of roadworks are taking place around Calne at the same time, the Traffic Management Plan that applies to Hills’ sites at Lower Compton and Sands Farm will be temporarily suspended. During this time vehicles, associated with Hills’ business activities will have to follow the diversion routes and travel through the centre of Calne on the A4. The Traffic Management Plan will come back into force as soon as the roadworks are completed and diversions have been removed.
More volunteers needed for popular scheme which provides support for children in care
A popular scheme which links independent adult volunteers with young people in care is looking for more people to join its committed team so it can expand its good work.
An Independent Visitor (IV) offers regular long-term support and friendship to a young person living in foster or residential care. Every local authority has a duty to provide this service for its young people.
The scheme aims to link up children and young people in foster or residential care with volunteer adults who are independent from the care system. Young people have to be keen to take up the offer of an IV, and if they want to take part in the scheme they are linked up with their own unique person who will befriend, visit and support them while they are in care.
In Wiltshire 57 young people are already linked up with visitors. However due to the schemes ongoing popularity with young people there are plans to expand the scheme further over the coming years. The scheme is keen to hear from anyone aged over 18 who is interested in this role, particularly male volunteers and those able to travel to visit young people living outside Wiltshire borders.
Volunteers are all offered regular training and ongoing support in their role and once appointed become a member of the volunteer team.
If you are interested in knowing more about becoming an Independent Visitor please contact or call 07733 303124.
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/eaggqoiddmg-scaled.jpg14402560Clerkhttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngClerk2020-10-26 09:56:282020-10-26 09:56:43WILTSHIRE COUNCIL UPDATE – Friday 23 October on behalf of Cllr Whitehead
A representative from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has been in touch with the parish council to explain how they can help communities become more resilient in the event of a prolonged power cut.
They talked through their Priority Services Register that residents who may need extra support during a power cut can sign up to. Those eligible to join the Priority services are:
Those dependent on electricity for medical home care e.g. Kidney dialysis machine/ventilator
Those who have a chronic illness or short-term medical condition e.g. recovering from a major operation
Those who are disabled
Those who have special communication needs e.g. blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing
Those who have children under five years old
Those who are over 60 years old
To register with the priority service, you can call FREE on 0800 294 3259 from a landline or mobile. Or 0800 316 5457 from a textphone. Or use the website https://www.ssen.co.uk/Home/
If you would like a Priority Services leaflet, please contact Broad Town parish council on:
Please find below the latest update regarding COVID-19 and other council matters.
Stay up to date with GOV-UK COVID-19 guidance and advice
All the latest guidance and advice published by government can be sent directly to you by clicking the following link: GOV.UK COVID-19 updates.
Wiltshire Council COVID-19 public health resource tool kit
A tool kit with a range of resources to use in the community was sent to town and parish councils last week. We’d welcome any feedback or suggestions for additional assets/formats that may be helpful. Please email .
Schools update
Precautionary COVID-19 measures taken at schools in Wiltshire
Following advice from public health professionals, 12 state and 2 independent schools in Wiltshire are currently taking precautionary COVID-19 measures due to positive cases being confirmed in their settings. This information is correct as at 12pm on 9 October.
Whilst the number of positive cases are very low in each setting, a total of 635 pupils are currently being asked to self-isolate to ensure any risk of transmission is kept as low as possible. The self-isolation of the pupils is very precautionary to minimise any risk to others and to reduce onward transmission of the virus.
The schools are working closely with the Public Health team at Wiltshire Council to ensure high standards of hygiene and social distancing are maintained and all the necessary measures are in place.
All school pupils currently self-isolating are continuing their learning at home during this time.
COVID-19 Business update
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Claims for the second taxable grant, worth 70% of a self-employed person’s average monthly trading profits, must be submitted on or before 19 October 2020. Eligible applicants will receive a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, capped at £6,570 in total. People can claim for the second grant even if they did not make a claim for the first grant.
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020 for a period of six months. Two grants will be paid in lump sum instalments, each covering a three-month period. The first will cover the period from the start of November until the end of January and the second will start in February until the end of April 2021. Full details on how to claim will be available soon.
The Job Retention Bonus is a scheme which provides employers with a £1,000 one-off taxable payment for each eligible employee that was furloughed and kept continuously employed until 31 January 2021.
Employers can now check whether they are eligible to claim the Job Retention Bonus and what they need to do to claim it.
Claims for the bonus can be made between 15 February and 31 March 2021.
The Skills Toolkit is an online learning platform launched by the government. It gives people access to free, high-quality digital, numeracy and employability courses, to help build their skills, progress in work and boost their job prospects.
All courses on The Skills Toolkit are easy to access, meaning people can learn on their own terms, at a time and place that suits them. There’s something for everyone, no matter what their experience or background.
The Government has recently added over 60 new courses to the Skills Tool Kit including the addition of work-readiness courses – from computer essentials and practical maths to digital marketing, coding, leadership and project management. This initiative is supported by some of the country’s leading educational experts and employers including The Open University, Google, Amazon and Microsoft.
For those required to self-isolate, a £500 payment is available if they are working and on a low income and will lose money because they cannot work from home.
To receive this payment, they must:
have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace after Monday, 28 September 2020 and have a unique Test and Trace number provided by the NHS
be employed or self-employed
have lost income by being unable to work from home while self-isolating
and be receiving at least one of the following benefits:
Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Housing Benefit
Income Support
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
income-based Employment Support Allowance
Working Tax Credit
The council is in the process of finalising a system to allow people to claim for this payment as quickly and easily as possible, this will be live next week. People who are eligible for this payment will be able to make a backdated claim to 28 September 2020.
More information on how to apply locally will be available on the website’s council tax and benefits pages next week. In the meantime, more information can also be found on the government website.
Leisure services update
More than 21,000 people have visited Marlborough and Tidworth leisure centres; Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre, Salisbury; Springfield Community Campus, Corsham; The Vale Community Campus, Pewsey; and The Nadder Centre, Tisbury since they reopened.
Durrington Swimming and Fitness Centre will reopen on 19 October with people soon able to book to use services there including swimming and swimming lessons.
Calne Leisure Centre is on track to reopen later this autumn following its extensive improvements.
Fitness facilities, group exercise classes and swimming pools were the first activities introduced and now racket sports and some block bookings for community groups are being provided in some centres, with plans being developed to enable even more to return over the coming weeks. Swimming lessons for most children have also now resumed.
Safety for staff and customers has been at the forefront at all the centres, with COVID-19 measures in place and being respected by those who attend. Feedback from customers has been generally positive and the new measures have made people feel safe as they look to improve their fitness after a challenging 2020 so far. The council is constantly reviewing the safety measures and will make any changes as required.
For up to date information on what’s available, what’s changed and how to access activities people should visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-covid19.
New Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub
The council is launching a new Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub which will assist people who want to improve their health and mental wellbeing.
The Health Improvement Hub will be a single point of access for referrals to the Health Improvement Coaches, Healthy Me (child and family weight management service), and the council’s new group adult weight management programme, Healthy Us, due to launch January 2021.
The Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub will utilise Health Improvement Coaches who can support people to make practical changes to improve their health and mental wellbeing through one-to-one support. This service will be available to over 18s and is free, with the Health Improvement Coaches providing six one-hour sessions, which are carried out by telephone or virtually. When safe to do so they will be offered as face-to-face sessions.
The new service builds on the success of the current Health Trainer Service which has been running since 2014, and has supported 5,000 people in Wiltshire to lose weight and eat a healthy diet, increase physical activity, reduce alcohol intake, stop smoking and improve emotional wellbeing.
More information about the Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub can be found on our website at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-trainers. Alternatively people can email or call 0300 003 4566 – option 1.
World Mental Health Day 2020
This year’s World Mental Health Day, takes place tomorrow, Saturday 10 October and the council is working with partners to remind people of how they can take steps to improve their wellbeing.
As well as the launch of the Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub highlighted above, the council is supporting Public Health England and the NHS’ Every Mind Matters programme which has been endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RGCP). Every Mind Matters offers a range of resources that help spot the signs of common mental health concerns, offers practical self-care tips and guidance and, importantly, explains when to seek further support. It also has a free NHS-approved online tool the Every Mind Matters Your Mind Plan.
As half term approaches, Every Mind Matters also has a range of information to support children and young people and their parents/carers to talk about mental health and the current situation and how to navigate the COVID-19 situation.
The page includes five evidence-based steps people can take to improve their mental wellbeing:
Keep connected. We all benefit from good relationships – do you know someone who would like a chat over the phone?
Be active, look after your physical health – people can explore a variety of ways to exercise and try new things by looking at the active communities page on our Active Communities page on our website https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-active-communities
Take notice and appreciate what you have. Take time to look around you, what do you hear and see? Take a moment to relax and enjoy the autumnal colours.
Keep learning. Make time for hobbies and interests
Get involved in your community. Give to others. A smile goes a long way!
There are also a number of additional resources listed on the CCG website, that can help a person in need.
GPs can also signpost people to local support services, while also sharing their own insight, knowledge and experience.
Remembrance Day 2020
Many of you have made contact asking for information about holding safe and lawful local Remembrance events this November. We understand that government is working on providing specific guidance on Remembrance events with the Royal British Legion which will be published in due course.
An officer from the council’s Public Health team will be providing a brief to those attending the Town and Parish Council Community Update Meeting on Tuesday 13 October (1-2pm). The LGA has also created a dedicated LGA web page that brings together useful resources which we hope will help your teams in planning any local activity.
The NHS COVID-19 app will launch in England on Thursday 24 September.
In the run-up to the launch, the council is engaging with businesses and venues across the county to provide guidance for those required by law to print and display posters to help users of the app check in and record their presence.
The posters, which display a unique QR code for each setting, can be scanned by the app, which then saves information that can be used to help contact tracers in the event of an outbreak.
Settings that are currently required to keep records of visitors for contact tracing purposes must still maintain their own register to collect the contact details of those who have not, or could not, install the app.
Venues include facilities provided by local authorities and town and parish councils, including town and village halls, leisure centres, libraries, community and children’s centres.
Please do encourage businesses in your local area to download and display QR code posters to ensure they comply with this latest legislation. We’ll be sending out more information about how you can help encourage residents to download the app in the next couple of days so please keep an eye out for that.
Precautionary COVID-19 measures taken at ten schools
The following schools are taking precautionary measures with the advice and support of public health officials after one pupil at each school tested positive for COVID-19.
St Augustines
160 Year 9 pupils have been self-isolating but returned to school yesterday.
Kingsbury Green Academy
The pupil is in Year 12 and is self-isolating with Year 12 and 13 pupils, 110 in total, and three members of staff for 14 days until 30 September.
Bulford St Leonard’s School
The pupil is in Year 5 and is self-isolating with year 5 pupils, 35 in total, for 14 days until 26 September. Three teaching staff will also self-isolate.
The Springfields Academy
The pupil, who is in a year group bubble of Years 6 – 8 is self-isolating along with the other 11 pupils in the bubble for 14 days until 29 September.
St Margaret’s Preparatory School
The pupil is in Year 3 and is self-isolating along with Year 3 pupils, 27 in total and three staff, for 14 days until Monday 28 September.
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy
The pupil is in Year 9, and is self-isolating with all Year 9 pupils, 284 in total for 14 days until 25 September.
Avon Valley College
The pupil is in Year 10, and is self -isolating along with Year 10 pupils, 65 in total, until 21 September. One member of staff is also self-isolating.
Trinity School
The pupil was in year 4 , and is self-isolating along with year 4 pupils, 28 in total and 2 members of staff
Southbroom Junior
Two pupils in year 6 are isolating. No children sent home as the positive cases had not attended school during their infectious period
Southbroom Nursery
One positive case with 19 children now self isolating.
Statement on Bridgestone British Masters motocross event
A decision has been made that the Bridgestone British Masters Battlecross motocross event in Winterbourne Gunner will not take place this year.
The event wasn’t requested to be cancelled, but assurances were not met that adequate plans were in place for the event to take place while keeping everyone in attendance as safe as possible. Such plans are standard practice for any large-scale event.
Following conversations with colleagues at Wiltshire Council, Public Health, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Wiltshire Police, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the event organisers the decision has been made that now is not the right time for the event to take place. The health and wellbeing of our communities is our top priority and a gathering of this nature has the potential to undo some of the great work many people have done in following COVID-19 guidance and keeping each other as safe as possible.
The organisers already have plans for the event to take place in 2021.
As we continue to see outbreaks of Coronavirus across the country we want to do what we can to ensure Wiltshire doesn’t end up with a significant increase in cases.
Any events or gatherings of more than six people, other than those which are exempt, risk increasing the number of infections in the county.
In response to the current situation, Wiltshire Council is strongly recommending local businesses and event organisers postpone or cancel events that are planned to take place in the county during September and October.
If you do become aware of events taking place in your local area, please could we ask for your support in sharing this message to help ensure that together Wiltshire helps reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and continues to keep rates low.
MyWilts launch
The council will be launching its new online reporting system, MyWilts, this week.
The new system replaces the previous MyWiltshire, which was introduced in 2013. MyWilts allows people to report issues such as:
Abandoned vehicles
Fraud
Weather emergencies
Fly Tipping
Dog mess
Graffiti
Over time the council will be adding more services to the app and website, making it simpler, quicker and easier for residents to access council services digitally, when they choose to.
The new MyWilts will be available shortly via internet browser, App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Android).
To show you the new system in advance, watch the following five-minute video which provides an overview of the system features.
Wiltshire Council receives government support to help fund vital work with rough sleepers
Wiltshire Council has received more than £47,000 from the government to continue to help rough sleepers.
The pledge is part of £91.5m allocated to 274 local authorities by the government to help support vulnerable people housed during the pandemic.
The funding will be spent on a range of measures that will continue the council’s work with rough sleepers throughout Wiltshire to provide support and accommodation, and ultimately reduce rough sleeping in the county.
The council is committed to helping rough sleepers in Wiltshire, and has a dedicated outreach team that is working hard to connect with people on the streets and find them suitable accommodation.
If anyone sees a rough sleeper in Wiltshire, please report it on StreetLink or via the StreetLink app; this will direct our teams to help people who need it.
Homeowners and landlords can now access funding to pay for the cost of energy saving measures under the new Green Homes Grant scheme and businesses are being encouraged to register their services.
The scheme means homeowners can obtain up to two-thirds of the cost of energy saving measures – up to £5000. Lower-income households could be entitled to claim as much as £10,000 to cover the cost.
Home improvements covered by the scheme include insulation of walls, floors and roofs, installation of double or triple glazing to replace single glazing and low-carbon heating. These measures could help families save up to £600 a year on their energy bills.
The scheme supports the council’s Climate Strategy and helps us prepare for the future by protecting the environment and saving money for homeowners through long-term energy savings
Thirty-six year record falls to Wiltshire Council-funded athlete
A Wiltshire Council-funded local athlete is celebrating recent success following the resumption of the 2020 athletics season.
Lucy-Jane Matthews, aged 17 from Salisbury, broke the British 100 metres hurdles record that has been held by British athletics legend Sally Gunnell since 1984. This now places Lucy-Jane joint third on the British women’s U20 all-time list and in the process, earned her an invitation to compete at the British Championships – where she promptly won herself a silver medal.
To support her on the track, Wiltshire Council has funded Lucy-Jane via the Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation, first with a Sports Scholarship grant and in the last two years with an Elite Athlete Grant.
The council is proud to have supported Lucy-Jane over a number of years. We know that the council’s Sport Scholarship and Elite Athlete grants make a huge difference providing much needed financial support to athletes as they aim for success on the world stage. The council is looking forward to seeing what Lucy-Jane can achieve in the future.
Regards,
Cllr Philip Whitehead
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/eaggqoiddmg-scaled.jpg14402560Clerkhttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngClerk2020-09-28 09:05:052020-09-28 09:05:05COVID-19 UPDATE – 22 September Wiltshire Council
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