1. Minutes for last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 15/01/08 were approved by those present.

Minutes and papers to be circulated at least a week in advance of the next meeting.

2. WAP report

An update of WAP’s progress since the last meeting.

Assets Review meeting – A meeting was held in February with representatives from NNDC, WAP, WTC and The Maltings Association, to discuss the future of assets in Wells. A steering group is being set up.

Wells Community Hospital – Looking into providing joined up community care. Tele-health systems are also being looked at. It is a way of monitoring patients in their home from hospital e.g. blood pressure.
WAP support the idea of health and wellbeing as a possible flagship project. WCH could facilitate this. Possibility of involving other area partnerships due to the hospital’s catchment area (Holt, Sheringham, West Norfolk)  and involving APHS through sport and wellbeing.

The issue of public toilets to be raised at the next meeting of the steering group

Peter to report back to WAP after meeting on 23rd April with Steven Eldridge, Beatrix Ward, Robert Jones and WAP

3. Parish Consultation and Involvement

Affordable Housing seems to be a theme across all the parishes. WAP to look into the possibilities of sharing some of the skills and expertise (e.g. legal, logo etc.) of Homes For Wells to other potential affordable housing groups in the WAP area.
WAP to allocate funding towards an initial meeting probably involving WAP, Homes for Wells, Norman Lamb, Parish Councils and people who are interested and want to get involved. WAP to allocate further funding for set up costs if needed.

Fi to ask those Parishes wanting to work closely with WAP if they wish to join WAP and propose members to the WAP board

4. Draft Action Plan

2.1 Add re-creation of starter units for businesses
Add career paths and opportunities.
Elaine to look at 4.1 and feedback
Peter to pass the action plan through the Business Forum.
Nell to put to Environment Forum .

Comments should be given to Fi by Tues 25th March.

5. Finances

Trustees to check accounts. Discussion at next meeting

6. Round Robin

Nell – Environment Forum have had their first meeting. 10 people attended and discussed ideas and the mission of the group. They would like to focus on the energy efficiency of homes in Wells and help with finding grant support, advice and workshops for home owners. Possibility of advising the other fora within WAP on how to be greener. They will launch to the public at the Parish Fair. Also the possibility of conducting a Community Carbon Audit.

Peter – Health – The hospital is continuing to draw people to the town through the clinics that are on offer. It would be beneficial for the Coast Hopper Bus to go past the hospital to improve access for patients. This should be passed through WTC and the transport group. QEH would like to increase their activity at the hospital. WCH would like the environment forum to be involved with the new build re sustainable building and green energy.
Business Forum – Scira’s wind farm presentation was well attended.

Elaine – Education – The school now have a colour newsletter printed for them. The school uniform will be changing to blazers, shirts and ties. They are trying to promote the use of the gym and pool for community use. A level 1 food hygiene course is being held at the school on 17th April.

Concern was expressed regarding a newspaper article about the school becoming an academy.

Fiona – Homes for Wells – Alex Watson is running the London Marathon in aid of Homes for Wells.

Fi to email Jon Platten to clarify status and implications for the community.

7. AOB

The Parish Fair is being held in the Maltings on 19th April from 10am to 1pm. WAP will be there along with another 40+ local organisations.

The Business Forum AGM is to be held on 1st May at the Crown Hotel.