PLANS are moving ahead in Marlborough to give more support to groups that help the elderly stay active and healthy.

The Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group is now hoping to take a leaf out of the books of other Wiltshire towns that have successfully held wellbeing days and opened Mens’ Sheds.

It is now expected that Marlborough will have its own health and wellbeing day next summer and it will be modelled on successful ones that have twice been held in Devizes to showcase what activities and help are on offer.

Marlborough Area Board heard last week from health and wellbeing group chairman Jill Turner that it was on track to appoint a an older person and carers’ champion.

She told the meeting: “The group met on July 15 and the job description for the appointment of a champion was confirmed and a funding application to the Marlborough Area Board was agreed.

“Initial planning for a health and wellbeing event in the summer of 2020 commenced and account taken of the recent similar event in Devizes.

“We also gave consideration to a proposal to set up a Mens Shed project similar to one in Royal Wootton Basset.”

The group also wants to be part of a county-wide website which would act as wellbeing platform and information hub for all aspects of health and wellbeing.

There was also a chance before the start of the meeting for members of the public to find out more information about the Marlborough Area Neighbourhood Plan.

The steering group has been consulting people in the town and surrounding villages for a number of weeks on their views over issues such as affordable housing.

It has also produced an on-line survey which will be available to fill in on-line at http://www.manp.co.uk/default.aspx until the end of tomorrow. (2)

A number of grants have also been approved by the area board. These include a grant of £2,500 for the youth organisation Thriving Through Venture towards its community based projects with skills training for secondary school students.

Marlborough History Society received £2,500.00 towards its English Civil War Re-enactment Weekend and Marlborough St Marys primary Marys also received £2,500 towards its playground project.