Wiltshire Council has agreed to carry out a review of its area boards which operate in towns across the region.

Since launching in 2009, the 18 area boards in Wiltshire have met regularly in public to discuss community issues.

The council’s overview scrutiny and management committee agreed on Tuesday to review their role.

Wiltshire Cllr Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for area boards, said: “In most cases area boards are working and have made a huge contribution to our communities.

“My opinion is if it is not broke don’t fix it, but a review, to entice more involvement, is appropriate at this time.”

Area boards are playing an active part in Wiltshire Coun-cil’s campus programme which is part of a cost-cutting exercise that will see them reduce their offices from 96 to three with community campuses being built.

The committee will look at the boards’ roles, budgets, staffing and partnership agreements. Initial findings will be reported back to the committee when they meet next on November 5.