Agenda item

(Copy Herewith)

Councillor Nunn, the Leader of the Council, submitted a report and elaborated thereon. He noted progress made on Delapré Abbey, including a stakeholder event that attracted media attention. He also noted that the Council continued to tackle town centre traffic and that he had recently attended a Tourism Partners Briefing, with the view that tourism would become an important aspect of the town’s economy. The Leader, along with the Cabinet Member for Environment, had been engaging with Amey to ensure that the Environmental Services contract continued to run smoothly until its end. Also, for the peace of mind of residents, a grass cutting schedule was being sought and would be made public in due course. The Leader commented that good progress had been made with the Governance Action Plan and that regular reports were being brought to the Audit Committee, further noting that an independent person was to be sought for Chair of Audit.

In response to questions asked, the Leader stated that higher emissions were a sign of increased traffic and whilst this was unfortunate, it did mean that more customers were coming to spend money in the town centre. He did agree that there was a need for the roads to be able to cope with heavy traffic in the case of an accident or road closure. The Leader stated that weeding around the town would likely take place at the same time as grass cutting.

Councillor Larratt, the Deputy Leader, submitted a report and elaborated thereon. It was noted that following storm Doris, several lights had to be removed from South Bridge, a locally listed structure and that NCC/Balfour Beatty were not looking at repairing, or even continuing to operate them, so the matter of retention and ongoing operation would be brought to the meeting on March 7^th.  It was further noted that the new lights around All Saints Church and Fish Street were temporary and that the permanent fixtures would be in place in due course. The Deputy Leader also stated that there would be a Scrutiny training event on the 4^th April and that all councillors were invited to attend.

In response to questions asked, members heard that Market traders had previously discussed its location; they were happy with where it was but the layout warranted looking at further and officers were working on plans. It was stated that the Licensing Department had been asked to monitor the Auctioneers pub and that market traders did have the option to formally request a review of the pub’s licence. The Deputy Leader also informed members that while South Bridge was the responsibility of NCC/Balfour Beatty, the Council were looking at refurbishing it. He also stated that while he had received none so far, he welcomed invitations from any and all sports clubs regarding the Thorplands development. He noted that regarding councillor training, although attendance had been varied, the sessions had been mostly positive and that councillors were welcome to see the analysis of feedback given. Regarding the Cultural Strategy, the Deputy Leader stated that an initial discussion with officers had taken place but this was at a very early stage.

Councillor Hadland, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning, submitted a report and elaborated thereon. He stated that footfall in the town centre for the period April 2016 to January 2017 was up 1.5% compared to the same period for 2015/2016.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Hadland stated that there had been a sharp increase in the number of visitors to the town making use of the two hour free parking and in most cases people stayed for a third hour. Members were informed that the planning page on the council’s website had been down for too long, however he was assured that this would be back up and running by the end of March.

Councillor King, the Cabinet member for Community Engagement and Safety, submitted a report and elaborated thereon.  It was noted that 48 applications had been received for the Partnership Grant Application process and that a panel would be meeting in due course to consider these. Councillor King commented on the success of International Women’s day and congratulated Pat Haslem for winning the 5^th annual Inspirational Woman Award. She noted that recent events had gone well and they would all be planned for the coming year. It was also noted that Bands in the Park would be starting in April, as well as a new campaign starting on Saturday 18^th March, helping to keep people safe while on nights out. This campaign had received support from the Police & Crime Commissioner.

In response to questions asked, Councillor King informed members that applications received always outweighed the money available but that Community Engagement were always working to find more funds. She also noted that when volunteer work took place in a councillor’s ward, that councillor should be made aware and she would make sure this was the case going forward. Councillor King also noted that Belweather Homes had not formally bid for funding from the Councillor Community Fund for new play equipment at Falklands, but she would be happy to meet with them to look at the possibility of alternative funding.

Councillor Hallam, the Cabinet Member for Environment, submitted a report and elaborated thereon. He stated that following storm Doris, Amey had been extremely responsive regarding fallen trees and offered his thanks. He also stated that work was ongoing to procure an enforcement service to tackle environmental crime and that an Environmental Provider would be appointed in due course.

In response to questions asked, members heard that there was no public involvement with regard to Environmental Services and Overview and Scrutiny because it was a working group made of members, not a panel open to the public. Councillor Hallam stated that he was happy for Overview and Scrutiny to carry on how they saw fit. He further stated that a 10 year contract was being looked at because that was the average length of time the waste collection vehicles lasted before needing to be replaced. He also commented that the Air Quality Scrutiny Panel would come back to councillors with recommendations in due course.