Shrewsbury & Atcham
Borough Council

 

MINUTES OF COUNCIL

4^th December 2006

PRESENT: The Mayor (Councillor Evans)

Councillors Adams, Mrs. Allaway, Armstrong, Barker, Bebb, Mrs Brennand, Bushell, Mrs. Chebsey, Clarke, Cooke, Durnell, Farmer, Freestone, Hendry, Jetson, Mrs. Jones, Kenny, Lord, Moore, Nutting, Mrs Owen, Owen, Parkhurst, Mrs Parsons, Price, Rees, Roberts, Sambrook, Sheppard, Tandy, Thurston, Townsend, Wagner, Ms Wild, Mrs Williams and J M Williams.

Officers in attendance: Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Head of Finance, Cultural Services Manager and Democratic Services Manager

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Councillors Richey and Mrs Sandford.

MINUTES: 25^th September 2006 - confirmed

PRAYERS: Prayers were said by the Reverend Thomas.

126/06 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The following members declared their personal and/or personal and prejudicial interests in the items shown below:

Member /Minute number and matter

Councillor Adams

Minute 141/06 – Motion Received On Notice – Housing Adaptation - Personal interest as a Board member on Dial.

Councillor Armstrong

Minute 143/06 – Rowley’s House – Personal and Prejudicial interest as he knew someone who had bidded for the lease for Rowley’s House and purchase of the car park. He left the room during the consideration and voting on this item.

Councillor Clarke

Minute 140/06 – Motion Received On Notice – Capital Programme - Personal interest in relation to support for voluntary bodies and the fact that he was employed by the Citizens Advice Bureau albeit he was located at an office outside the borough in Powys.

Councillor Moore

Minute 137/06 – White Paper – Future of Local Government – Personal interest on the basis that should the Electoral Reform Society be engaged to carry out the referendum, then his employer Royal Mail would be used possibly to deliver the poll papers and certainly to return the papers.

Councillor Nutting

Minute 141/06 – Motion Received On Notice – Housing Adaptations – Personal and prejudicial interest as a member of the Board of Severnside Housing Association. He left the meeting during the consideration of, and voting on, this issue.

Councillor Sambrook

Minute 139/06 – Appointment to Outside Bodies – Personal interest in relation to the Football Liaison Committee as his son was an employee of the Football Association based at The Gay Meadow.

Councillor Tandy

Minute 137/06 – White Paper – Future of Local Government – Personal interest as a postman on the basis that should the Electoral Reform Society be engaged to carry out the referendum, then Royal Mail would be used possibly to deliver the poll papers and certainly to return the papers.

Councillor J M Williams

Minute 140/06 – Motion Received on Notice – Capital Programme – Personal interest in relation to Community and Environment Schemes as Chairman of the Railway Heritage Trust.

The Mayor

Minute 141/06 – Motion Received On Notice – Housing Adaptations – Personal and prejudicial interest as a member of the Board of Severnside Housing Association. He left the meeting during the consideration of, and voting on, this issue.

127/06 COMMUNICATIONS

The Mayor advised members that he had recently met 2 visitors from Wallerawang, Australia, at a Freeman ceremony who had taken a congratulatory letter from him about Charles Darwin to the Mayor of Lithgow City Council. This had resulted in him receiving a response back from the Mayor advising that due to their links with Darwin his Council had agreed to look into the possibility of a formal Sister Cities relationship being entered into with Shrewsbury. He had therefore asked the Leader to place the matter on the next Cabinet agenda for consideration.

He then reminded members that he would be hosting 2 coffee and mince pie mornings at Rowley’s House on Saturday, 8^th and 15^th December 2006 from 9 am to 12 noon with tickets available at £2, with the proceeds going towards his chosen charities. He also announced that a Carol Service for staff and councillors was to be held on Tuesday, 12^th December at 11.45 am in the Council Chamber. Members and staff were also invited to Rowley’s House on Thursday, 14^th December from 5 pm to 7 pm.

The Mayor then extended a warm welcome to the newly elected Councillor for the Lawley Ward, Tim Barker.

128/06 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – NEW ROAD SIGNS

Mr J Beer of Oaklands, Gains Park, Shrewsbury asked the following question:

Question:

What were the reasons for the decision of the Council not to include reference to Shrewsbury’s twin town of Zutphen on the new road signs on the entrances to Shrewsbury?

The Portfolio Holder for Destination Shrewsbury, responded as follows:

Answer:

Thank you Mr Beer for your question. When we first starting looking at new signs we received a petition and letters of support for using reference to the birthplace of Charles Darwin rather than the twinning link. As there was only enough space for one message it was decided that the link with the birthplace should be actively promoted bearing in mind the bi-centennial of Darwin in 2009. It was felt this would remind the local community of the historical link and highlight to visitors the special uniqueness of the town.

Mr Beer asked the following supplementary question:

Supplementary Question:

As the Zutphen Twinning Committee has offered to pay the cost, would it be possible in the future for the signs to be put back or is the Council not interested in the twinning link?

Supplementary Answer:

Yes, we are very interested in the twinning with Zutphen. However, it has taken us 2 year to decide what to put there. The decision was not reached lightly and it should be noted that a number of my fellow colleagues were anxious about it. So, it is not impossible that it will never be returned. One idea was to put straps underneath advertising different things. I, never say never. Please taken the message back to the Committee that this Council is completely committed to twinning.

129/06 POLITICAL BALANCE

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting, seconded by Councillor Roberts and:

RESOLVED:

That the allocation of seats to Committees be in accordance with the rules of political balance and as set out in the Annex submitted to Council.

130/06 2020 VISION

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting and seconded by Councillor Roberts that the recommendation of the Cabinet in relation to the 2020 Vision document be received and adopted.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Thurston and seconded by Councillor Farmer that the Cabinet recommendation be amended by the addition of words to include:

(a)  The provision of Affordable Rented Housing as a key objective;

(b)  Key milestone measures; and

(c)  That Cabinet be asked to set out a funding strategy to enable the objectives to be met.

On being put to the meeting the amendment was carried.

It was moved as a second amendment by Councillor J M Williams and seconded by Councillor Kenny that the recommendation be amended by the deletion of the words "… the development of the Shrewsbury North West Relief Road " in paragraph 5.5.

On being put to the meeting the second amendment was lost.

The original motion as amended was then put to the Council and it was

RESOLVED:

(a) That, subject to the amendments set out below, the final draft of Shrewsbury 2020 be approved:

Paragraph 5.4

Add as (e):

"Continue to protect and enhance the unique historic assets and built environment of the town."

Paragraph 5.5

Amend (h) to read:

"Lobby for the development of the Shrewsbury North West relief road and improvements in air quality and reduction in cross town traffic, and continue to investigate ways of facilitating access to and from the town and pedestrianisation."

Amend (j) to read:

"Continue investment in Bus Park and Ride and the enhancement of existing sites and possibly in the future the development of a fourth site east of Shrewsbury."

Paragraph 7.13

Amend to read:

"Recommendation:

Increased investment and development of the human resources arm of the Council as a base to take forward a more innovative approach to HR strategy.

Further investment in training at all levels across the organisation will bring value through creating:

• Employees and Members more adaptable to change
• Employees and Members more versatile in the workplace
• Improvements in standards of working
• Improved efficiency

• Employees and Members more able to spot develop and deliver income opportunities."

Paragraph 8.15

Add the following additional sentence at the end:

" If there is to be a change to local governance in Shropshire then the Borough Council would be interested in a referendum of the people of Shrewsbury and Atcham or Shropshire to obtain their views on the matter."

• The provision of Affordable Rented Housing as a key objective; and
• Key milestone measures.

(b)  That Cabinet be asked to set out a funding strategy to enable the objectives to be met.

131/06 DISABILITY EQUALITY SCHEME 2006/2009 & RACE EQUALITY SCHEME 2006/2009

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting, seconded by Councillor Owen and:

RESOLVED:

That Council adopts the Race Equality Scheme 2006/2009 and Disability Equality Scheme 2006/2009 which sets out an action plan and timetable in compliance with the statutory code of practice.

132/06 SCALE OF CHARGES

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting, seconded by Councillor Roberts and:

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the scale of charges for licensing set out on page 35 of the report by the Head of Finance be approved.

(b)  That, subject to the Quarry Management Advisory Group reviewing the proposed charges for Fairs and Circuses in The Quarry and reporting thereon to the next Cabinet meeting, all the charges apart from (a) above, detailed in the appendices of the report by the Head of Finance be agreed to be effective from 26^th March 2007 unless otherwise stated.

133/06 CCTV WORKING GROUP

It was proposed by Councillor Thurston and seconded by Councillor Moore that the recommendations of the Overview Committee in relation to the finings of the CCTV Working Group on the future of CCTV be received and adopted.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Nutting and seconded by Councillor Bebb that the following recommendation (m) be added:

That the above decisions be considered as part of the Council’s Revenue and Capital budget process.

On being put to the meeting the amendment was carried.

The original motion as amended was then put to the Council and it was

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the amendments set out below, the findings of the CCTV Working Group on the future of CCTV, be adopted:

(a)  That the 10 pence surcharge on ticket sales be rejected but an alternative funding source be identified from the Recreation, Leisure and Cultural Services budgets and revenues.

(b)  That as part of the budget consultation process the Chief Executive promote a Traffic Regulation Order under the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 giving effect from 26 March 2007 on the new charges for Frankwell Car Park, namely:

• Increase in over 3 hour rate to £3.00
• Increase in the 1-3 hour rate to £2.30

(c)  That officers pursue the termination of the Council’s alarm monitoring contracts and the service be provided direct by the Council.

(d)  That a capital sum of £130,00 be allocated in the revised capital programme funded from reserved capital receipts to:

• Improve Frankwell Car Park to ParkSafe standard
• To upgrade the current town centre CCTV system to provide an additional 10 year life
• To employ specialist support to develop the technical and business case for the introduction of a wireless wide area network based on the fibre optic cable producing opportunity for service improvement and income generation.

(e)  That officers instigate a programme for volunteers to assist with CCTV monitoring.

(f)  That the £40,000 second homes income available from Shropshire County Council be allocated to CCTV for three years from 2007/08.

(g)  That CCTV monitoring continues as a 24/7 monitored service by paid staff supported by volunteers.

(h)  That the Council budget for CCTV for 2007/08 be set at £176,000 a saving of £96,530 on the 2006/07 initial budget and £146,530 on the revised budget.

(i)  That the Chief Executive write to representative bodies of local businesses pointing out the potential for reduced CCTV cover and so reduced ability to respond to situations without some financial support from the business community.

(j)  That the Chief Executive write to the Home Office and Police requesting them to consider making a contribution to the service from the income received from the County Council second home finance.

(k)  That the Overview Committee be given an ongoing remit to keep CCTV and attendant issues under review. This work also to include exploring future joint funding matters.

(l)  That in light of the experience gained by the Overview Committee in relation to CCTV funding any future proposals to reduce the level of service in any area be accompanied by a full financial appraisal and risk assessment to determine the impact on service provision.

(m)  That the above decisions be considered as part of the Council’s Revenue and Capital budget process.

134/06 GAMBLING POLICY

It was proposed by Councillor Rees and seconded by Councillor Mrs Allaway that the recommendations of the Licensing and Safety Committee in relation to the Statement of Principles for the Council be received and adopted.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Bushell and seconded by Councillor Mrs Parsons that the recommendation be amended by the addition and deletion of words to read as follows:

That the recommendation be amended by the addition and deletion of words to read as follows:

That subject to Paragraph 9.25 being amended as set out below the Statement of Principles for Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council be approved, published and advertised in accordance with Part 6 of the Gambling Commission’s Guidance to Licensing Authorities:

Door Supervisors - The Gambling Commission advises in its Guidance for local authorities, that licensing authorities may consider whether there is a need for door supervisors in terms of the licensing objectives of protection of children and vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling, and also in terms of preventing premises becoming a source of crime. It is noted that all contract staff who carry out functions that fall under Schedule 2 Part 1 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 at casinos or bingo premises will need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA); however, in-house staff will not. This licensing authority therefore has specific requirements for in-house door supervisors working at casinos or bingo premises, which are 1:100 people, or part thereof. This is in recognition of the nature of the work in terms of searching individuals, dealing with potentially aggressive persons etc.

On being put to the meeting the amendment was carried.

The original motion as amended was then put to the Council and it was

RESOLVED:

That subject to Paragraph 9.25 being amended as set out below the Statement of Principles for Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council be approved, published and advertised in accordance with Part 6 of the Gambling Commission’s Guidance to Licensing Authorities:

Door Supervisors - The Gambling Commission advises in its Guidance for local authorities, that licensing authorities may consider whether there is a need for door supervisors in terms of the licensing objectives of protection of children and vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling, and also in terms of preventing premises becoming a source of crime. It is noted that all contract staff who carry out functions that fall under Schedule 2 Part 1 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 at casinos or bingo premises will need to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA); however, in-house staff will not. This licensing authority therefore has specific requirements for in-house door supervisors working at casinos or bingo premises, which are 1:100 people, or part thereof. This is in recognition of the nature of the work in terms of searching individuals, dealing with potentially aggressive persons etc.

135/06 FAILURE TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE AUTHORITY

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting, seconded by Councillor Roberts and:

RESOLVED:

That under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council formally approves the reasons for the failure of Councillor Richey to attend meetings of the authority due to ill-health and that the matter be reviewed at the meeting of the Council on 15^th February 2007.

136/06 INDEPENDENT PANEL ON MEMBERS REMUNERATION

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting, seconded by Councillor Roberts and:

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the allowance for the Chairman of the Audit Committee be set at the Basic Allowance plus 66.67%, and that this allowance be paid to the present incumbent of the post from the date of his appointment.

(b)  That the allowances for the Chairmen of the Licensing & Safety and Standards Committees be unchanged.

(c)  That the allowance for the Deputy Mayor be increased from 45% to 55% of the Basic Allowance.

(d)  That the allowance for the present Deputy Mayor be increased, pro rata to the proportion of his year of office that remains, from the date that this recommendation is approved by the Council.

(e)  That the allowance for the Mayor be unchanged.

(f)  That there be no change to the method of payment of Mayoral Allowances, as stipendiary allowances.

(g)  That the Deputy Mayor be entitled to claim travelling (and, of necessary, subsistence) allowances when he or she is representing the Mayor and if the Mayor’s official car is not available for that function.

(h)  That if an Independent Member of the Standards Committee was to be appointed Chairman, that their allowance be 66.67% of the Basic Allowance.

(i)  That a supplementary estimate be approved as follows:

• Chairman of Audit Committee special responsibility allowance £4,400;
• Deputy Mayor’s allowance £220; and
• Deputy Mayor’s mileage costs £544.

137/06 WHITE PAPER – FUTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting and seconded by Councillor Roberts:

(a)  That the Electoral Reform Society be engaged to conduct a poll of public opinion to be held in January 2007 and the costs of £60,000 be met from interest from capital invested.

(b)  That a Special Council meeting be held on 23^rd January 2007 to consider a full report on the options and the result of the poll of public opinion.

(c)  That the two questions on the poll be based on (i) whether there is support for abolishing all six councils and creating a Unitary Council to replace them and (ii) in the event of a Unitary Council being supported whether there is support for the creation of a Town Council for Shrewsbury.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Armstrong and seconded by Councillor Mrs Williams that the recommendations be amended by the addition of words to recommendation (a) and by the addition of recommendations (d) and (e) to read as follows:

(a)  That it is noted that the public of Shrewsbury and Atcham is served by two excellent councils, Shropshire County Council and Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, and that the services of the two councils continue to improve. The Council does not wish to put the public at risk of having to pay large transitional costs or any increase in revenue costs that may be generated by abolishing the two councils and then creating new ones to replace them. Therefore Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council does not support the bid by Shropshire County Council to abolish the present six councils in Shropshire and then the creation of a new super Unitary Council for Shropshire and a new Shrewsbury Town Council. The Council confirms that the Electoral Reform Society be engaged to conduct a poll of public opinion to be held in January 2007 and the costs of £60,000 be met from interest from capital invested.

(b)  That a Special Council meeting be held on 23^rd January 2007 to consider a full report on the options and the result of the poll of public opinion.

(c)  That the two questions on the poll be based on (i) whether there is support for abolishing all six councils and creating a Unitary Council to replace them and (ii) in the event of a Unitary Council being supported whether there is support for the creation of a Town Council for Shrewsbury.

(d)  That the Chief Executive bring forward reports regarding enhanced two tier working and partnership working with other district councils, for the future improvement of services provided by local government in Shropshire.

(e)  That officers prepare some briefing notes for the electorate regarding all matters appertaining to the proposed restructuring of local government in Shropshire as proposed by the County Council.

On being put to the meeting the amendment was carried with 22 members voting in favour and 14 against.

It was moved as a second amendment by Councillor Moore and seconded by Councillor Parkhurst that the recommendation be amended by the addition and deletion of words to read as follows:

(a)  That the Electoral Reform Society be engaged to conduct a poll of public opinion to be held and the costs of £60,000 be met from interest from capital invested.

(b)  That a Special Council meeting be held to consider a full report on the options and the result of the poll of public opinion.

(c)  That the two questions on the poll be based on (i) whether there is support for abolishing all six councils and creating a Unitary Council to replace them or the proposals being put forward as an alternative by the Chief Executive of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council and (ii) in the event of a Unitary Council being supported whether there is support for the creation of a Town Council for Shrewsbury, as agreed as a means of serving Shrewsbuyr’s heritage and it’s future as a vibrant capital of the County.

(d)  Prior to the poll and for inclusion in literature therein the Chief Executive bring forward reports regarding enhanced two tier working and partnership working with other district councils, for the future improvement of services provided by local government in Shropshire. These proposals to give clear evidence such a structure will:

• Provide cost savings and Council tax benefits equivalent to those within the unitary submission.
• Protect and enhance the heritage and traditions of Shrewsbury along with its’ role as the vibrant economic, sporting and cultural capital of the County.
• Provide for enhanced levels of services and facilities.
• Enable the public to clearly identify ownership and give greater levels of accountability.
• Reduce duplication of effort and unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Be more cost effective and efficient with guaranteed cost savings.
• Ensure greater public involvement through devolution of localised functions, local scrutiny and a greater role for local councillors.
• Give Shrewsbury and Shropshire a greater united voice in representing its people.

On being put to the meeting the amendment was lost with 14 members voting in favour and 22 against.

The original motion as amended was then put to the Council and was carried. On the requisition of a member made before the vote was taken (and supported by at least five other members, who signified their support by rising in their place) the vote on the motion, was taken by way of roll call and was recorded as follows:

Members voting in favour of the motion: (22)

Councillors Adams, Armstrong, Barker, Bebb, Mrs Brennand, Cooke, Farmer, Hendry, Jetson, Mrs Jones, Lord, Nutting, Mrs Owen, Price, Rees, Roberts, Sheppard, Thurston, Wagner, Ms Wild, Mrs Williams and S J Williams.

Members voting against the motion: (15)

Councillors Mrs Allaway, Bushell, Mrs Chebsey, Clarke, Durnell, Freestone, Kenny, Moore, Parkhurst, Mrs Parsons, Sambrook, Tandy, Townsend, J M Williams and The Mayor (Councillor Evans).

Members abstaining from voting: 1

Councillor Owen

138/06 APPOINTMENT TO OUTSIDE BODIES

It was moved by Councillor Nutting, seconded by Councillor Roberts and

RESOLVED:

(a)  That Councillor Cooke be appointed to serve on the Council for the Protection of Rural England for the period up until Annual Council in May 2007.

(b)  That Councillor Barker be appointed to serve on the following outside bodies for the period up until Annual Council in May 2007:

• Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty;
• Shropshire Hills – Environmentally Sensitive Area – Management Board; and
• Shropshire Victoria County History Advisory Board.

(c)  That the Group Leader of the Conservative Group advise Cabinet at its next meeting on 11^th December 2006 of the member from his group to be appointed to the Football Liaison Committee for the period up until Annual Council in May 2007.

139/06 MOTION RECEIVED ON NOTICE – NEW ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

Due notice having been given in accordance with the Council’s procedural rules, the following motion signed by Councillors Armstrong, Mrs Chebsey, Durnell, Farmer and Freestone was proposed by Councillor Farmer and seconded by Councillor Thurston:

That the Council confirms the name for the new theatre as being Shrewsbury Theatre Severn.

On being put to the meeting the motion was carried.

140/06 MOTION RECEIVED ON NOTICE – CAPITAL PROGRAMME

Due notice having been given in accordance with the Council’s procedural rules, the following motion signed by Councillors Adams, Armstrong, Mrs Brennand, Cooke, Nutting, Rees, Mrs Williams and S J Williams was proposed by Councillor Armstrong and seconded by Councillor Roberts:

New Housing

That following the success of completing the building of the new livestock market and sports village which have been ambitions of the Borough for many years and the recent signing of a fixed price contract for the building of the new theatre now is the time to consider the major schemes for the future. These need to reflect the need to continue to deliver on housing promises of much needed affordable housing. We have already delivered about 350 dwellings and whilst we have a programme of nearly 500 units in the housing programme I believe that we should set aside a further £1m per year over the next ten years over and above that already committed to deliver housing for people in need.

Culture, Visitor Centre and Museum

The completion of the new visitor attraction is generating a great deal of interest and the funding bodies are looking for a serious commitment of faith from the Borough Council that is committed to the arts and culture. We have already invested £500,000 into the feasibility study. We promised we would set aside the £400,000, which is the sale proceeds from Clive House which with interest thereon is now worth £550,000. An additional £4m should also be set aside and we should seek grant aid support for the remainder of the scheme.

Swimming

We need to refurbish the swimming facilities. The public wants to keep swimming in the Town and swimming always has and will be safe in Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council's hands. We will set aside £6m to carry out this refurbishment which will be part of an invest to save project and also seek Sport England grant aid to ensure that swimming is a key service for the future in response to the wishes of the public and the needs of the community.

Community and Environment Schemes

The community and environment programme of £5m, which we initiated in 2002, was a resounding success and brought many facilities and improvements all over the Borough. We want to do that again and therefore intend to set aside a community fund of £5m from which we will support initiatives across Shrewsbury and Atcham which accord to the community strategy needs at £250,000 per year. The pressing and urgent social need to replace the Ditherington community centre to be funded as a one off item of £200,000. In addition a final one off offer of an additional £80,000 is made to the Belle Vue Old Potts railway community group to allow for the conclusion of this much need community project.

Supporting Voluntary Bodies

In 2002 we invested £3.5m from which revenue from interest on that sum was used to support grants to the voluntary sector which we have successfully worked with since that time. Those service level agreements expire in April 2007 and we need to show a continuing commitment to support those organisations and the valuable work they do in the future and therefore we should set aside £3.5m again and use the interest annually to support them

Public Toilets

Toilets and their provision have long been talked about and the new toilets in the refurbished music hall will meet many of the public needs. The new toilets at Abbey Foregate will meet the needs of tourists and visitors to that part of town. Frankwell is the next area and we wish to set aside £500,000 to finance them. This sum to include a one off offer to St Alkmund's church for the sum of £25,000 to supply much-needed toilets in this area of the town.as long as they are open even when the church is closed.

Sports Facilities

The new Sports Village has received national acclaim and we need to build on that. Sporting and leisure facilities at Monkmoor in terms of changing rooms, SCAT in terms of changing rooms, Roman Road access and some minor improvements elsewhere are now required to finalise the programme of works to ensure that Shrewsbury meets the needs into the next 25 years and so a further £2m is being set aside for them.

Second Sports Village

The new Sports Village at Shelton is already being progressed and it is proposed that a sum of £2m is set aside for the necessary landscaping and drainage works with changing accommodation is needed for that.

Indoor bowling

The contract for the indoor bowling is about to be signed so that part of the package of delivery is already in place.

Pride Hill Improvements

This has been a Council priority for over seven years. The County Council has said that it wishes to do the scheme in 2008. However, it needs an additional £200,000 to the £200,000 already agreed by the Council. That should be supported.

Darwin

Darwin and Shrewsbury as a leisure and educational destination, whether by river or foot, requires a major injection of capital to move the project forward. A bid for funding will be made to AWM and it is hoped like the South West Regional Development Agency did for Brunel this year, AWM will step forward to help drive this forward. Meanwhile the whole scheme which has gone through Overview Committee including access and pedestrianisation needs a capital fund to help drive it forward so a sum of £1m is being set aside for that.

These schemes are affordable within the existing capital receipts or those forecast over the next four years and together with the invest to save proposals and contributions from development and grants will make a major contribution to delivering the programme set out in the Delivering Priorities by 2020 document approved by Council at the last meeting.

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council is an excellent Council and has a reputation for delivery and this programme seeks to set down the next phase of that so that the Council is working within and leading the community having listened in order to represent it and its interests into the next decade.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Moore and seconded by Councillor Clarke that the Motion be amended by the addition of the following words at the end of the last sentence in the first paragraph "… and that this additional money together with existing monies be no longer subject to a 4% return to Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council."

On being put to the meeting the amendment was lost.

The original motion was then put to the Council and was carried.

141/06 MOTION RECEIVED ON NOTICE – HOUSING ADAPTATIONS

(In the absence of the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor took the chair for the consideration of, and voting on, this item.)

Due notice having been given in accordance with the Council’s procedural rules, the following motion signed by Councillors Adams, Armstrong, Mrs Brennand, Cooke, Nutting, Rees, Mrs Williams and S J Williams was proposed by Councillor Price and seconded by Councillor Rees:

There is also a need for delivering much needed adaptations for people with disabilities and whilst the Council has invested nearly £2m over the past three years that investment should continue for the future using receipts from right to buy sales to bolster the monies already available in the revenue budgets so that £700,000 per year in total before grants should be made available to meet the public's needs. The Council could therefore forego its Right To Buy receipts after 1st April 2008 when no allowance has been made for them in the Capital Programme so that those monies can be used to support disabled facilities grants in former council owned housing by Severnside Housing.

142/06 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That the public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the item to be considered involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

143/06 ROWLEYS HOUSE

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting and seconded by Councillor Roberts that the recommendations of Cabinet in relation to Rowleys House be received and adopted.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor J M Williams and seconded by Councillor Moore that the recommendation be amended by the deletion and addition of words to read as follows:

That Council retain ownership of Rowleys House for the reason that the building was required for cataloguing and storing the artefacts of the Museums Services. That the Museum be closed annually from 1^st January to 1^st March for artefact cataloguing purposes. That the Museum and Art Gallery remains open to the public throughout the rest of the year, that is, from March to December, offering a full programme of events and exhibitions. That this pattern of Museum opening be operated until and if, the Music Hall becomes available to receive the Shrewsbury’s Museum Collection.

On being put to the meeting the amendment was lost.

It was moved as a second amendment by Councillor J M Williams and seconded by Councillor Moore that the recommendation be amended by the addition of recommendation (c) as follows:

That the Museum be closed annually from 1^st January to 1^st March for artefact cataloguing purposes. That the Museum and Art Gallery remains open to the public throughout the rest of the year, that is, from March to December, offering a full programme of events and exhibitions. That this pattern of Museum opening be operated until and if, the Music Hall becomes available to receive the Shrewsbury’s Museum Collection.

On being put to the meeting the second amendment was lost.

The original motion was then put to the meeting and it was

RESOLVED:

(a) That Council retain ownership of Rowleys House for the following reasons:

1. A review of Local Government in Shropshire was currently being undertaken and therefore it was considered to be an inappropriate time to dispose of Rowleys House.
2. To acknowledge that public opinion was against any proposed sale.
3. The building was required for cataloguing and storing the artefacts of the Museums Services until the Music Hall Project was completed.
4. The income received from Barker Street Car Park was required to support the Council’s revenue account.

(b) That financial provision of £2 million be made from the money received from the sale of the existing Tesco site in order to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to the delivery of the Music Hall Project.

 

 

6.00 p.m. – 9.05 p.m.