The Leader of the Council made the following Announcements:

“I would like to start by acknowledging the sterling work done by all our officers that were involved in the repercussions of the Morrisons store fire. I would particularly thank Lisette Patching who helped speedily resolve the planning issues around the opening of a temporary store which, I am pleased to say, will actually open next Wednesday.

On the Monday following the fire, I, along with the store manager Andy Parkinson, hand delivered letters to property owners adjacent or in the near vicinity of the store that told them what was happening and where on the site the temporary structure would be located. We also spoke to those residents that were at home and the information was well received and we were able to scotch the spurious rumours that were beginning to circulate about a housing estate being developed.

I have admired the way in which Morrison’s have looked after their employees, a not insignificant 123 of them, very important to the local economy, relieving them of any worries about their jobs or bonuses just prior to Christmas.

And now, just a brief update on the Area Officer initiative. Since their start on 15 October, they have logged over 1300 interventions, of which 678 were related to graffiti removal, some of which were years old, the taking down of 73 planning and 107 parking related and other redundant notices such as one about dog fouling that is over 40 years old.  Just as an aside then the £20 fine would equate to £230 today and our PCN is only £100. They have also removed a magnificent 324 fly posters. They have intervened in 11 cases of fly tipping. They have engaged with our residents on organised litter picks on 12 occasions and on corporate litter picks on 4 occasions. Among these numbers, 35 of them were directly related to member requests. All which I think is rather impressive for a fledgling service. I should also add that they also do dawn patrols in our town centre and are thereby building good relationships with the business owners.

As we go forward we are looking to expand their remit to include, among other things, putting up planning notices, that will enable our planners to concentrate on the actual applications, and taking charge of the street nameplate replacement scheme.

If you have not yet met with your Area officer, I would suggest you do, as they are there to help us”.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Meyers, responded and stated that he commended Morrisons management for their response, and their care for employees.

He stated that he had not yet met with the area officers, but was pleased to hear about the removal of fly posting.  He added that the group passed on their admiration for Nicola Baker and extended condolences to her family.

Proposed by Councillor Monk,

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Hollingsbee; and

RESOLVED:

That the announcements of the Leader be noted.

(Voting figures: 28 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).