Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee held on 5 February, 2020.

Resolved:     That the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 February, 2020

be agreed as a correct record.

Consideration was given to a report providing the Committee with a Covid-19 update in terms of the issues arising and actions taken within the service areas that fall under the Committee’s remit.

Members’ attention was drawn to the appendix to the report which was a discussion paper with Covid-19 implications for this Scrutiny Committee.

Town Centres Reopening:

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Stephen Sweeney advised that shops had reopened from Monday 15 June and there had been a large number of people in town with hotspots around the Sports Direct shop in Castle Walk and the NatWest Bank in Hassell Street.  There had also been queues at other banks and coffee shops.  Greggs had reopened today but with the indoor seating area blocked off.

The reopening of the town centre had gone really well.  Signage had been placed around the town, including on benches.

Car parks had reopened from Monday 15 June for the first time since lockdown and this had been handled really well.

The Chair stated that he had visited the town centre on Tuesday to gain feedback, speaking with shop owners who expressed concerns about the lack of police presence.  The Chair asked if there had been any engagement with the police.

Councillor Sweeney advised that there had been a presence on Monday.

The Executive Director for Commercial Development and Economic Growth, Simon McEneny advised there had been engagement with the police but they were unaware as to where there would be queues forming.  Two PCSO’s were patrolling and had been asked to be in the Castle Walk /Hassell Street area on Monday.

The Chair advised that there had been no police presence on Tuesday and there had been five or so vagrants in the town drinking who had been moved on by the BID.  The Chair stated that having police presence in the town would be useful.

Mr McEneny stated that the Council was aware of the situation and had spoken with the police in the last couple of days.

The Chair asked if there had been any feedback from High Street shops as to how the Council was doing and how it could improve or help trading conditions. The Chair stated that the Council should be seen to be being active.

Councillor Heesom referred to the storage area located beneath the Vue Cinema and asked if it was now open as the space was used by market traders.  Councillor Sweeney confirmed that it was now open.

Councillor Trevor Johnson stated that there were some people who were not observing the two metre rule.

Mr McEneny advised that there had been a requirement on shop owners and stall holders to try and enforce the ruling and, information had been sent out on how to achieve this.  However, there was a reliance on the public to adhere to the rules.

Markets:  

Councillor Sweeney advised that the markets had reopened and were picking up rapidly.  At the antique’s market on Tuesday, almost every available stall  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business.