Agenda item

The Deputy Leader introduced the report on the schemes delivered through the Town Deal and Future High Street Funds as presented at the latest Economy & Place Scrutiny Committee meeting. Most of the projects were expected to be completed by October.

The Deputy Chief Executive advised that the Shared Service Hub scheme was no longer being developed as a stand alone scheme and the money would now be allocated to four new projects as agreed by the Town Deal Board.

The improvements planned around the train station which were reliant on a survey being carried out and potential remedial works for which an additional budget might have been required had also been suspended and the Town Deal Board had agreed to use the funds for works outside of the underpinning zone only i.e. existing building and access to the train and car parking at the front. A proposal was awaited from the train operator.

The Chair welcomed the update and news that the Town Deal plans had not been scrapped contrary to what had been suggested in the press but were evolving to meet what was actually doable with a proper attitude to risks.

Cllr Whieldon enquired about digital communication in relation to clarifying the situation for residents and dispelling misinformation.

The Deputy Leader commented that it was difficult to change people’s mind through social media but pictures of the developments would be put on the official communication channels, like the screen displayed in the town centre, so they could see for themselves.

The Deputy Chief Executive warned against the risks of getting into arguments on social media which officers could not respond to.

Cllr Waring added that one should be wary of communicating on matters that hadn’t been publicised yet not to expose the Council to rumours and criticism.

The Chair stated that the attitude of the administration and members of Cabinet had been positive and of a huge benefit. Residents asking questions about what was true and what wasn’t were getting straight answers.

Cllr Waring commented that while the projects may have changed, they should still meet the same criteria and provide the same ultimate benefits that were agreed when the funds were granted.

The Chair supported the statement, and the Deputy Leader expressed his enthusiasm for upcoming projects scheduled in the town centre.

Cllr Stubbs recalled previous discussions that took place on social media and suggested it may be sometimes appropriate to react when incorrect information was circulated. It was felt that Kidsgrove Shared Service Hub project as included in the original application and needed by residents could not be directly replaced by the four new schemes proposed and an explanation on how the original intentions would be met may be helpful for residents.

The Deputy Chief Executive responded that the Shared Service Hub project could not be delivered due to changes in circumstances and withdrawal of stakeholders. While it was a loss for the borough, the four new projects were based on needs identified through the original consultation process with residents and would deliver the outputs agreed in the Town Investment Plan.

Cllr Stubbs shared his disappointment at not seeing any contingency for what would have been a generational change at Kidsgrove train station.

The Deputy Chief Executive advised that the Council had investigated the fact there may be coal mining under the station however back then it was not a problem for the owners Network Rail who subsequently changed their approach to the risk. Funding was also expected from the Government in relation to the HS2 project which was supposed to be reallocated into a Local Transport Fund. No money was ever received and the Council had to look into yet another funding option from the Government which also ended up not being available. The plan was therefore now to use the money available to refurbish the train station, making it more attractive, safer looking and a pleasant environment for residents and visitors.

Cllr Stubbs asked what would be done with the remaining funds that would have gone into the originally scheduled works.

The Deputy Chief Executive responded that proposals from East Midlands Railway were currently awaited about how to maximize the spend and impacts of the project. Any money left would be for the Town Deal Board to reconsider what may come as a plan B as done with the Shared Service Hub.

Cllr Waring added that information shared earlier in the year suggested that the survey at Kidsgrove Train Station would have gone ahead if it wasn’t for the government moving its position. About the Shared Service Hub the money was now going towards projects that should fulfil most aspects of the original plans in relation to mental health, adult education etc.

Cllr Stubbs expressed concerns about the fact that East Midlands Railway had been given what looked like a cost envelope and wondered about what sort of proposal would come out.

The Deputy Chief Executive advised that this was a budget envelope and all aspects of the proposal would have to be justified and go through an economic assessment and value for money exercise.

The Chair concluded that the session brought serious scrutiny of the Town Deal schemes. It felt that it was outside of the Council’s power to have changed anything to the fact that two of the Kidsgrove projects couldn’t be delivered and more to do with the partners involved.

The Chair also recalled that an organization was still required for the Knutton Village Hall scheme to go ahead and asked if any progress had been made.

The Deputy Chief Executive responded that Support Staffordshire was talking to a group led by Cllr Grocott looking to create a Community Interest Company to take it on involving a formulation process.

Cllr Grocott commented that he would advise the Committee of any updates on the matter and took the opportunity to congratulate the team on the works completed in Chesterton for which he hoped to see pictures included in the report at the next meeting.

The Chair seconded the request.

Cllr Stubbs declared an interest as board member of VAST with whom a partnership with Support Staffordshire was being considered. He also said that Support Staffordshire may not be covering matters pertaining to the borough in the future and asked if this would have an impact on the project.

The Deputy Chief Executive advised that Support Staffordshire was facilitating the discussions to create the group on which the emphasis would be and the timescale in relation to its amalgamation was irrelevant.

The Deputy Leader wished to conclude by sharing his satisfaction at the way things had been handled in both Chatterley Valley and Kidsgrove. The processes involved in the development of schemes were to be accepted as fluid and taking into account changes in circumstances.

The Chair reiterated that good scrutiny had been carried out by the Committee.

Resolved:    That the report on the delivery of the Town Deal and Future High Street Funds projects be noted and pictures of the works completed in Chesterton be shared at the next meeting.

Watch the debate here