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Agenda item
Questions (if any) from:
a) Members of the public under Rule 11
b) Councillors under Rule 12
Minutes:
a) Members of the public under Rule 11
Questioner
Subject
Reply given by
Mr Struys
Obviously, we're all hoping the vaccine roll-out and the Government's Road Map will enable us to all come out of full lock-down as planned in June. However, if this happens it's almost inevitable that in the summer months thousands of people from outside the town will want to visit for weekend breaks or longer 'staycations' and many local people, who normally would be away in the summer, may not venture abroad this year.
The temporary significant increase in population, whilst excellent for local businesses will likely put a tremendous strain on our infrastructure, for example public toilets, car parking etc., In addition, sadly there will inevitably be an impact on the cleanliness of our streets, parks and beaches.
What plans has the local council considered or put in place for mitigating the unfortunate negative impacts of this likely scenario?Councillor Barnett:
Last Summer the council experienced some increased demand along the lines you describe, and service managers have already given this some consideration ahead of this Summer. For example, late last Summer we trialled an extended operating schedule for our street and beach cleansing team along the seafront, and we will be rolling this out again this Summer. The Parks service will also be monitoring pressure on our parks and open spaces, such as in relation to litter bin emptying, and responding accordingly. We will also continue to use social media to urge and encourage residents and visitors to the town to deal with the waste they generate responsibly.b) Councillors under Rule 12
Subject
Reply given by
Councillor Foster
Disabled Facilities Grant Could the Councillor please confirm how many Disabled Facilities Grant applications have been made in the past 12 Months and how many, if any, of those did not attract grant funding after means testing?
Councillor Batsford replied for the 2020/2021 year there were 75 referrals from ESCC of which all but one resulted in an application for a DFG being successful. The one which was later closed was as a result of inaccurate information initially being provided by the applicant.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Lee
Hastings Housing company Is there a councillor on the board of Hastings housing company?
In reply, Councillor Batsford acknowledged that his statement to the last council meeting was incorrect, and whilst there had previously been a councillor on the board, there is not one now.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Bishop
Safety in the park Please update on safety in the park and the petition which has been circulated.
Councillor Evans advised she is working with the petitioners and the petition had over seventeen thousand signatures. Work is underway with council officers to explore options and planning to meet again in late May/June. The key proposal is an indigo path which would be an identified safe route through the park. The main theme is to make the park safe and welcoming for everybody.
Councillor Evans
Councillor Sabetian
Restart Grants Local business grants were confusing. Are restart grants simpler to apply for?
Councillor Chowney agreed that the original grants were confusing. New restart grants started April 1st and a new form has to be completed to apply for the grant. Further anti-fraud checks are required by the Government for the new grant which has made it a slower process to distribute.
Councillor Chowney
Councillor Bacon
Foreshore Trust Can an update be given on the Foreshore Trust and Charity Committee?
Councillor O’Callaghan gave an update regarding grants received with £525,000 to be paid by 2024. Smaller grants of £52,499 were also paid out.
A contract for operating lifeguard services in the town with the RNLI has been extended for three years and they were recognised for their excellent work over the last couple of years as well as saving 8 lives.
A new rollercoaster is being constructed as a new attraction for the seafront.
Councillor O’Callaghan
Councillor K. Beaney
Old bathing site Can an update be given on agreement for the Old Bathing site and acknowledge the petition handed in 13/04/21with 3000 signatures against the development?
Councillor Chowney stated the Heads of Terms has been signed and that we are going through the legal process to finalise the lease. He also expressed frustration with the time this albeit complex project is taking to finalise. A more detailed feedback will be given once relevant officers return from leave.
Councillor Chowney
Councillor Davies
Achievements Can the Deputy Leader give his reflection of what has been achieved and what he believes are the opportunities and means to sustain an economic and cultural regeneration?
Councillor Fitzgerald highlighted The Creative Media Centre, Enviro 21 business park, The Sussex Exchange, a new railway station, Station Plaza, and the Hastings – Bexhill link road. Moving the DSO inhouse is also a big achievement that he is proud of. Looking forward the Town Deal is a massive undertaking but also a large opportunity to bring investment into the borough.
Councillor Fitzgerald
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