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Agenda item
Questions (if any) from:
a) Members of the public under Rule 11
b) Councillors under Rule 12
Minutes:
311a) Members of the public under Rule 11
A written question was received from Anna Sabin and a written response supplied by Councillor Batsford.
In a supplementary question Ms Sabin asked if the Council was going to pursue the Hastings Greenway Network, or move to designing low traffic neighbourhoods, pedestrianised streets and park and rides. If so, what is the deadline for working towards a design?
Councillor Batsford replied that cycling is a key priority for the Council and Councillors should keep strong pressure on East Sussex County Council to use the funding received from government to develop cycling routes in East Sussex and Hastings. Councillor Batsford said he is working with a cross-party working group on active travel and the vote against the cycle path in Alexandra Park should not stop the Greenway Network through the rest of the town.
311b) Councillors under Rule 12
Councillor Haffenden submitted a written question to Councillor Roark, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Haffenden asked if Councillor Roark would commit to a review of the bulky waste service and offer at least one bulky waste collection a year to low-income residents across the town.
Councillor Roark replied that she would need to speak to officers before committing to a full review.
Councillor Rankin submitted a written question to Councillor Barnett, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website. Councillor Rankin did not ask a supplementary question.
Councillor Hay submitted a written question to Councillor Barnett, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website. Councillor Hay did not ask a supplementary question.
Councillor Edwards submitted a written question to Councillor Barnett, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Edwards asked why the existing tenants of the White Rock Theatre could not be kept in place until there is an alternative proposal for the building.
Councillor Barnett replied that all options are being looked at for the White Rock Theatre, the current tenants are in place until January 2024 and the theatre is open for business.
Councillor Marlow-Eastwood submitted a written question to Councillor Barnett, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website. Councillor Marlow-Eastwood did not ask a supplementary question.
Questioner
Question
Reply given by
Councillor Patmore
Finance Peer Review - The Local Government Association finance peer review is yet to be published but the Council was given some initial feedback, including that Cabinet needed to urgently focus on the key strategic issues facing the Council. Can you therefore explain why there is no Cabinet meeting in May?
Councillor Barnett replied that the day after hearing the informal feedback immediate action was taken. The new Senior Leadership Team have devoted hours to preparing a detailed focused action plan addressing the budget deficit and housing issues.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Carr
Bleed Control Kits - Will you commit to work with Carl Scott and officers to install bleed control kits in the town centre and other parts of the Borough?
Councillor Barnett replied that he would be delighted to meet the people behind this initiative and discuss what support can be offered.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Webb
Bottle Alley - Can you give an update on developments in Bottle Alley?
Councillor Batsford replied that the work to restore the concrete pillars is underway and before the summer it should be looking its best.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Pragnell
Cornwallis Street - The feedback from the LGA review identified the risk of the hotel on Cornwallis Street, can you provide an update on this project and have you seen the original contract?
Councillor Willis replied that he will respond in writing as it is a complex situation.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Jobson
Hastings Pier - Can we act swiftly with all parties to secure the future of the pier and make sure it is not a liability for the council?
Councillor Barnett responded that Mr Gulzar, the owner, is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the pier. There are a lot of people who have pointed out potential issues with the maintenance of the pier. Council officers have had a watching brief over this. We need to ensure we have sufficient evidence before taking any action.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Sinden
Alexandra Park developments - There is a lot of work going on in the top end of Alexandra Park, can you update us on this?
Councillor Batsford replied that the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) was resurfaced last year and there will be resurfacing work on all the tennis courts in the park this year and a new online booking system introduced, following funding from the Lawn Tennis Association.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Cooke
York Buildings - Is there any update on when York Buildings might be occupied?
Councillor Evans replied that the council is working with Southern Housing to implement a key worker scheme to provide housing to local residents. The uniqueness of the building has provided challenges from a social housing perspective. The terms of the grant funding have also required further due diligence. An option paper and lessons learned report are being prepared.
Councillor Evans
Councillor Collins
Azur venue - The condition of the Azur venue continues to deteriorate. Is the council in a position to require the lease holder to make improvements?
Councillor Barnett replied that the building is under a long lease to Sea Change, who have sub-leased to an operator. It is a complicated situation but if and when there is sufficient evidence to justify the council taking action then, where we have powers to do so, action will be taken.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Roberts
Town Centre safety - Can you tell me what progress we have made in improving safety in the town centre?
Councillor Rogers replied that there are two new bollards in operation in the town centre. The feedback from local residents and businesses has been positive. If successful we will work with ESCC to put in another two sets of bollards at Robertson St and Cambridge Road. The next step would be to look at extending the traffic orders.
Councillor Rogers
Councillor Edwards
Street Naming - There is an established street naming process for new developments. I was surprised to see a Facebook post saying the decision had been made regarding the proposed street names for the Harrow Lane development despite my objection. Why were the names announced before the end of the consultation period?
Councillor Evans replied that the street names proposed are of influential women who have live in Hastings. There are plenty of streets named after influential men and the press release was timed to coincided with International Women’s Day.
Councillor Evans
Councillor Cannan
Levelling Up - What can we expect from being a Levelling Up Partner?
Councillor Barnett said that on budget day the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities informed the council it was becoming a ‘Levelling Up Partner’, but it is not clear what this involves. It seems the government wants a deeper partnership with some areas which by their measures are doing worse that the other parts of the country.
Councillor Barnett
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