-
Agenda item
Questions (if any) from:
a) Members of the public under Rule 11
b) Councillors under Rule 12
Minutes:
15a) 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 Anna Sabin asked what is Hastings Borough Council doing to secure a safe cycle network in the town? Councillor Batsford replied that the County Council had decided that cycle paths are not economically viable to build. They have had funding for ten years to complete cycle routes in Hastings. This has been discussed at the cross-party active travel group and a letter will be formulated in response to East Sussex County Council. All councillors agree a shared aim to have a town with safe areas for walking and cycling.
A written question was received from Petra Gent and a written response supplied by Councillor Barnett.
A written question was received from Steve Foreman and a written response supplied by Councillor Batsford.
In a supplementary question Steve Foreman asked if, in relation to the walking and cycling strategy, action rather than words, and co-operation with the County Council, would achieve more? Councillor Batsford replied that East Sussex County Council are the responsible authority to deliver transport projects and referred to his previous answer.
A written question was received from Christopher Hurrell and a written response supplied by Councillor Rogers.
A written question was received from Myriam Lengline and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark.
In a supplementary question Myriam Lengline asked if Councillor Roark would write to Southern Water to ask if they skimmed or drained the ponds in question? Councillor Roark said she would be happy to talk to Southern Water about this issue.
A written question was received from Michelle O’Connor and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark.
A written question was received from Andrew Cordle and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark.
A written question was received from Tracy Knight and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark.
A written question was received from Becca Horn and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark.
A written question was received from Joanne Walker and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark.
In a supplementary question Joanne Walker asked how many litter clean-up requests are received via MyHastings for the Ore area, and how much does it cost to send street cleaning crews out on request, rather than have regular street cleaning of the area? Councillor Roark said she would ask officers for this information. Hot spots are assessed by the team and if they felt there was more regular cleaning needed, they would act on that.
A written question was received from Daniel Hope and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark.
A written question was received from Adele Bates and a written response supplied by Councillor Roark.
In a supplementary question Adele Bates asked what the Council is doing to make sure Central St Leonards and Warrior Square are being given the same level of cleanliness as the rest of the town? Councillor Roark replied that Biffa are supposed to clean-up any waste they drop when collecting refuse, but a team may be needed to follow up and deal with other rubbish and fly-tipping.
15b) Councillors under Rule 12
Councillor Collins submitted a written question to Councillor Rogers, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Collins asked if there will be sufficient time for consultation on the Local Plan? Councillor Rogers responded that time will be made available for Councillors to read and consult on the various documents forming the Local Plan.
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 look into alternatives to seagull-proof sacks and agree to trial these in Hastings? Councillor Roark replied that residents can use their own containers if they have space for them and she will talk to officers about alternative options.
Councillor Hilton submitted a written question to Councillor Rogers, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Hilton asked if the videos of meetings which haven’t yet been made available could be uploaded to the website? Councillor Rogers said she would have to speak to the IT team about what is already recorded and could be made available.
Councillor Jobson submitted a written question to Councillor Barnett, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Jobson asked if a template could be made available to support the local green projects applying for council support? Councillor Barnett responded that the ideas form will be paused for six months as there won’t be officer capacity before January 2024 to assess those ideas. Councillor Roark clarified that in regard to Councillor Jobson’s original question she did meet to discuss the project but made clear she could not approve the location of the orchard plot herself.
Questioner
Question
Reply given by
Councillor Patmore
The Labour Cabinet voted in October 2018 to move the football ground from the Pilot Field to Bulverhythe. Does the current Leader of the Council agree with the 2018 decision that the Pilot Field site could provide much needed housing should a new location be found for Hastings United?
Councillor Barnett replied he wasn’t part of the Cabinet in 2018 and so is not aware of what information was available then, but he is more than happy with the decision that was taken this year.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Hilton
Following the Cabinet reshuffle who is responsible for equalities and community development?
Councillor Barnett confirmed that he was now leading on equalities and community development is part of Councillor Willis’ portfolio
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Turner
Can you give us an update on the projects in Broomgrove?
Councillor Batsford replied that funding from the UK Prosperity Fund is allocated for Broomgrove and community groups have been advising on how to spend the funds. A greening project has recently been agreed with Southern Housing.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Fernando
Hastings remains the 13th most deprived town in England and faces a challenging situation with the early closure of local shops due to staff shortages. How does the Council plan to address this and encourage job creation and local employment opportunities?
Councillor Barnett replied that skills will be high on the agenda of organisations across the town in coming years. There are ongoing discussions with the skills team at East Sussex County Council about the support needed in the town, particularly around the retail and hospitality sectors.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Beaver
Will you give the same assurances regarding York Buildings as your predecessor?
Councillor Willis replied that there is a need to move quickly on York Buildings, probably to dispose of the asset, but we need to wait for the full asset review to come forward from officers.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Bacon
How can we create a healthier Hastings?
Councillor Batsford replied that he is incredibly proud of the new tennis courts in Alexandra Park and will also be working with local clubs to make sure local football pitches are fit for purpose. Hastings now is a priority area for the FA to invest in 3G football pitches.
Councillor Batsford
Councillor Carr
It was recently reported on social media that there would be an urgent Cabinet item on St Mary in the Castle. There is rumour that a buyer has been found. Can you tell us why we are not discussing St Mary in the Castle at this meeting?
Councillor Barnett replied that negotiations are on going and there is not yet a report for Cabinet or Full Council to consider.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Cooke
Can you explain your decision to sell York Buildings?
Councillor Willis replied that there has not yet been a decision to explain and there needs to be a full analysis of the options.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Edwards
Do you not consider it might easier to find new contractors for the Harrow Lane site if you reduce the social housing element to the original 40%?
Councillor Willis replied that the site is owned by Orbit and it would be for them to decide how to proceed.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Haffenden
There are strict rules for those in temporary accommodation. Can we review these rules so that those in temporary accommodation have some quality of life?
Councillor Willis replied that every aspect of the temporary accommodation challenge is being reviewed.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Foster
I’ve had complaints from residents saying the Harrow Lane building site is defunct. Will you apologise for leaving residents with no green space and no houses?
Councillor Willis said the Council should not apologise for doing everything within its power to create new housing. It is the highest priority for the community.
Councillor Willis
Councillor Webb
Could you give us an update on our serious financial situation?
Councillor Barnett replied that there is a perfect storm where landlords are selling properties, pushing up prices further and making rents more unaffordable. This is causing a major financial crisis. Hastings has one of the highest levels of renters of any town in the South East. The LGA Finance Peer Review will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Sinden
What is the latest with the White Rock Theatre?
Councillor Batsford said he would answer in more detail when the White Rock Theatre report is debated later in the meeting.
Councillor Batsford
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7.09pm and the meeting reconvened at 7.19pm.
Supporting documents:
-
My council
Contact
Contact us if you have a question about democratic services.
Content
The content on this page is the responsibility of our Democratic Services team.