Agenda item

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Nunn submitted his report as Leader of the Council and welcomed the interim Chief Executive who was now in post full-time. He updated Members on the work being carried out with regards to Unitary Status and noted that that Governance work was ongoing and noted the successes that were contained within the Governance Action Plan. The Leader noted that there had recently been an increase in the number of traveller encampments across the Town and noted the work that had been done with partner agencies in protecting public open spaces. He further commented that he had attended at event at the Nightshelter to thank the many volunteers who had offered support to run the Shelter or presented donations.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Nunn reported that since Brexit Unitary Status had become less of a priority nationally. He also noted that the local MPs supported the proposed improvements to infrastructure. It was also explained that there were ongoing discussion between the Borough and County Council with regards to the Castel Mound, who were the owners of the land and examine future proposals of the site. He confirmed that the corporate induction included input from the Union representatives. Responding to further questions, he reported that there was continued work on the congestion problems with the Kingsthorpe corridor and noted that the Council had a very active dialogue with Whitehills and Spring Park Residents Association -WASPRA on infrastructure issues in and around the Town.  

Councillor Larratt submitted his Cabinet Member report as Deputy Leader of the Council and reported that work was progressing with the re-configuration and re-covering of the market stalls. He noted that there had been training for Councillors on Standards and procedures and noted that a personal safety course for Councillors had been arranged for March 2018 as well as women’s self-defence course. He further reported that progress had been made following the agreement at Cabinet for the Borough Council to take responsibility for some of the streetlights.

In response the questions asked, Councillor Larratt reported that attendance at the Market Advisory Group (MAG) of traders fluctuated and noted that a steering group had been established to examine the potential improvements to the reconfiguration of the market. He noted that there had been no responses received in relation to feedback requested asking traders for proposed improvements. He commented that there had been a proposal to move 8 stalls and create a second aisle and this was being done in order to make the market more attractive and welcoming to members of the public. Responding to further questions, Councillor Larratt commented that once available, he would circulate a map of NBC owned street lights to Members and commented that Southbridge lights would be replaced and that those on Nunn-Mills Road, whilst un- adopted would be the area would be looked at in order to improve lighting.

Councillor Hallam elaborated on his Cabinet Member report and commented that despite the illegal encampments that had been witnessed in the Town Centre recently, which was a drive to attract legitimate use of the public open spaces. He noted that new bollards had been installed at a number of key areas to reduce the number of instances of unauthorised vehicles driving on them.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Hallam confirmed that he would be happy to meet with the Delapre Dragons as requested by the Ward Councillor and commented that there had been issues with access to alleyways, but that there had been a change in policy which should have addressed concerns to some extent. He responded to further questions by noting that tree maintenance was an area of work that was strictly managed and that there were certain times when the work could not be carried out, but confirmed that tree maintenance in the Eastern District had been scheduled for before the end of the financial year. He noted that there were ongoing sightings of rodents in certain parts of the town where refuse management had not been properly accomplished.  

Councillor Hibbert, as the Cabinet Member for Housing submitted his Cabinet Member report and noted that as mentioned by the Leader and event had been held at the Nightshelter in support and recognition of those who had worked hard in its success. He noted that the shelter had been used by in excess of 100 men who were either at risk of, or had been sleeping rough and thanked the volunteers and officers who had worked on it. He highlighted the successful prosecution of a landlord who had failed to comply with an Improvement Notice and subsequently fined £10,000.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Hibbert explained that sheltered housing was excluded from the Right to Buy scheme. It was noted that the volunteers for the Nightshelter were being managed by a permanent member of staff and concurred with the sentiments of other Councillors in thanking the staff and volunteers for their work. He further commented that he recognised that there were fewer facilities for homeless women, but explained that they were fewer in numbers and slightly easier to rehouse.

Councillor King elaborated on her Cabinet Member report and updated members on St Crispins Community Centre and thanked the legal department for their work on the completion of agreements for the centre.

In response to questions asked, Councillor King explained that there was continued work with partnerships organisations and agencies in reducing the number of domestic abuse incidents. She commented that the Government was examining the impact of betting shops and gambling problems within the UK and that the Youth Forum and would contribute to any consultation in delivering their findings of their Gamble aware project.

At this juncture of the meeting, the Mayor informed Council that the allocated time had been met and no further Cabinet Member reports would be heard.