Issue - meetings

To consider a motion from Spalding Town Forum to establish a sub-group to explore options and put forward recommendations concerning the future strategy for access to public space in Spalding Town Centre (report of the Assistant Director – Strategic Growth and Development and the Executive Programme Manager enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Strategic Growth and Development and the Executive Programme Manager, which asked members to consider a motion from Spalding Town Forum to establish a sub-group to explore options and put forward recommendations concerning the future strategy for access to public space in Spalding Town Centre.

The following points were raised:

·         Members commented that this was a good initiative as the wellbeing of the town centre was equally important to residents and councillors from across the district.  The costs relating to addressing the issues had to be clear, and a clear timeline for the project was essential.

o   It was clarified that the appropriate finance would be available for this initiative, and that a timeline was important to deal with this long-running issue.

·         It was important that a partnership solution was found to the issue.

DECISION:

1)    That authority be granted from SHDC’s Cabinet to the Spalding Town Forum to create a sub-group with a remit to explore options and put forward recommendations to key decision-making bodies in respect of the matter of access to public space within Spalding town centre.

2)    That the approach to progress the work of the subgroup, as detailed within this report, is considered and agreed.

(Other options considered:

·         Do nothing – Under this option, the report recommendations do not proceed and such a group would not be established;

Reasons for decision:

·         To establish and agree a partnership approach and working group that can explore future options and strategies in respect of the public space within Spalding Town Centre.

·         To agree on a strategy that will service the needs and aspirations of the town into the future.

·         To promote a collaborative approach towards delivering a strategy for the town in respect of access which is capable of providing a springboard to a more holistic regeneration strategy for the town centre as a whole).