Agenda item

Actions

To view actions arising from the meeting held on 26 September 2023.

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Spalding Town Forum discussed the actions from the previous Forum meeting and updated on each further development.

 

  • Action AN16 – Funding for Spalding In Bloom and recruiting volunteers.
    • The Chairman had spoken to George Slinger who announced that he was no longer able to continue in his post as Spalding In Bloom coordinator. At present Spalding In Bloom were still seeking volunteers.
    • The Chairman reminded the Forum that no funds had been made available for the 2024 flower baskets - could the Forum offer any ideas/options for funding?  A few funding streams may be available, but at the present time, no funds had been allocated to provide hanging baskets and for their upkeep.

 

Members raised the following questions:

 

  • Could the local press and media be utilised to help in publicising the need for funding equipment and coordination of provision of hanging baskets in Spalding?
    • Councillor Mark Le Sage confirmed that he would coordinate with the local press on the said matter.

 

  • The Spalding area was surrounded by companies/growers who could potentially assist with funding and provide equipment. A Spalding In Bloom coordinator would need to be recruited to replace George Slinger.
    • The Vice-Chairman responded that in previous years, local Spalding businesses had contributed towards the cost of the hanging baskets. One coordinator would be required to liaise with local businesses. 

 

  • How much did the planting and watering cost annually?
    • The Chairman responded that the bill in its entirety, for 120 baskets was £11,000.

 

  • Could shop owners and businesses be encouraged to purchase their own baskets and run a competition as an incentive?
    • The Chairman responded that the majority of businesses/shops had contributed towards their baskets.

 

 

  • Action AN17 - Officers to visit other Towns to view the seating offering and choice of materials used – Assistant Director for Strategic Growth and Development.
    • The Assistant Director for Strategic Growth and Development confirmed that this was ongoing. March and Wisbech had been suggested.
  • Action AN19 - To review access from the Spalding bus station to Sainsburys?
    • The Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning could not at present provide an update.
    • Assets would be visiting the site on 21st December and would feedback.

 

David Jones (Pedals) made the following comments.

 

  • The access to Sainsburys from the Spalding Bus Station was not just about mobility but the lack of visibility, hence making crossing from the bus station to Sainsburys hazardous.  Could Lincolnshire County Council be contacted to extend zebra stripes across this part of the road?
    • The Chairman would take this forward to Lincolnshire County Council.
  • The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, Leisure Centre Delivery and Spalding Town Improvement, informed the Forum that resurfacing of the Bus Station took place last year, this had improved the safety of pedestrians on foot. Further pot holes had become visible, improvements were needed to enhance first impressions for visitors to Spalding.
  • Investment from the Government had been received for bus passes, pensioners and the two-pound cap for journeys, incentivising bus usage.

 

  • Action AN20 -To assemble a young adult’s group to present their views on what they required in Spalding Town Centre at the Spalding Town Forum meetings.
    • An email had been sent to Spalding Academy, currently awaiting a response. The Democratic Services Support Officer would follow this up.
    • Councillor Chauhan had a teaching background and offered to liaise with Spalding Academy and enquire if they had a Youth Forum. A presentation could be given to the A Level pupils at the school who had an interest in Law and Politics. It would be of benefit to establish a Young Adults Group as part of the Spalding Town Forum.
    • In previous years Spalding Grammar School had provided a Youth Group at the Spalding Town Forum.

 

  • Action AN21 - To liaise with the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing regarding film showings and comfortable seating at the South Holland Centre.
    • The Chairman confirmed he would contact the Portfolio Holder.

 

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