BARNSTAPLE TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES of the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE meeting held on MONDAY 3 MARCH 2008 at 7pm in the Guildhall, Barnstaple.

PRESENT:                   Councillor A Windsor (Chairman)

                             Councillor Mrs K Rollings (Vice-Chairman)

Councillors: S P Upcott, Mrs V A Monk, F E Edwards, F B Vernon, S Harvey (entered Minute Number CD60 at 7:05pm), J D Phillips, Miss C Upcott, Mrs J Carter, Mrs J Hunt (entered Minute Number CD65 at 7:25pm), Mrs L Brown, J Green, Mrs J Barton Constable

In attendance:    A Member of the Press and Miss N Lewis (Community Development Clerk)

CD57    APOLOGIES

Apologies, as recorded on the attendance sheet, were received from Councillor Mrs V Elkins and Mrs S Haywood.

CD58    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    There were no declarations of interest made during the meeting.

CD59    MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting on Monday 14^th January 2008 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.   

                                                                                               [10.2abs]

CD60    BUDGET MONITORING STATEMENT

            Councillor Harvey entered the meeting at 7.05pm

The Committee noted the budget monitoring statement covering the period 1^st April 2007 to 20^th February 2008.

In the previous meeting there had been an enquiry regarding the Kiosk rates. The Committee Clerk informed members that as the Kiosk still has equipment within the building it is still furnished, therefore rates have to be paid on this building.  It was asked whether rates would still have to be paid on the old Kiosk when the Town Council takes over the management of the new one.  The Committee Clerk said this would not be applicable and the Council will only pay rates on the new Kiosk.

Also, a question was raised regarding the skate park money, as on the statement there was nothing in the budget.  It was agreed that the Committee Clerk would investigate this matter with Finance Officer.

RESOLVED that

(a)          The Budget Monitoring statement be noted.                     

(b)          The Committee Clerk looks into the above matter concerning the Skate Park budget.   

                                                                                                       [NC]

CD61    GUILDHALL- CLOCK WORKINGS

As had been discussed in Minute number CD55, an investigation had been made into the possibility to find a more suitable site for Bluecoat Grammar School clock workings.

Members were informed that consultation has been carried out regarding this matter.  A suggestion had been for it to be sited at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon.  The Museum is very keen for this heritage item to be displayed within this building. 

Members felt the Museum was a good choice for this heritage item.  The Committee said they would have to have a formal agreement in place.  Also there would need to be some acknowledgment that the item was on loan from the Town Council to the Museum.

RESOLVED that

(a)          the Museum be the chosen site for the clock workings.  

(b)          a formal agreement be put in place between the Council and Museum concerning this heritage item.  Also, that there is acknowledgment of the Council's ownership displayed by this item at the Museum.

                                                                                                       [NC]

CD62    THE STRAND WORKING PARTY

The Committee Clerk informed members that the Working Party consists of all three Councils, interested parties and Strand Traders.   The Town Council are acting as facilitators in these meetings.

The Committee Clerk informed members that in both Working Party meetings the potential idea for a "Café Culture" on the Strand area had been discussed.  The "Café Culture" idea would consist of some sort of barrier between the road and this area, and then to have tables and chairs out along the Strand pavement area (the Funky Munky/Custom House side).  This idea is separate to the ongoing works being carried out by DCC and the "Café Culture" idea is hopefully to be trialled during the summer period.

A Councillor expressed their concerns regarding this proposed idea and felt it would not alleviate the decline within the Strand area.  There were further safety issues raised, regarding the furniture and the barrier.  The Committee Clerk explained that the barrier must be there to distinguish between the "Café Culture" area and the pedestrian walkway/road.  It was further explained that not all the furniture would be kept out over night and the idea at the moment is very much a work in progress that needs to be trialled.

Members agreed they should support the trial idea of a "Café Culture" in the Strand.  It was felt that it had the potential to have a positive influence on this area and hopefully encourage more people to the Strand. 

RESOLVED that the report be noted.