Posted in document archives - Market Management Minutes

Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting

BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting
held in Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford, on
Thursday 1 December 2011 at 6.03 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:
Councillor Mrs E A Brenton
Councillor D C Fulford
Councillor Mrs M P Fulford

South Ward:
Councillor D G Brenton
Councillor S G Inch (Deputy Town Mayor)
Councillor R I Wootton

Tenants/Traders
Mrs J Fisher
Mrs R Rodgers
Mrs P Spencer
Mrs D Standen (Chairman)
Mrs S Wade

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mrs H J Blackburn
Mr R D G Coombes (Market Administrator)
9 x Tenants
3 x Public

013 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
There were no absentees.

014 MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 3 November 2011 were approved and signed as a correct record.
(Vote: - For: 11, Against: 0)

015 ISSUES RAISED BY TRADERS

a. Events/Christmas.  The Chairman expressed her thanks to everyone who had contributed in the Market over the weekend of 26/27 November 2011; positive feedback had been received.  She intimated that future planned events would be discussed in the New Year.

b. Tenant’s Letter.  The Chairman addressed a number of points highlighted in a letter, previously circulated to members, received from a tenant.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded,

RESOLVED: That Standing Orders be suspended in order for the Tenant to be able to contribute to the item.

(Vote: - For: 11, Against: 0)

The Tenant, while recognising the endeavour that contributed to the successful weekend of 26/27 November 2011 and the decoration of the Pannier Market Complex, expressed concern over the validity and approachability of the Market Advisory Committee.  He advised that a Bideford Market Traders Association had been formed and that an inaugural meeting had been scheduled to take placed on 7 December 2011.  In seeking its recognition by the Council he requested that the Advisory Committee Members stand down in the New Year.

In expressing his points of concern there followed discussion with Advisory Committee Members contributing.  Given the nature of the discourse the Town Clerk advised that tenants and traders were welcome to hold their own meetings.  Where they sought support from the Council they should prioritise their concerns/ideas and submit them to the Advisory Committee/Council members.  These could then be formally addressed at future Advisory/Management Committee Meetings.

RETURN TO STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Councillor Wootton, seconded,

RESOLVED: That the Meeting return to Standing Orders.

(Vote: - For: 11, Against: 0)

c. Display space outside Shop Units in Butcher’s Row.  The Chairman advised that there had been concern expressed with regard the use of space outside Shop Units.  Historically merchandise was restricted to the ledge/ledge area.  She was mindful of trip hazards, congestion and the liability attributable to the responsible tenant; discarded packaging similarly could pose a fire risk.

The business of the Meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the Members for
their attendance and the Meeting concluded at 6.40 pm.

Signature of Town Mayor:……………………………………  Date:……………………...........

Signature of Chairman:………………………………..............  Date:……………………….......