Written by Heather Blackburn | 15 November 2011

Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting

BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting
held in Butcher’s Row/Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford, on
Thursday 3 November 2011 at 6.03 pm

North Ward:

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 D Standen (Chairman)
Mrs S Wade

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr R D G Coombes (Market Administrator)
3 x Public

010 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors Mrs E A Brenton (North Ward – Medical) and D C Fulford (North Ward – personal).

011 MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 6 October 2011 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: - For: 6, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

Councillor Mrs Fulford arrived.

012  ISSUES RAISED BY TRADERS

a. Banner on the Quay.

Mrs Rodgers advised that the Banner was being raised on a Friday afternoon and lowered on the following Tuesday.  Councillor Inch will meet with Mr Waite, Corporate Property Manager – Torridge District Council.  The Chairman confirmed that the Banner was much improved and was eye catching.

b.  Events/Christmas.

Mrs Fisher advised that photographs for a poster advertising the weekend 26/27 November 2011 should be ready shortly.  Discussion centred on advertising the Event with a view to providing copy for the Gazette in addition to posting advertisements. (The Market Administrator will liaise with the Chairman and Mr Staddon from the Gazette.)  Mrs Wade suggested that a “count down” to the event be incorporated and spoke on contacting the North Devon Journal.  She also advocated the use of tailored flyers on specific Saturdays.  Councillor Inch observed that the Christmas Light Switch On had been advertised and wondered whether a joint approach could be made.

The Chairman advised that Sure Start were “on board” and that Wings will confirm which day they will participate on.  Given Merlin’s itinerary and additional participants the weekend activities at the Market should be action packed.

Further discussion centred on creating a programme of events, some with a festive theme, for the run up to and following the Christmas period.

c. Replacement Committee Member.

The Chairman advised that with Mr Overson having stood down as a member of the Committee, prior to leaving Butcher’s Row, a vacancy remained; Members chose not to recruit at present.  She expressed her concern at the implications of a suggestion made to her, by a tenant, of an anonymous suggestion box.  Councillor Wootton spoke of the need for transparency in communication.  The Chairman will liaise with the Market Administrator in producing a letter informing traders/tenants of the workings of the Advisory Committee and advising new tenants on the rudiments of working and trading in Butcher’s Row.  Mrs Rodgers  stated that the Minutes of both the Advisory and Management Committees provided the means to understand the Advisory Committee’s method of operation.

The business of the Meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the Members for
their attendance and the Meeting concluded at 6.31 pm.

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

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