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Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held in the Town Hall, Bideford on Thursday 4 November 2021 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:

Councillor P S Christie (Town Mayor)
Councillor D Bushby
Councillor J Herron
Councillor T Johns
Councillor D McGeough

South Ward:

Councillor S Inch
Councillor Mrs S Langford
Councillor P Lawrence

West Ward:

Councillor D Ratcliff

East Ward:

Councillor Mrs R Craigie
Councillor Mrs J Gubb
Councillor Mrs L Hellyer
Councillor J A McKenzie

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr R Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
Station Manger N Hole (Bideford Fire Station)

85.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors Mrs K Corfe (West Ward – personal), J Craigie (East Ward – personal) and C Hawkins (West Ward – personal).

86.    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND ANY REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillor P Christie declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 16 (Trustee, Bridge Trust).

87.   PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION OF 15 MINUTES DURATION

There were no members of the Public.

88.   MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 23 September 2021 were approved as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 12, Against: 1)

89.   ACCOUNTS

It was proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the List of Payments be approved.

(Vote – For: 13, Against: 0)

90.    FIRE SERVICE PRESENTATION

a.     The Chairman invited Station Commander Hole, to address the Council.

b.     Station Commander Hole thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Members; he would cover three areas: Operations, Business and Community Safety.

Bideford has twenty one fire fighters committed to 1,500 hours seven days a week of two twelve hour shifts of made up of nine people.

In 2021 they have attended 400 incidents in the Torridge District including fire, flooding, road traffic accidents, recovering people from the River Torridge. There have been many fatalities, many young people. A multi service eight hour operation did successfully recover a missing person, from the River Torridge. Recently there have been arson attacks at the football ground and an incident involving a caravan at Bank End – one person is in custody… Winter will see the Torridge flooding; Bank End will need pumping out.

There have been no enforcements against Torridge wide businesses with regards to Safety. Care Homes, Hotels and Factories are categorised high risk, with B&Bs and restaurants seen as smaller. Station Commander Hole has been working with the Building Regulations and Planning Departments assisting with the Brunswick Wharf Development.

A Community Safety officer / Technician conducts three to five visits a day to advise some more senior members of the Community on escape routes and other practical around the house / accommodation fire related advice. He spoke of incidents involving emollient creams (oil based), the residue of which can create a hazard when exposed to a naked flame (including smoking). General information is also provided in relation to bonfires.

Pre-planning – there will be a drink drive campaign in the Morrison’s car park and in 2022 a water rescue / prevention initiative along the Quay will be staged.

In summary, Station Commander Hole indicated that the Torridge areas was not doing too bad.

c.    The Chairman thanked Station Commander Hole for addressing the Council.

91.  DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL (COUNCILLOR) REPORT

Members had received a written report from County Councillor Mrs Hellyer which enclosed and forms part of these Minutes.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Mrs Hellyer for a very full report.

Councillor Mrs Hellyer updated Members on the Library, advising that DCC will be confirming the Candidate agreement next Wednesday.

Upon questioning about Kier lights she indicated that they were not live, yet, from May Court.

92.  COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR / TOWN CLERK

The Town Clerk advised:

a.    Remembrance Sunday, 14 November 2021. Town Hall will be open from 9.45 am, councillors are to be robed by 10.15 am.

b.    Signing of the Lease, 4 December 2021. Town Hall will be open from 9.45 am, councillors are to be robed by 10.15 am.

c.    The Mayor requested agreement from the Members that the Council write to the cabinet member responsible for Adult Health and social care at DCC in support of the retention of the link Centre Mental Health resource centre in Bideford, at the top of Gunstone Street.
He gave detail about the Drop In centre, how it was closed during Lockdown, a DCC Consultation informed a decision to move away from buildings and that correspondence had been received with one person indicating that, “hope will be taken away,” and the belief that the suicide rate will increase.
The Mayor indicated that Councillor Mrs Hellyer had put much work into supporting the Centre and that her efforts had been widely recognised and appreciated.
Members unanimously indicated agreement that the Mayor write to DCC.

93.   MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 30 September 2021 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 12, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

94.   STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE MEETING

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 October 2021 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 13, Against: 0)

95.   TOURISM COMMITTEE MEETING

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 October 2021 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 13, Against: 0)

96.   PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

The Minutes of the Meetings held on 6 and 27 October 2021 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 13, Against: 0)

97.   TOWN CENTRE PARTNERSHIP MEETING

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 October 2021 were noted.

98.   DALC

Councillor Christie requested that Councillor Inch request DALC to approach the LGA / Government with a view to ensuring that Building Regulations include mandatory renewable energy criteria / initiatives for new buildings / developments.

Councillor Inch acquiesced.

99.   TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL – UPDATE

The Chairman advised that the Levelling up bid for Bideford had failed, and the designing of the Environmental Centre was going ahead.

Councillor Christie noted that the Climate and Ecological Bill had passed and been fully supported by Bideford Town / Torridge District Councillors.

Councillor Mrs Langford advised that Environmental Health and Community Safety Manager had stated at the recent Scrutiny Committee Meeting that the immediate housing situation was in crisis. She advised that anyone who is a position where they could lose the house / accommodation through financial difficulties, should contact the TDC Housing Department, ASAP; preventing the loss of housing is better than finding a solution for those now homeless.

Councillor Christie indicated that the Bridge Trust had been inundated with enquiries when having posted details of a maisonette and a flat for rent.

100.  BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Christie gave detail on income, Estate expenditure, Grants: individual, student, group.

 

The business of the meeting having been completed, the Mayor thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 6.56 pm.

 

Table showing Accounts for approval 4 November 2021 Town Council Meeting


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