Agenda item

Councillors' Questions Time

There will be a maximum of 30 minutes for Councillors’ Question Time (CQT). Councillors may ask questions relating to either a portfolio issue or with regard to the functions delegated to a Committee.

 

There are two methods for Councillors asking questions:

 

1.     Councillors can submit written questions in advance of the meeting and written answers will be provided on the evening of the Full Council.

 

2.     Councillors can also verbally ask questions during the CQT.

 

Councillors have the opportunity to ask oral supplementary questions in relation to either of the methods above.

Minutes:

 

Name of Councillor asking Question

Name of Cabinet Member Responding

Councillor Crow to the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing

 

Would you be able to provide any details of what those potential options are for the Waterlea playground site? Will you ensure that you and officers will liaise with local councillors over any future options for the Waterlea site? And what would you say to parents of children in Furnace Green and further afield who were looking forward to an unsupervised play area at that location to replace the adventure playground?

 

Councillor Mullins, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing

 

We are looking at serious options and the intention is to bring something in Furnace Green that people are really going to enjoy and want when they see it. It was a preferred site from an interested company but it’s sad we’ve had to take the decision we’ve made on the adventure playgrounds but it was necessary in the circumstances.  There is the potential for something exciting to happen in that locality. I will be committed to communicating and consulting with local councillors.

 

Councillor Bob Burgess to the Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Community Engagement

 

I was pleased to see the response to the written question that was submitted regarding support for veterans.  I was not aware how much this town did to support out veterans and I think the officers involved in this work deserve our thanks. Is it possible perhaps via the Councillors’ Information Bulletin that we could receive regular updates as to the latest initiatives?

 

Councillor Jones, Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Community Engagement

 

I thank you for your question and I take on board your points.  It has been difficult to spread the message due to Covid-19.  We continue to provide our support to the Armed Forces and veterans. In terms of ongoing information I’m proud of our record and I can certainly pass that request on to our Armed Forces Champion to initiate. Any Councillor is welcome to speak to me about any points they wish to raise.

 

Councillor Brenda Burgess to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development

 

A while ago, we had a brief conversation about Queens Square. A number of residents have come to me and mentioned they are disappointed that it looks quite dirty.  Do we not have specialised cleaning equipment for the area which I believe should have protective coating in place? And if we do have such equipment, how often it is used? In short how often can our Square be cleaned, how can it be kept clean and can we have some colour in it like flowers?

 

I believe when we were looking at the design of Queens Square it was mooted that the surface of the new Square would be chewing gum proof?

 

Councillor P Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development

 

 

 

We did do extensive research when we were putting the Square in and we agreed about purchasing specialist machinery. We’ve added extra resources to clean it every day (first thing in the morning) and we continue to have the problem of chewing gum. I do not believe there are any plans to put flowers in but there are lots of flowers in the memorial gardens.

 

 

 

It was supposed to be easier to remove, but I don’t think that is happening.

 

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