Minutes:
|
Councillor Ashraf to the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing:
I was pleased that the permanent toilet facilities have been opened in Langley Green Adventure Playground. Does the Cabinet Member agree that this will be invaluable for many families with young children that come to enjoy their day?
|
Councillor C Mullins (Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing):
I am pleased with the success as there was concern originally when we changed the nature of the Adventure Playgrounds as they were originally manned by staff and during this time the toilets would have been opened due to the associated buildings. This changed when the nature of the site also altered. Through discussion it was decided it would be wrong to open the adventure playgrounds without toilet facilities and the feedback has been excellent. It is disappointing that many toilet facilities are closing across the country when they are a basic human need. The facilities provided at the adventure playground are high quality and they will be locked at night to protect them.
|
|
Councillor Mwagale to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change:
This question relates to the lifts in Kingsgate car park, which is a popular car park and quite profitable. However the lifts are not working and please can you confirm if we can rectify this?
|
Councillor Noyce (Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change):
I gather one of the lifts is definitely not working and the other is repaired every so often but is infrequent. Unfortunately due to costs involved there is nothing schedule in place to repair but I will investigate further and respond to you with a more detailed answer.
|
|
Councillor Abu Mosa to the Cabinet Member for Public Protection:
Can I thank the Cabinet Member for the Unity event which took place recently. I thought it was positive and we should look to repeat every year. Does the Cabinet Member agree and is she able to confirm whether the Unity Pledge which we all signed will be put on display and is there still time to sign the pledge for any community leaders who have not already?
|
Councillor Y Khan (Cabinet Member for Public Protection):
I would like to thank everyone who attended the Unity Event and we received really positive feedback. The intention is to continue with an annual event. Thank you to everyone who signed the Unity Pledge as well. It is still available to be signed up until 24 December.
|
|
Councillor Burgess to the Cabinet Member for Public Protection:
I was pleased and honoured to attend the Unity Event where the Unity Pledge was signed. I would like to ask how it was determined which community groups and members of the community were invited and how can we expand the groups in the future?
|
Councillor Y Khan (Cabinet Member for Public Protection):
The Council’s Community Development Team have a list of local community organisations and that is how the invite was issued. I will be speaking to them again and seeing if we can reach out further in the future.
|
|
Councillor Charatan to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development:
I think many of us have been reading on social media and there is concern that the former Marks and Spencer building will be turned into flats and it is the Council’s fault for the situation with the store. Please can you provide an update on the rumours?
|
Councillor Nawaz (Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development):
There has been a lot of activity on social media about the former Marks and Spencer site. The building is not owned by the Council but by Marks and Spencer and we are aware it is expected to be sold. The Council has not been approached by any perspective buyers with regards to the proposed new use of the site. The town centre is designated a conservation area therefore any proposed development will be subject to Planning regulations and decided on its merits. It can be residential accommodation as well on the upper floors but this is speculation. Marks and Spencer are changing their business model and strategy, however if a suitable site in Crawley was found they would look to return.
|
|
Councillor Belben to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change:
Please can you provide an update on the District Heat Network extension and has the plan attracted sufficient new customers to make it viable? If so, is the Council still eligible for the grant of £1.3m that was quoted in the original proposal from 2017?
|
Councillor Noyce (Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change):
As far as I’m aware, there are plans for the second stage but we are waiting for that to come forward. |
|
Councillor K Khan to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change:
It has been some time since the South Patch Neighbourhood Services Team moved to Creasy’s Drive from main depot. I would like to know how the Cabinet Member thinks this is working and how it is helping with efficiencies and service delivery?
|
Councillor Noyce (Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change):
When the Patch Team was at Metcalf Way depot, it proved difficult with traffic congestion due to the location. The relocation has improved efficiencies and they are also getting visits from local residents which is useful. I have visited the area and facilities have been improved. |
|
Councillor Bushnell to the Leader of the Council:
I was concerned to learn of the arson that had taken place at Langley Green Farm and the serious damage caused to the properties. Please can the Leader advise what the council has been doing to address the dangerous conditions of the buildings?
|
Councillor Jones (Leader of the Council):
We were concerned about the recent fire at Langley Green Farm. This is in addition to the ongoing problems at this site and the understandable concerns from the community. I have asked for more police surveillance of the area. I can confirm that the area has been made more secure to prevent anti-social behaviour but the size of the site and difficulties with Planning regulations meant we were unable to proceed as quickly as we would have hoped. However, because of some of the fire damage to the buildings we have been able to proceed with demolition using the Dangerous Building regulations and this has enabled clearing the site for health and safety reasons. Everything has been cleared with exception of the farm house. The clearing and demolition was due to be completed yesterday and the Ecologist has been in attendance. I wish to thank our officers as this has been a logistical challenge. The site has potential which is currently being investigated but we will be looking to make use of the site in the best way possible for the Council and community.
|
|
Councillor Pritchard to the Leader of the Council:
I understand the Leader attended a Union event held in the town hall to mark Unison’s service champion’s day. Does he recognise the loyal and exemplary service that CBC staff are giving our residents often under difficult circumstances as resources become increasingly stretched?
|
Councillor Jones (Leader of the Council):
It was a pleasure last week to join members of Unison to mark the day. There were some outstanding examples of work being undertaken on the frontline of public services. I would like to thank all our officers and recognise that many are working incredibly hard to deliver our services at a difficult time when resources are increasingly stretched. The Housing Options Team providing temporary accommodation is just an immediate example. The event was a perfect opportunity to express that thanks.
|
|
Councillor Patel to the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing:
I am excited that Goffs Park will have a new sensory garden. Please can the Cabinet Member share more details about what will be included in the garden and indicate when it may be ready?
|
Councillor C Mullins (Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing):
I am pleased with the improvements to Goffs Park. There is a cross-party Working Group to work up ideas. The sensory gardens is due to be opened shortly and will also have benches within the area for relaxation. It is part of the general development of the park.
|
|
Councillor Jhans to the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing:
Following the closure of the rest centre at Northgate Community Centre, please can you kindly confirm if the community centre will shortly be reopening for hire and also for use as a Polling station?
|
Councillor C Mullins (Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing):
Yes, it will be reopening and the centre will be operating as normal. |