Name ofCouncillor askingQuestion

Name ofCabinet Member Responding

Councillor Crow to the CabinetMember for Environmental Services and Sustainability

Were we any further forward with a strategy for toilets in the Town Centre, and in that, had consideration been given to opening toilets on a Sunday?

Councillor Thomas–

(CabinetMember forEnvironmental Services and Sustainability)

Although the provision for toilets in the Town Centre was discussed at each Portfolio Briefing, there were difficulties regarding finance (eg. expenditure on public toilets did not fit in the Capital Criteria).  The toilets in Ifield Drive were now closed and it was unlikely that they would reopen.  The toilets in The Boulevard, although well used, were in need of renovation, the cost of which would be significant.  He was hopeful that a decision on toilet provision would be taken in the next few months.  He would have discussions regarding Sunday openings.

Councillor Jaggard to the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability

The Government publication The Heat Network’s Delivery Unit 2018 cited the forecast capital cost for Crawley’s District Heat Network at £7.48m.  How was the balance (following the Government grant) going to be funded; how much would it cost Council Tax payers; what was the payback time before it broke even; and would the equipment be worn out before the payback date?

Councillor Thomas–

(CabinetMember forEnvironmental Services and Sustainability)

He had been told specifically that reference to the £7.48m was incorrect.  He had not seen the publication in question.  He invited all Councillors to the seminar on the District Heat Network which would take place at 6.30pm on 28 February 2019, where the consultants would be in attendance.

Councillor Lunnon to the Leader of the Council

In light of the recent earthquake, climate change and Crawley’s proximity to Gatwick Airport, there was an increased likelihood of emergencies occurring within the Borough.  When was the last time Crawley either enacted or practiced a multi-agency emergency drill?

Councillor Lamb–

(Leader of the Council)

There was a general strategy for dealing with such emergencies/crises.  The Council did not play a coordinating role but provided support on the ground such as evacuation facilities and, under the Civil Contingencies Act, it was the Chief Executive who held that responsibility.  The next multi-agency test would take place in the Spring and, although the the exact date was not to hand, he would inform Councillor Lunnon once he had obtained the information.  The Strategy and emergency plans worked well and remained in place should the need for them to be used occur.

Councillor Stone to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development

Apart from the Community Wardens what was being done to enforce Queens Square as a no cycling zone?

Councillor P Smith –

(Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development)

It was necessary to do everything the Council could to stop people riding bicycles in Queens Square.  There was not any no-cycling signage actually in Queens Square to avoid clutter.  The proposed improved cycle facilities would enable people to cycle to the Town Centre, park their bicycles and then walk.  The Community Wardens proactively enforced the zone and Councillor Smith encouraged those present to dissuade people from riding their bicycles in Queens Square.

Councillor Guidera to the Leader of the Council (in the absence of the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing)

Members of Councillor Guidera’s family had worked at the ice rink which had been situated in Goffs Park.  Overwhelming feedback from users of the ice rink as well as those who had worked there was that Goffs Park was not the ideal location due to its location, insufficient parking and lack of lighting along the pathway at night.  Had the rink been located in a more suitable location it could have been a huge success.

Why was Goffs Park suggested rather than Southgate Playing Fields (which was a more central and sustainable location), and could he get agreement that Southgate Playing Fields was a more suitable location so that it could be proactively pursued for the future?

Councillor Lamb –

(Leader of the Council – in the absence of the Cabinet Member for Wellbeing)

Various sites had been considered, taking into account each site’s suitability and proximity to the Town Centre.  Southgate Playing Fields had not been available at the time of booking and, when a change in circumstances had led to it becoming available, there had been insufficient time to relocate the ice rink to Southgate Playing Fields.  A de-brief meeting was due to be held with the ice rink operator in the coming week and the location, including alternative options, would be discussed at that meeting.

Councillor B Burgess to the Leader of the Council

Creasys Drive Adventure Playground was currently closed as a precaution after staff were threatened and would remain closed until the situation had been resolved.  How were staff, following their ordeal, and could an update on the situation be provided?

Supplementary Question

Were those staff member currently being paid whilst the site was closed.

Councillor Lamb –

(Leader of the Council)

The Police were currently involved and he was limited on the information he could share.  The safety of staff was taken very seriously.  The situation was under review and security improvements were being investigated.

Yes they were.