Minutes:
Councillor Matthew Relf – Portfolio Holder for Place, Planning and
Regeneration
· part of the £1.5 million from the Accelerated Towns Fund being used to purchase a vacant property on Low Street for future redevelopment;
· progress in relation to the ‘Centre of Excellence’ refurbishment at Portland Training College;
· Development of a new Indoor Market and cycle and walkway network in Kirkby;
· Upgraded play facilities at Sorrel Drive;
· Discover Ashfield Board continuing to support businesses in Ashfield and the recruitment of a new Graduate Officer to support the Board and promote the Ambassador Programme;
· the development of a new Business Directory by the Economic Development Unit, update on officers’ workload and the continued promotion of new business grants;
· update in relation to the proposed Main Marion train line;
· continued service delivery from the Planning Team;
· progress from the Local Plan Working Group and the planned public consultation for early 2021;
· closure of the recent Masterplan consultations with officers currently analysing the data and responses captured;
· thanks to all staff in the portfolio for their continued commitment and hard work under challenging circumstances;
· Christmas wishes to all.
Councillor David Martin – Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks and Town Centres
· the recent recruitment of 4 Covid Information Officers and 1 Senior Officer and their recent visits to businesses’ in the Council’s town centres and local neighbourhoods;
· progress on the installation of hand sanitising units in all Council car parks adjacent to ticket machines;
· 1.5 million investment in the Council’s parks and open spaces including the dredging of Kings Mill Reservoir and the café opening, a new outdoor gym in Jacksdale, upgrades at Nabbs Lane, Hucknall, Annesley Recreation Ground, Titchfield Park, Hucknall and Sorrel Drive, Kirkby;
· progress with regards to car park improvements at Brierley Forest Park and the miners stone statutes;
· securing 6 green flag awards for another year;
· thanks to all staff in the portfolio for their continued commitment and hard work under challenging circumstances;
· congratulations to the Waste Division for being nominated for a ‘Best Service Team’ award;
· the Bag It campaign;
· postal delivery of the latest bin calendars;
· arrangements for the Christmas tree collection service from early January 2021;
· progress in relation to winter bulb planting;
· progress on the Kings Mill Reservoir entrance works.
Councillor Helen-Ann Smith – Portfolio Holder for Community Safety
· appointment of two new Community Safety Team Leaders;
· acknowledgement that all Community Protection Officer (CPO) posts were now filled and operational;
· recruitment of new Domestic Violence Co-ordinator and Complex Case Officer;
· Operation Springboard and CPOs working alongside Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on patrols;
· anticipation of DVLC lifting temporary ban on councils dealing with untaxed and abandoned vehicles.
Councillor Daniel Williamson – Portfolio Holder for Corporate Communications, Governance and Cross Portfolio Support
· appreciation for the Communications Team for keeping Ashfield residents abreast of Tier 3 guidance and the relaxed rules for the Christmas period, the latest press releases, small business grant campaigns, the Christmas lighting ceremonies and the Selfie Quiz and competition;
· work commencing on the February 2021 edition of ‘Ashfield Matters’;
· thanks to the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Team for keeping Members supported and online with virtual meetings and the continuation of scrutiny work/reviews during these challenging times;
· thanks also to the Elections Team for completion of the annual canvass, the recent Polling Places Review and preparations for the Police & Crime Commissioner and County Council election in May 2021.
Councillor John Wilmott – Portfolio Holder for Regulatory Services
· acknowledgement of the hard work and commitment shown by the Licensing team in dealing with continual applications and enquiries from local businesses during the pandemic;
· the unstinting provision of guidance and support from the Environmental Health Team and newly appointed Covid Information Officers to local businesses and retail outlets across the District;
· environmental health checks on food outlets were continuing at pace;
· acknowledgement that barbers and hair salons had opened the previous day following the latest lockdown.