| Time: | 7.30 pm | Place: | Committee Room, Royston Town Hall, Melbourn Street, Royston |
| PRESENT: | Councillors: Mrs F.R. Hill (Chairman), H.M. Marshall (Vice-Chairman), P.C.W. Burt, W. Davidson and A.F.Hunter. |
| IN ATTENDANCE: | Jim Brown (Policy Manager) Andrew Mills (Service Manager Grounds) Louise Symes (Projects Manager) Peter Underwood (Community Facilities Manager) Alan Fleck (Community Development Officer) Susanne Gow (Committee and Member Services Officer) |
| ALSO PRESENT: | 8 members of the public, including three Royston Town Councillors, one member of the Press and four registered speakers. |
| Item | Description/Resolution | Status | Action | |
| PART I | ||||
| 47 |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Grimes and Inwood. |
Noted | ||
| 48 |
MINUTES Minutes RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Royston and District Committee Meeting held on 22 September 2010 be approved as a true record of the proceedings, and be signed by the Chairman. |
Agreed | ||
| 49 |
MINUTES Minutes RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Royston and District Committee Special Meeting held on 13 October 2010 be approved as a true record of the proceedings, and be signed by the Chairman. |
Agreed | ||
| 50 |
NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS There was no notification of other business at this Special Committee Meeting. |
Noted | ||
| 51 |
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS The Chairman welcomed everybody to the meeting, including the Press, members of Royston Town Council and members of the public, including the registered speakers. She informed the Committee that Item 14 on Pigeons in Royston had been withdrawn by the report author and that the subject would be touched on in Item 13, Champion News and Finance Report. Members were reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a prejudicial or personal interest and are required to notify the Chairman of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda. Members declaring a prejudicial interest can speak on the item, but must leave the room before the debate and vote. |
Noted | ||
| 52 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 1) Mrs Carole Kaszak, Curator of the Royston Museum thanked the Chairman and Committee for giving her the chance to address them. She stated that she had attended this meeting to clarify the reasons for their submitted grant application. She explained that the current lighting system in the Museum was out of date and replacement bulbs would soon not be available. The lighting system on all four sides of the ground floor main display hall (the lower gallery), the upper gallery room, the ground floor rear lobby and the upper staircase needed replacing and advice was sought from museum and gallery lighting specialists, who recommended that the spotlights be replaced by a track system using eco-friendly low energy long life compact fluorescent wash lights. The two estimates obtained had come to £11,500 and £10,300. Mrs Kaszak explained that the current fittings were expensive and required frequent replacement. On the other hand, the low energy bulbs and new track systems would be more economical in the long term and would last longer. Displays and texts would be enhanced, making the museum experience more accessible, especially to visually impaired visitors. Conservation guidelines for lux levels would be observed to ensure artefacts would not be exposed to excessive light levels. Replacing and resiting the fittings on the rear lobby and upper staircase would make fittings easier to access and reduce the Health and Safety risk to staff when bulbs needed replacing. The Museum would be closing for refurbishment to the Gallery after Christmas, so if the lighting could be brought up to date during the Museum's closure, that would be very convenient and would benefit the Museum and the community in the long term. The Chairman informed Mrs Kaszak that the grant application had been agreed in principle and thanked her for her presentation. 2) Mr Les Baker also addressed the Royston and District Committee, giving a report on the events and activities taking place at Royston Museum, including the project in conjunction with the Coombes Community Centre, where they collected and accumulated items from the past to aid recollections of the elderly and Alzheimers sufferers. Mr Baker reminded the Committee that the Museum would be closed in January for 6-8 weeks in order to redisplay items, look at what is in storage and swap exhibits if it is considered appropriate. The Royston Tapestry was almost complete and once that was done a Heritage Lottery grant could be applied for to display it (a dedicated case would cost £5,000). Tentative discussion on this with Heritage Lottery resulted in the opinion that Royston Museum would "probably be lucky". Matched funding would also be needed. The Chairman thanked Mr Baker, and once again Mrs Kaszak for their presentations and stated that their work for Royston Museum was good for Royston. 3) The Rev. Canon Leslie Harman of St John's Church in Royston addressed the Royston and District Committee in order to register his feelings on the subject of cemetery capacity in Royston. He stated that he believed that Royston was a special case as when the Wilbury Hills Cemetery in Letchworth was appointed as the North Herts District Cemetery, Royston residents would have to make a 30 mile round trip to visit the burial sites of their loved ones, some making use of the poor public transport connections. In his opinion, this decision and the figure of 10 years until the cemeteries in Royston are full, had come about through the Council failing to plan for the future before now. He put forward the following proposals: To purchase the land adjacent to the football ground (this could be funded by local charities and donations from local residents); Investigate the availability of other land to purchase for a Royston cemetery (east of Garden Walk, top of Briary Lane); Make provision/funding of a new cemetery a condition of planning permission for large developers in Royston; Increased burial fees would make maintenance costs less of an issue; Lay on better public transport links to Wilbury Hills cemetery in Letchworth. Finally, the Rev. Canon Harman declared that the inability to bury relatives locally would cause great upset to the residents of Royston. The Chairman thanked him for addressing the Committee and informed him that the Service Manager Grounds would be presenting a report on the Cemetery Capacity Within North Hertfordshire later on the Agenda. He was invited to stay for this item on the Agenda if he wished. 4) Mrs Anne Taylor of the North Herts Council for Voluntary Services addressed the Committee. She explained that the NHCVS was based in Letchworth but covers all of North Hertfordshire. The Service helps small and voluntary groups, mainly run by volunteers, with development and offers them funding advice where required. There is a large variety of assistance offered and to date almost £90,000 of funding has been distributed. The NHCVS works with the Community Development Officers (CDOs) in North Hertfordshire and in Mrs Taylor's opinion the compulsory spending cuts will have a huge impact on the voluntary groups and organisations, especially those run by, or comprising elderly members. On the positive side, Mrs Taylor stated that it was quite good for groups to review their grant funding and to stop taking it for granted. She declared that one step towards a solution would be for groups to be put in touch with each other to share resources and strengthen links with local volunteer centres. The Committee discussion produced the suggestion that Herts County Councillors local to each voluntary centre be approached for financial assistance and for Knebworth to ask the Southern Rural Area Committee for funding help. The Chairman thanked Mrs Taylor for her presentation and also for what she does for the community in North Hertfordshire. |
Noted | ||
| 53 |
FISH HILL SQUARE ENHANCEMENT SCHEME - CATEGORY B ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Report Appendix 1 Appendix 2 The Project Manager (PM) took the Royston and District Committee through the report and in terms of Appendix 1 (map of the Proposed Extension of Restricted Zone) she explained that street clutter would be eliminated. She clarified the parking arrangements, subject to Department of Transport approval and explained that she was looking for Members' support for this zone. Scenario 1: The new scheme was to retain eight parking spaces and relocate six of them. She informed Members that the Traffic Policy Officer had been out to look at options with the representatives from the traffic police and Hertfordshire Highways and that more on-site investigation was needed. It was desirable to relocate the existing five free parking spaces on the north end of Market Hill to elsewhere in the locality and make these bays, with possibly a sixth parking bay, as the relocated chargeable spaces. She explained the proposed method of access, that tracking exercises for loading and waste vehicles would be required and that it was also necessary to understand each retail outlet's loading requirements before a better, firmer plan could be produced in the near future. Scenario 2: There was not much scope for reconfigured parking bays. Scenario 3: Tariff structures. The Committee discussed the report and were generally supportive of removing street clutter in terms of extending the restricted zone. Points raised included: Scenario 1 was recommended, the re-siting of the six parking bays should be investigated, being thought the most practical option; retention of five bays could also work well, retaining the same amount of parking. In terms of the other category B items to be progressed, the PM stated that Meridian School had been approached regarding the proposed public art feature/sculpture and the Art teacher is very keen. The design will be worked on by students at the Royston school, where they will be short-listed and then presented to the Royston and District Committee to approve the appropriate design. The list of names submitted for the square renaming had been examined following the responses received to the public consultation in September and seven names had been chosen for consultation in 2011 and would also include the history of the names. These were listed in the report. Regarding street furniture, granite had been chosen for the seats in the square, as the cost was low to medium and maintenance could easily be done. Wooden slats were simple to add and would make the seats and benches more comfortable to residents and visitors using them. This would give the square a minimalist, but "lived in" concept. The street lighting proposed (4m to 5m columns) could be easily maintained and replaced and was unobtrusive as in Baldock, with up lighters near the planted trees as in Letchworth. There was the possibility that the Old Court House could also be lit up in the evening. Church Lane was a priority in terms of pedestrian access if there were surplus funds. The Chairman asked the Project Manager if the new light poles would have enough power for the Christmas lights, as Herts Highways had refused to use existing columns. RESOLVED: 1) That the Royston and District Committee agreed the proposals for the following Category B items as set out under section 4: i) Extending the restricted zone to include the Square as set out in paragraph 4.1.2 and in the plan at Appendix 1; ii) Officers seek a solution that retains the income level for 14 bays in the Fish Hill/Market Hill area without the loss of existing free spaces in the area as set out in paragraph 4.1.4; iii) Working with the art students at Meridian Upper School to design an art feature for the new Square as set out in paragraph 4.2.1; iv) Consulting on the list of suggested names for the new Square, set out in paragraph 4.3.2; v) The street lighting and street furniture as set out in section 4.4; 2) That the Royston and District Committee note the ongoing work associated with, and officers seek to resolve: i) Land ownership issues; ii) Licensing issues and event management; iii) Possible limited improvements to Church Lane as part of the overall scheme, as set out in paragraph 4.7.1; and that officers keep the Committee informed on progress through regular update reports. REASONS FOR DECISION: The final design and category B items are the result of a significant amount of consultation and survey work. Agreeing the final design and the category B items in relation to street lighting, street furniture and traffic management will allow for the issuing of the contract tender documents, thereby keeping the project to programme. |
Agreed | ||
| 54 |
PROGRESS ON THE HALLS AND COMMUNITY CENTRES STRATEGY Report Appendix 1.1 Appendix 1.2 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5 The Community Facilities Manager (CFM) presented the report of the Head of Community and Cultural Services and informed the Committee that the report had moved on from the Member Workshop, with comments to bring attention to the present situation. The NHDC Supplementary Planning Document was lacking, as the condition of halls and community centres should be taken into account, as should the need for additional provision, when calculating possible Section 106 payments from developers. A quantity and quality standard had now been established as part of the strategy document for future provision and this would give a better platform for the Supplementary Planning Guide. The CFM clarified how a mapping exercise of the NHDC's centres and halls had been performed as part of the strategy work and how the Council operates its own halls and community centres, for which the many leases were now coming up for review. It was also explained that strategies could be put in place to deal with rents and the position in relation to community centres in the future, as part of lease renewals. Also under examination was funding support in respect of village halls, now that PACIF had come to an end. Support could be offered in reviewing business cases, insurance support and more effective operation. There was, for example, room for scope to rationalise insurance. The Committee were asked to update the list at Appendix 2 and pass it to the CFM to scope the tertiary amount of community facilities in the Royston area. Committee discussion raised such points as: the Royston Day Centre was not available for hire, but was open until 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; the British Legion Hall and St Mary's JMI School hall were both available for hire; the old key to Appendix 2 would not be used in any future analysis. The CFM stated that it was sad to see the condition of some village halls without the funds available to refurbish them. None were owned by NHDC and thus it has no obligation to renovate them. He suggested that in future when a new development was planned it may be possible to use satellite village halls instead of building a new community centre or hall in order to use Section 106 money, which could be used to improve the existing infrastructure. Where a new community centre was required it should be noted that these now had multiple uses, such as a base for PCSOs, a community nurses' station for mothers and babies, etc. The Chairman thanked the Community Facilities Manager for his comprehensive presentation of the report on the Progress of the Halls and Community Centres Strategy. RESOLVED: That Members note: 1) The need for a Centres and Halls Strategy and to give their support in its development; 2) The extent of those facilities surveyed in 2007/2008 in Royston as shown in Appendix 2 and make comment if it is felt it no longer represents the extent of the provision currently being provided. 3) That officers contact all halls on the list to ensure that the list is up-to-date and report back to the Royston and District Committee. REASONS FOR DECISIONS: 1) To enable the establishment of a strategic position to provide best value for those facilities operated directly by NHDC, those owned by NHDC but operated by the local community and those who operate entirely independently to serve the North Hertfordshire population. 2) To ensure the mapping of facilities is as accurate as possible to ensure overlaps and gaps in provision can be recorded and addressed appropriately. |
Noted | ||
| 55 |
CEMETERY CAPACITY WITHIN NORTH HERTS Report Councillor Peter Burt declared a personal interest in this item on the Agenda as he is the Portfolio Holder for Waste, Recycling and Environment. The Service Manager Grounds (SMG) presented the report of the Head of Leisure and Environmental Services. He advised the Royston and District Committee that cemeteries in North Hertfordshire were nearing capacity and had 10 years left for all those except for Wilbury Hills in Letchworth. They were running out of space and there were no resources to invest capital or revenue to address this. Policies had been proposed to help alleviate this and this could be done by raising the limitations on burials and raising fees and charges. The SMG asked for comments on para 4.5 and also commented on the following: Transport for the 30-mile round trip between Royston and the Wilbury Hills Cemetery - the nearest crematorium is also the same distance away, but is not on a bus route, whilst Wilbury Hills Cemetery is; The land in Stamford Avenue is owned by a resident and a developer had purchased an option to develop this area. However this option expired in 2010; Developers have similar options agreements with local land owners around Royston which limit the potential for the development of a new cemetery; There are options for agreements with developers; No developer is likely to provide enough land for a cemetery as part of their S106 obligations: Residents of the Ivy Farm development, for example, would be unlikely to contribute towards a cemetery as the open spaces within this development are potentially to be adopted by a private management company, not North Herts District Council. The Chairman thanked the SMG for his address and the Committee discussed the report. A Member stated that the subject was an extremely emotive one to which there was no easy solution and it affects families at a difficult time. He said that there was a need to plan ahead and interment of ashes rather than full burials would increase the life of cemeteries by five times. A blanket ban on burials was harsh and Wilbury Hills cemetery would last a long time. If a family wanted a burial instead of a cremation, this should not be ruled out, as there could be an exception, such as a family having their own burial plot, etc. Those who wanted full burials should be encouraged to use Wilbury Hills cemetery. Transport was not part of the Cemeteries Policy and therefore could not be considered. If there was a move to acquire additional land for a cemetery, so be it. The proposal was the most practical option, although there may be exceptions, and the Member commended it. The SMG confirmed that pre-purchased graves would be honoured and that the District Council had an obligation to provide an appropriate means of interment, which could possibly be in a neighbouring district. A Member disagreed with the comments made and stated strongly that it was everybody's right to be buried, whether the cemeteries were filling up or not. The Chairman declared that the investigation of landlocked land for purchase should be pursued, in addition to searching for any land and sources of funding available. The Service Manager Grounds explained that interment charges could be quadrupled. After discussion and debate, the majority of Members present agreed that they could not support the proposed Policy in its current form. RESOLVED: 1) That the Area Committee forwards its recommendations/comments to the meeting of Cabinet on 25 January 2011; 2) That the majority of Members could not support the proposed Policy in its current form; 3) That the investigation of landlocked land to purchase for cemetery use be continued and also any other possible land be investigated, together with other possible sources of funding; 4) That cemeteries in the Royston area of North Herts be used for burial while there is still land left; 5) That Royston residents could be encouraged, but not forced, to use the Wilbury Hills cemetery for burials and Royston cemeteries for interment of ashes. 6) That an explanation of "special circumstances" and "exceptional circumstances" be provided for clarification as soon as possible. REASONS FOR DECISION: To ensure that a consistent and highly valued burial service is delivered to the residents of North Herts in the future. |
Agreed | ||
| 56 |
REVISED RURAL STRATEGY AND PARISH CHARTER FOR NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Report Appendix 1 Appendix 2 The Policy and Scrutiny Manager (PSM) presented the report of the Head of Policy, Partnerships and Community Development. He explained that the original 2005 Rural Strategy had been due for a revamp by the end of 2010 and had been streamlined via consultation with the Countryside Management Service, Hertfordshire Constabulary, the National Health Service, North Herts College etc and went to Cabinet on 27 July 2010, with further consultation until the end of September. The parishes were represented on the working group and did their own networking in October and the Rural Strategy was taken to meetings of the Royston and District Committee, Baldock and District Committee and the Southern Rural Committee, all of whom have villages in their areas. This was followed by a presentation to Cabinet on 7 December. Comments were to be drawn to the attention of Cabinet at the meeting, as the Agenda had already been published. The Committee commented that it was important that the parishes had been consulted and had helped to steer this process. It was confirmed that this document was excellent and Members felt that it would make a difference and the Chairman thanked the Policy and Scrutiny Manager for his comprehensive presentation of the Rural Strategy and the Parish Charter. RESOLVED: That the Area Committee consider and commend the new Rural Strategy and Parish Charter to Cabinet in January 2011 for adoption. REASON FOR DECISION: The recommendation(s) contained within paragraph 8 are made in order to facilitate effective consultation with the parish councils, relevant agencies and rural communities as a whole in developing a rural strategy for North Hertfordshire. |
Agreed | ||
| 57 |
CONSIDERATION OF AN APPLICATION FOR A DISPERSAL ORDER FROM HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY AS REGARDS SOMEWHERE Report The Community Development Officer presented the report of the Head of Housing and Public Protection and explained its background and the reasons for use of a Disposal Order. He stressed that the implementation of a Dispersal Order could not proceed without the explicit consent of the pertinent local authority. The ‘Somewhere' in the report title was, he explained, so that it could be used in Royston if it was needed. The question had not been put to other committees. He stated that the recent view is that rather than disperse the young people in the Priory Memorial Gardens they should be monitored, and this had worked well. The Committee discussed this and in reply to the question as to whether the Dispersal Order could be taken to another part of North Herts District, the CDO stated that he would investigate this. RESOLVED: That Members approve in principle the Dispersal Order for use as and when the Hertfordshire Constabulary deem appropriate, as proposed by them in Appendix A. REASON FOR DECISION: A thorough discussion as to the utility of the proposed Dispersal Order will enable the officer with delegated powers as regards Section 31(2) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to respond appropriately to Hertfordshire Constabulary on behalf of North Herts District Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 58 |
HIGHWAYS ISSUES Newmarket Road, Royston - a quieter road surface would be investigated next time the road is resurfaced. Police speed checks will be used to slow down the traffic, as no additional 30mph signs are permitted in that location; There will be a trial of the No. 331 bus route away from Tannery Drift and back to Kneesworth Street, as requested. It would be prudent to inform NHDC Enforcement. It was suggested that a letter was sent to the bus company asking for the timescale of the trial; A letter had been received from Royston Town Cllr F J Smith regarding the naming of the small link pathway between Market Hill and Fish Hill. His suggestion was Market Link, and Members were asked for their opinions on this. They agreed that Market Link was the most appropriate name. Views were to be sent to Mark Hindmarch, Assistant Planning Compliance Officer; There had been consistent verge parking in Old North Road, between the bridge and the first junction, which had resulted in considerable damage to the grass verges. It was suggested and agreed that grass crete be laid to improve the look of this location. |
Noted | ||
| 59 |
CHAMPION NEWS AND FINANCE REPORT Report Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C The Community Development Officer (CDO) presented the report of the Head of Policy, Partnerships and Community Development. The item on the Youth Council required no updating. Reference the Youth Shelter, one suggested solution to young people climbing on the roof was that the fence was moved back 1 or 2 feet, away from the Youth Shelter, to make it more difficult for young people to access the roof. Under Other Work, the CDO reported that he, the Chairman and other Members of the Committee had attended the NHS Consultation Café. As the Agenda item on Pigeons in Royston had been withdrawn, the matter was discussed here. It was discussed and agreed that leaflets were distributed again at the next Members Surgery in an attempt to educate residents not to encourage the pigeons in Royston. This would hopefully deter the birds from flocking into the town centre where their waste matter caused a Health and Safety hazard to residents and visitors. One Member stated that cleaning the areas fouled by the pigeons, by means of sweeping and hosing at local authority expense was not viable, due to the danger from ice then forming underfoot in the bad weather and this also keeps the resources from other places in the area that need them. However the majority of Members felt that cleaning should still be carried out in the interests of health and safety of Royston town centre users. The CDO took the Committee through the budget spreadsheet and then the grant applications, as follows: a) £300 was requested by the NHDC Burns Road Youth Project to guarantee funding until the end of the current financial year. The Committee considered this grant application and agreed it; b) A personal interest was declared in this item by Councillor Howard Marshall as he is a resident of Reed. The sum of £499 was requested by Reed Parish Council to provide funding for refurbishment of the Reed village sign. The Committee considered and agreed this grant application; c) Councillor Peter Burt declared a personal interest in this item as he is a member of Royston Town Council and is also on the Royston Museum Sub-Committee. The Royston Museum requested funds to the tune of £11,500 to replace the existing lighting system in Royston Museum. This would have to be done during January and February 2011 while the Museum was closed for refurbishment. The Committee considered this grant application and agreed it. The Chairman thanked the Community Development Officer for his hard work and efforts for the residents of Royston and for his support for herself and for the Royston and District Committee. RESOLVED: 1) That the Committee noted the budget and carried-forward expenditures set out in Appendix A; 2) That the Committee considers and approves the grant application of £300 to the NHDC Children's Services Team to fund the Burns Road Youth Project up to the end of the Financial Year 2010/2011; 3) That the Committee considers and approves the grant application of £499 to Reed Parish Council for funds to refurbish the Reed village sign; 4) That the Committee considers and approves the grant application of £11,500 to Royston Town Council for replacement of the lighting system in Royston Museum. 5) That Members indicate whether they wish to reaffirm Capital commitments to fund Police ANPR cameras and any balance towards safety and disability improvements at Royston Town Hall; 6) That the Community Development Officer be thanked for his actions, which had promoted greater community capacity and well-being for the residents of Royston. REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Committee are kept informed of the work of the Community Development Officer. |
Agreed | ||
| 60 |
PIGEONS IN ROYSTON Comment This report had been withdrawn, and the subject was discussed under Minute 59, Champion News and Finance Report. |
Noted | ||
| 61 |
OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS - MEMBERS' REPORTS Description Chamber of Commerce The Chairman reported that the Chamber of Commerce had a new Chairman and was moving forward. Home-Start The Chairman reported that they were doing excellent work in Royston and that she had recently attended their Annual General Meeting. Coombes Community Centre Councillor Davidson reported that the Centre was doing quite well and various groups were interested in hiring the building, including the British Badminton Association. However, when the hall floor had been refurbished in 2008, the contractor hired by NHDC had used sub-standard material. The floor was painted and refurbished and would now have to be redone at a cost of £3,500, as the paint was peeling and the lines had all but disappeared. It was extremely likely that the British Badminton Association would go elsewhere when they saw the sub-standard state of the hall floor. He asked that the Royston and District Committee writes to NHDC and asks that the Council pays for the floor to be re-laid as soon as possible. The Coombes Community Centre would arrange for the work to be done if the Council paid for it. The Chairman thanked Members and officers for their hard work for Royston in 2010 and wished them all the very best for Christmas and a Happy New Year. |
Noted | ||