Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed Members, Officers and public participants to the meeting.

Audio recording – 37 seconds

The Chair welcomed Members, Officers and public participants to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jean Green.

Audio recording – 1 minute 26 seconds

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jean Green.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 20 October 2021.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 20 October 2021 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio Recording – 1 minute 39 seconds

Councillor Gerald Morris proposed and Councillor Sarah Dingley seconded and it was:

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 20 October 2021 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Members should notify the Chair of other business which they wish to be discussed at the end of either Part I or Part II business set out in the agenda. They must state the circumstances which they consider justify the business being considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered.

There was no other business notified.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 03 seconds

There was no other business notified.

Members are reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or Declarable Interest and are required to notify the Chair of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda.  Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item. Members declaring a Declarable Interest, wishing to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote.

(1)  The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded.

(2)  The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 20 seconds

(1)       The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded;

(2)       The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.

To receive a verbal update from the Royston First Manager.

The Chair advised that Royston First were unable to attend this Committee meeting.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 45 seconds

The Chair advised that Royston First were unable to attend this Committee meeting.

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

Sergeant Jon Vine, from Herts Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, gave a verbal update on the work being done in the Royston and District Area.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 58 seconds

Sergeant Jon Vine, from Herts Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal update on the work being done in the Royston and District Area, including:

·         There had been a few staffing changes in Royston, but the numbers of officers remained the same, with 3 Police Constables and 4 PCSOs covering both the town and rural areas with 4 cars and 1 quad bike.

·         The following crime statistics were provided; all crime has gone up from 872 incidents in 2020/21 to 897 in 2021/22.

·         Burglary at a dwelling had risen to 12 this year from 11 last year. Some of these were technical offences, which did not necessarily mean a crime had taken place and when these were removed it left only 4 instances of burglary at a dwelling. Generally burglars came from outside the district.

·         Burglary from a business had risen from 21 last year to 23 this year.

·         Theft of tools from vehicles had reduced dramatically since last year. However, there had been an increase in instances of theft of metal from vehicles, such as catalytic convertors. This was attributed to the increasing price of metal and the police were working to highlight this issue to motorists.

·         There were 327 offences of violence against a person recorded for 2021/22.

·         The night-time economy had greatly improved from previously and Operation Artemis was no longer required.

·         Reports of shoplifting were down.

·         There had been a decrease in anti-social behaviour, dropping to 300 this year from 332 in 2020/21. But there was an increase in pseudo gang related drug activity, which had been driven by new people coming to the town. Whilst this was not a problem at this stage, there was a desire to, using intelligence led policing, stamp this out before it developed into a wider issue.

·         The three priorities for the area, set every 6 months, were now; theft from a motor vehicle, speeding and anti-social behaviour.

·         Overall the picture in Royston was good, with very few specific issues to report.

·         The police had struggled to engage with young people during the pandemic, so officers were unable to form relationships and connections with younger residents.

·         There had been a “mini police” workshop held at a local primary school with 7 and 8 year olds, where PCSOs ran an 8-week course looking at topics such as, stranger danger, being a good citizen and internet safety. This course culminated in a trip to the police station. It was hoped this could be expanded further.

·         With an increase of report of dog thefts, the Dog Watch scheme was reinvigorated but there had been no reported dog thefts.

·         While there was a lot of bad new about police in the news at the moment, the team in and around Royston were doing a lot of good work which was not necessarily reported on.

·         At a recent meeting a venue had been offered for a youth  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

To advise the Committee on the current expenditure and balances of the Committee Grant budgets.

To bring to the Members’ attention recent requests received for Committee grant funding, made by community groups and local organisation, including:

·         Barley Town House

To advise the Committee of the activities and schemes with which the Community Engagement officer has been involved in.

To bring to the Committee’s attention some important community-based activities that will take place during the next few months.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That grant funding of £500 be awarded to Barley Town House to assist with costs for essential repair and renovation works to the south facing windows, frames, doors, and timber at the building as outlined in 8.1.1.

(2)  That the Committee allocate £1,500 from the 2021/22 base budget for the Free After 3pm Parking Initiative as outlined in 8.3.1.

(3)  That the Committee allocate £500 from the 2021/22 base budget for the annual maintenance of the planters on Royston High Street as outlined in 8.3.2.

(4)  That the Committee agrees that any unspent funds from the 2021/22 financial year be allocated to Community & Environmental Initiatives for the 2022/23 period.

(5)  That the Committee endorse the actions taken by the Community Engagement Officer to promote greater community capacity and well-being for Royston

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)  To ensure the Committee is kept informed of the work of the Community Engagement Officer.

(2)  This report is intended to inform Members of the financial resources available to the Committee. It draws attention to the current budgetary situation by assisting in the effective financial management of the Area Committee’s budget. This ensures that all actions are performed in line with the Authority’s Financial Regulations, the Council’s Constitution, and the guidance of the existing Grants policy as agreed by Cabinet in January 2020.

(3)  The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims of the Council Plan.

(4)  The Committee is asked on an annual basis to provide financial support from its base budget for the Free After 3pm Parking Initiative.

(5)  The Committee is requested to provide financial support from its base budget for the maintenance of the planters on Royston High Street.

Audio recording – 45 minutes 15 seconds

Grant Application

The Community Engagement Officer advised that the details of the remaining grant funds were included in the report and that there would be £1130 to carry forward if tonight’s application was approved.

The Community Engagement Officer confirmed that the base budget was £6000 for the civic year 2021/22, but was unsure whether this would be the same for the civic year 2022/23.

Councillor Ruth Brown proposed and Councillor Gerald Morris seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That grant funding of £500 be awarded to Barley Town House to assist with costs for essential repair and renovation works to the south facing windows, frames, doors, and timber at the building as outlined in 8.1.1.

Free After 3pm Parking in Royston

The Chair led a discussion on Free After 3pm Parking in Royston scheme and the following Members took part in the debate:

·         Councillor Ruth Brown

·         Councillor Tony Hunter

·         Councillor Adam Compton

·         County Councillor Fiona Hill 

The following points were raised in the debate:

·         There was no evidence that the scheme encourages people into the town and increases footfall. Royston First were looking into this at the moment.

·         When the scheme started, there was an estimated figure provided of how many people were entering and exiting car parks, as no data was available for this, and the funds have been granted for the scheme ever since. There was a clear visible increase in cars in the car parks after 3pm.

·         The amount given by NHDC should be explored to see whether this is an appropriate amount and the percentage of NHDCs contribution. If it is deemed excessive then monies could be recovered and put back into the grant funds.

·         It has always been difficult to find exact figures to support the scheme, due to the nature of different charges at Royston car parks.

·         The expansion of the RingGo app across car parks should help to provide data to support the scheme, but this was not used across all parking in town.

·         NHDC are looking at whether this scheme increases footfall and any decision on this should be based on firm evidence of benefit.

·         It is not necessarily understood by car park users that the Council provide funds for this scheme. 

Councillor Tony Hunter, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Adam Compton seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the Committee allocate £1,500 from the 2021/22 base budget for the Free After 3pm Parking Initiative as outlined in 8.3.1.

Royston High Street Planters

The Chair led a discussion on Royston High Street planters and the following Members took part in the debate:

·         Councillor Gerald Morris

·         Councillor Tony Hunter

·         Councillor Sarah Dingley

·         County Councillor Ruth Brown

·         Councillor Fiona Hill

·         Councillor Adam Compton

The following points were raised in the debate:

·         Retailers in the town had already had a difficult time and were just starting to recover and the planters are taking up vital parking spaces in the town centre and often these  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

The Chair to lead a discussion regarding any issues raised, including current and proposed highways schemes.

A verbal update was given by Herts County Councillor Fiona Hill regarding Highways Issues.

Audio recording – 72 minutes 40 seconds

The Chair led a discussion regarding Highways Issues and invited Herts County Councillor Fiona Hill to provide an update to the Committee, including:

·         Parish Councils had been updated with Highways schemes planned in the villages.

·         Footpath schemes around Royston had been completed with funds from the Highways Locality Budget, including Coltsfoot Drive, Lingfield Road, Wheatfield Crescent, Kingsway and Victoria Crescent.

·         Pram crossings had been created on Mill Road/Lumen Road.

·         Investigatory works had been programmed on Queens Road.

·         Footpath schemes had been proposed for Melbourn Road, Maple Way, Mill Road, Serby Avenue and Parthia Close. A new speed indicator device was planned for Melbourn Road.

·         The Integrated Works Programme for 21/22 had seen some schemes delayed due to recent weather conditions, but work should be completed on A10, A505, Yeats Close, Lingfield Road, Orchard Road, York Road, Shakespeare and Hardy Drive in the coming weeks.

·         After our objections to the 50mph speed limit on Baldock Road, an extension to the 40mph zone had been consulted on.

·         The speed indicator on the A10 at Reed was due to be moved.

The following Members asked questions:

·         Councillor Adam Compton

In response to questions, County Councillor Hill advised that there were planned footpath works for Serby Avenue and not road resurfacing. Any new defects should be reported.  

To receive any verbal reports from Members regarding Ward matters and Outside Organisations.

Councillor Carol Stanier gave a verbal update to Members on the Melbourn Area Youth Development Club.

Councillor Ruth Brown gave a verbal update to Members on Royston First.

Councillor Sarah Dingley gave a verbal update to Members on plans for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee events in Royston.

Audio recording – 76 minutes 38 seconds

The Chair led a discussion on ward matters and outside organisations. The following issues were discussed: 

Melbourn Area Youth Development Club

Councillor Carol Stanier advised:

·         Funding had been provided by the Committee for the Club, but this could not be spent due to the Covid restrictions at the time.

·         Before Christmas 2021, there was a consultation with the young attendees to see what they would like to see from their club. Some suggestions were sports and baking, but also computer gaming, which organisers were keen to explore and see how this could be supported at the Club.

·         There was another meeting planning in the next few weeks which would look at the consultation responses further. 

Royston First

Councillor Ruth Brown advised:

·         The BID were looking at putting together a promotional video for Royston using a drone to film, which would build on and update a previous version.

·         Surveys were being conducted around footfall in the town.

·         EU funding was available and, working with East Herts, some of these funds would be spent on exploring High Street recovery from Covid.

·         There had been an ambition to work more collaboratively and the Christmas lights switch on had seen the Town Council, Town Manager and BID work together to run this pilot event.

·         Royston Markets Committee now had a member of the BID on their board.

Town Twinning

Councillor Ruth Brown highlighted that the Twinning Group would be making their first trip to France for two years at the end of May 2022. There was a North Herts Twinning Workshop planning for the 19 March 2022 to discuss ideas, policies/projects and a joint diary of events, and encouraged all to attend.

Platinum Jubilee Events

Councillor Sarah Dingley advised that a Picnic in the Park event was planned for the Platinum Jubilee weekend, as this was felt most suitable to support local street parties, as well as provide an opportunity for those in flats or without green spaces available. The BID would be running trails through the town.

Councillor Ruth Brown noted that the Market would be doing something for the Jubilee celebrations.

County Councillor Fiona Hill advised that County were making it easier to close roads for street parties and the deadline for this was 21 April 2022. There was some money available from the Locality Budget to support events, if this was required.