Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Bailey, P Thompson, J Jones J Oates , R Pritchard and J Wadrup.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12th December 2023 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Moved by Councillor L Wood and seconded by Councillor T Jay)

There were no Declarations of Interest.

The Mayor reminded council members of the Tony Christie Charity Concert on Saturday 10^th February to raise funds for Dementia Charities in Tamworth. 

Also, an invitation has been sent for the Mayors Civic Ball on Friday 8^th March to raise funds for the Mayors chosen charities.

The Leader made the following announcement.

Firstly, I would like to update the council that we are moving to an exciting new phase on the future High Street fund delivery.  We are due to have some new graphics put on the hoardings in the town centre so that any one passing by  can see what I happening or due to happen.  And form the old Christophers down to the Pound Bakery demolition is imminent so people will start to see some positive action in the Town Centre. 

In the council before Christmas, I announced it was my intention to look to form a coalition with Tamworth Independent Futures Group.  Cllr Cook and I have had some very good conversations with a lot of good will and a lot of common ground between us, but we have not been able to reach an agreement.  There is no ill will at all, and we will both continue to deliver for Tamworth.  No ill will but no agreement reached. 

Councillor Tina Clements made the following announcement

I think we all agree it would be remiss if one of us didn’t stand up and mention Ben Newman, Ben AKA Spudman the TikTok sensation that he is.  As we all know he held an event in the town centre on Saturday and I think those of us that visited the Town centre could certainly see the appeal of Spudman and his band of spud army not just in Tamworth across the world it would seem there were visitors from Malaysia and Dubai and I think we can certainly say that he is a smash hit through all of his TikTok videos.  I think we can all agree that the event was a great attraction for Tamworth it wasn’t a council initiative, but it certainly bought people into the Town centre. He also set up a go fund me page for kidney research and most of us will know that Ben as had kidney surgery, so I am hoping he as raised quite a bit.  The town centre was full the pubs were brimming the traders were selling out.  If you walked down market street although they said there was a bit of a que at first it soon moved so that people could get through.  The Castle Hotel was fully booked, Christophers fully booked so again it bought a lot of people into the town and behalf of everyone here we would like to wish him all the best in his recovery because we know he’s been doing things that he shouldn’t be doing, and he needs now to rest and recuperate.  And who knows Mr Mayor perhaps you could be the next Tik Tok sensation.

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 1

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Mr Ron Brown, will ask the Portfolio Holder Entertainment and Leisure, Councillor A Cooper, the following question:-

What were the legal and organisational explanations, given at the time, for the expense of the addition of concrete bollards and a padlocked gate at the top of Moor Lane Bolehall?"

Answer:

As the legal landowner the council is within its right to protect the site from any illegal encampments. The Council has had previous experience and cost of the gates being vandalised.

The council have been keen to protect the access to the green open space and this has not been compromised.

Supplementary

Quiet simply what changed since then because despite the Council’s obligations under the relevant act of parliament the gate is no longer padlocked and is now left perpetually open to vehicular traffic which wasn’t allowed before and which is already been taken advantage of many times in that new open always situation. 

Answer

So what has changed the council obviously had a bit of damage to the gate it is an historical issue with some of damage done to the gate and land and so they have decided to act and be proactive and put some protective measures in place to stop that damage happening again.

In terms of the gate being unpadlocked thank you for bringing to our attention and I will ensure I will take that up with street scene and make sure that gate gets secured and I will make a plea to the public that should we have any gates that are unsecure and unpadlocked and they belong or they believe they belong to the council please get in touch use the facilities on line and make the report and will  ensure we get someone down to investigate.  

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 2

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Mr Mark Hopkins, will ask the Portfolio Holder Housing and Planning, Councillor S Smith, the following question:-

Are Tamworth council and/or its councillors turning a blind eye to breaches of planning and/or false declarations to obtain planning permission?

Answer:

I am not aware of any instances where council or Councillors have ignored breaches of planning or false declarations. 

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NO. 3

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Mr Mark Hopkins, will ask the Portfolio Holder Housing and Planning, Councillor S Smith, the following question:

Can anyone now create a road on public land like what seems to have happened on the Warwickshire Moors?

Answer:

The Planning teams as been looking into the issue raised by residents regarding the track and vehicles used on it.  Planning officers and the Planning enforcement officer have conducted several site visits.  Currently the landowner as submitted an application to regularize the situation, however, this does not guarantee approval.  The Officers will not be able to proceed until they have consulted with various statutory bodies among others and complete the necessary consultations.

Supplementary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

To receive any changes and updates to Membership of Cabinet and Allocation of Responsibilities for 2023/24

The Leader confirmed the changes to Cabinet

To receive any changes and updates to Committee Membership for 2023/24

The Leader Councillor T Jay updated on the membership of committees following changes to Cabinet members.

(Report of the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Health and Community Partnerships)

Councillor R Kingstone and J Wade left the meeting at 18.39pm and did not vote on the Street Trading Policy 2024 -2026

Report of the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Health and Community Partnerships to create a street trading environment which ensures fair trading,

protects the amenity of residents, ensures the safety of those trading, promotes diversity and consumer choice and provides applicants with advice and guidance on the Council’s approach to the administration for street trading consents and licences under Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (“the Act”).