Agenda and minutes

Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a record be kept of the Members present and that this record form part of the minutes of the meeting. Members who cannot attend a meeting should tender apologies to the Town Clerk.

Apologies for absence were received from the Councillor R Berry substituted by Councillor D Bowater and Councillor B Spurr.

(i)    Under the Localism Act 2011 (sections 26-37 and Schedule 4) and in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, Members are required to declare any interests which are not currently entered in the Member’s Register of Interests or if he/she has not notified the Monitoring Officer of it.

(ii)   Should any Member have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in an item on the agenda, the Member may not participate in consideration of that item unless a Dispensation has first been requested (in writing) and granted by the Council (see Dispensation Procedure).

Members were asked to declare any interests, including the nature of those interests, which they had in any of the items under consideration at this meeting. 

Councillor C Palmer declared a personal interest as a member of Leighton-Linslade in Bloom.  Councillor V Harvey declared an interest as a member of South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth and Councillor T Morris declared an interest in item 6 as a member of the Greensand Trust.

To receive questions and statements from members of the public in respect of any item of business included in the agenda, as provided for in Standing Order No.s 3(f) and 3(g).

Four questions were raised by members of the public and community groups.  The first question came from a member of Leighton Buzzard Society regarding the Network Rail footbridge at Linslade and concerns over the diversionary route suggested being unacceptable.  This bridge was part of an established right of way and members of Leighton Buzzard Ramblers had also reiterated concerns.  It was hoped that support would be given to addressing these concerns and pressing Network Rail for a solution through the local MP, Central Bedfordshire Councillors and Leighton-Linslade Councillors.

A member of the public spoke giving her support for the Green Wheel masterplan project and how alternative choices of travel into the town were important especially with the increase in housing within the area.  Less traffic and better cycle and foot paths would benefit everyone and should be encouraged.

Two members of the public spoke regarding the proposed relocation of the taxi rank to Lake Street.  Concerns were raised regarding the safety of this proposal after the temporary relocation during the Christmas Festival.  Lake Street was a congested area with cars travelling in both directions and pedestrians crossing the road in numerous locations.  Over the Christmas Festival taxis were observed doing ‘U’ turns in the road and it was felt this location was unsuitable.  A number of objections had been received.

Another member of the public and shop owner from Peacock Alley also stressed this area was already very congested and used at present by delivery drivers for businesses in Lake Street.  They felt it was naive to consider moving the taxi rank to this location.

To receive and approve as a correct record the minutes of the Partnership Committee meeting held on 28 November 2019.

The Committee received the draft minutes of the Partnership Committee meeting held on 28 November 2019.

Minute reference 28/LLP Questions from the public – it was suggested that the wording be amended to read “The use of plastic planters and flowers was not environmentally friendly and it was hoped they would be removed or replanted with real plants.  Work was being done to remedy this situation.”

Also within the same minute reference 28/LLP regarding the White House roundabout, it was confirmed that Central Bedfordshire Council would be repairing the lit-up sign and this could be an opportunity for the Friends of Leighton-Linslade in Bloom to carry out remedial weeding to temporarily assist with the unkempt condition of the roundabout.  It was hoped that the cost of traffic management whilst this work was carried out would be covered by Central Bedfordshire Council.

Minute reference 32/LLP Highways and Parking – a question was raised regarding parking problems and safety measures outside schools, Sarah Hughes from Central Bedfordshire Council would follow this up. 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Partnership Committee meeting held on 28 November 2019 be approved as a correct record and be signed accordingly. 

To receive a presentation updating Committee on delivery progress from members of Rotary Club, Leighton Linslade.

The Committee received an update on delivery progress of the “Yes We Can” Project from Richard Johnson, Rotary Club Leighton Buzzard.

The programme provided affordable and sustainable sporting opportunities for the disabled community which included football, archery, tennis, bowls, hockey and the introduction of sailing in April 2020.  The aim would be to make Leighton-Linslade a centre of excellence for Disability Sport for young people and adults alike. 

The disability football had progressed with around 30 participants at their training sessions on a Tuesday evening with the over 18’s team achieving top position in their division.  Hockey was also thriving with 10-12 attending on a Sunday morning. 

An Ambassador for the Programme had been appointed who would spend time with all sections of sports to encourage and emphasise the importance of the project and build confidence with the participants.

The success of the scheme meant the football squad had outgrown the school hall used for training.  A review of the Leisure Strategy was coming up within Central Bedfordshire Council and inclusivity would be an important part of this review.  It was suggested that if new facilities were planned, space for disability sports should be included and members agreed they would support and review these suggestions. 

The Committee all agreed the programme was a great asset to sport in Leighton-Linslade and hoped to see it grow and continue in the next few years. Thanks were given to the excellent presentation and for the work being done to provide this opportunity for the community.

To receive a presentation on the Green Wheel masterplan from Mr Balaam of The Greensand trust and consider information therein.

The Committee received a presentation on the Green Wheel masterplan from Mr. Balaam of The Greensand Trust.

A public consultation was launched at the Linslade Canal Festival in July 2019 and had received a significant positive response from stakeholders and members of the public.  The issues raised were mainly traffic and safety of the public.  The inner wheel was near completion and it was hoped the outer wheel would reach completion by 2025. 

A question was raised regarding how the project would be funded and how this would be reported.  It was confirmed that the Green Wheel Master Plan would be monitored by the Ouzel Valley Steering Group and be reported back to this Committee. 

After discussion the Committee agreed to -

RECOMMEND the Green Wheel Masterplan be taken forward through each of the Councils using the correct procedures.

(a)  To receive a verbal updated from Cllr Kevin Collins of Central Bedfordshire, Portfolio Holder for Development Management Committee

(b)  To receive and note a delivery action plan inclusive of timescales for progressing works from Mr Mooring of Central Bedfordshire council on land south of the High Street.

1. Councillor K Collins Portfolio Holder, Executive Member Planning and Regeneration was unable to attend.

2. Mr S Mooring gave an informative presentation of how the Land South of the High Street and Westlands was progressing and an action plan of events.

A drop-in session had been arranged for Wednesday 12 February between 2.00 pm and 8.00 pm at The White House for members of the public and councillors to attend to give their views on how they would like the town centre to evolve and improve.

The Committee was updated on recent improvements to the town centre organised by LLTC and CBC such as free wifi across the town centre, a town centre benchmarking study and electronic signage. Future projects include improvements to Bell Alley, architectural lighting, decluttering and improvements to signage as well as support to retailers and traders. The Committee were informed that proposals for Land South of the High Street could not be confirmed until Westlands and the Day Centre future had been finalised and day care provision addressed.  Day Care provision, including the outcome of a public consultation, is expected to be considered by the Council at the earliest, by August this year. 

Members agreed that a mixture of leisure, community, retail and housing would be preferable for the site and that publicity regarding the drop-in session was imperative to encourage public engagement and views on the future of this land.

RESOLVED to note the report.

To receive a report on the Community Asset Grant Scheme for information.

The Committee received a report to update Members regarding the Community Asset Grant Scheme launched on the 17 December.  The grant scheme was open to a range of Central Bedfordshire organisations, including parish and town councils and community or voluntary groups. The maximum grant which could be requested was £25k and must be matched funded to the same amount. The first bidding round closes on February 28^th.

RESOLVED to note the information.

To receive an update report on the recent consultation and consider the recommendations therein.

The Committee received an update report from Jo Borthwick on the recent consultation and considered the recommendations contained therein. The formal consultation showed that in view of the number of objections received, Committee may wish to reconsider the option to relocate the taxi rank to Lake Street. The Committee emphasised the need to monitor the number of taxis parked in the rank and that idling is not permitted which needed to be enforced. A suggestion was made to have a holding space away from the town for extra taxis.  After discussion, members agreed to ask officers to review the situation and bring alternative ideas back to Committee.

RESOLVED, for officers to review the situation and bring alternative ideas back to committee to include looking at procedures to monitor idling and enforcement of parking restrictions for taxis.

To receive and note an information report from Central Bedfordshire Council on matters affecting the locality.

The Committee received an update report from Central Bedfordshire Council on matters relating to the parish, including information in respect of social care, health and housing, crime figures, antisocial behaviour, business rates, car parking, transport matters, community services, waste, schools, public health and services for young people.

Members were informed that a new location had been identified for the CCTV control room and it would be moving a short distance from the current location. This was looking to be built around the end of the summer and it was hoped that the technical side of the project would be completed as soon as possible after that.

The Committee thanked Sarah Hughes, Community Engagement Officer CBC, for her full and clear report.

RESOLVED to note the report.

(a)  Market Town Regeneration Fund (MTRF)

(b)  Antisocial behaviour & Homelessness

(a)              Market Town Regeneration Fund

The Architectural Lighting Project was moving forward and discussions were continuing regarding elements of the project.

(b)              Antisocial Behaviour and Homelessness

This would be discussed at the April meeting of the Committee.

To receive verbal updates, if appropriate, from LB First and LB Connect

The Committee received a brief update from LB First who confirmed they were working closely with the Town Council to promote the drop-in session on Wednesday 12 February regarding the Land South of the High Street.

Bob Chandler from LB Connect was unable to attend the meeting.

RESOLVED to note the information.

To receive a verbal update, if appropriate, from the Community Forum

The Committee received a verbal update from Tricia Humber, Community Forum Steering Group regarding what services young people would like in Leighton-Linslade.  Informal discussions with other community groups, TACTIC and the police were taking place to see what young people need. Also the Community Forum would need to know what the Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council could provide in terms of funding and support to facilitate what would be feasible for young people in the area before any decision could be made.

A suggestion was also made to invite a representative from Community Action Bedfordshire (CAB) to join the Partnership Committee to offer advice on what they felt needed addressing for young people.

RESOLVED to note the information and the Town Clerk to discuss further with Vivien Cannon and Sarah Hughes.

To receive and consider the Committee Objectives and Work Plan for 2019-2020 (attached).

The Committee received and considered the objectives and work plan for the municipal year 2019-2020.  Any ideas or projects for inclusion in next year’s work plan should be passed on to Head of Cultural & Economic Services for consideration.

RESOLVED to note the information.

To receive a Committee budget financial monitoring report and consider any recommendation/s contained therein (attached).

The Committee received a brief report regarding the current year budget to date.

RESOLVED to note the report.