I have to start this evening with some comments about changes to the Executive. Firstly I must thank Cllr Boothby for the hard work he has put in over the past two years. His role as Executive member for Housing and Community Safety will now be filled by Cllr Peter Wallace.
I was also sorry to lose Cllr Rooney from the Executive, and as a member of this Council. Stan has served not only the people of Burbage as a Councillor, but the whole Borough in his role as Executive Member for Planning. Stan had the respect of members and officers alike. His Executive position will now be taken by the former Mayor Cllr Richard Allan.
Our agenda this evening does not have a great deal of business but we will be seeking member approval for the People Strategy. This strategy sets out some of the employment challenges facing this Council over the coming years, and the priorities we have for supporting those who are employed by this Council. Ultimately they are the people who will continue to deliver better services to our communities.
There are a few updates that I want to give members on local matters.
Firstly on the former Co-Op site in Hinckley. Members will be aware that this site has been vacant for some time and whilst officers and agents have been working to find a tenant this is proving difficult. The Executive will soon be considering several other options for this site which will be reported to members in due course.
Members may also have seen a press report about the old leisure centre site. This site is currently being advertised for sale with bids due by 8th September. We anticipate the site having appeal for a number of uses, taking account of its prime location in Hinckley.
Aldi and Lidl have both recently announced plans for new stores on old factory sites in Hinckley, showing that there is no loss of appetite to support the further regeneration of the town. We have also taken some early steps towards regeneration in Barwell by opening up additional public car parking. This has been achieved by removing the fence between the Constitutional Club and the car park at Stanley Street, opening up this larger parking area for multiple uses.
Finally I want to update members on the A5. I have a further meeting of the A5 partnership at the end of this month, where I can expect updates on safety and traffic flow improvements from Highways England, but members should also be aware of the exposure that this route is being given nationally.
Highways England, Midlands Connect, East Midlands Councils, Local MPs and all of the authorities along the A5 see this as a route of considerable strategic importance. Our local stretch of the road is included in recently published upgrade strategies, which could ultimately see the A5 become a duel carriageway. The Chief Executive and myself continue to lobby Government Ministers and local MPs, for significant funding and improvements along the whole stretch of the A5 between the M1 and M42.
Cllr Mike Hall
Leader of the Council
Minutes:
In his position statement, the Leader referred to new members of the Executive, the agenda for the meeting and progress on local matters including the former Co-op site, Aldi and Lidl and the A5 partnership.