This is my second position statement since the local elections in May. Nationally, there continues to be uncertainty regarding Brexit and the prospect of a national election is looking increasingly likely. This council is working on contingency plans to mitigate the impacts in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Borough events
We have recently had the outcomes of attendance at a range of key summer events in Hinckley and elsewhere in the borough. I’m delighted to confirm these have attracted over 19,000 participants and demonstrates how popular they are with local residents. The Snap Dragon summer events that took place in July and August attracted over 8,000 people. Feast Hinckley, despite the weather, proved a great showcase event, attracting over 6,000 visitors.
Hinckley town centre
It is of no surprise that, given the enormous success of the events programme which we have rolled out and also supported in partnership with Hinckley BID, footfall in the town centre rose by over 16% in August compared with the same time last year. New visitors to the town for August increased by over 24%.
Town centre parking
The Council will be introducing free parking spaces after 3pm in a number of car parks to support Hinckley town centre. Officers will be drawing up the details of the scheme which will come to a future Executive meeting.
Officers are assessing five town centre car parks to look at suitability for installing electric charging point infrastructure. A funding bid has been submitted to the LLEP towards the project.
National Paw Print award
I’m pleased to report that the Borough Council’s dog warden service has scooped another national award for its ongoing work in the care of stray dogs. It has been awarded the Stray Dog Footprint Gold Standards in the RSPCA’s 2019 Paw Print awards for the eighth consecutive year! I would like to extend my thanks to our dog warden service and team in Environmental Services who do such a magnificent job which has helped secure this national award.
Public space protection
The Council has commenced consultation on the roll out of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) which helps to tackle the problems associated with public drinking and taking of drugs and new psychoactive substances (so-called legal highs) in all public areas of the borough. The Council also uses the same legislation to tackle irresponsible dog owners who do not pick up after their pets, or do not have their pets under control. The consultation closes on 11 October.
Rail freight depot
Work continues to oppose the rail freight depot which I believe will have a detrimental impact on Burbage Common and cause chaos to local roads. A cross-party member working group has been convened to commence bringing together a comprehensive response to the consultation that has commenced on highway impacts arising from the proposals.
A5 Partnership
I am reliably informed that as a result of the work of the partnership, in which we play a major role, Midlands Connect have almost completed their work on the business case for major improvements and I am hopeful that this will identify the A5 that runs close to Hinckley as a key priority for investment. Enforcement work has also been underway and further initiatives are programmed, coordinated by Leicestershire Constabulary, in partnership with neighbouring police forces.
Klondyke Steering Group
I attended a recent meeting of the Klondyke Steering Group, chaired by Cllr Cartwright. This administration is keen to progress the idea, backed by the community, of a new community hub on the site. Officers have met with representatives of the parish council and we are keen to work with them in order to progress matters.
Isla Tansey
I reported at last Council on the national award received regarding Isla’s global #islastones initiative to raise awareness of childhood cancer. I am pleased to report that we are awaiting an announcement over whether the initiative to secure the most painted stones in one place, which was an incredible 8,542, will secure a place in the Guiness Book of Records.
Grand Quevilly (twin town)
I would like to express my sincere thanks to member colleagues and officers who were able to host and showcase the best of this borough to two local residents of our twin town of Grand Quevilly who won a competition for 18-25 year olds to visit the borough during August. Our visitors repaid this hospitality with a fantastic diary of all the places they visited, taking many superb photographs and videos. If you haven’t had chance to look at them on their Instagram page, please do so (search rdvterresjumelles on instagram or visit the website www.rdvterresjumelles.fr). It really showcases some of the features of our borough.
Heritage open days
It is pleasing to note that we are supporting the Heritage Open Days this coming weekend and the next. This is England’s largest festival of culture and history and it’s fitting that ten heritage sites across the borough are open for free access for these weekends, from the Baptist Chapel in Barton in the Beans to our very own Atkins Building and others in between. I would encourage everybody to celebrate our local heritage.
Ada Lovelace
I’m pleased to announce an exhibition, supported by the Council, is to be held at the Atkins Building between 3 and 30 October to celebrate the life of Ada Lovelace from Kirby Mallory who was the world’s first computer programmer.
Warwickshire draft rail strategy
At a recent meeting of my Executive, we responded positively to this strategy which seeks to promote improved services between Leicester, Coventry and Birmingham via Hinckley, as well as the potential for a new Nuneaton Parkway station for commuters and travellers in the Midlands.
District Councils Network (DCN)
I’m pleased to report that this council continues to have an influential say in the affairs of district councils on the national stage and with government with our Chief Executive, Bill Cullen, who was recently voted in as Vice-chair of the DCN National Executive Group of chief executives.
Councillor Stuart Bray
10 September 2019
Minutes:
In his position statement, the Leader of the Council referred to:
· Recent events in the borough
· Hinckley town centre
· Town centre parking
· National Paw Print award
· Public space protection
· Rail freight depot
· A5 partnership
· Klondyke
· Isla Tansey
· Grand Quevilly
· Heritage open days
· Ada Lovelace
· Warwickshire draft rail strategy
· District Councils Network.
A member asked for more information on Brexit plans and it was agreed that a briefing note would be prepared for members.
In discussing heritage events and the Ada Lovelace exhibition, it was requested that more be done to recognise our heritage, particularly mathematicians including Roger Cotes from Burbage, William Whiston from Twycross and Thomas Simpson from Market Bosworth who were all critical to the science of mathematics. It was agreed that this would be passed onto the Executive member who was keen to increase heritage activity.
In discussing local events, a member referred to his recent visit to the Concordia Theatre to watch Journey’s End by the NTP and wished to write to the group to congratulate them.