Issue - meetings

The report of the Head of Property and Regeneration.

The Head of Property and Regeneration and the Senior Economic Development Officer presented the report.

A discussion followed. The need for stronger financial transparency was expressed. Councillors requested clearer cost breakdowns for artificial trees, street performers and printing and distribution of event guides. Explanation was provided by the Senior Economic Development Officer and more detailed financial documents were agreed to be circulated.

Members fed back their thoughts on the 2025 ‘Christmas in Coalville’. A member was impressed with the event, particularly when weather improved. They expressed thanks to those that staffed the event as they worked all day and into the evening despite the challenging weather and stated that without them guiding and making sure everything okay, nothing would have happened properly. They requested for their thanks to be formally passed on. They also commented that other viewers and themselves could not see the dog show and requested a better layout for performances to encourage successful viewing.

Christmas lights were also discussed. A member contributed that they had received positive feedback from residents about the lights. Another member added that the Clock tower looked fantastic. Members acknowledged Coalville’s layout lacked an established shoppers’ circuit which makes a dense lighting effect harder to achieve than in other towns. Needham’s walk was used as an example as a possible route for connecting key areas such as the shopping centre and Memorial square for future lighting improvements, but it was acknowledged that it may lack a power supply.

In terms of wider events, a member expressed that members should also be aware of the emerging Town of Culture bid. If successful, this could create opportunities for the working party to support and expand activities aligned with that programme, as well as providing potential to build around the events programme already in place.

Members were thanked for their comments and the report was noted.