Issue - meetings

Report of the Interim Director of Resources

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members.

He informed Members that the Memorial Clock Tower was a Grade II listed building owned by the Council, it had been designed by a Coalville company and unveiled in 1925 and that the Council had been maintaining it and had carried out basic repairs where necessary, but a recent survey had shown a significant amount of work was now required, estimated at about £120,000.

He advised that the opportunity had arisen to obtain external funds from the War Memorials Trust to pay for some of the costs of the required repairs and that an application had been made that if successful, the Trust would reimburse the Council for the repairs undertaken up to the full value of the award.

He reminded Members that the Tower was a lasting memorial to those who fought so valiantly for the country and it was fitting that we should effect the necessary repairs to ensure the longevity of the iconic monument and it is the Council’s desire to have the work completed in time for the following year’s Remembrance celebrations, adding that it was not just a safety duty but also a moral responsibility to ensure the lifetime of the memorial.

He asked Members to make reserves available of up to £120k that would either be used alongside any grant that was awarded; or to carry out essential repairs.

Councillor R Blunt stated that this was the year to be repairing the tower ahead of the 100 year anniversary and that it was not only an incredible memorial but now a landmark in Coalville.

It was moved by Councillor N J Rushton, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    Authority to tender and award the contract for repairs to the Memorial Clock Tower be delegated to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services.

2)    (Up to) £120k from reserves be approved towards repairs either as part of a joint funding approach or as a standalone fund to effect essential (health & safety) repairs.

Reason for decision: The contract value exceeds the authority threshold in the Scheme of Delegation.