Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors E Allman, S Gillard and K Merrie.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is pecuniary or non-pecuniary.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2020.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2020.

It was moved by Councillor V Richichi, seconded by Councillor S Sheahan and it was

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2020 be approved as a correct record.

Report of the Licensing Team Leader

The Licensing Team Leader presented the report to Members.

Members acknowledged the improvements made in the area and the purple flag status that had been obtained.  However, Members felt that the Cumulative Impact Zone should remain in place beyond February 2022, especially as crime figures pre-covid were higher than previous years. 

A request was made to receive some comparative data of a similar sized town to help understand the crime figures as presented, it was felt this would help provide a clearer picture of the current position.  Officers felt that this would be a challenge and may not have a huge bearing on Members’ understanding due to the limitations, however they would undertake further research and report back to the Committee when it considered the outcome of the consultation at its next meeting.

In response to a question, the Licensing Team Leader confirmed that there had not been an increase in police presence since 2013, however the police did hold weekly meetings to assess the needs for the area and significant planning meetings were held for larger events.  The improvements in the area were in response to a joint effort from the police, more stringent conditions across all licensed premises and the improved plans of the licensed premises, such as the use of door staff.

A discussion was had on the recent England football matches and the impact this had on the area due to the number of people gathering and consuming alcohol.  The Licensing Team Leader confirmed that there had been some football related disturbance following the recent England match which resulted in a road closure and some complaints due to the lack of access to takeaways during the closure.  It was reported that joint meetings had taken place since the event and additional steps had now been put in place in preparation for the next England football match.

The Chairman thanked the Environmental Health Team Manager and his team for the work undertaken to improve the safety in Ashby.  The work undertaken during recent months in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic was also acknowledged.

It was moved by Councillor J Hoult, seconded by Councillor V Richichi and it was

RESOLVED THAT:

1)         The commencement of statutory consultation following the process as detailed within the report be endorsed.

2)         The crime data relating to Ashby de la Zouch be noted.