Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor M B Wyatt declared a non pecuniary interest in any reference to Coalville Town Centre as a business owner.

Councillor J Geary declared a non pecuniary interest in item 5 – Capital Projects Update as a regular supporter of Coalville Town Football Club and a founder member of Mantle Lane Arts.

Councillor J Legrys declared a non pecuniary interest in reference to Hermitage FM due to his voluntary involvement with the organisation.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2017

Consideration was given to the minutes held on 11 July 2017.

The Chairman referred to discussion had on mobile vehicle activated signage where it was requested that a letter be sent to the Leader of Leicestershire County Council regarding the disappointing level of service for replacing damaged signs.  The Leisure Services Team Manager confirmed that the letter had not yet been sent but agreed to do so as soon as possible.

It was moved by Councillor R Adams, seconded by Councillor J Legrys and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2017 be approved and signed by the Chairman.

Report of the Cultural Services Team Manager

The Cultural Services Team Manager presented the report and informed Members that all events had cost less to run this year, therefore the overall budget was underspent.  She advised that the Proms and Picnic in the Park event had been shortlisted for a Leicestershire Tourism and Hospitality Award and an update would be sent to Members in due course.  Members thanked officers for the work undertaken on a fantastic event.

Coalville by the Sea

The event was very successful with an estimated 1000 people in attendance.  Due to the popularity of the event and feedback received, the feasibility of extending the event was being considered for future years. The relocation back to Marlborough Square was also being considered.

Councillor M Specht thanked officers for their work on the event and also thanked the sponsor for the donation of the sand.  Councillor J Legrys concurred.

Christmas is Coalville

Planning was well underway and the Council was leading on all key elements, following agreement to this arrangement with the Coalville Town Team.  It was confirmed that there would be free parking on the five Saturdays in December.  It was reported that the food, drink and craft element would be different this year with more emphasis on placing stalls around the Christmas tree area in the precinct, along with music, entertainment and competitions. 

Councillor M B Wyatt asked if arrangements had been made to utilise Memorial Square as he felt it had been neglected in previous years.  He added that the Red House had offered the use of the car park and he felt it would be good to have some atmosphere at that part of the town.  The Cultural Services Team Manager reported that the area had been considered but they had been conscious of spreading the event too far with regards to the management of the event.  She felt that the market and its car park was a good main attraction area that was safe.  Councillor M B Wyatt expressed his frustration at the response as he believed that Memorial Square was an important part of town and should be utilised.  The Cultural Service Team Manager agreed to look into options available.

Councillor M Specht felt that it would be a good area to use especially with the cooperation of the Red House.  He suggested that a band such as the Salvation Army or a choir could perform in the area.  The Cultural Services Team Manager confirmed that a brass band were performing in the town centre and agreed to look into the possibility of locating them to Memorial Square.

Christmas Lights

The lights were scheduled for installation which included the additional items approved by Cabinet on 19 September.

Coalville Commemorates

Members met on site at Memorial Square to discuss ideas for a commemorative artwork  on 13 September, the outcome of which was the following three options:

Option 1 – an interpretive mosaic

Option 2 – commemorative benches

Option 3 – a cross made from gun metal located in the ‘Remembrance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

Report of the Leisure Services Team Manager

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report to Members, providing an update on the ongoing projects.

Owen Street Recreation Ground

Following concerns regarding the sustainability of the floodlights, officers had met with Property Services to identify a number of options and associated costs.  These would be circulated to Members in due course.  Any funding streams available were also being investigated.

The official opening of the changing pavilion would be taking place on 8 November.  All Coalville Special Expenses Working Party Members had been formally invited and the format of the event was detailed within the report.

Hermitage FM had asked to place a radio transmitter at Owen Street Recreation Ground and work was currently underway to progress this with the support from officers and Members.

Thringstone Minors Social Centre Training Pitch

Planning approval had been given for both the fencing and footpath diversion, in addition the Board had three new trustees and a new Chair.  It was hoped that the progression of the training pitch would be discussed at the next meeting of trustees in October/November.

Coalville Forest Adventure Park

In accordance with Members request at the last meeting to fund proposed improvements to the park, officers were finalising a bid for funding for the submission deadline of 30 October.  The application would be considered on 27 November.

Mobile Vehicle Activated Signs

The Community Focus Officer advised that Leicestershire County Council had inspected and approved the proposed columns.  As per the Council’s procurement rules, quotes from three companies had been obtained and the details were circulated to Members.  After further discussions Members preference was option three – Messagemaker Displays.  The Community Focus Officer also advised that Leicestershire County Council had agreed to collect data from Warren Hills Road over the coming weeks and would be meeting with officers in November to discuss the options available.

Melrose Road Recreation Ground

The seating would be installed at the end of September and the planting of the shrubbery would take place in February.  Councillor D Everitt referred to a decision made at a previous meeting to site one of the benches at the play hub and asked if this had been done.  Members were still happy with the previous agreement and therefore The Leisure Services Team Manager agreed to make the arrangements.

Melrose Road Play Hub

Although the landowner of the wooded area agreed in principle to the installation of the footpath in July, formal written approval had not yet been received despite officers numerous attempts.  The Leisure Services Team Manager assured Members that officers would continue to pursue this.

Coalville Park

Concerns had been received regarding the quality of the play equipment and Members noted previous investments.  Councillor M B Wyatt commented that the equipment was poor.

The toilets were currently being vandalised on a regular basis.  Property Services were looking at options available to reduce anti-social behaviour and the ongoing costs associated with the damage caused.  All options would be brought back to the group for consideration.

Discussions had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

Report of the Leisure Services Manager

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report to Members, highlighting the current forecasted underspend with a contribution to balances of £16,450.

It was moved by Councillor M Specht, seconded Councillor J Legrys and

RESOVLED THAT:

The 2017/18 period 5 position be noted.

Discussion item

Councillor M B Wyatt asked Members to consider investing funds to improve the condition of London Road Cemetery.  He explained that the cemetery was full of history with World War 1 veterans laid to rest there along people from Ibstock Colliery.  He felt there was a lot to be learnt but the condition of the site was off putting as it was very overgrown and untidy.  He believed that it was a real waste of space, and as it costs money to be opened and closed each day, then some investment was needed.  Councillor M B Wyatt added that he was aware of grants that were available to make improvements and asked officers to investigate.  He asked that if Members were in support of this, then it be looked at relatively soon as the main wall was crumbling.  

The Chairman expressed his disappointment that areas such as this were being lost and agreed that he would like to see a report on the options available to them to make improvements.

Councillor M Specht agreed that cemeteries were being neglected across the country and he felt it was a real shame.

Councillor J Legrys felt that it was a very good place to visit and reflect.  He commented that he had been approached by local residents regarding anti-social behaviour in the cemetery, and agreed that some investment was needed.

It was moved by Councillor R Adams, seconded by Councillor J Legrys and

RESOLVED THAT:

A report outlining issues and options available for improving London Road Cemetery be presented at a future meeting.