Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies received.

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

Councillor M Wyatt declared a registrable interest as the owner of two businesses within the town.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2026

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2026.

A member questioned whether there had been an update regarding the need for bins in the Western Avenue play area. Officers/the Chair replied that there had been no further information but would be raised as part of a wider review of the area.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor J Windram and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2026 be approved and signed by the Chair as an accurate record of the proceedings.

Report of the Head of Finance

The Head of Finance presented the report.

Members discussed the planned expenditure relating to Western Avenue Recreation Ground. During the discussion, a member asked what works or projects were proposed. The Head of Property and Economic Regeneration advised that he had requested the relevant information from the team and that, once received, it would be circulated to the Working Party.

It was asked whether there was a particular reason for the decrease in the number of burials at Broom Leys Cemetery. Officers advised that they were not aware of the reason but would make enquiries and provide an update in due course.

The report was noted.

Report of the Head of Finance

The Head of Finance presented the report.

The report was noted.

Report of the Head of Property and Regeneration

The Senior Economic Development Officer presented the report.

During the discussion, members expressed a range of views regarding the recent Picnic in the Park event. Some members reported feedback from residents that the event felt somewhat routine, while others spoke positively about its success. It was suggested that consideration be given to introducing new elements in future years to enhance the event's appeal and excitement.

Members asked how events planned beyond 2028 would be delivered, given that the responsibility would transfer to a new authority as part of Local Government Reorganisation. Officers advised that it was difficult to provide firm assurances due to the uncertainties surrounding the future of local government in Leicestershire. However, they explained that planning for future events and securing funding opportunities would help ensure that the successor authority was in the strongest possible position to continue supporting and delivering similar events.

A member requested a detailed breakdown of the expenditure, specifically referring to the £21,000 spent on Picnic in the Park. The Senior Economic Development Officer advised that she would obtain the relevant information from the appropriate officers and provide the details to the member in due course.

The report was noted.