Agenda item

Report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor R Blunt presented the report to members, highlighting the Council’s priorities in the coming years. 

Councillor T Eynon referred to the list of key tasks on page 29 of the agenda, which stated that the Council would work with partners to make the most of our heritage to bolster the town’s identity and sense of place.  She highlighted that Historical England had acknowledged the historical uniqueness of the Century Theatre, however it could not be listed by the Theatre Trust as it was a mobile structure.  The Century Theatre was also considered unsuitable for inclusion in the Council’s recent list of local heritage assets as the theatre was neither in situ nor intact.  She commented that it was pedantic and typical that the Century Theatre was being left to drop between the definitions, despite being on the Theatre Trust’s at risk register.  She felt that this was a Manifesto promise which was unlikely to be delivered.

Councillor M B Wyatt commented that the administration had created a ghost town over the last 12 years.  He felt that the Council Delivery Plan lacked vision and ambition and he stated that he would not support it.

Councillor J Legrys referred to some of the promises made in the early years of the administration.  He felt that it was disingenuous to make promises in the Council Delivery Plan which may or may not be delivered.  He made reference to the current environment of decreasing funding and an ever-changing national climate and stated that he could not support the Council Delivery Plan. 

Councillor N Smith commented that the only way to regenerate a town was by bringing people in to the town, creating jobs and spending money.  He reminded members of what had been achieved.   

Councillor R Canny referred to page 36 of the agenda and the commitment to work with 3 schools on skills development in the next 3 years.  Having read the document she commented that she would want to know which schools the Council was working with.  She also highlighted the fact that Castle Donington was not mentioned in the Council Delivery Plan, which she found very sad for such an area of growth.  She added that she would particularly like to see improved transport links as the people of Castle Donington would be unable to use the new leisure facility in Coalville due to the lack of a direct transport link. 

Councillor D Bigby commented that the Council Delivery Plan appeared to reflect the pledges made in the last election.  He requested a copy of the manifesto.  He highlighted the pledges made on social media, and in particular the pledge to reopen the Royal Hotel, which was a matter of great local concern.  He questioned why this pledge had not been included in the Council Delivery Plan neither as a key task, nor as an aspiration.  He commented that it was highly irresponsible to commit the Council to reopen a commercial enterprise. 

Councillor R Blunt exercised his right of reply and stated that he was passionate about the Century Theatre, and the Council would work closely with the owners to ensure it continued to thrive.  He added that Historic England and the Council were aware of its importance.  He expressed his personal commitment to reopening the Royal Hotel.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor R Ashman and

RESOLVED THAT:

The proposed Council Delivery Plan for 2019/20 be approved.