Agenda item

Report of the Head of Community Services

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report to Members.

It was stated that the outturn figures showed an underspend with a contribution to balances of around £29,000. This was predominantly due to an increase in burial and monument income, a reduction in staffing costs at parks and recreation grounds and reduced service recharges.

It was explained that there was a balance of £81,000 and that it was prudent to retain 5-10% of balances as a reserve. Consequently, it was confirmed that there was around £40,000 to allocate to projects if Members desired.

It was stated that Cabinet had put forward two proposals at its meeting on 24 June. It had been suggested that an allocation of approximately £10,000 be taken from balances to continue with Coalville’s Christmas lights improvement programme. Specifically, the money would fund an exterior Christmas lighting scheme which would become a key part of the annual lights switch on event at the Market Hall. Around £1,000 of the money would also be used to repair and refurbish existing lighting where needed.

Similarly, Cabinet had agreed with the proposal to construct a peace garden, in conjunction with Armed Forces Veterans, within Coalville Park. A potential location had been identified and a budget of between £5,000 and £10,000 had been suggested.

Councillor J Geary asked what the maintenance costs for the peace garden would be. The Leisure Services Team Manager stated that this would be dependent on the plans.

Councillor J Legrys stated that he had serious doubts regarding the proposal to spend the reserves on Christmas lighting. He stated that he would prefer the money to be allocated to projects that would be used throughout the year. He suggested that investing in modern signage for the Market Hall would be more beneficial to the Town Centre.

Councillor J Geary stated that the emphasis over the last few years had been on cuts. Consequently, the £10,000 would be better spent on increasing footfall in the town throughout the year. He argued that the current signage did not give a good impression and suggested that modern, neon style signage should be installed. He stated this would be a far more prudent investment and would provide best value for money in tough fiscal times.

Councillor L Spence stated that the Working Party had invested in Christmas lighting in previous years. He stated that he was strongly of the opinion that reserves should be spent on improving footfall within the Town Centre. He stated that the Working Party should be doing all it can to drive economic regeneration throughout the year.

The Leisure Services Team Manager stated that approximately £1,000 of the money had been earmarked to refurbish existing lighting. The consensus of Members was to agree to fund this aspect of the programme.

The Leisure Services Team Manager explained that Parish Councils were being approached to see if they would favour taking over some of the grounds maintenance functions from the County Council. As such, the District Council had been approached regarding the unparished area covered by the Working Party. He stated that the priority areas currently identified as requiring attention were the area around the Phoenix Green Footbridge, as well as the approaches to the town on Bardon Road and Ashby Road.

Councillor J Geary stated that the County Council were taking this approach solely so that they could save money. He argued that the County Council had not fulfilled their duties in this respect and stated that the lack of upkeep on the Ashby Road corridor was a disgrace.

Councillor L Spence stated that the County Council would only fund the basic costs of doing the work. He stated that he believed the Working Party would have to supplement the funding for the work in order to complete it to a good standard.

Councillor N Clarke reminded Members of the Community Right to Bid. He enquired whether it would be possible for the Working Party to bid to take over the grass cutting function from the County Council.

Councillor M Specht stated that a meeting of Parish Councils had been arranged for 6 August to discuss this issue. He suggested that it should be ascertained whether Members of the Working Party could attend this meeting.

The consensus of Members was to attend the meeting on 6 August before discussing whether taking over grounds maintenance functions would be favoured.

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

RECOMMENDED THAT:

a)  new neon style signage for the Market Hall be funded from the reserves.

b)  laser style lighting be hired as a one-off for the Christmas switch on event.

c)  officers work on further proposals that would drive footfall through the market.