Present:
Cllr Brian Terry – Chairman and Town Mayor
11 Councillors
Approximately 8 members of the public
In Attendance:
Terry Simpson – Town Clerk
Jo Stannard – Deputy Town Clerk
Claire Perrens – Meetings Administrator
Cllr C Treleaven – NFDC
Apologies
were received from Cllr Rippon-Swaine
1. To Approve the Minutes of the Last Meeting
The Minutes of the Annual Town Assembly held on 11 April 2007 were approved.
2. Matters Arising from the Minutes
There were none.
3. To Receive the Annual Report of the Town Mayor
The Town Mayor presented his first Annual Report as Mayor. He paid tribute to Cllr Malcolm Daly who sadly passed away earlier this year and who made a significant contribution to the Town. He also paid tribute to Cllr Danny Cracknell who sadly passed away on 18th April. Cllr Cracknell gave many years of service to Ringwood town from his election to the Town Council in 1987 onwards. Farewell and thanks were given to Lyn Wickens, who retired, having been PA to the Mayor and Town Clerk for the past 20 years. The Mayor emphasised that the Council is the first in the country to invite young people, having identified that their views were under-represented, to act as Student Advisors to the Council. A Protocol outlining their roles is available. (Annex A)
4. Presentation by Student Advisors
Ringwood Town Council’s team of Student Advisors gave a well received presentation on their role in attending Committees to represent young people in Ringwood. They feel they are privileged to have the opportunity to contribute.
James Fullick and Rachel Giles talked about their role on the Policy & Finance Committee, which they have found very interesting.
Corrina Groves and Ryan Montgomery were unable to attend the Assembly, but had been very enthusiastic as advisers to the Town Plan Co-ordinating Committee.
Harriet King and Amy Lowry-Carter advise at Planning, Town and Environment Committee and comment particularly on issues which affect young people. They have been given the opportunity to attend a Seminar which has given them a good insight into town planning issues.
Beth Scrivens and Hannah Madge attend the Recreation, Leisure & Open Spaces Committee. They feel it is very important that young people have their opinions represented on entertainment. Achievements include an under-18s night club, for which they have been given £1000 funding, to start this summer. They have had interviews on local radio and national press interest.
Through school assemblies and the website, the Student Advisers have promoted the role to younger students to fill future vacancies and ensure continuity when they leave.
A number of representatives from other local Town and Parish Councils attended as they are interested in replicating the use of Student Advisers, and were keen to hear a progress report for this innovative venture. They took advantage of the opportunity to pose questions.
The Town Clerk commented that, following the successful pilot, the Town Council plans to continue with the initiative and also thanked the school teachers for their support.
The Town Mayor thanked the Student Advisors for their contribution.
5. To Receive the Reports of Committee Chairmen
The Committee Chairmen presented their reports (Annex B)
Cllr Clarke, Chairman of the Planning, Town & Environment Committee reported on the number and type of planning applications that the committee had commented on. Although there were less applications, there were more larger developments, often involving infill multiple building which gradually changes the urban fabric. He also referred to the wide ranging consultation documents, which the committee had responded to, such as the Community Strategy Review and Planning for a Sustainable Future. The aim is to give a viewpoint which represents Ringwood and to recognize the importance of this and of the wider picture (for example, the development of Bournemouth International Airport which could have implications for traffic). He thanked all his fellow Committee members.
Cllr Heron, Chairman of the Policy & Finance Committee, reported on the financial performance of Ringwood Town Council. The bank balances show a healthy position at the end of the year. He mentioned the Christmas lights which are a considerable expense and hopes for positive feedback from local people. He also listed the current staff and introduced two new members of staff.
Cllr Chard, Chairman of the Recreation, Leisure & Open Spaces Committee paid tribute to the late Cllr Malcolm Daly, and his work as the former elected Chairman of the Committee from May 2007 for most of the year, and from whom he took chairmanship of the Committee. Great progress is being made in Long Lane providing sports pitches, leading to the need for more parking. There is a Drop In Centre now located at the former tennis pavilion at Carvers’ Recreation Ground and staffed entirely by volunteers. Children’s entertainment will also be provided twice per week at Carvers during the summer holidays. He commented on how he valued the input of the Student Advisers.
Cllr Terry, Chairman of the Town Plan Co-ordinating Committee, reported on the progress with the Town Plan which is now ready to print and will be sent out to all residents in Ringwood. On the 9th June there will be a presentation to launch the Plan. He thanked the 50+ members of the public who took part in the consultation process for volunteering their time and support. He also thanked the Councillors who gave up their time to listen to the public and put together the Plan.
6. To Receive the Accounts from the Parochial Charity
The accounts were approved. (Annex C)
7. To Consider Any Other Item of Business by Permission of the Town Mayor
It has been suggested that perhaps a future or present recreation facility in the Town should be dedicated to the late Danny Cracknell’s memory. This will be taken forward by Council.
The Mayor thanked his fellow Councillors, the staff and in particular his wife for her help and support.
The meeting closed at 8.35pm. |
