Cllr Brian Terry (Chairman)
Cllr Christine Ford
Cllr Jacqui Terry
The Project Officer reported that amendments had been made since the Programme was originally agreed by the Council. This was necessary to reflect the fact that neither the District nor County Councils had yet agreed on the roles that they would play in implementation of those matters under their jurisdiction. In overall terms the changes related to wording rather than substance. However in order to reflect the resources available to the Town Council on implementation of the programme it was suggested that at Item 6.6 on page 8 the period for action should be amended from short to short/medium; at Item 7.1 relating to the Market the period for action should be changed from short to medium as should the reference to Visitor Information at Item 8.1. It was also noted that at 11.1 the original programme suggested that action to alleviate congestion on the A31 should be dealt with in the short term. Bearing in mind the number of partners involved, which included Government agencies this was too ambitious and the period of action should be changed from short to medium. With regard to the Charter Market it was noted that neither the District nor County Council had been able to assist in clarification with the extent of the area to be covered by the Market. Members therefore felt that two local historians might be able to assist in resolving this issue.
RECOMMENDED: That subject to the amendments referred to and any further amendments to be made upon consideration of the Project Officer’s report at the next item the Strategic Implementation Programme attached as Annex A be approved for adoption by the Council.
The Committee received and considered the Project Officer’s Progress Report.
It was noted that whilst details of the Love/Hate/Wish consultation exercise would be incorporated within the documents available for inspection there would be benefits in including a summary of the top issues raised under each of these headings within and as part of the narrative for the Town Plan. The Committee also reviewed once again the content of the leaflet to be distributed to households. Arising from discussion thereon Members believed that the Vision Statement should be amended to read “by 2020 Ringwood will be an attractive Market Town with a vibrant economy and improved environment. All people living, working or visiting the town will feel welcome, cared for and safe. It will provide opportunities for work and leisure which will enrich our lives and ensure a stronger community for everyone”. A number of other minor alterations were suggested.
Members also considered proposals relating to publication of the Town Plan and supporting documents. The costs associated with printing, publication and launch would exceed the current years budget but it was noted that additional funds were held in Provisions for this purpose. Approval for use of those funds would be required from Policy & Finance Committee.
The Project Officer also reported upon suggestions made about text contained within both the young peoples’ section and correspondence with the Health Centre. Whilst Members agreed that clarification of the text for the former was appropriate they believed that the information relating to the latter was correct and it would not be appropriate to make changes thereto.
Arising from consideration of the report, it was
RECOMMENDED:
(1) To Policy & Finance Committee that the total funds to be allocated for printing, publication and launch of the Town Plan be set at £7,500 and that the current years budget be increased by use of funds from the Provisions for this purpose;
(2) Recommended to Council that:-
(i) The Strategic Implementation Programme as amended at the meeting and attached to these Minutes as Annex A be approved;
(ii) That the revised Draft Town Plan narrative as amended at the meeting and attached as Annex B be approved;
(iii) That the explanatory leaflet as amended and attached as Annex C be printed and circulated to all households within the town during the weeks commencing 16 and 23 June through Royal Mail at a cost of approximately £542.75;
(iv) That formal tenders be invited for the design, artwork and printing of the Strategic Implementation Programme, the Town Plan and the explanatory leaflet,
(v) That the overall printing and distribution arrangements for the Town Plan and supporting documents be approved in accordance with the proposals outlined in Annex D, such arrangements to include the printing of 500 copies of the Strategic Implementation Programme and the Town Plan.
(vi) That Appendices of all documents comprising the town Plan be kept as masters in the Town Council office.
(vii) That a complete set of all of the documentation comprising the Town Plan be included on the Town Council’s website.
(viii) That arrangements be made for the Town Plan and supporting data to be made available by CD.
(ix) That printed copies of the Town Plan Narrative document be made available for purchase by the public at a price of £10 per copy.
(x) That arrangements be made to launch the Town Plan at the Ringwood Town & Country Experience during June.
