OPEN SESSION:

There were no members of the public present.

 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF RINGWOOD TOWN COUNCIL

Held on Wednesday 25th January 2012 at 7.00pm

PRESENT:                

Cllr B H Terry (Town Mayor)
Cllr S Burgess-Kennar
Cllr N J Chard
Cllr L C Ford
Cllr R Frampton
Cllr J D Heron
Cllr G J O’Reilly
Cllr W S Rippon-Swaine
Cllr M A Steele
Cllr S M Stokes
Cllr J Terry
Cllr A C Wiseman
Cllr B Woodifield
                                                                                                                       

IN ATTENDANCE:  

Mr T Simpson, Town Clerk
Mrs J Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk

Prior to the meeting, the Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr M H Thierry.

The Town Mayor presented a grant aid cheque of £500 to Mr Peter Wales from New Forest Citizens Advice Bureau, towards the running costs of the service. Mr Wales thanked the Council and said that the support was much appreciated.

C/5236 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were none.

 

C/5237 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the Meeting held on 14th December 2011, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

 

C/5238 PLANNING, TOWN & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

 

Cllr Steele presented the minutes of the Planning, Town & Environment Committee meeting held on 13th January 2012.

 

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Planning, Town & Environment Committee meeting held on 13th January 2012 be received.

 

C/5239 POLICY & FINANCE COMMITTEE

Cllr Heron presented the minutes of the Policy & Finance Committee meeting held on 18th January 2012.

 

F/4794 – The Town Mayor informed Members that there were many items of memorabilia and such like that had been stored in the attic at Greenways. He encouraged Members to visit the office and have a look at these items, which were currently on display in the Committee Room.

 

F/4796 – Cllr Heron reported that the Scouts had been contacted regarding the possible lighting of the Beacon, which could become a key event for Diamond Jubilee celebrations in the town. Members were keen to support this event if it proceeded.

 

Cllr Wiseman suggested that an Oak could be planted in Dr Little Gardens to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. However, it was agreed that there was not room in this location for such a large tree. Cllr J Terry asked if something could be located in Poulner as a lasting tribute. It was suggested that a bench could be installed at Poulner Lakes.

 

F/4797 – The Town Clerk reported that he had spoken to the Lord Lieutenant’s office regarding the possibility of Dame Mary Fagan opening the Gateway building. That office had suggested it may be possible for a member of the Royal family to attend. Members agreed to recommend to the Gateway Project Board that a member of the Royal family be invited to open the building.

 

Cllr Heron circulated drawings of several different wrought iron gate styles as suggested alternatives to the infill panels that were proposed by New Forest District Council. Members
supported the views expressed at the Committee meeting and, having considered the
drawings, supported the principle that the final design should provide an appearance to reflect
the style of wrought iron gates now presented that do not give the impression of separating
the Courtyard from the Piazza.

 

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Policy & Finance Committee meeting held on 18th January 2012 be received, and the recommendations therein be approved.

C/5240 GATEWAY PIAZZA

Prior to the meeting, Members had received a presentation from officers of New Forest District Council with proposals for seating and lighting in the Gateway Piazza.

 

It was noted that the £200,000 allocated to the landscaping scheme from Developers’ Contributions did not include for lighting. However, it would be necessary to provide new lighting columns as the existing lights were not effective. A basic lighting scheme under the canopy of the trees, together with a power supply for community events and Christmas lights, could be provided for £20,000. In addition, an enhanced scheme to include uplighting could be provided for a further £15,000.

 

Cllr Wiseman was not in favour of spending additional funds from Developers’ Contributions on lighting as she felt that it could be better spent elsewhere in the town. She was also concerned about light pollution, increased energy costs and creating a divide between the old and new parts of Ringwood.

 

Other Members were in support of the enhanced lighting scheme, which would be energy efficient and attractive and would enhance the Gateway to Ringwood.

 

Members agreed to the need for a basic lighting scheme and power supply at a cost of £20,000 and voted on the proposal to allocate a further £15,000 to an enhanced lighting scheme. Cllr Wiseman asked that her objection be recorded.

 

RESOLVED:
1) That proposals for timber seating as described at the meeting be approved.
2) That the budget of £200,000 for the landscaping scheme be increased by at least £20,000 to provide for a basic lighting scheme and power supply.
3) That an additional £15,000 of Developers’ Contributions be approved to create an enhanced lighting environment, subject to the Council being provided with final details of design and costs for consideration at Policy & Finance Committee on 15th February 2012.

C/5241 COMMUNICATIONS TO BE RECEIVED

There were none.

C/5242 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

District Councillor Woodifield reported that the Environment Review Panel had appointed a task and finish group to investigate glass recycling. Sopley had agreed to trial this new initiative. She also reported that the Safer New Forest Partnership had made available DNA marking kits to improve the security of farms and community buildings. These would be distributed by the Country Watch Police.

 

District Councillor Heron reported that a child had been injured whilst crossing Castleman Way on the way to school. He asked Cllr Rippon-Swaine to request that the County Council improve safety on this route to school.

 

District Councillor Ford presented her written report (Annex A). She reported that, following complaints from residents, the District Council had changed its supplier of black bags and the new stronger, blacker bags would be distributed shortly. In response to a concern about foxes attacking bin bags in rural areas, she stated that residents could leave bags tied up inside bins for collection.

 

County Councillor Rippon-Swaine presented his written report (Annex B).

C/5243 FORTHCOMING MEETINGS

There being no further business, the Town Mayor closed the meeting at 7.50pm.                          
           
APPROVED
29th February 2012

TOWN MAYOR