Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Director of Growth and Chief Executive, the Economy Policy Development Group had made the following recommendations:

a)    The Cabinet recommend to full Council that the Tiverton Market Environmental Strategy 2017-2022 be approved.

b)    Councillor S G Flaws be the nominated Group representative on the working party monitoring the effectiveness of the Strategy.

Arising from a *report from the Chief Executive and Director of Growth, the Economy Policy Development Group had made the following recommendations:

a)    The Cabinet recommend to full Council that the Tiverton Market Environmental Strategy 2017-2022 be approved.

b)    Councillor S G Flaws be the nominated Group representative on the working party monitoring the effectiveness of the Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the report stating that the strategy sought to increase recycling, reduce the amount of waste and reduce the Council’s carbon footprint within the market

Consideration was given to:

·         The reduction of plastic waste by removing disposable plastic cups, the use of refillable containers and the provision of a water refill station, although the water refill station had been available for a few months it was recognised that this should be publicised

·         Regular meetings held by the traders

·         The reduction of plastic throughout the market area

(Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr C R Slade)

Note: - *Report previously circulated copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report from the Director for Growth and Chief Executive seeking approval to adopt the Tiverton Market Environmental Strategy so as to maximise opportunities to increase recycling, reduce the amount of waste and reduce our carbon footprint.

The Group had before it a report * from the Director for Growth and Chief Executive seeking approval to adopt the Tiverton Market Environmental Strategy so as to maximise opportunities to increase recycling, reduce the amount of waste and reduce our carbon footprint.

Reference was made to the ‘Environment’ being one of the priorities in the Corporate Plan. The Strategy had been out for consultation with some useful comments being made by Environmental Health colleagues in relation to food ‘best before’ dates and the ‘Community Food Fridge’. This had resulted in the deletion from the strategy of investigating the provision of a community food fridge.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Charity recycling bins were being considered with an offer from the Clothes Bank.

·         An electric car parking point would be installed in the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, however, the contract for this was limited in terms of other locations within the district.

·         The approach to supporting environmentally friendly initiatives ought to be Council wide and not just limited to the market.

·         The collection of textile waste from the market.

·         The switch to energy efficient lighting and the need to address lighting being switched on during summer evenings.

·         The Council was working with third parties, for example, traders bringing in heaters of their own volition.

·         The introduction of wild flowers and areas of greenery was welcomed as well as a commitment to reduce plastics.

·         How the Council was going to ‘police’ the wastage of power and electricity?

·         How the Council was going to enforce the terms and conditions of contracts with traders.

It was AGREED that further clarity was needed with regard to the Council’s approach to implementation and enforcement of the proposed strategy within the market and that a decision in relation to this Strategy ought to be deferred until the next meeting.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.