To receive a report from the Consultation Working Group.
Minutes:
The Committee had before it and NOTED a report * from the Consultation Working Group.
The Chairman commended the Group for their interesting and full report and for the amount of work that they had put in.
The Members of the Group informed the Committee that the main difference that they had noticed in the three towns was attitude. They felt that people in Crediton and Cullompton seemed happier than those in Tiverton. They queried why this was.
The main complaint that they had received was that action had not been taken when a member of the public had made a complaint or report. The Chief Executive explained that he considered that an area of failing was in responding to these reports. Often a decision had been made but the complainant had not been updated.
The Chief Executive informed the Committee that he agreed with the findings of the report and stated that there were a number of complex issues that needed addressing. Cullompton would see real benefit when the bypass around the town centre was in place given that so many of the issues relate to the impact of heavy traffic through the town. Crediton appeared to have a generally more positive disposition, and he shared the frustration of members that locally-expressed sentiment in Tiverton tended to be more negative about their town.
The Mayor of Crediton said that he felt Crediton was smaller and therefore people knew each other better, that there were a lot of community groups, lots of local events, a flourishing arts centre and positive support from the local press.
It was proposed that District Councillors offer to attend Town and Parish Meetings to allow an opportunity for questions. The Chief Executive pointed out that this was a matter for the Town and Parish Councils to decide, that the Chairman was undertaking visits and that he himself had attended and taken questions at Town and Parish Councils when asked to attend. The Chief Executive offered to find out if there was an appetite for this.
Discussion took place regarding:
· Concerns that the public had little understanding of which local council was responsible for different areas;
· Several new shops had recently opened in Tiverton;
· The recent craft market had been successful and the opportunity to build on this.
It was AGREED that staff should be made aware of the report.
It was AGREED that all Members should receive a copy of the report.
It was RESOLVED that:
The Group were very impressed by the general upbeat atmosphere in Crediton when compared to the other two main towns and RECOMMENDED that the Economic Development Team and Economy Policy Development Group explore further what might be causing this difference.
The Group found that in all three towns car parking costs were high on the agenda. Noticeably in Crediton, where there was considered to be more on offer, people did not object to the charges. It was RECOMMENDED that the Economy Policy Development Group consider making parking charges relevant to the offering in the area.
(Proposed by Cllr Mrs J Roach and seconded by Cllr F J Rosamond)
Note: Report * previously circulated and attached to Minutes.
Supporting documents: