Projects and Finance Meeting Minutes

Cenotaph.

Awaiting information from Cheshire East Highways (Ian McLauchlan) as to how they will tackle both the trees growing through the wall and the rebuilding  of the lower section and repairing the top section. (See above)

Public Realm Strategy.

Design complete and equipment on order. Will run in as the gas works are completed should be spring / summer. They are all aware of Food & Drink 11.6.17

Town Centre Regeneration (NEW) Nothing new to report since we received a letter from K.Howe promising let us have sight of the Mills “Final” design before it goes to panning.

J.Mac to contact Kate Howe for an update as to where they are in the process.

D.McGifford to find out who is the portfolio holder responsible for this development on behalf of CEBC.

Blue italics comments from last meeting.

Black comments for meeting 16.1.17

Moody Street Green Area.(S106 funding )

MS / JMac met with M.Hodgkinson (taken over project from J.Byrne) discussed some redesign to make it more community friendly. MS has discussed the possibility of Chapel St nursery using this for outdoor activity which they are keen to do. PCSO/ Police happy with our plans. Will be ready for summer 2017 “In Bloom” activity. MS / DMcG meeting with D.Owen and M.Hodgkinson (CEBC) to discuss S106 monies available to Congleton and will discuss the Moody ST design at the same meeting(25^th Jan). May be opportunity to add to the project if required. JMac has indicated that if possible we would like 2 or 3 seats and a waste bin salvaged from the pedestrianised area as the refurbishment rolls out.

Destination Maps.

Maps are virtually read to go and should be sited by Xmas. Jackie has made final alterations and now just has to agree the “You are here” locations.

The group felt that there would be more benefit gained form a map at Barn Road and in the town centre. JM to look at possible locations to accommodate this.

It was also felt that a paper copy in a noticeboard would be sufficient at the Station freeing up some costs to meet the other location changes.

Jackie reported that 2 of the metal signs could go up a.s.a.p the other 2 remaining signs are awaiting ANSA siting the posts. The railway station has ordered a display cabinet and the boxes for the 3 bus station shelters are being sourced. JM to look at Barn Rd and Town Centre.

It was felt that we should get some of the maps up as soon as we can. J.Mac to action.

TIC will have paper copies for visitors on request.

Heritage Trail Project.

T.McCloud reported back the results of the scoping exercise at the Partnership Exec following the AGM on 18.19.16. TSC have had a good look at what other towns have done, the strengths and weaknesses of their projects. They have some interesting and exciting ideas and will carry out further work on the project at their own expense.

D.McG has been having discussions with Tim ways of building a business model to present to CEBC. TM will keep The Partnership updated when there is something to report.

Community Award Scheme _ Jo Money

Jo has been in contact with Mark Smith CVS. They (CVS) are having a celebration of volunteering event in Congleton Park on 1^st July. There may be opportunity for some involvement, Jo has heard nothing from Mark since the end of November. Jo feels that celebrating volunteering is much more embracing than awarding one or two individuals.

Need to discuss at the March meeting.

Mountbatten Way – Green Boulevard.(Phase 2)

MS/RB and MW have sent potential sites to Simon Davies (CEBC) for consideration Awaiting his feedback. Site visit and sign off planned for Mon 21^st November.

Sites signed of by J.Tickle. Ruth has obtained the cost of tubs and bins (£2350 in total) MS to Email the 20 executive voting members to see if they will support this project going ahead.

Play Area Signage

MS currently working with CEBC (G.Butler) re signage to highlight our major play areas.  Would plan to turn this project into both signage and paper map project long term.

Signs are ready for siting, contract is with D Derbyshire. Should be completed in the next few weeks.

Do we look at a leaflet to support them then.

Congleton Sports Trust.

New board formed ( D.McG chairing for a limited period) initially made up of football and rugby clubs. Bank account set up.

Need to work up a cohesive programme / plan of action. May be an opportunity to include someone from  TOB Cycling Legacy team. Pitch improvements and funding initial issues.

Meeting set for Fri 20^th Jan, issue around Back Lane pitch drainage and a wider pitch regenerating programme. Bank account open.

Cycling TOB Legacy.

S.Akers Smith is keen to develop a cycling project as part of the TOB Legacy. She has a sub group working on this (P.Hall, M.Axford & P.Emms) with a meeting planned 15.11.16, Janet Mills CEBC along with SF & MS will also attend.

SF & MS invited to a “cycling related “meeting with P.Bates /CEBC in near future.

Suzie briefed the group on the latest developments.

1. Held a meeting with Cllrs Brown and Williams. A Fisher CEBC head of planning also attended. CEBC keen to improve its cycling network and has agreed to help work out costs the works and also advise on the feasibility of the work planned. SAS issued a copy of the brochure used at the meeting to the members attending today’s meeting. DB took copies along to CEBC for distribution to Cllrs and officers.

2. Met with Fiona Bruce who both supported the plans and agreed to raise the issue of funding support across the board not just for deprived areas in Parliament.

3. SAS attended a health and fitness meeting with Active Cheshire. They have access to a large funding pot and could help us develop our plans and also help us put a bid together. SAS has a meeting with their COO (Adam Norris) in the near future.

4. Presenting to CTC on 2^nd Feb which Active Cheshire will also attend. PA asked to attend the meeting on behalf of CSG. MS pulled together a resume of what The Partnership / CSG has done over the last few years to develop cycling.

5. SAS looking to present to all Congleton Head Teachers at one of their CeCP meetings

6. Have access to some DEFRA /Local Air Quality funding (£28K) ring fenced.

7. SAS advised the group of a planned Triathlon being organised for Sunday 23^rd April (subject to confirmation) more detail once available.

New Project.

Outdoor Table Tennis. MS to check with Sandbach usage of their current table in Sandbach Park.

(DF reports reasonable usage across a wide age group, they do not supply bats and balls except of their organised events. Note if purchasing a concrete table factor in the cost of a crane to lift the item into place). MS/ GW to raise the idea at the next Youth Forum for their views.

The P& F Committee agreed to support the idea in principle but would welcome feedback from other sources on use and need.

DMcG to ask what view CEBC have in developing an outside fitness / activity area at the “new” leisure centre. We have still to see any definitive plans for the site.

Mini Bus.

The new bus in due any day now, just waiting for a 3^rd key to be cut.

GW/SF/MS met with New Life Church who agreed to carry on the garaging and administration of the mini bus operation. Jeff Cutts to send usage details to MS for charging.

New charges advised to users £20 per booking and 40p a mile.

Will PR and advertise facility once delivered, will open up to more users (organisations not general public)

SAS – TOB Legacy Team. Request for support to fund a feasibility study around their first 3 priorities. P&F Committee agreed to underwrite up to £999. SAS to try and source other funders as well.

There was other business raised.

Monday 13^th March 2017, Town Hall, Spencer Suite, 9.30am