Agenda item

Su Thorpe, Leader of Salisbury City Council, updated the meeting on the work of the City Council:

·         A Jubilee Event was planned for Monday 4 June at Hudson’s Field.  This would be a free fun day for all the family, with gates opening at 2pm.  Everyone was encouraged to bring a picnic and to enjoy the activities which would culminate in a firework display and the lighting of the Jubilee Beacon on Old Sarum Castle.  Cllr Thorpe thanked Wiltshire Council for changing the parking arrangements on this day and other Bank Holidays over the summer, so that the Park and Ride would be in operation on those days.

·         The City Council was planning its annual Away Day on 23 June, where City Councillors and officers met informally to discuss issues concerning the future of the city and the City Council.  Although this would be a closed meeting, ideas and suggestions were invited from residents in relation to what the Council could or should be doing.

·         The City Council was also planning open events later in the year for anybody interested in standing as a candidate for the local elections in 2013.  These events would give information on the roles and responsibilities of Councillors, and how to register to stand for election.

·         Reference was made again to the Jubilee Celebration event on 1 May, and congratulations were offered to Wiltshire Council; for organising the event.  The City Council was also pleased to have been able to play an extensive role in the preparations before and during the day itself.

·         Finally, Cllr Thorpe noted the recent transfer of the Tourist Information Service from Wiltshire Council to Salisbury City Council.  The system would be monitored over the summer and then reviewed with a view to any changes being implemented by 2013.

At this point, the Chairman referred to the report labelled Additional Papers (3).  This document had not been published for the requisite five working days in advance of the meeting, however the Chairman had agreed to accept the matter onto the Agenda as Urgent Late Business.  Reg Williams, Salisbury City Clerk, explained that the City Council wished to apply for the release of £60,000 of R2 funding, to construct a new children’s play ground at Churchill Gardens.  The design for the playground had been chosen by local children from a choice of four options.  It was noted that R2 funding consisted of developer contributions (under Section 106 agreements) towards off-side provision of play and recreational space, and while this was held by Wiltshire Council on behalf of Parish Councils, Area Board approval was required for the release of funding over £30,000.

Decision

The Salisbury Area Board approved the request from Salisbury City Council for £60,000 of developer contributions under Policy R2 to construct a new children’s play ground at Churchill Gardens, Salisbury.

Reason – In accordance with Policy R2, and to allow the City Council to use the available Section 106 funding for this new community facility.

ACTION: Steve Ibbetson

Cllr David Law of Laverstock and Ford Parish Council confirmed that he had nothing to report.

Inspector Andy Noble spoke to support the update from the local Police as set out at pages 37-39 of the agenda.  Inspector Noble added that the police would be extremely busy over the coming months, supporting neighbouring constabularies who were hosting Olympic events, and supporting many planned celebration events in and around Salisbury.

Councillor Paul Sample asked that thanks be put on record to the divisional commander for continuing to provide an excellent policing service despite other recent calls on resources.  In particular, a recent spate of anti-social behaviour had been dealt with to the satisfaction of local residents. 

David Dunford was in attendance to represent the Fire and Rescue Service, and spoke to support the statistical report which was set out at pages 41-42 of the agenda.  David added that the service was still holding a consultation  on proposals to make savings in view of revised funding support.  This was open and available to view on the Fire Service website.  Thanks were offered to the Fire Service for its other community engagement work, including bringing local children into fire stations.