Full Council Committee Meeting

Representation from 3 residents relating to the Cheshire East Council decision to sell land to the north of the town for the purposes of a Gypsy and traveller site. The residents identified that the option had previously been explored and rejected by Cheshire East due to issues with the site, such as highways safety and potential flooding. The residents also highlighted that it was unclear if Cheshire East has carried out a needs assessment and has been clear on the requirements in the borough as well as the available current and soon to be delivered provision. Additionally, it was unclear why the sale of the land had not been advertised for public disposal on the open market.

It was agreed that the clerk would write to Cheshire East to seek formal responses to the queries.

a.                  Committee: Finance and Governance

Minutes Noted. Meeting held: 10^th September 2024

RESOLVED:

i.                    That the reviewed governance documents (Business Continuity Plan; Cookie Policy; Procurement Policy; Volunteer Policy; Website Privacy Policy) are approved for adoption.

ii.                   That the reviewed and amended Medium Term Financial Plan is approved for adoption.

b.                  Committee: Public Services

Minutes noted. Meetings held: 3^rd September 2024

RESOLVED:

That the matter of consideration of the detailed form of delivery for the ongoing Cleaner Crewe Project is deferred, awaiting the outcome of Cheshire East Council’s consultation and associated decisions.

c.                   Committee: Events & Culture

Minutes noted. Meetings held: 17^th July 2024

RESOLVED:

i.                    That an allocation of £20,000 of reserves to commission a mural on the side of the town council building.

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d.                  Committee: Planning & Environment

Minutes noted. Meetings held: 24^th June, 15^th July and 16^th September

e.                  Committee: Community

Minutes noted. Meetings held: 16^th July 2024

RESOLVED:

i.                    That a virement from unspent Wellbeing budget line to Remembrance budget line of £2,500 is approved.

f.                    Sub-Committee: Personnel

Minutes noted. Meetings held: 10^th September

RESOLVED:

i.                    That the amended staffing structure is approved

Cllr Mortimer advised the council of a meeting with a resident (not a resident taking part in public speaking at item 4) relating to the Cheshire East land proposed for sale (see public speaking above).

Cllr John Rhodes attended the meeting of The Nantwich Road Action Group, which continues to attract good attendance and engagement.

Cllr Steve Hogben attended the Nantwich Road Action Group meeting, noting that Cllr Yates is the secretary for the group and commenting on the valuable presentations given at the meeting.

Cllr Ben Wye referenced attendance at the Heritage Open Day events, having also led guided walks for the programme.

Cllr Jill Rhodes attended the Crewe Town Board on behalf of the council, commenting on the news that the charity leading the Flag Lane Baths project had not been able to secure enough funding to deliver the project and Cheshire East Council is now pursuing other potential opportunities and uses for the site.

RESOLVED: That the payments to the value of £196,618.17 are approved

Noted

RESOLVED:

i.                    That a balanced budget that fulfils the council’s ambitions and corporate strategy is set.

ii.                   That committees are directed to show restraint and identify potential reductions in overall budget inflation to reduce the potential impact of precept level on residents

iii.                 That the Play Areas Improvement budget line is reduced in light of the council’s investment in play area maintenance as well as the capital investment from the town council and town investment plan across the town’s play areas and will in future provide for an Ear Marked Reserve for repairs and replacements as they occur.

iv.                  That the Cleaner Crewe Budget is drafted to support the principle of a project officer

v.                    That the Lyceum Square budget line is amended to allow for broader delivery of events and culture in Crewe town centre.

Members commented that it was important that residents and representatives (including councillors as individuals) engaged with the consultation. It was noted that Crewe, as a the most densely populated part of the borough would face disproportionate negative issues should three-weekly collections be instigated in the town. This should be considered by Cheshire East and what may be acceptable for more rural or less densely populated areas of the borough would have a compounding effect on the on street waste issues already faced in Crewe.

RESOLVED: That the drafted response is approved for submission

RESOLVED: That the conclusion of annual audit (2023/24) is approved.