Issue - meetings

A period of 20 minutes is allocated for questions to be put to Cabinet Members by members of the Council. Notice of questions need not be given in advance of the meeting. Questions must relate to the powers, duties or responsibilities of the Cabinet. Questions put to Cabinet Members must relate to their portfolio responsibilities.

The Leader will determine how Cabinet question time should be allocated where there are a number of Members wishing to ask questions. Where a question relates to a matter which appears on the agenda, the Leader may allow the question to be asked at the beginning of consideration of that item.

Councillor D Flude asked how many referrals about elderly abuse the Council had received to date, how many of those people had had to be placed in a bed, and any other relevant information regarding the abuse. The Portfolio Holder for Adult Care and Integration undertook to respond in writing. She added that the Adult Safeguarding Board was actively considering solutions to address the issue.

Councillor S Hogben referred to people falling over in the swimming area of the new Crewe Lifestyle Centre as a result of the slippery floor. The Portfolio Holder for Adult Care and Integration replied that there had been two such incidents which had occurred in the changing rooms. The matter had been raised with the contractor although the flooring did comply with the necessary safety standards. However, as an extra precaution, additional safety matting had been placed throughout the changing rooms and the contractors were re-examining the flooring to ensure there were no faults.

Councillor Hogben also asked what would happen with the former Crewe Library building now that the library had moved into the Lifestyle Centre. The Chairman replied that she had already responded to some of the concerns expressed by Crewe councillors on this matter and would be discussing it further with Councillor D Newton.

Councillor G Baxendale commented that about 18 months ago Kinsey Street, Congleton had been de-designated as a residential parking area but that the signing had not yet been removed, thus deterring people from using the parking spaces. The Deputy Leader undertook to deal with the matter.

Councillor R Fletcher raised a number of questions relating to sites in Alsager, including a pavement at Goss Place; the fencing of the Swallow Drive play area; a footpath from the Coppice Estate; and a new play area opposite Goldfinch Drive. The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning responded on each matter and undertook to reply in writing where appropriate.

Councillor B Walmsley welcomed the Leader’s recent comments about improving the infrastructure in Middlewich and progress with the link road. In this respect, she asked for a meeting with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Highways and Infrastructure to discuss HS2 developments. The Leader responded that such a meeting had already been arranged and that the Deputy Leader would be involved. The Deputy Leader looked forward to meeting Councillor Walmsley to discuss the matter.

Councillor M Warren mentioned that residents parking schemes for Macclesfield East had been put on hold pending an assessment of the parking needs of the town centre as part of the town centre regeneration scheme. Now that the regeneration scheme was in progress and the parking evaluation had been completed, he asked when it would be possible for residents parking schemes for residential areas abutting the town centre to be considered. The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning undertook to look into the matter and respond in writing.