In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the meeting on any matter relevant to the work of the body in question. Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman or person presiding will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers. Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.
Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.
Minutes:
James Routs, Head of Marketing and Business Development for the Knutsford Multi-Academy Trust, spoke in relation to a report on the agenda regarding the removal of free bus travel for a number of Knutsford Academy students that lived in the Mobberley area, which was a matter of concern for the school and parents. He questioned the basis of the calculations in relation to the distance that children travelled to school. He also said that part of the walk to school was along a section of road where drivers were known to drive above the national speed limit. Finally, he said that in winter months children would be walking in the dark and in cold wet weather which would impact on their education and wellbeing.
Rachel Pendleton asked a number of questions in relation to the Middlewich Eastern Bypass regarding the funding for the original route, the Council’s financial commitment to the new route and why section 106 funds for the bypass included time constraints. The Portfolio Holder for Highways and Infrastructure undertook to provide a written answer.
Mrs D Wheeler asked a question in relation to Item 10 on the agenda concerning a proposed new history centre for Crewe. She asked whether, given the estimated cost of demolition of the former library building, which she said was an obvious candidate for Grade 2 listing status under Historic England's current strategic objectives, the Council would give consideration, in liaison with Heritage Lottery Fund grant officers if necessary, to a revised or alternative plan which would redirect funding towards the preservation and enhancement of the existing building rather than demolition. The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration undertook to provide a written reply.
Councillor Jane Smith of Alsager Town Council spoke in relation to Item 7 concerning a notice of motion on badger culling. She asserted that the scientific evidence showed that culling was ineffective in tackling bovine TB, that wildlife crime in cull zones increased exponentially and that there would be significant costs incurred in policing any cull zones. She called on the Council to prohibit the culling of badgers on its land, including its farm land.
Councillor Simon Yates of Crewe Town Council spoke in relation to Item 9 regarding the regeneration of Crewe town centre. He commented that Crewe Town Council was positive that the package of investments by local government and the private sector that Cheshire East had succeeded in bringing together was an excellent step forward and offered a real future for the people of Crewe and the surrounding area. It also demonstrated how effectively the two councils had been able to work together. However, he did express disappointment that the initiative by Crewe Town Council to establish with Cheshire East Council a Partnership Board to supervise the work which had resulted in the Markets proposal had not been recognised. In supporting the proposals for the regeneration of Crewe town centre, he made a number of specific suggestions for ensuring that local councillors, people and businesses were fully engaged with the scheme. Finally, he stressed the need to address the issues of affordable housing in the town centre and much needed infrastructure improvements for Crewe. The Leader thanked Councillor Yates and referred to the Royal Arcade proposal as the anchor for the regeneration of Crewe town centre. She added that partnership working had helped to make this work.