Agenda and draft minutes

The Town Council has adopted the Civility and Respect Pledge. Members are reminded of their obligations under the Code of Conduct. Debate is to be respectful, focused on the issues, and conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

The Chairman reminded Members that the Town Council has adopted the Civility and Respect Pledge.

Members were reminded of their obligations under the Code of Conduct. Debate is to be respectful, focused on the issues, and conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

The Chairman informed those present of the actions required in the event of a fire or emergency.

The Chairman welcomed and introduced the newly appointed Communications and Engagement Officer in attendance at this evenings meeting.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

None received.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

None received.

Please note: Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Town Council must do so by email or via The Guildhall no later than three working days before the meeting.

Members of the public are advised to review the Receiving Public Questions, Representations and Evidence at Meetings document prior to attending the meeting.

None received.

Please see a copy of the minutes on the STC website or request to see a copy at the Guildhall.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Johns and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Annual Meeting of Saltash Town Council held on 7 May 2026 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

Please see a copy of the minutes on the STC website or request to see a copy at the Guildhall.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Extraordinary Full Town Council meeting held on 21 May 2026 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

a.  Services held on 30 April 2026;

It was RESOLVED to note the minutes and consider the following recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION:

11/26/27 TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE LONGSTONE DEPOT LEASE

AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

The Chairman provided an overview of the report circulated within the reports pack. Cornwall Council have agreed to extend the existing lease on Longstone Depot until 30 June 2026, and it is important that the lease is agreed this evening.

The working group previously met with the Town Clerk to discuss a devolution package, and members are asked to consider tranche 1 devolution package to include the following sites;

·         Jubilee Green

·         Waterside Green

·         Longstone Depot

·         The wider surrounding area, including green space adjoining the depot and car park

·         Longstone Public Toilets

It is noted this would not include Longstone Park or any areas relating to the sea defences, railings, or walls adjoining the Tamar, due to lack of budget provision to support future maintenance and associated costs.

Following a unanimous vote (11 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor B Samuel, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to;

1.    Approve Cornwall Council’s proposed Heads of Terms in respect of Longstone Depot lease subject to a couple of amendments outlined in the main part of the report.

2.    Approve the submission of the Town Council’s draft devolution package (tranche 1), as set out in the report, noting that the final terms of any agreement would be subject to approval by Full Town Council.

3.    Delegate to the Town Clerk to submit the devolution package (tranche 1) to relevant Cornwall Council Officers for their consideration, reporting back at a future Service Committee meeting.

4.    RECOMMEND to Full Council to approve a virement of £2,100 from General Reserves to meet the annual shortfall in the rent.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

b.  Policy and Finance held on 12 May 2026;

It was RESOLVED to note the minutes. There were no recommendations.

c.   Planning and Licensing held on 19 May 2026.

It was RESOLVED to note the minutes and consider the following recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION:

25/26/27 TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON NEIGHBOURHOOD PRIORITY STATEMENTS AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

The Office Manager/Assistant to the Town Clerk provided a summary of the report received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was noted that the current Saltash Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) expires in 2030 and due to recent Government changes, it no longer carries significant weight. The Town Council must therefore ensure its priorities are clearly represented in Cornwall’s emerging Local Plan through the development of a Neighbourhood Priority Statement (NPS), which will require substantial community engagement.

The Settlement Spatial Plan (SSP) was identified as a useful and unique document, assessing development pressures and infrastructure impacts across Saltash. This process will include public engagement, workshops and Member involvement in shaping priorities and scenarios, leading to a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52/26/27

The Chairman provided a verbal update on engagements attended during the past month, including, but not limited to: Freeman of Saltash, Audrey Miller’s 97th birthday, Grace Notes Acapella Concert, Twinning 40th anniversary celebrations and an art exhibition held at St Stephen’s Church, which featured Ukrainian music performed to an outstanding standard.

The Deputy Mayor highlighted several key engagements, including attendance at the Camera Club exhibition and The Core’s Afternoon Tea.

It was RESOLVED to note.

PCSO Thorp, PCSO Fox and Sector Inspector Musgrove were in attendance at the meeting. The Chairman welcomed and invited them to address Members.

Sector Inspector Musgrove provided a verbal overview of the crime figures contained within the circulated report pack. He advised that overall crime levels were 5.3% lower compared to May 2025. He noted that, while there had been some fluctuations, it was important to view the figures in context to understand their true reflection.

Members were informed that Saltash continues to have the lowest crime figures across the partnership area, which was noted positively. However, it was emphasised that crime remains present, with two incidents of arson recorded this year and an increase in anti-social behaviour during half-term periods. Investigations into these incidents remain ongoing; however, it was highlighted that without sufficient evidence, prosecutions cannot be pursued. The importance of public reporting and the provision of intelligence was therefore strongly emphasised.

It was acknowledged a perceived community sentiment of reluctance to report incidents but reiterated that without such information, offenders may not be brought to justice. He advised that the police continue to engage proactively with local schools and youth organisations, building relationships to share knowledge and support crime prevention initiatives.

Reference was made to public feedback on social media regarding requests for increased CCTV coverage. He advised that, while such measures can be beneficial in certain locations, widespread implementation is not always practical. The negative feedback received regarding the use of safety camera vans is concerning, however, evidence indicates that safety camera vans have contributed to a reduction in road collisions where deployed. Nevertheless, witness statements and incident reporting remain the most effective means of securing prosecutions.

Members were advised that there has been a slight reduction in local officer presence due to staff departures and promotions. However, following a recent recruitment drive, a new Neighbourhood Beat Manager is expected to be in post within the coming month.

Sector Inspector Musgrove spoke of his commitment and that of the wider police force, to the Saltash community, highlighting the strength of partnerships with the Town Council and local organisations in identifying crime hotspots and supporting preventative work.

Operation Snap was also discussed, enabling members of the public to report driving offences directly to the relevant local authority.

Members raised concerns regarding speeding within the town centre and welcomed the continued partnership working with the police.

Appreciation was expressed to the police for their ongoing hard work, commitment to crime prevention and attendance at the meeting.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Chris Bailey Director of CEPL12, was in attendance and invited to speak on the report circulated within the agenda pack.

C Bailey advised that the lease for the Community Kitchen premises is due for renewal in October. At present, CEPL12 does not have sufficient financial capacity to cover the full cost of a three-year lease agreement should it be renewed on existing terms.

He emphasised that this does not preclude the possibility of securing grant funding or alternative financial support, nor does it rule out the potential for more flexible lease arrangements. However, the organisation considered it important to be transparent at this early stage regarding the uncertainty surrounding the future operation of the café, rather than delaying notification to the Town Council.

C Bailey confirmed that a number of grant applications are currently in progress and that any additional support would be welcomed.

In response to Members’ questions, C Bailey outlined the organisation’s current income streams, noting that the shop generates a modest income, alongside charitable donations, including those received through the Memory Box initiative and revenue from the Kitchen itself. However, increasing overheads, particularly rising utility costs, are placing significant pressure on the organisation’s finances.

Members were informed that investigations into sustainable and renewable energy solutions are ongoing. C Bailey reaffirmed CEPL12’s commitment to maintaining the Community Kitchen as a valuable resource for the residents of Saltash.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The Chairman brought forward Agenda Item 27 – To receive a report from Saltash Red Bus.

Mike Finch, owner of Saltash Red Bus, was in attendance and invited to speak on the report circulated within the agenda pack.

Members discussed the service and requested information regarding daily usage. M Finch advised that he was unable to provide exact figures at the meeting.

Cornwall Councillor Frank was permitted to speak by the Chairman and confirmed that Cornwall Council had not cut or reduced any funding to Saltash Red Bus, noting that the original agreement was to fund the service for one day per week.

In response to Members’ queries regarding concessionary fares, M Finch confirmed that these are accepted throughout the week.

Members agreed that further information, particularly regarding usage, is required before any decision can be made regarding support. It was therefore requested that M Finch meet with the Town Council at a future date once the relevant data is available.

Members also highlighted the need for increased promotion of the service and offered to support this through online advertising to help improve usage.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Due to no meeting having been held there was nothing to report.  The next meeting is 25 June.

Councillor Bickford informed Members that verbal confirmation had been received from Cornwall Council’s Highways Manager approving the Town Council’s Community Highways Improvement Programme application for improved accessibility leading to Saltash station.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

Due to the cancellation of the meeting, there was nothing to report.

The Chairman thanked Cornwall Councillors for submitting timely reports, enabling Members to review and consider them in advance of the meeting.

The Chairman invited Cornwall Councillors to provide any additional verbal updates to supplement their reports contained within the circulated agenda pack.

Cornwall Councillor Johnson advised that Cornwall Council had declined the application to register Burraton Recreation Ground as an Asset of Community Value. Councillor Johnson has requested that officers provide details of the revised assessment model.

Cornwall Councillor Frank updated Members on the situation at Warfelton, noting that recent unauthorised encampments had been swiftly addressed due to the existing legal order. However, this order is due to expire in July. To mitigate future occurrences, Cornwall Council and the Town Council’s working group have considered preventative measures, including the installation of wooden posts and metal gates at access points.

While these measures may not entirely prevent access, any damage to such installations would constitute criminal activity, enabling the police to exercise additional enforcement powers.

Cornwall Councillor Frank confirmed that funding is in place to support the installation of these preventative measures.

Members expressed their support for this approach, noting that inaction is not a viable option.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Councillor Peggs provided a verbal update, advising that no further progress has been made regarding the provision of phlebotomy appointments at St Barnabas Hospital.

Councillor Peggs was pleased to report a positive community response to the development of Health and Wellbeing Hubs, with several organisations expressing interest in supporting this initiative. Members were informed that the Social Prescriber for Saltash is actively coordinating these offers, alongside services focused on preventative healthcare, including wellbeing groups and activities such as armchair aerobics.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

a.  To advise the receipts for April 2026;

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.  To advise the payments for April 2026;

It was RESOLVED to note.

c.   Urgent and essential works actioned by the Town Clerk under Financial Regulations.

Nothing to report.

d.  To note that bank reconciliations up to 30 April 2026 were reviewed as correct by the Chairman of Policy & Finance Committee and the Town Clerk.

It was RESOLVED to note.

e.  To note that an audit on recent supplier payments was conducted by the Chairman of Policy & Finance in line with the Councils Financial Regulations. It was noted that there are no discrepancies to report.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note the Internal Auditors Year-end Report dated 31st March 2026 and that there are no recommended actions (as attached).

The Chairman thanked the Finance Officer and her assistant for their ongoing commitment to public funds and the governance of the Town Council to receive another clear audit.

a.  To review and confirm whether there is no conflict of interest or if a conflict arises with the appointment of BDO LLP (External Auditor).

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Johns and RESOLVED to confirm that at this stage there are no conflicts of interest with the appointment of BDO LLP as the External Auditors to Small Authorities Audit Appointment (as attached).

b.  To review the appointment of Hudson Accounting as the Internal Auditor to Saltash Town Council and consider any actions and associated expenditure.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and RESOLVED:

1.    To continue with the appointment of Hudson Accounting Ltd as Saltash Town Council’s Internal Auditor for the year 2026-27 based on their competence and independence (as attached);

2.    At cost of £1,200 to be allocated to budget code 6201 P&F Audit.

c.   To receive the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1) and consider any actions.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Peggs and RESOLVED to approve the Annual Governance Statement 2025-26 (Section 1) as attached.

d.  To receive the Accounting Statement (Section 2) and consider any actions.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to approve the Accounting Statements 2025-26 (Section 2) as attached.

e.  To set the commencement date for the exercise of public rights.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor Johns and RESOLVED to set the commencement date for the exercise of public rights on the 9 June 2026 for a period of 30 working days (as attached), displayed in the Town Council notice boards, on the website, and to issue a Press and Social media release.

Members considered the notice of vacancy and the associated costs should the vacancy proceed to an election.

Discussion took place regarding the estimated cost of issuing polling cards, as detailed within the report, with Members noting that the approximate cost of £4,000 would represent a significant expense from the public purse.

Following debate, the Town Clerk was invited to speak. The Town Clerk advised that the agenda item was for noting; however, clarified that it has been the Town Council’s established custom and practice to issue polling cards.

As this is a new Town Council term, the Town Clerk apologised that the matter had not originally presented the option within the report.

The Town Clerk further advised that simply noting the report without providing direction could present a risk to the electoral process. In the absence of clear instruction, there was a greater risk in taking no action than in proceeding with a resolution.

To ensure that any potential election would not be jeopardised or delayed, the Town Clerk therefore sought clear guidance from Members on how they wished to proceed.

Following a vote (7 in favour, 3 against, 1 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Suter and RESOLVED to delegate to the Town Clerk to inform Cornwall Council to proceed with polling cards should the vacancy lead to an election.

The Chairman informed Members of a vacant seat on the Burial Authority Committee and invited expressions of interest from those wishing to join.

No expressions of interest were received.

a.  Waterfront Management and Water Transport;

Councillor Gillies expressed an interest in joining the Waterfront and Water Transport Working Group.

b.  CIL Application - Fourth Round;

Councillor Suter expressed an interest in joining the CIL Application – Fourth Round Working Group.

c.   Longstone Depot Lease;

Councillor Bullock expressed an interest in joining the Longstone Depot Lease Working Group.

d.  Sale of Burraton Field.

Councillor Ashburn expressed an interest in joining the Sale of Burraton Field Working Group.

Members agreed to take the appointments to each working group, as above, en bloc.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to appoint Councillors to each working group vacancy as above.

The Chairman informed Members of a vacant seat on the CAP Climate Change and Nature Recovery Network and invited expressions of interest from those wishing to join.

No expressions of interest were received.

Members discussed the report on land at Warraton Green received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

Following a vote (9 in favour, 0 against, 2 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Johns, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and RESOLVED to delegate to the Town Clerk to respond to Cornwall Council confirming that the Town Council has no interest in the asset at Warraton Green.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Ashburn and RESOLVED:

1.  To approve the Armed Forces Covenant including the use of the Town Council’s Seals, subject to the final sign off from the Mayor and Town Clerk (as attached);

2.  That the Mayor, Town Clerk, and Deputy Mayor attend the signing event at County Hall on 22 June 2026 as representatives of the Town Council;

3.  That progression to the Employer Recognition Scheme be referred to the Personnel Committee for further consideration.

(Pursuant to FTC held on 15.01.2026 Minute nr. 315/25/26)

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor Ashburn, seconded by Councillor Suter and RESOLVED:

1.  For Councillors Ashburn, Bullock and Suter to continue to attend Oaklands Community Centre information sessions;

2.  To report back to Full Council only where matters arise that require consideration;

3.  To continue to post monthly social media content signposting the public to the Town Council’s attendance at Oaklands for the Information Café and Food Larder.

The next scheduled meeting date Saturday 20 June 2026 outside Saltash Heritage Museum, Fore Street.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor Stoyel, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and RESOLVED for Councillors Bullock, Stoyel, Peggs, Gillies and Miller to attend.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

None.

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting. 

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor Johns, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.         Saltash Neighbourhood Plan – Spatial Plan;

2.         Cornish Language Strategy;

3.         Proud Care Awards;

4.         Survey on Police Force Merges;

5.         Saltash Red Bus;

6.         Notice of Public Rights and Audited Accounts;

7.         Trematon Vacancy;

8.         Guidance on the Electoral Process and Voter Registration;

9.         Oaklands Community Information Café, mobile food Larder and Councillors support;

10.      Armed Forces Covenant;

11.      Longstone Depot Lease Renewal;

12.      Operation Snap - driving offences.

Thursday 2 July 2026at 7.00pm

I Move to Order that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to all Deeds and Documents necessary to give effect to the foregoing Acts and Proceedings.

Following a unanimous vote it was RESOLVED for Councillor Gillies to Move to Order that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to all Deeds and Documents necessary to give effect to the foregoing Acts and Proceedings.