Agenda and draft minutes

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

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.

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.

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 12 noon the day 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.

The Chairman confirmed three public questions had been received.

In the absence of the residents who submitted the first two questions, the Town Clerk read them aloud in accordance with the Town Council’s Public Question Policy. The third question was read by the member of the public present at this evening’s meeting.

The Town Clerk then proceeded to read question one on the approval of the Chairman.

The Town Clerk informed Members that she had been working with Cornwall Council to establish how the report, and the information contained within it, had come to light.

She further confirmed that a response had been received from Jonny Alford, Strategic Property Lead at Cornwall Council.

At the instruction of the Chairman, the Town Clerk proceeded to read the response to Members.

We briefed the Town Council and Local members before we pushed this deal in 2024.

We explained this was a potential Win Win.

·         Developer gets a new supermarket

·         Community of Saltash gets an improved play provision

·         There is a capital receipt paid to the Council

But the route to that Win Win is via a full planning application which requires full public consultation including the Town Council.

The Town Councils support as we recorded it was not support of the planning application but of the principles of the deal that the Council was working on.

I can see how the report has been misunderstood.

If the Developers proposals are not acceptable then the Town Council can object…they have not prejudiced or pre-called their position.

I can see how the report reads and that was not the intention.

The developer consultation meeting is the beginning of the developers process to develop a planning proposal for the site that meets the needs of the community and will appropriately replace the playing field that will be developed on.

Members discussed the response received and expressed both frustration and disappointment.

Councillor Bickford challenged the accuracy of the response and the report issued by Cornwall Council, stating that it had grossly misrepresented what took place at the meeting. That meeting had been attended by the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Town Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 293/25/26

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

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Full Town Council Meeting held on 4 December 2025 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

a.  Services held on 11 December 2025;

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

b.  Planning and Licensing held on 16 December 2025;

c.   It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

d.  Policy and Finance held on 13 January 2026. 

It was RESOLVED to note and consider the following recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION 1:

297/25/26  TO RECEIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE CIVIC HANDBOOK AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS.

The Town Clerk outlined the recommended amendments to ensure Members were fully informed of the reasons for the changes.

Following a unanimous vote (11 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Peggs, and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 15 January 2026, the amendments to the Civic Handbook, incorporating the additional changes raised by Members during the meeting (as attached).

Councillor P. Samuels, Chairman of Policy and Finance, presented the proposed amendments to the Civic Handbook Policy. He summarised the concerns raised at the Policy and Finance Committee meeting regarding the out?of?hours emergency contact protocol. Following further discussion with the Town Clerk, additional wording had been drafted for Members’ consideration.

Councillor P. Samuels further proposed that an additional amendment be included to add the phrase “staff or concerned Members” to the first bullet point.

Councillor Miller raised concerns about the potential implications of instructing staff. The Town Clerk confirmed that this measure was necessary to ensure the continued operation of the Town Council, and that under these specific circumstances, the proposed approach offered the most practical solution. She noted that during normal working hours, senior managers would be available to support staff, removing the need for this particular contingency.

Councillor Miller confirmed he was satisfied with the response.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Stoyel, and RESOLVED to note and approve the above recommendation and additional amendments.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Members discussed the recent rise in shoplifting. PC Smith explained that the increase was partly due to higher levels of reporting and a particular shop in Saltash being repeatedly targeted.

The police advised that new reporting systems are helping to encourage greater reporting of crime. Inspector Jamie asked the Town Council to continue supporting these efforts within the community and confirmed that tackling retail crime is a national policing priority.

Members sought clarification on the higher figures recorded under the category “Violence with or without injury”. The police confirmed that these incidents primarily relate to domestic abuse. While the figures are concerning, they reflect improved reporting by victims rather than a significant increase in occurrences.

The police also highlighted the availability of Clare’s Law, which permits the disclosure of an individual’s history of violence or abuse to help safeguard those at risk.

The Chairman asked whether there was any additional support the Town Council could provide. The police encouraged continued partnership working and the ongoing promotion of reporting through 101 and online reporting systems.

Members invited the police to attend future Meet Your Councillor sessions on Fore Street. The police welcomed the invitation.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

The Chairman informed Members that the meeting held on 6 January had taken place; however, the notes were not received in time to be included in or circulated with this evening’s reports pack.

Councillors Bickford provided an update on the recent Community Area Partnership Working Group meetings for Transport, Connectivity and Accessibility, and Economic Development, which they had attended.

Members welcomed the offer for regular brief updates at future meetings from Members serving as representatives on CAP Working Groups, particularly regarding any key matters discussed.

It was REOLVED to note.

The scheduled meeting was cancelled due to sickness; therefore, there is nothing to report at this time

The scheduled meeting was cancelled because of conflicting commitments, therefore, there is nothing to report at this time

Cornwall Councillor Johnson provided a brief update on the report included in the circulated pack.

He noted that he is still awaiting a response regarding the current status of Chapel Field. He also welcomed the forthcoming public consultation on the proposed Tamar Tag account fee increase and reported that the parking spaces to the rear of Berry Park Road have been sold, with one remaining that carries responsibility for highway maintenance.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Although no written report had been received, the Chairman updated Members on a recent visit and tour of the facilities at St Barnabas Hospital.

Members noted the challenges associated with introducing phlebotomy services, particularly the complexity of the necessary data processing and appointment systems.

It was reported that a room at St Barnabas may be used for dressing leg wounds, or potentially by administrative staff from Higher Port View Surgery to free up additional clinical space.

Members also discussed mental health provision in Saltash, noting that the main challenge faced is a shortage of mental health practitioners.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

a.   To advise the receipts for November 2025;

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.   To advise the payments for November 2025;

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 November 2025 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.

Members received the proposed Town Council Schedule of Meetings for the year 2026/27 contained within the circulated reports pack.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Ashburn, seconded by Councillor Johns and RESOLVED to:

1.  Approve the Town Council schedule of meetings for the year 2026/27 (as attached);

2.  RECOMMEND to formally adopt the Town Council schedule of meetings for the year 2026/27 to the Annual Meeting of Saltash Town Council to be held on 7 May 2026.

The Chairman and Vice Chairman Councillors Bullock and Stoyel declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting.

The immediate past Chairman, Councillor Peggs, in the Chair.

(Pursuant to FTC held on 11.01.24 minute nr. 303/24/25)

Members received the report on the Deed of Variation for the Saltash Heritage Centre.

At the request of the Town Clerk, and noting that the current Chairman and Vice Chairman had declared interests in this item, Members agreed that the immediate past Chairs, Councillors Peggs and Bickford, would sign the documentation on behalf of the Town Council, with the Town Clerk acting as witness.

Following a unanimous vote (12 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Nowlan, seconded by Councillor P. Samuels, and RESOLVED that Councillors Peggs and Bickford, due to the declared interests of the current Chairman and Vice Chairman, sign the Licence to Assign on behalf of the Town Council, in the presence of the Town Clerk as witness.

The Chairman and Vice Chairman Councillors Bullock and Stoyel were invited and returned to the meeting.  Chairman in the chair.

(Pursuant to FTC held on 4.12.25 minute nr. 283/25/26)

Members received and discussed the latest developments relating to the Community Highways Improvement Programme (CHIP). Members considered the benefits of submitting a single, strong, consolidated application, in line with the guidance and reasoning provided by Cornwall Council’s Highways Manager.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Johns, seconded by Councillor Martin and RESOLVED to approve Councillor Bickford submitting a Town Council Expression of Interest to enhance the walking route between Saltash Railway Station and the town centre, on behalf of Saltash Town Council and with the support of the Cornwall Councillors, by the deadline of 27 February, and to provide the final submission to the Town Clerk for Town Council records.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Johns and RESOLVED to:

1.  To form a Working Group comprising Councillors Ashburn, Nowlan, Martin, Bullock and Johns to work with the Development and Engagement Manager on submitting an Expression of Interest for CIL Round 5;

2.  To delegate authority to the Development and Engagement Manager, in consultation with the Working Group, to agree the Expression of Interest project proposal in line with CIL funding guidance and budget, and to report to Full Town Council on 5 February 2026.

3.  To confirm Wednesday 21 January as the date for the first Working Group meeting with the Development and Engagement Manager, ensuring sufficient time to agree a suitable project proposal.

(Pursuant to FTC held on 4.12.25 minute nr. 277/25/26)

Members discussed the report on the proposed St Piran’s Day celebrations, expressing adesire for the event to be held in a controlled and safe manner.

Members considered a range of ideas to incorporate into the celebrations.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Stoyel, and RESOLVED:

1.  To delegate responsibility for delivering the event, as detailed in the submitted report, to Councillors Bickford and Bullock, with support from the Town Clerk only if required.

2.  That Councillors Bullock and Bickford provide Members with detailed arrangements via email, due to the tight timeframe, once the Town Clerk has approved the event and all required documentation, including risk assessments, has been completed.

3.  To approve up to £500 for the event, including £100 earmarked for the Saltash Chamber of Commerce to fund prize?giving, to be allocated to budget code 6202 Civic Occasions.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Martin and RESOLVED;

1.  To approve the rescheduling of the Annual Town Meeting with Parishioners of Saltash, in accordance with Standing Orders, to the proposed date of 26 March 2026, to be held in conjunction with the Civic Awards and Shop Your Town event, and to delegate organisation to the Administration Team in conjunction with the Mayor;

2.  To approve expenditure of up to £100 for advertising, allocated to budget code 6230 Social Media Advertising.

Members discussed attendance at the events listed in the circulated report and highlighted the need for improved promotional material.

Members noted that conflicting commitments can limit Councillor availability at events and requested that staff work with Members to ensure stalls are appropriately staffed.

It was further discussed that staff should take the lead in manning the stalls, as they are fully briefed on all Town Council projects.

During the discussion, Councillor Johns left and subsequently returned to the meeting.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Peggs, and RESOLVED:

1.  To confirm attendance at the May Fair on Saturday 2 May and the Regatta on Saturday 25 July, using the existing Town Council marketing materials;

2.  To form a Working Group comprising Councillors Mortimore, Martin and Ashburn to determine the format of attendance and identify the necessary additional promotional materials, reporting back to a future Town Council meeting.

Members discussed the survey and emphasised the need to highlight concerns about the lack of services available to residents attending clinical appointments, the infrequency of bus services and the poor standard of provision.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor McCaw and RESOLVED to approve Councillor Martin to submit a response to the Cornwall Bus Travel Survey on behalf of the Town Council by the deadline date of Sunday 18 January, and to provide the final submission to the Town Clerk for Town Council records.

Councillors were encouraged to email Councillor Martin with any concerns or feedback on bus services in Saltash in order to collate the information for the survey response.

Councillor B Samuels referred to the working group established to review the future of the farmers’ markets, expressing hope that there will be sufficient interest to relaunch in the spring. She noted that this update was provided to assist with the report to be considered under agenda item 27.

It was RESOLVED to note.

(Pursuant to FTC held on 4.09.25 minute nr. 192/25/26)

Members discussed attendance at future Oaklands Community Centre Café and food larder sessions and noted the wide range of organisations that participate, including the social prescriber, police, Cornwall Councillors, and Saltash Town Council.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Ashburn, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED to continue to support the monthly information café and food larder sessions at Oakland’s Community Centre and renew the Town Council’s commitment for a further 4 months, reviewing at a future Full Town Council meeting.

Members reflected on Councillor B Samuels Town Team market update with markets expected to resume in spring 2026, and the Saltash Studio Makers Market still running successfully, Members agreed there was no need to change either the timing (third Saturday) or the location outside the former Bloom Hearing building.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED to continue to hold Meet Your Councillor sessions on the third Saturday of the month outside the former Bloom Hearing Building.

The next scheduled meeting date Saturday 17 January outside the former Bloom Hearing building, Fore Street.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED for Councillors Bullock, Peggs, Johns 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.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Johns and RESOLVED

to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.         Oakland’s Community Centre Café and Food Larder Sessions;

2.         Parking safely and reporting methods (educational piece);

3.         Community Highways Improvement Programme Submission;

4.         St Piran’s Day Celebrations (at appropriate time);

5.         Annual Town Meeting with Parishioners of Saltash (at appropriate time);

6.         Saltash Town Council Attendance at Town Events (at appropriate time);

7.         Cornwall Bus Survey Response;

8.         Meet Your Councillor Sessions;

9.         Reporting Crime Information;

10.      Thanks Ned Bowie and welcoming Sector Inspector Jamie Musgrove and continuing strong police partnership working;

11.      Saltash Town Council’s responses to Tamar Tag issues.

Thursday 5 February 2026 at 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.

It was RESOLVED 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.