Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed Ben Gordon Communications and Engagement Officer in attendance at this evening’s meeting.

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.

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.

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

None.

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.

None received.

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

It was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Full Town Council Meeting held on 6 February 2025were confirmed as a true and correct record.

a.  Services held on 13 February 2025;

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

RECOMMENDATION 1:

106/24/25 TO CONSIDER RISK MANAGEMENT REPORTS AS MAY BE RECEIVED.

Jubilee Pontoon

4.  To RECOMMEND to Full Council to approve a virement of £26,450 from General Reserves to budget code 6584 EMF Pontoon Maintenance Costs;

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION 2:

112/24/25 TO RECEIVE A DRAFT CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO SALTASH WAR MEMORIALS POLICY AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

1.  To RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 6 March 2025 to approve the Corrections and Additions to the Saltash War Memorial policy, subject to amendments as attached;

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

b.  Planning and Licensing held on 18 February 2025;

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

c.   Joint Burial Board held on 25 February 2025;

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

d.  Personnel held on 27 February 2025.

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

RECOMMENDATION 1:

84/24/25 TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY HUB TEAM

LEADER AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

5.  To RECOMMEND to Full Council reducing the number of Library and Information Assistant posts from 6 to 5 in the Town Council staffing structure to commence from 1 April 2025 (as attached);

6.  To RECOMMEND to Full Council approving an additional 1 hour to the Library Staffing budget code increasing from a weekly total of 124 to 125 hours to provide consistency, a less complex rota, and improved coverage to commence from 1 April 2025;

7.  To RECOMMEND to Full Council approving a change of job title from Library and Information Assistants to Community Hub Assistants with immediate effect (as attached).

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendations.

RECOMMENDATION 2:

86/24/25 TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON ANNUAL STAFF PERFORMANCE REVIEWS AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council to be held on 6 March 2025 to approve staff salary increments for those who meet the criteria working within budget for the year 2025/26.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

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

It was RESOLVED to note.

Members highlighted concern of a trend in increased crime figures being reported.

The Chairman reported that following discussions with key stakeholders, the figures were more favourable compared to other parishes and towns. Members enquired about ways to effectively highlight this information.

The Chairman also informed Members that a Community Beat Officer would be attending the Meet Your Councillor session on Saturday 8 March. Additionally, the Chairman informed Members of the appointment of a new PCSO, who is set to take up the post in four weeks. It was further noted that the police have established a Crime Investigation Team.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

As the meeting took place on Tuesday 4 March, no report was available for submission at this evening’s meeting.

Councillor Lennox-Boyd provided a brief overview of the report included in the circulated reports pack, highlighting attendance at the recent Safer Saltash meeting with Danny King from Saltash.net. Councillor Lennox-Boyd emphasised the valuable insights gained, and the strong relationships being developed with local schools.

It was noted that 170 children from Plymouth attend Saltash.net for schooling, stressing the importance of collaboration with Plymouth and cross-sector communication with local authorities to address ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour.

It was RESOLVED to note.

As the meeting took place on Monday 3 March, no report was available for submission at this evening’s meeting.

Cornwall Councillor Lennox-Boyd advised there was nothing to add to the report submitted and received within the circulated reports pack.

Cornwall Councillor Frank provided a brief verbal update on discussions with the Monitoring Officer regarding the proposed installation of ANPR technology at Belle Vue West Car Park.

Cornwall Councillor Frank informed Members that the proposal to install the technology had been challenged; however, the Monitoring Officer dismissed the challenge stating that the grounds presented were not sufficient to warrant a call-in.

Cornwall Councillor Frank confirmed she had been offered a meeting with Neil Edmonds who is the CEO of Corserv and is keen for Saltash Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce to be in attendance.

Additionally, Cornwall Councillor Frank highlighted the introduction of free bus fares for young people travelling within Cornwall. While welcoming the initiative, expressing disappointment that it does not extend to students commuting across the bridge to Plymouth for schooling.

Cornwall Councillor Worth highlighted the upcoming Joint Committee – Tamar Bridge and Crossings meeting scheduled for tomorrow 7 March. Cornwall Councillor Worth encouraged Members to connect in online, as discussions would cover the Tamar 2050 program, including proposals to explore more affordable tolls for local residents and the potential for securing Central Government support to eventually remove tolls altogether.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report.

Nothing to report.

a.  To advise the receipts for January 2025;

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.  To advise the payments for January 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 31 January 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 Council’s Financial Regulations. It was noted that there are no discrepancies to report.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Members discussed the report circulated in the reports pack.  Members also considered the impact on staff capacity and workloads, noting that a wealth of information is already available online for those interested in standing as a Town Councillor. As a result, Members explored whether a signposting approach would be a more effective alternative.

It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED:

1.  To note the report;

2.  To approve an information evening to be held at the Guildhall on Thursday 13 March from 6pm to 8pm to support candidates that are interested in standing as a Town Councillor;

3.  That the Town Clerk together with Councillors Peggs, Miller, Lennox-Boyd, Bullock and Dent attend the session;

4.  To delegate to the Assistant to the Town Clerk to arrange the setup;

5.  To promote the information evening via social media and Saturday 8 March Meet Your Councillor session.

The Town Clerk referred to an email she sent Members about an informal Information Day to be held at the Guildhall on Saturday 10 May to welcome those who have been elected to stand as a Town Councillor for Saltash Town Council, and to run through the Members Induction Pack.

Members welcomed this initiative.

Councillor Bickford provided an overview of the Peninsula Transport Strategic Implementation Plan Consultation and the Town Council response to be ratified at this evening’s meeting.

Councillor Bickford highlighted that Members were given the opportunity to provide feedback individually, the consultation form was restrictive, allowing only one selection, however, ‘support bus improvements’ was included at the end of the survey. As a result, rail and bus improvements were identified as the top priorities for Saltash.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to ratify Saltash Town Council’s response submitted to the Peninsular Transport Strategic Implementation Plan Consultation (as attached).

Members reviewed the report included in the circulated reports pack and discussed the challenges posed by the limited communication from National Highways regarding the proposed tunnel works.

Members emphasised the importance of working collaboratively with National Highways to ensure clear communication about the upcoming works, including details on how, when, and where they will take place.

Members expressed a strong desire for all Saltash residents, workers and visitors to be fully informed about the upcoming works. Due to the current lack of communication, the Town Council conveyed its frustration while reiterating its readiness to assist in disseminating the necessary information and working in partnership to deliver a strategic communication strategy, with the understanding that the costs would be covered by National Highways.

Councillor Bickford provided a verbal update on upcoming changes to rail timetables, set to take effect in May. These changes are expected to benefit Saltash by adding five services from London Paddington, although some direct services to Cardiff will be discontinued.

Additionally, Councillor Bickford has been campaigning for extra services proposed to be implemented during the tunnel works to be made permanent.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED:

1.  To delegate to the Development and Engagement Manager to liaise with National Highways to work in partnership to deliver a good standard of communication regarding the Saltash tunnel works, referring to the report;

2.  All associated cost to be covered by National Highways not Saltash Town Council;

3.  Updates to be received at a future Full Town Council meeting.

Members discussed the report received and contained within the circulated reports pack expressing a desire to assist in future negotiations to ensure the Reserve’s ecological richness is maintained for future generations. 

It was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor Mortimore and RESOLVED:

1.  To create a working group comprising of Councillors Mortimore, Stoyel, Bullock, Bickford, Dent, Gillies, in partnership with Friends of Churchtown Farm Reserve, Anthony Estate and Cornwall Wildlife Trust;

2.  To approve free use of Town Council buildings to hold meetings when necessary to conclude the negotiations.

Members discussed the two BT payphones proposed for removal.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs and seconded by Councillor Dent to support the removal of both BT payphones located at the bottom of Fore Street and Alamein Road.

The proposal did not carry.

It was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED that the BT payphone on Alamein Road be removed, while requesting the BT payphone at the bottom of Fore Street remains due to its central location and potential use in exceptional circumstances.

The next scheduled meeting date Saturday 8 March 2025 outside Bloom Hearing, Fore Street.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Lennox-Boyd and RESOLVED for Councillors Lennox-Boyd, Bullock, Peggs and Gillies 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.

It was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media releases:

1.  Meet Your Councillor;

2.  Information evening – support candidates for election;

3.  Peninsula Transport Strategic Implementation Plan.

Thursday 3 April 2025 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.