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.

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.

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 Bickford, seconded by Councillor Nolan and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Extraordinary Services Committee held on 23 October 2025 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

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

1.  To note the budget statements and approve a virement of £1,200 from budget code 6500 SE Tree Survey and Tree Maintenance to budget code 6515 SE Festive Lights Maintenance and Electricity to cover an overspend;

2.  To vire any unspent funds from 6500 SE Tree Survey and Tree Maintenance to 6515 SE Festive lights Maintenance and Electricity subject to there being any unspent balance at the end of the financial year.

Nothing to report.

Members held an in-depth discussion on the Services deliverables with the Chairman and Vice Chairman providing two objectives that align within the Services Committee terms of reference and the Town Council’s six overarching strategic priorities.

Discussions focused on revitalising Saltash by enhancing signage and strengthening promotional efforts to position the town as a vibrant, welcoming destination. Key ideas included improving communication, publicity, and marketing to attract visitors.

The Chairman and Vice Chairman will review and align Members feedback with suggestions for improving signage within the town and across the wider Saltash area.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Martin and RESOLVED to set the Business Plan Deliverables objectives for the Services Committee, as attached.

a.  Departmental Report;

It was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the controlled and selective use of herbicides in areas where mechanical weeding is challenging, to help maintain a tidy and presentable appearance;

2.    To delegate to the Officer Manager / Assistant to the Town Clerk to work with the Assistant Service Delivery Manager to part-exchange the existing RTV towards the purchase of a used Kabota RTV inclusive of optional extras if required, working within budget code 6578 EMF Vehicles and Equipment;

3.    To authorise the Mayor to send a letter of thanks to Radland Haulage Ltd for their continued support (free of charge) in delivering the town’s Christmas trees.

b.  Grounds Maintenance Works;

It was RESOLVED to note.

c.   Work Request Log;

No report.

d.  Vandalism and Anti-Social Behaviour Report;

No report.

e.  Statutory and Mandatory Building Asset Checks.

No report.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor B Samuels, and RESOLVED:

1.  To note the report and the invitation to a future unveiling event, subject to weather conditions allowing the reinstallation of the restored pebble memorials and application of the protective resin coating;

2.   To approve the installation of a small sign, at no cost to the Town Council, on the right-hand corner of the surrounding fence, to include the suggested wording as contained within the public reports pack.

Members reflected on the success of the recent light switch-on event and discussed the potential benefits of engaging a professional events management agency to oversee future events.

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED:

1.  To establish a working group, comprising of Councillor Bullock, Martin, P Samuels and Mortimore, to develop a detailed specification for the 2026 Town Council Christmas Light Switch-On Event, including associated costings reporting back to the February Services Committee meeting with a draft proposed way forward;

2.  To approve the appointment of an external event management agency (to be confirmed) to deliver the 2026 Christmas light Switch-On Event on behalf of Saltash Town Council, based on the specification agreed by the Services Committee in February.

Councillor Gillies declared an interest in the following agenda item and left the meeting.

Members discussed the report received and contained within the circulated reports pack.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Nolan and RESOLVED:

1.  To confirm that no additional rights or access be granted for services within the area;

2.  To delegate to the Town Clerk to continue with the transfer and accompanying plan on behalf of the Town Council;

3.  To note that completion is subject to satisfactory responses to solicitors to the outstanding enquiries with the Town Clerk to report back to a future Services Committee meeting.

Councillor Gillies was invited and returned to the meeting.

Members reviewed the report included in the circulated pack and noted concerns that the tarmac area may pose a safety risk due to tree roots causing surface lifting

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED;

1.  To approve in principle that Saltash Town Council assumes responsibility for maintaining and inspecting the land at North Road under a license or agreement with Cornwall Council, subject to the responsibilities being aligned with the Town Council’s available resources and budget;

2.  To delegate to the Town Clerk to progress partnership arrangements reporting back to a future Services Committee meeting with a draft licence or lease for further consideration.

Members discussed the Waterside Green area and considered the Town Council’s vision of the area. Members considered its strategic importance and reflected on previous consultations aimed at improving the space and safeguarding it from unwanted development.

It was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and RESOLVED to agree in principle to take on a licence or lease and more responsibility, exploring future devolution of the Waterside Green, delegating to the Town Clerk to further negotiate with Cornwall Council reporting back to a future Services Committee meeting.

No report.

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 Bickford, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED to issue the following Press and Social Media Releases:

1.  Acknowledgement of Radland Haulage Ltd’s Support;

2.  Planning for the 2026 Christmas Light Switch-On and Town Council Investment in Festive Lighting.