Agenda and draft minutes

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

None received.

Members of the public may ask questions of the Town Team by submitting in writing via email to enquiries@saltash.gov.uk or the Guildhall no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

Responses to public questions will be dealt with at the discretion of the Chairman.

None received.

It was noted that an amendment is required to note number 10 to correct the initials from ‘AF’ to ‘HF’.

Subject to this amendment it was unanimously agreed that the notes of the last meeting were a true and accurate record.

Update on Watering Arrangements Following Hosepipe Ban

PR invited SB to provide Members with an update on the Town Council's plans for watering flowers in the Town Centre following the hosepipe ban that came into effect across Cornwall on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

SB advised that Saltash Town Council is not exempt from the hosepipe ban this year. Prior to the restrictions, the Service Delivery Team had been watering the town's planters and hanging baskets on a daily basis. Due to the lack of available watering, a number of hanging baskets had been removed that day as they were no longer in good condition.

The remaining hanging baskets comprise six at the Union, eight on Jubilee Green and 22 on Fore Street. Without regular watering, these are unlikely to survive beyond the week. SB noted that, had watering continued, the displays would have been expected to last a further seven to eight weeks.

The hanging baskets represent a significant investment for the Town Council, costing approximately £7,000, in addition to water costs and staff time required for their maintenance. SB commented that the displays had received many positive comments and that it was disappointing to lose them, as they contribute significantly to the appearance of the town.

SB confirmed that the planters throughout the town and those within the Peace Garden would continue to be watered using watering cans. However, this would not take place daily, as the Council must remain mindful of the ongoing water shortage.

SB had approached several businesses on Fore Street to explore the possibility of sponsoring and watering individual planters daily using watering cans. Initial responses had been positive, subject to reimbursement of water costs. Saltash Town Council will continue to water the black planters and those located on the bridge.

Members discussed the available options. PR and BS agreed to investigate opportunities through the Chamber of Commerce to provide or fund water supplies. CB confirmed that volunteers from CEPL12 would be able to assist with watering some of the planters. BS also confirmed that Rotary would continue watering the planted boats in the Peace Garden and the planter located at the lower end of Fore Street.

PR advised that they would visit Fore Street businesses the following morning and would provide Members with an update if any additional assistance was required.

SB explained the £277.81 balance remaining in the Trip 037 column of the Statement. When applying for funding from the Markets Fund, Members had applied for the full 25% match-funding contribution, representing the maximum amount available. However, as fewer markets had been held than originally anticipated, not all of the allocated funding was used and therefore a balance of £277.81 remained unspent.

SB advised that the remaining balance could either be retained by Saltash Town Council as a credit to be applied towards a future Section 106 project or returned to Cornwall Council's S106 Fund.

Following discussion, Members unanimously agreed that Saltash Town Council should return the £277.81 balance to Cornwall Council's S106 Fund to avoid any potential confusion in the future.

SB left the meeting.

RB provided an update and advised that due to manpower constraints this has not currently progressed. 

Given the late stage of the summer season, Members considered that it was now too late to commence markets this year, particularly in light of the adverse weather conditions experienced during 2025.

RB confirmed that CEPL12 would continue to explore opportunities to deliver the markets and would monitor the situation over the coming months. Should there be a realistic opportunity for CEPL12 to operate the markets in 2027, a further report will be brought back to Members for consideration.

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PR thanked HF and SG for their excellent report.

HF provided an overview of the report and outlined the various options that had been explored.

Following discussion, Members unanimously agreed to establish a Working Group comprising HF, RB, SG and BAES. The purpose of the Working Group will be to engage and consult with local traders to better understand which operational model would be most appropriate and to determine who would be responsible for managing and operating the project once established.

Members also agreed to allocate a budget of up to £1,000 for the Working Group to utilise as required. The budget may be used to arrange demonstrations from potential providers, support engagement activities, and assist with promoting the initiative to local traders.

KJ provided an overview of the report included in the report pack circulated to Members.

Following a recent Community Leaders meeting held at Saltash Studios, it was identified that Saltash Studios are already delivering training opportunities similar to those being considered.

KJ advised that, before progressing any new training provision, it would be important to establish the level of interest among local businesses in training courses delivered specifically through the Town Team.

To support this work, KJ suggested establishing a Working Group to engage with local businesses and ascertain the demand for such training opportunities.

Following discussion, it was agreed that KJ and PR would liaise to consider the next steps and explore how best to assess business interest.

 A further update will be provided at the next meeting.

PR provided an overview of the report circulated to members in the report pack.

Members discussed the potential introduction of a Saltash Card. Views were mixed, with some Members expressing reservations as to whether such a scheme would generate significant additional footfall within the town centre and encourage greater use of High Street businesses.

The discussion also considered other similar initiatives, including the Pard Card and the JannerCard, and the potential benefits and lessons that could be learned from existing schemes.

Following consideration, Members agreed that HF would liaise with Mike Turner, creator of the JannerCard, and invite him to attend a future Town Team meeting to provide a presentation on the scheme and share his experiences to help inform Members' future discussions and decision-making.

PR advised that he had made contact with the Co-op at senior property level regarding the matter. The request had subsequently been referred to the Retail Management Team for consideration, with an assurance that a response would be provided.

To date, no response has been received. PR confirmed that he will continue to pursue the matter and will provide a further update to Members once feedback has been received from the Co-op.

PR confirmed that he would speak with local bar and restaurant owners while visiting businesses the following day in order to gather their views and feedback on the matter.

PR will report back to Members at the next meeting.

RB provided an update on the signage and advised this is an ongoing project, and he is awaiting an Officer update.

RB advised that he hasn’t yet met with the Bridge Manager, Coral Jonas, but he has exchanged some e-mails. He is expecting some statistics back from the leaflet distribution, and PR has requested that an update on ‘Signage and leaflets’ be included on the agenda at the next meeting.

RB provided and update on the works agreed during the street audit with Will Glassup from Cormac.  He confirmed it was a very useful meeting and RB has circulated a list of the areas that Cormac will address.

BAES provided an update on enforcement and advised that the enforcement Officer confirmed that they patrol each side of Fore Street once and then patrol the car parks.

Members noted that, with the exception of London, there is currently no specific enforceable offence relating to pavement parking in England. As a result, enforcement options are limited unless other parking restrictions or offences apply. Members discussed the implications of this position and the impact that pavement parking can have on pedestrian access and safety.

BS advised that Enforcement Officers currently patrol Saltash Town Centre for four half-days each week.

Members noted the level of enforcement presence within the town centre and acknowledged the role of Enforcement Officers in monitoring and addressing issues as they arise. Members also recognised that, while regular patrols take place, enforcement action remains subject to the relevant legislation and available powers.

Date of Next Meeting:

End of Meeting: