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.

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 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.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Johns, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Full Town Council Meeting held on 5 February 2026 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

a.  Joint Burial Board held on 10 February 2026;

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

b.  Services Committee held on 12 February 2026;

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

c.   Planning and Licensing held on 17 February 2026;

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

d.  Personnel held on 26 February 2026.

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

RECOMMENDATION:

86/25/26    TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE TOWN COUNCIL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPERATIONAL HOURS FOR 2026/27 AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE.

The Chairman informed Members that agenda items 10, Christmas and New Year Operational Hours 2026–27, and 11, Saltash Day 2026–27, would be considered together.

Following a unanimous vote (5 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstained), it was proposed by Councillor Brady, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council:

1.  The Christmas shutdown period will commence at 12 noon on Thursday 24 December 2026 and the office will reopen on Monday 4 January 2027.

2.  All staff are required to allocate annual leave for the remaining working days during the shutdown period: Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30, and Thursday 31 December 2026.

3.  One Service Delivery General Assistant will work reduced hours on Sunday 27 December 2026, from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

4.  A Saltash Day will be allocated to all staff, to be taken on a date of their choice within the financial year 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstained), it was proposed by Councillor Mortimore, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED to approve the above recommendation.

It was RESOLVED to note. There were no recommendations.

The Chairman invited Councillor B Samuels to provide an update following the meeting of the Library SubCommittee held earlier this evening.

The SubCommittee received a report on the tender submissions for Phase Two of the Library Refurbishment Works. This phase includes the installation of a fully accessible ground?floor toilet with baby?changing facilities, the redesign and relocation of the welcome desk to the left side of the building to create a more open and welcoming environment, and the provision of facilities for serving hot and cold drinks.

The SubCommittee reported that a preferred tender had been identified and confirmed its intention to proceed with appointing the contractor. Works are anticipated to begin in early April, with an estimated duration of 12 weeks. During this period, Library services will be temporarily relocated to the Wesley Church.

Cllr B Samuels expressed her thanks to all officers involved in supporting the SubCommittee and noted their enthusiasm for progressing this project on behalf of the Town Council for the benefit of Saltash residents and the wider community.

It was RESOLVED to note.

PC Smith attended the meeting and was available to respond to Members questions.

Cllr Peggs raised concerns regarding recent drug?related incidents within the community. PC Smith provided reassurance that appropriate steps are being taken to investigate and address these matters.

It was RESOLVED to note.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Nothing to report. The next meeting is due to be held on 7 April 2026, location to be confirmed.

The Chairman provided a verbal summary of the report included within the circulated pack, outlining the latest updates on traveller preventative measures following the unlawful encampments that took place during summer 2025.

Councillors and the Town Clerk met on 25 February with Cornwall Council officers and key stakeholders to discuss options for protecting Warfelton Field from future encampments. Cormac presented several railing and boundary?protection solutions; however, concerns were raised regarding the financial implications, the risk that access could still be gained, and the potential displacement of encampments to other vulnerable locations in the town.

Members also noted discussions about whether leasing the land to an external or private organisation might enable faster eviction under common law. This option requires further investigation and would result in enforcement and clean?up costs being borne by the landowner.

Members highlighted the need for clearer guidance on procedures to follow when travellers arrive, to ensure key stakeholders and the wider community understand the actions being taken.

The Working Group agreed to meet with the Town Clerk to review the outcomes of the Safer Saltash meeting in more detail and consider any actions that could be taken at this stage.

Cornwall Councillor Frank was invited to speak and emphasised the importance of clearer processes and improved communication across Cornwall to support towns in responding to unlawful encampments. Councillor Frank confirmed she will progress this work and report developments back to the Working Group.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Members received the report from the Chamber of Commerce circulated in the reports pack.  Councillor Miller provided a verbal overview of the recent meeting and the discussions held.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Cornwall Councillor Frank informed Members of the SEND reforms published alongside the Government’s Schools White Paper, noting their focus on establishing a more consistent, outcomes?driven system for children with additional needs. Cornwall Councillor Frank explained that the reforms aim to improve early identification and early intervention, reduce variation in SEND support across different areas and strengthen support for families.

Members were informed that a 12?week national consultation period is now underway, during which Cornwall Council will assess the potential implications for families and schools in Cornwall.

Cornwall Councillor Frank invited Members to provide views on what the reforms may mean for the local community in Saltash and expressed her intention to meet with Town and Parish Council’s and key stakeholders including local school leaders to discuss the potential impact on the town.

Members agreed that such discussions would be beneficial.

Following a vote (13 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention), it was proposed by Councillor Ashburn, seconded by Councillor Nowlan and RESOLVED for Councillors Peggs, Nowlan, Ashburn, Suter, Johns, Bullock and Stoyel to meet with Councillor Frank and key stakeholders to discuss the SEND reform proposals and their potential implications for Saltash.

Nothing to report. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on 18 March at St Barnabas Hospital.

Nothing to report.

a.   To advise the receipts for January 2026;

It was RESOLVED to note.

b.   To advise the payments for January 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 31 January 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.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Mortimore, seconded by Councillor Ashburn and RESOLVED to approve the amendment to the Scheme of Delegation, as attached.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor P Samuels, seconded by Councillor Johns and RESOLVED to approve the amendment to the Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor policy, as attached.

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

1.   To note that the Mayor, Councillor Bullock, formally announced to Full Town Council that the call for written nominations for the office of Mayor and Deputy Mayor 2026-27 is now open.

2.   To approve the nomination timeline and Extraordinary Full Town Council meeting to be held on Thursday 19 March 2026 at 6:30pm to elect the Mayor elect and the Deputy Mayor elect 2026-27.

(Pursuant to FTC 5.02.2026 minute nr. 340/25/26)

Members discussed the report received and included within the reports pack.

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

1.   To cease progressing the lease arrangements for both Victoria Gardens and the Maurice Huggins Room.

2.   That Saltash Town Council wishes to contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of Victoria Gardens, without assuming full liability, by undertaking the restoration of the railings (details to be confirmed), introducing sponsored benches, and supporting the Friends of Victoria Gardens.

3.   To work collaboratively with Cornwall Council to enhance the site (as outlined in point 2 above) while avoiding the financial and legal responsibilities associated with a full asset transfer.

4.   To note the difficulty faced by the Town Council in identifying a viable use for the Maurice Huggins Room that would not negatively impact existing local businesses. The Town Council encourages Cornwall Council to engage with the community to explore potential community-focused uses, as demand is likely to arise from community groups rather than commercial operators.

Councillor B Samuels, Vice Chairman of the Town Team, provided a verbal update on current Town Team activities. She reported that members are exploring suitable options for future markets following the 2025 trial, including a variety of indoor venues and outdoor locations. While Belle Vue had proven to be an attractive site, the road closures required led to increased costs, prompting a review of alternative locations.

Councillor Samuels also advised that the town promotional leaflet is nearing completion and is expected to be finalised shortly, with printing and distribution planned for early April.

In addition, Councillor Samuels reported that funding secured to investigate the potential for submitting a town centre enhancement bid has enabled a business survey to be carried out in Saltash. A presentation to traders following the survey is scheduled for 13 April at 5:30pm. Members were invited to share their suggestions to support improvements to the town centre by emailing either herself or the Chairman Peter Ryland.

It was RESOLVED to note.

Since the report was issued, the Friends of Churchtown Farm have confirmed that Anthony Estates has agreed to cover the upfront costs. These costs will be reimbursed through the awarded Tamar Valley National Landscape funding, using a Cornwall Council purchase order mechanism.

There is no financial requirement from Saltash Town Council.

It was RESOLVED to note.

The next scheduled meeting date Saturday 21 March outside Saltash Heritage, Fore Street.

Following a unanimous vote (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED for Councillors Bullock, 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 (14 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Stoyel and RESOLVED to issue a Press and Social Media releases for Meet Your Councillors.

Following the resolution approved under minute nr. 268/25/26, an Extraordinary meeting of Saltash Town Council is to held on Thursday 19 March 2026 at 6.30pm, with a future meeting of Saltash Town Council scheduled to be held on 9 April 2026 at 7pm.

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.