Agenda item

Members received and reviewed the request and accompanying report received from the members of the former Saltash Great War Commemoration Committee (SGWCC) contained within the circulated reports pack.

The Chairman referred to L Marsh in attendance, a former member of the former SGWCC who with the agreement of the meeting, was invited to speak.

Members discussed the report in detail and debated the position of the Town Council who had adopted the World War I Pebble Memorial on 14 July 2021, and that of the former members of the SGWCC, who are requesting the Town Council consider supporting them in their wish to raise funds to repaint and restore the Memorial.

Members emphasised the importance of receiving Risk Assessments, Insurance documentation, and Health and Safety requirements before any work begins on a Town Council site.

It was confirmed by the former SGWCC that they are both capable of undertaking the task, having done similar projects previously, and willing to fundraise for the restoration, providing all necessary documentation to the Town Council upon appointment of contractors.

The former SGWCC are confident that the artist approached to carry out the work would do so sympathetically, responsibly and professionally. The paints used would be long lasting and the Memorial Pebbles would be decorated in keeping with the original designs. 

The former SGWCC are confident that they could oversee the whole project in a professional manner, and that they would prefer to appoint and manage the works themselves, working with the Service Delivery Manager to ensure works are carried out safely.

It was proposed by Councillor Brady, seconded by Councillor P Samuels and resolved:

1.  The Town Council appoint an artist and contractor for the repainting and resin coating of the Memorial Pebbles with support for fundraising to be received from the former members of the SGWCC, allocating any shortfall of costs to budget code 6506 Grounds Maintenance and Watering; 

2.  To note future budgeting of funds be considered at the Services Precept meeting allocating to 6571 SE EMF Saltash Recreational Areas.

Councillor Miller requested a recorded vote.

Following the recorded vote, the Officer Manager / Assistant to the Town Clerk confirmed that the proposal did not carry.

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

1.  To allow the former members of the SGWCC to undertake the restoration project of the Memorials appearance;

2.  The former members of the former SGWCC to appoint a contractor and provide relevant risk assessments, method statements and insurance certificates prior to the works commencing and signed off by the Service Delivery Manager;

3.  The former members of the former SGWCC to report back to a future Services Committee Meeting on the journey and the outcome of the Community Project;

4.  To note future budgeting of funds be considered at the Services Precept meeting allocating to 6571 SE EMF Saltash Recreational Areas.

The Chairman requested a recorded vote.

The Officer Manager / Assistant to the Town Clerk confirmed that the proposal carried.

The Chairman thanked the former members of the SGWCC for attending the meeting.