Agenda item

(a)       That the progress in developing and implementing Town Action Plans across Flintshire be noted;

(b)       That the Director of Environment progress Councillor Bateman’s comment on the cycle route with the Head of Streetscene; and

(c)       That the Director of Environment discuss the option for a Local Asset Backed Vehicle, with the current administration.

The Head of Regeneration delivered a presentation on the Flintshire Town Action Plan Programme and drew attention to a range of information on display on a sample of forthcoming events/activities.

He made reference to the decline in town centres across the UK and the increasing number of shops closing, a situation which was not unique to Flintshire.  This was recognised by the Council as a strategic risk and challenge and would need to be addressed by a long-term programme of actions.  The Economic Development Manager went on to detail progress and outcomes to date, giving examples of a number of ‘quick win’ and longer term projects, together with future actions aimed to attract investment and generate interest.

Councillor P.J. Curtis wished to thank the Regeneration team and in particular, Clare and Mike Madders who had helped to make the recent Well Inn Festival in Holywell such a success.  He said that the positive feedback had generated interest in a similar event next year and that even small amounts of funding were welcomed.  He also commented that more could be done to boost markets in Holywell.

In response to a question from Councillor N.M. Matthews about the sharing of good practice, the Economic Development Manager said that Town Centre Manager meetings during the year and the Regeneration Conference in February provided opportunities for this.

Councillor C.A. Thomas asked if residents had been surveyed to ascertain what types of shops were required and whether there was potential for shops to be let on a short-term basis prior to leasing.  She also stressed the need for consultation with residents to establish what they needed and for Rural Development Plan (RDP) grant funding to be utilised.

The Head of Regeneration said that residents were consulted and agreed that events put forward by communities were more likely to succeed: this was a sustainable approach which would continue to be taken.

In response to comments by Councillor C. Legg on bus operators in Flintshire and the need for clear bus routes to market towns, the Chairman pointed out that transport issues were due to be considered by the Committee in January 2013.  The Director of Environment advised that a national review of services and grant funding was being undertaken which included the Local Transport Services Grant and Bus Services Operators’ Grant and that following a Ministerial decision in October 2012 the Council would need to review the changes to grants to ensure best value for services.  He welcomed involvement by the Committee in the Council’s review and agreed that work with bus operators could help to improve clarity of bus timetables.

Councillor V. Gay commented on the lack of partnership working in Saltney and felt that the Pathfinder project had not proved value for money, also remarking on bus services in Saltney.  The Head of Regeneration said that resources were aimed at tackling eight town centres in Flintshire and would discuss further outstanding ward issues with Councillor Gay outside the meeting.

Councillor G.H. Bateman asked about the maintenance of projects such as the Queensferry roundabout and cycle route from Mold to Flint, commenting on the condition of the latter.  The Director of Environment explained that initiatives introduced would be maintained to ensure sustainability and incorporated into the Streetscene regime.  He agreed to liaise with the Head of Streetscene on the comment about the cycle route and asked that any similar issues be reported.  In relation to the coastal path and in particular the Dock Road area in Connah’s Quay, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment spoke of the need for a joint approach between Regeneration and Streetscene.

Councillor P.J. Curtis gave information on the appointment of a new Community Support Officer in Holywell in place of a Town Centre Manager and Councillor A.I. Dunbar raised concerns about the empty shops on the ‘Deeside strip’.  The Director of Environment said that a recently held meeting with Deeside Councillors had been set up to look at initiatives in the area and possible links with the Enterprise Zone.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise & Leisure spoke of strategic policy to meet the needs of local people and his continued willingness to meet with local communities to discuss any concerns.  Responding to a question by the Chairman, the Director of Environment referred to previous discussion by the Committee on a ‘Local Asset Backed Vehicle’ and agreed to discuss with the current administration with a possible report to the Committee at a later stage.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the progress in developing and implementing Town Action Plans across Flintshire be noted;

(b)       That the Director of Environment progress Councillor Bateman’s comment on the cycle route with the Head of Streetscene; and

(c)       That the Director of Environment discuss the option for a Local Asset Backed Vehicle, with the current administration.