Agenda and minutes

David Phillips, Principal Engineer, to report.

-           to consider removal of the fountain and paving the area it previously covered.

Further to Minute No. 12 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Town Centres held on 20^th September, 2010, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Engineer, relating to the future of the Boots Fountain.

It was explained that the fountain at the junction of Howard Street and Effingham Street, known as the Boots fountain, was in need of repair.  It attracted litter and some members of the public had taken to swimming in it during hot weather. Also Yorkshire Water had issued the Council with a notice under Section 75 of the Water Industry Act to repair a leak in the water supply.

Consideration was therefore given to a proposal to remove the fountain and to pave the area it previously covered.   It was explained that the paving would blend in with existing surrounding paving and that the existing benches could be re-used and re-positioned.  This would enable the area to be used as a small town centre events area.

Those present discussed the proposed footprint for this area (as illustrated on Drawing No. 123/M166 appended to the submitted report), and considered the principle of the proposals and shape of the resulting area.

Reference was made to the following-

-          importance of the ease of cleansing and maintaining this area, including looking after the trees

-          securing the removable seating

-          opening up the entrance to the indoor market and to increase town centre footfall

-          litter problem in this area

-          location of fast food take aways

Resolved:-  That, subject to further discussion between relevant officers and subsequent agreement of the Cabinet Member for Town Centres in respect of the location of the seating, the existing fountain be removed and the affected area re-paved.