Agenda and minutes

Martin Beard, Parking Services Manager, to report.

-  to consider a proposal to take certain “pay and display” machines out of service.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Parking Services Manager, referring to the introduction of a cashless system of payment (RingGo) throughout the town centre in January 2011 (Minute No. 18 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Town Centres held on 1st October, 2010 refers), which allowed customers to pay for their parking activities by means of a telephone and a debit/credit card.

It was explained that with the introduction of this payment option, consideration could be given to realising significant savings by taking the opportunity to take certain “pay and display” machines out of service.

This proposal involved the removal of machines from car parks and on-street locations where there was more than one machine.  The locations where it was proposed to remove machines from services were detailed in the submitted report.

Details of the savings to be achieved from the removal of 29 machines were set out in the report.

It was recognised that there may be some objection from customers not comfortable with the technology required to pay by debit/credit card.

Reference was made to:-

-          the use and location of bays for blue badge holders

-          pay and display machines at the Country Parks

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given for the specified machines to be taken out of service with effect from 1 April 2011.

(2)  That the Parking Services Manager provides the Cabinet Member with a briefing note in respect of what the service can offer to the Country Parks.

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (including the Council)):-

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (financial/business affairs).

Bernadette Rushton, Retail Investment Manager, to report.

-  to consider an application for grant.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Retail Investment Manager, in respect of an application for grant under the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme.

The submitted report contained details of the proposed merchandise and services, together with the identified location of the business within the Market Hall.

It was confirmed that the project and application satisfied the eligibility criteria of the Scheme.  It was considered that the business would provide a unique offer in the town centre.

Reference was made to the Retail Academy and available business support.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given for a rental contribution to provide 50% of annual rent (ex VAT) in year 1 and 25% of annual rent (ex VAT) in year 2 (the grant to be paid quarterly in arrears on submission by the applicant of proof of payment of rent).

(2)  That approval be given for a capital improvement grant, to cover 75% of total cost of eligible works.