During public session, members of the public living in the Borough of Swale may make a statement, submit a petition, or ask the Chairman any question on any matters falling within the remit of the LEF.
Questions or statements shall be read at the meeting and shall not last more than three minutes. An answer from the Chairman may take the form of a direct oral answer or be in writing. Questions submitted to the Democratic Services section in writing (including email) at least three days before the meeting will be taken first.
Minutes:
433 PUBLIC SESSION
Questions were raised at the meeting on the following topics. Members requested that answers to questions be included in the minutes of the meeting or in an addendum should responses not be available at the time the minutes are published.
ANSWERS ADDED 9TH NOVEMBER 2009
Appendix
NEPTUNE TERRACE
The Chairman brought the Forum's attention to the tabled response to a question raised in Minute No. 201 at the meeting held on 21st July 2009. This related to the use of the old bait and tackle kiosk and stores at Neptune Terrace. A report had been requested on the condition and possible uses of the building. Councillor Ellen, a Ward Member, welcomed the response and considered that the plan was an interim measure.
RESOLVED:
(1) That the report be noted.
PUBLIC TOILETS AT BRIDGE STREET
Mr Moore, a local resident, explained that with regard to Minute No. 873 (28th April 2009), he had not yet received a response to his question regarding the public toilets at Bridge Street. The Chairman advised that this would be followed up and a response sent to Mr Moore.
Democratic Services Officer
VACANT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
Mr Deal asked what SBC's policy was for letting vacant commercial Council property. The Interim Regeneration Director confirmed that this question would be forwarded to the Estates Surveyor for a response.
Estates Surveyor
SHEERNESS TOWN CENTRE
Mr Macdonald, speaking as a local resident, raised concern with the bad state of buildings, gardens, war memorials and roads in Sheerness. These comments were forwarded to the Greenspaces Officer for a response
Greenspaces Officer
Mr Macdonald welcomed the work that had been carried out on the windmill in the town centre. He suggested that more money was spent on the upkeep of the town and that Sheerness should have a Town Council.
The Chairman confirmed that he would take Mr Macdonald's comments regarding the state of the roads back to KCC and suggested that residents in Sheerness start a petition to progress the move towards having a Town Council in Sheerness.
Chairman
SIGNS IN BLUETOWN
A local resident raised concern that towns signs had not yet been provided for Bluetown.
Regeneration Manager
VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS
Mr Smith raised a query regarding the process for responding by telephone and internet to the voter registration form. The Chairman advised that this query would be forwarded to the Electoral Services Department for a response. Post meeting note: Electoral Services have responded direct to Mr Smith, but assurance was given that telephone and internet registration was working correctly and was a secure way of responding.
Electoral Services Officer
B2231
Mr Brown raised concern with a report that had been written by Kent Highway Services regarding the re-instatement of the B2231 as an 'A' road. He suggested the report was factually incorrect and considered the road to be busy, dangerous and in need of repair.
The Chairman advised that he had attended a meeting regarding this and explained that discussions on this matter were currently being held. He supported the re-instatement of the road to an 'A' road.
ROAD SURFACE IN SHEERNESS
A Member raised concern with the lack of progress to repairs to the road surface from the Clock Tower to Millennium Way, Sheerness. The Chairman advised that he would take this back to KCC.
Chairman
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Councillor Morris explained that funding allotted to Members for distribution for projects in the Borough could not be rolled over to the next financial year. He encouraged Members who had not made proposals for distribution of their money, to liaise with other Members to see if the funds could be shared to cover projects that needed extra money. A paper was tabled which showed the bids made for community schemes so far.
Mr Moore suggested that funding be given to provide bollards to restrict vehicle access and reduce fly tipping on a local footpath. He gave his details to the Community Liaison Manager.