RYDE BAPTIST CHURCH, GEORGE STREET, RYDE.
25 Members of the public attended.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
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A question was asked by a member of public regarding previous questions raised over a number of years regarding the ongoing need for a detailed Infrastructure Plan for Ryde. The minutes to the previous meetings stated that Isle of Wight Council (IWC) Officers had been approached but not replied. Therefore, did members agree that given the developer for Pennyfeathers was now actively working on a large new planning application with an appeal pending for the six proposed dwellings on land between Westridge Garage and the cemetery, the agreement of a comprehensive Infrastructure Plan with Island Roads and the IWC, addressing some of the Ryde road and junction issues was even more crucial?
The Clerk responded by saying that despite continued effort to receive a response, the IWC had still not replied. Ryde Town Council (RTC) officers would continue to push for a response.
A supplementary question was asked stating that when the now former Director of Regeneration at the Isle of Wight Council was in place, he created a road and junctions report in 2022 (and shared with the Ryde Regeneration Working Group) which had laid done a lot of the ground work, therefore did RTC share concerns that a failure to address the infrastructure issues would have a large negative impact on Ryde, particularly as regeneration was going to be a big issue with the Town Board in place?
The mayor agreed that any infrastructure issues needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
A question was asked about the Ryde High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Design Guide and agreed that it was well done. However, did RTC consider that the designs (and colour schemes) should apply to the whole of the Conservation Area around the town centre?
The Clerk responded by saying this could be checked, and that it would be a positive thing for Ryde. It was also noted that the upcoming used and that the monies set aside for the IWC’s Enforcement Officers could be utilised to assist in the matter.
A question was asked regarding the increasing problem of pigeons being fed by members of the public in the High Street and what could be done to stop the problem.
The Clerk advised that the IWC’s Environmental Officers who were utilised by RTC, and who had put up some signs within the High Street to warn against such actions, would be alerted to the problem and asked to investigate further.
A further question was asked bout Ryde Town Hall and
Following the By-Election for Ryde Appley and Elmfield, the mayor and members welcomed the new Ryde Town Councillor and noted the following:
Acceptance of Office – Ryde Appley and Elmfield - For the newly elected member for Ryde Appley and Elmfield to receive and sign the Acceptance of Office.
All Councillors noted the recent election of Cllr Pippa Hayward to Ryde Town Council representing Ryde Appley and Elmfield and she was welcomed by the mayor.
Code of Conduct – For the new member for Ryde Appley and Elmfield to receive, note and sign Ryde Town Council’s Code of Conduct.
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Cllr Hayward then read and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office in front of the Proper Officer (the Clerk) and received a copy of the Code of Conduct.
Apologies were received from Cllr Les Kirkby, Cllr Jenna Sabine, and Cllr Ian Stephens.
Cllr Simon Cooke declared an interest in Minute 23/24 (FORTH Update) as he was the Chair of Ryde Town Hall Trust.
Cllr Ian Dore declared an interest in Minute
None requested.
Anmarie Bowler presented a report (The FORTH Report) to members and a hard copy was provided to the Chair of the Ryde Town Hall Trust and the Mayor. All members were reminded that the report was available to view online.
In June 2023, FORTH conducted a survey asking residents how they would like to see the Town Hall building used in the future and over 1,000 of all ages had responded with 85% wishing to see the building thrive in the future . Three stakeholder meetings
were also held in order for interested parties to learn about any progress and be able to share points if view.
The survey indicated that a large number of residents and stakeholders were very keen to see the building brought back into use as a hub for culture and arts as well as be regarded as an indoor town market.
Such a community-led initiative meant that, there would be better prospects of successfully acquiring grant funds essential in bringing the building back into the publics hands.
It was noted that once the Trust assumes ownership, grant funding would be expected and the Trust would wish to work with anyone who wishes to see the building brough back into use. The support of the Town Board and further community engagement would also be key to a successful outcome.
The full report was available online and can be accessed via this LINK.
It was noted that FORTH would also be attending the Annual Town Meeting on 30 May 2024 to provide further information as well as interact with the public and stakeholders.
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FORTH were thanked for the presentation and hard work and members agreed that any future plans needed to be realistic and supported.
The minutes to the previous meeting were reviewed. After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
The mayor circulated his report ahead of the meeting. The report can be accessed via the following link:
https://www.rydetowncouncil.gov.uk/town-council/minutes-and-agendas/#43-601-wpfd- 26-march-2024-p2
The Mayor wished to place on record his sincere congratulations for those businesses in Ryde who had been shortlisted for the Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Members received and noted the following officer reports which were circulated ahead of the meeting.
Clerks Update
Regarding Vectis Hall, it was noted that works had started clearing the overgrown vegetation in order to allow access and the erection of the scaffolding to allow for works to make the building safe and more presentable. It was also noted that there would be decorative boards put in place to replace the temporary metal mesh fencing.
Report from the Community Development Officer
The mayor thanked the Community Development Officer and staff for their work on the Community Garden volunteer day on Saturday 23 March 2024. It was noted that the garden in Riboleau Street should be regarded as a community asset in the future.
Regarding the Community Forum Housing Group, formed at the request of the Community Forum to look at the housing crisis in the town, Cllr Conyers was pleased to see such an important issue was being highlighted.
Ryde Policing Team
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Members noted the written report, which was circulated and in particular the Polices efforts in focussing on Anti-Social Behaviour which was becoming an increasing problem especially along the Esplanade, regarded as an important tourist asset.
It was also noted that there appeared to be an increasing problem with youths climbing scaffolding around the town. The Isle of Wight Councils Cabinet Member responsible for Community Protection (and a RTC Member for Monktonmead) would raise the issue with the police.
The reports can be accessed via the following link:
https://www.rydetowncouncil.gov.uk/town-council/minutes-and-agendas/#43- 601-wpfd-26-march-2024-p1
https://www.rydetowncouncil.gov.uk/town-council/minutes-and-agendas/#43- 601-wpfd-26-march-2024-p2
Police Report - HERE
Cllr Conyers reported that she had attended two Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC) meetings. One was around better ways of working with the Isle of Wight Council and the other an Ethical Leadership training course.
Cllr Dore had attended Armed Forces Scoping meetings focusing much on the upcoming armed forces day and 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Cllr Elliott had attended a Network Ryde Coffee morning.
To note the approved minutes of the meeting held on the 23 January 2024
The approved minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2024 were noted.
To consider the recommendation arising from the meeting held on 12 March 2024 regarding the approval of the Updated Risk Assessment as written by the Responsible Finance Officer.
Members were presented with the recommendation arising from the meeting held on Tuesday, 12 March 2024 and following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
Minutes of the Place, Neighbourhood and Planning Committee
The approved minutes to the meetings held on 16 January and 6 February 2024 were noted.
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Vacancy for one member of the Place, Neighbourhood and Planning Committee
Cllr Pippa Hayward was nominated and seconded for the vacant seat. Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was: RESOLVED:
Update on the Ryde Town Board.
Members noted that Steven Holbrook CEO IOW Chamber of Commerce, had been appointed as the Chair of the Town Board. The membership of the board would need to be submitted to the Department for Housing and Levelling Up (DHLUC) by 1 April 2024.
One to three year and ten year investment plans would need to be submitted to DHLUC no later than the 01 August 2024.
Two Isle of Wight Councillors and one Ryde Town Councillor would also sit on the board.
To appoint the Mayor as RTC representative to the Town Board.
Members agreed that the Ryde Town Council representative to the Board should be the mayor.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
Members were requested to agree to fund The Royal Aerobatic Team - The Red Arrows, to undertake a full display at Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day 2024, which would commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Landings of 6 June 1944.
This was regarded as a one-off opportunity following extensive communication with the Royal Air Force.
There would be a significant increase of footfall for associated local businesses and provide the town with significant recognition.
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The estimated costs of £18,000 include the display team, flight display director and the associated insurance required, although these may reduce subject to confirmation of insurance.
It was also agreed that a portion of the monies awarded, could come back to Ryde Town Council via fund raising at the event itself, fund-raising events across the year, as well as additional grants and that the organisers also seek additional corporate sponsorship and request contributions from neighbouring Town and Parish Councils.
On the grounds that any Ministry of Defence grant fund expenses were covered for payment, a reserve pot would be built up to ensure sustainability, and provision for any unforeseen or additional costs. What remains could be gifted back to the Town Council in the 2024-2025 financial year. It was also proposed that Ryde Town Council would be invoiced directly to enable it to reclaim the VAT charged.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
Cllr Lilley asked if Ryde Town Council would commit to supporting any efforts by local stakeholders and interested parties in returning the empty and poor conditioned Ryde Arena building into use for the benefit of Ryde.
Cllr Lilley asked if Ryde Town Council could continue to hold investigative talks with the Isle of Wight Council around taking over Appley Park as it continued to be neglected.
The mayor stated that the Town Council would provide whatever support it could for both matters.
Cllr Conyers asked if the Esplanade Toilets would be open for the Easter holidays. It was noted there was no assurances around this but moving forward with any decision around the toilets, an Extraordinary meeting may be called. Members noted that the Town council needed to act quickly and make the right decision in order to minimise any risks.
Cllr Lilley asked when the portable toilets would be removed from Appley Park and the gents toilets be returned to use. The clerk advised that this would be addressed as soon as possible.
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In view of the confidential nature of the business to be discussed members were advised that it was in the public interest that the public and press be excluded for the following two items, and they were instructed to withdraw – in accordance with Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 S1 (2).
After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
To consider the confidential recommendation arising from the meeting of the Finance and Community Resources Committee held on 20 February 2024.
Members were presented with the recommendation arising from the meeting held on Tuesday, 12 March 2024 and following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
To receive and consider the confidential prepurchase reports.
Members were presented with the reports around the purchase of the former Natwest bank building and agreed that there were no issues that would raise any concerns.
To formally agree to the purchase of the NatWest building.
The officer report on the purchase of the former NatWest building was considered and following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
The next scheduled ordinary meeting will be Annual council held on Monday, 13 May 2024.
Meeting closed at 9.00pm
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Signed………………………………………. Cllr Richard may
Mayor of Ryde Town Council, 14 May 2024