Agenda and draft minutes

Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) - Thursday, 28th November, 2024 6.30 pm

Venue: Committee Room - Municipal Buildings, West Street, Boston, PE21 8QR. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services  Email: demservices@boston.gov.uk

Note: Public access to this meeting is available via between the hours of 6.15pm – 6.30pm via the main door of the Municipal Buildings on West Street, Boston 

Media

Items
No. Item

31.

Apologies for Absence

To receive apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received for Councillors Jyothi Arayambath, Emma Cresswell and Patsie Marson.

32.

Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

Minutes:

No declarations of interest were received.

33.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 125 KB

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the previous meeting held 26 September 2024 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

34.

Update on Actions from the Minutes of the Last Meeting

To report progress on outstanding actions from the minutes of the last meeting, for information only.

Minutes:

The Lead Officer for the Committee – The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture, noted updates from the previous meeting:

 

  • A more detailed and concise report on Footway Lighting would be returned to the next meeting of the committee to enable members to make an informed decision.

 

  • Mr Wolf letter was addressed following concerns raised about cyclist problems in town.

 

35.

Public Questions

To answer any written questions received from members of the public no later than 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the meeting – for this meeting the deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday 25th November 2024.

Minutes:

No questions were received.

36.

Public Speaking Time

To allow members of the public to address the Committee.

Minutes:

A member of the public addressed the meeting, thanking the Chairman for the advice given on the concerns raised relating to cyclist issues in town. Additionally, in relation to the promotion of societal integration, they queried the existence of societies where foreign visitors living in Boston could familiarise themselves with the local culture and the English language.

 

Members noted that the police were aware of and were working on addressing safety issues concerning cyclist behaviour in town, meanwhile exercising their right to issue £50 fixed penalties to cyclists on the pedestrian path. Additionally, members advised that there were places such as Boston College and Haven High as places that offered English lessons.

 

Referring to reported concerns regarding fear and intimidation felt by people about groups standing in the marketplace, a member of the public indicated the benefit of promoting more activities, places to go to take lessons, and socialising events, as a way to soften these practices.

 

It was noted that in preparation for devolution, the upper tier authorities of Lincolnshire County Council had worked alongside other benefactors on the provision of English classes, and that further analysis would go into deciding the provider for these i.e. the County Council or the Mayor. In response to concerns raised around the marketplace congregation causing fear and the potential linked perception of crime, Members advised that Boston was the third safest borough in the county which would translate into very low chances of becoming a victim of crime. The Council’s policies and measures to ensure the marketplace as a safe space to socialise while ensuring community safety were highlighted. Councillor Dorrian invited community groups to visit the Council’s CCTV suit, should they wish to feel reassured regarding the Council’s security arrangements.

 

The Deputy Chief Executive – Communities advised that the Council had a Community Coordinator that was reaching out to specific groups in order to identify potential needs which required addressing and added that he would  share that officer’s details with the Committee. The Chairman suggested that the member of the public meet the Community Coordinator. Councillor Dorrian suggested that the Community Coordinator’s briefing to be appended to the minutes, or that they be invited to a meeting to provide the highlights. The Chairman agreed to invite the Officer to provide feedback on the progress made.

 

A member of the public suggested that the ‘Neighbourhood’ app be used as a channel for discussions amongst local people regarding matters of importance within the area.

 

The Chairman thanked the member of the public for their favourable comments on a Facebook post regarding the Market Square and the Town Centre.

 

Councillor Savickiene invited the public to participate on free English lessons held by the Lithuanian and Bulgarian Community within the Town.

 

The Chairman thanked the member of public for their questions.

 

37.

Boston Town Centre Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2027 Annual Review 2024 (Year One) pdf icon PDF 270 KB

(A report by the Deputy Chief Executive – Communities)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder presented the report for the Boston Town Area Committee the first annual review of the Boston Town Centre Strategy and Action Plan covering the period 2023-2027. The Strategy and Action Plan provided a vision and seven strategic objectives along with over seventy actions that covered the themes of 1) Clean and Safe, 2) Open for Business 3) Culture, Heritage and Events and 4) Transformation. The Strategy and Action Plan had been approved by Boston Borough Council’s Cabinet on 25th October 2023. The report provided feedback on progress against the Strategy and its associated action plan to date.

 

Members comments included the following:

 

The Chairman congratulated the Portfolio Holder, the Deputy Chief Executive - Communities and the Administration for the outstanding work carried out within the report.

 

Considering the previous Administrations’ work, Councillor Gleeson praised the work done and highlighted the predisposition of the current Administration in ensuring they make the best of the town. Additionally, he suggested to bring more involvement from local groups in running events in order to ensure future continuity.

 

The Portfolio Holder advised that the Council was working with external partners with hopes to bring more to the town for the next year which may ease up the financial burdens of event implementation.

 

Councillor Dani highlighted the cleanliness and safeness of Boston and praised the strategy brought before the committee. He identified the events as bridges to create integration. Additionally, he invited the member of the public to a discussion at one of the community groups in town.

 

Councillor Woodliffe supported the report but shared concerns from local newspaper critics showcasing divided opinions on the purpose of the marketplace in Boston becoming more of a socialising place rather than the commercial centrepiece.

 

Taking previous years into consideration, the Portfolio Holder advised that extra work had been carried out to maximise the Christmas market area which had been extended to the town centre surroundings alongside the marketplace for traders. Additionally, it was highlighted that the Council had seen an enormous interest from vendors to participate in this years’ Christmas event. The Portfolio Holder emphasised the importance of recognising the quality of work that the administration was bringing in by promoting the towns best attributes.

 

The Chairman praised the exceptional job done. Calls for positive comments and local unity in recognising these efforts were made in order to avoid damaging the town.

 

Councillor Woodliffe advised that while the Council was doing a great job, critical views and diversity of opinions had to be considered.

 

Councillor Gilbert noticed an improvement in the Boston Town Centre and praised the achievements by the Administration. Additionally, issues were raised in regard to wheelie bins on pavements becoming a safety hazard and whether a solution could be found to address this. A second concern was raised around the potential liability regarding the safety obligation by the Council regarding the Central Park skate park equipment used by children which was lacking safety gear. An observation was made about whether bird  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

38.

BTAC 2024/25 Events pdf icon PDF 144 KB

(A report by the Events Officer)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder presented the report and confirmed that the BTAC budget incorporated a variety of services for the residents of Boston including the delivery of a varied events programme throughout the financial year. The report provided an update and recommendations on the 2025/26 programme for the Committee, proposals for the annual programme, and budgeted financial breakdowns to support Committee in its deliberations.

 

Members comments included the following:

 

The Portfolio Holder clarified that Members were to decide whether to spend an extra £17,000 above the budget as option 2 or stick to the £41,500, as option 1.

 

Addressing a question regarding the background and circumstances surrounding the experience of the businesses taking up an interest on organising these events, the Portfolio Holder advised that although the project was in the early stages, discussions were being held with well-known and financially secure businesses.

 

Concerns were raised around whether the extra spending option could stretch for the Council’s budget. Calls were made around the possibility of considering sponsorship to cover some of these events which would release the financial burden on the Council. The Portfolio Holder advised that the extra cost would be outweighed by the opportunities brought to the local community and businesses, opening more capability for outside vendors and charities. The Chairman supported the idea of sponsorship and suggested it be taken into consideration.

 

Councillor Gilbert noted the absence of Boston Big Local as a contributor to the finance of these events and stressed the importance of maintaining the funding in Boston to accommodate events for the community.

 

Councillor Gleeson advised that although external funding may come at a future date, which would allow the Council to save or relocate that money, there was a need to allocate the money at this stage.

 

Responding to a question raised by Councillor Woodliffe about whether these events were insured against the financial risks, the Chairman advised all events should be insured.

 

Councillor Ghosh sought clarification on whether the £17,000 was an estimation and whether earning potentials of the impact of these events had been calculated. The Community Development Manager advised that the £17,000 would be the maximum budget needed to cover the event. Additionally, it was advised that the sponsorship option had been considered and that although they envisioned it as a free event, some options to produce income had been considered, such as the possibility of charging store holders.

 

Councillor Dorrian reiterated that should sponsorship be found, that money would be utilised. Councillor Dorrian shared her wishes for delivering a Boston Pride Parade next year which would require an increase to the current budget. The Portfolio Holder referred to the recent East Coast Pride event which had been successfully organised by East Lindsey District Council and showed disposition to have further discussions with the Leader of the Council and the Events Officers.

 

The Chairman advised that sponsorship provided a lot of opportunities for local business which had been reflected in the Christmas event. It was highlighted as a platform to explore  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

39.

Work Programme - Standing Item pdf icon PDF 108 KB

(The Committee’s work programme for the current year for discussion and/or updating)

Minutes:

The Lead Officer for the committee, the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture, noted that the next meeting on 30th January would address five items: the budget update breakdown of BTAC charges, the footway lighting report, the Community Coordinator briefing, the costs for a pride event and gate locking of the Central Park.

 

Members comments included the following:

 

The Chairman commented on stressing the importance of adding the gate locking of the Central Park to the January agenda.

 

Councillor Gilbert raised concerns about the state of the roads and roundabouts in the Borough, acknowledging that it was a County Council responsibility. He suggested inviting County Council Highways Officers to the BTAC meeting to improve the overall appearance of the town centre areas. The Chairman invited officers to add the request to the work programme session.

 

Councillor Dani advised that monthly meetings concerning highways were taking place in Boston where concerns and issues were being addressed. He invited members and the public to assist with the meetings and/or to inform him of concerns to be raised.

 

Councillor Gleeson suggested having more involvement with the police and County Councillors considering past years’ record of engagement. The Assistant Director - Leisure and Culture advised that the Police had agreed to attend periodically rather than monthly due to resources. The Assistant Director - Leisure and Culture noted this request and advised that he would report back.

 

Councillor Austin declared an interest due to being a member of both Lincolnshire County Council and Boston Borough Council.

 

Councillor Ghosh advised that BTAC events should be pre-planned and budgeted before the financial year.

 

Councillor Woodliffe advised that hewould like the Executive Councillor responsible for Highways for Lincolnshire County Council, Richard Davis to address the Committee. Councillor Woodliffe advised that Lincolnshire police were in a critical situation lacking funding which could have a detrimental effect on the area.

 

40.

BTAC Small and Empowering Healthy Communities Grant Scheme pdf icon PDF 219 KB

(A report by the Local Communities Development Officer and BTAC Grant Administrator)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Local Communities Officer presented the report and confirmed that the Small Grant and Empowering Healthy Communities Grant applications had been made to BTAC Grant Working Group who reviewed them on 31st October 2024 in round 3 24/25.

 

Councillor Austin declared an interest as a Director of Centrepoint Outreach.

 

Members comments included the following:

 

Councillor Dorrian congratulated Maddy on her report.

Councillor Gleeson proposed the recommendation and Councillor Woodliffe seconded it.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the grant funding award recommendations made by the BTAC Grants Working Group in respect of eligible applications as set out within Appendix 1 be approved.

41.

Exclusion of the Public and Press

To consider resolving - That under Section 100(A)(iv) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, the public and press 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 of the Order.

 

Appendix 1 - BTAC Working Group recommendations

Minutes:

Due to the Committee’s approval of the previous recommendation, this item was not discussed within the session.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That under Section 100(A)(iv) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, the public and press 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 of the Order.