Agenda item

To allow members of the public to address the Committee.

The Committee was addressed by two public speakers: Mrs Hazel Webster, followed by Mr Jonathan Wolf.

Mrs Webster gave a presentation and spoke about Boston town centre, public transport in the town and the re-routing of the Fenside bus service which had occurred approximately one year ago. She explained that the removal of the bus route through Straight Bargate had caused considerable inconvenience and physical difficulty for passengers, many of whom were elderly or had mobility issues. She highlighted the lack of consultation prior to the change and described the challenges faced by residents in accessing essential services and shops located along Wide Bargate, including medical facilities and food stores. Mrs Webster argued that reinstating the original route would significantly improve quality of life for affected residents and suggested alternative routing options via John Adams Way if a full reinstatement was not possible. She also raised concerns about the current bus stop arrangements near Boots, describing them as congested and unsuitable, and proposed reinstating the former stop near Savers to alleviate these issues.

[A copy of the presentation is appended to the minutes.]

Following Mrs Webster’s presentation, the Committee discussed the points raised. Members acknowledged the concerns expressed and noted that responsibility for bus services rests with Lincolnshire County Council. It was agreed that a copy of Mrs Webster’s presentation would be forwarded to the County Council for their consideration. In addition, Councillor Gilbert undertook to write to Mrs Webster in response to her concerns. During discussion, Members highlighted that the Council had previously explored options with the bus operator and the County Council, including the reinstatement of the Savers bus stop, but these had not progressed. Members also noted that the County Council had invested in the CallConnect service as an alternative to traditional bus routes and suggested that further information on its usage could be sought.

Mr Jonathan Wolf then addressed the Committee regarding the display of England flags on lampposts around Boston. He expressed concern that the flags had been placed without permission and were being used as a form of intimidation towards foreign nationals, which he considered unacceptable and damaging to community cohesion. Mr Wolf asked what steps the Council intended to take to remove the flags and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The Committee discussed the issue raised by Mr Wolf and acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter. Members confirmed that responsibility for lampposts lies with Lincolnshire County Council and that BTAC does not have the authority to remove items from County Council assets. It was agreed that Mr Wolf’s comments would be forwarded to the County Council, requesting clarification on their approach to the removal or maintenance of flags should they become worn or damaged. Members emphasised that this was not a request for immediate removal but for clarification on the County Council’s policy. During discussion, Members noted the importance of promoting community cohesion and agreed that the Committee should represent the views expressed by Mr Wolf while recognising that opinions on the flags varied among residents.

Resolved:

1.    That Mrs Webster’s presentation be forwarded to Lincolnshire County Council and that Councillor Gilbert write to her in response; and

2.    That Mr Wolf’s comments be forwarded to Lincolnshire County Council, requesting clarification on their plans for flags displayed on lampposts.