Agenda item

The Chief Executive reported there were two questions from members of the public.

Question asked by Mr Paul Blackburn pursuant to paragraph 11 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

“Can the council legitimately restrict the use of disabled and loading bays, as regulated under the Restricted Zone Order 1/3/2017 Boston- Market Place?”

Response by Councillor Tracey Abbott

“I thank Mr. Blackburn for notice of his question and confirm thatyes the usage can be restricted with a temporary traffic regulation order in place.”

Supplemental question asked by Mr. Blackburn pursuant to paragraph 11.8 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

“I am not sure you fully understand my question. However this temporary order you refer too, must have been breached because, to the best of my knowledge, this practice has continued from day 1 (01/03/2017) to today nearly 4 years.  So who at  Boston Borough Council authorised and implemented the breach to the order of 01/03/2017 ?

I believe we should have  a full public enquiry because insurances and market traders contracts being breached, the deliberate obstruction of disabled and loading bays, conflicting parking information,  putting the public, market traders, stall erectors at risk under health and safety, let alone operating in contrary to the Charter.”

Response by Councillor Tracey Abbott

“I will provide a written response.”

Question asked by Mr Darron Abbott pursuant to paragraph 11 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution.

“Since last March the world has changed immensely and we still find ourselves in unprecedented times.

We have seen the Council staff step up to the plate and have been on the front line throughout the year helping protect us from Covid 19 and ensure everything has run smoothly and without problems.

Whilst the budget constraints will sadly not allow a remunerative reward to be made would the Council consider having a special medal struck and presented to Council staff to recognise their heroism and express the thanks of the people of Boston.”

Response by the Leader

“Mr Abbott, thank you for your question. 

I agree wholeheartedly  – our teams have worked incredibly hard over the past year to ensure services continue to run, whilst providing our communities with the support they need as they respond to Covid-19.  Their efforts have been nothing short of monumental.

I must also pay tribute to our partners and other key workers who have also worked tirelessly.

Our teams are continuing to respond to the pandemic alongside our partners and in due course we will collectively consider how we recognise all those involved in the response to Covid-19 in the Borough.”

Supplemental question asked by Mr. Abbott pursuant to paragraph 11.8 of the Rules of Procedure as set out in the Constitution:-

“I thank the leader, but is that yes or no to a medal, if not could we think of something that will enrich the environment and plant a tree in their honour”

Response by the Leader

“I think the idea of a tree is really nice, but I think it is a community response so it would be nice to get a response from the community to find out who have been the heroes during this time and what the community response to that will be. We have Community Champions and presentation evenings which they Mayor has attended to present awards. It would be a nice and fitting response when we get to the end of this pandemic, it has been a hard journey for us all.