Agenda item

(A report by the Deputy Chief Executive – Communities)

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 25^th 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 feeding could be included under CSA as one of the antisocial behaviour objectives.

Councillor Drayton praised the wonderful job done in Boston and encouraged the work to continue.

Councillor Austin highlighted a safer town and the good job done which had allowed business to thrive, particularly in her ward.

Councillor Dorian requested that Councillor Austin share the business list with Councillor Broughton so that invitations to the business forum could be facilitated.

Councillor Dorrian provided advice on the wheelie bin’s issue by sharing that a potential solution to these residents could be the provision of Biffa bins. Nonetheless, Councillor Dorrian stated that due to disparity of opinions and the difficulty of reaching consensus, the matter would be revisited.

Members raised questions about potential available space on properties’ rear path to allocate those wheelie bins to avoid hazards.

Responding to a question that the Chairman raised regarding the impact achieved by the actions completed over the past 12 months, the Deputy Chief Executive - Communities referred to feedback to conclude that the community was satisfied with the improvement achieved through the work that the administration had envisioned and implemented. 

RESOLVED:

1. That the report and its associated appendix (Appendix 1), against the commitments made in the Boston Town Centre Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2027 entitled “A Town Centre for Everyone” be noted; and

2. That the Committee feedback be provided to Cabinet to be incorporated into the annual review, including any potential other future actions the Committee feel should be built into this work for year two of the strategy/action plan.