RYDE BAPTIST CHURCH, GEORGE STREET, RYDE.
6 Members of the public attended.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
DRAFT
A member of the public asked a question about the implications of the change of government. They added that an integrated infrastructure plan for Ryde was imperative. They stated that on the 14 May at the Full Council meeting, they had previously asked for copies of all correspondence on this matter and asked when they would be able to receive those copies. Cllr May stated that this was a priority and that the Clerk would chase this up as they had not received a response yet.
A member of the public requested that Ryde Town Council should promote the town more as there has been a loss of activity from Ryde Business Association and the possible loss of the £20m Levelling Up Funding. They asked that RTC should find how businesses are coping with the economic crisis. They requested that RTC push for the empty café on the Esplanade to be rented out ASAP.
In response to this, the Deputy Clerk said he would contact Ryde Business Association and offer a business forum. The empty café by the Interchange was stated to be owned by Southwest Trains. It was noted the Isle of Wight Council may be able to bring pressure with Cllr Jordan reiterating that he would do what he could.
A member of the public asked why the public was being excluded on item 14 and whose decision it had been. The Clerk answered that originally staff salaries would be included in the papers, but this was no longer the case so the item will be discussed in open session.
A member of the public brought up that by the tulip tree on the Esplanade, there was a new notice board which were burnt out and impossible to read. This was noted to not be Ryde Town Council’s property, but could have been part of the Steampunk Festival, which was due to happen by the weekend.
It was noted by Cllr Lilley that it appeared that Members Reports and Questions were not on the agenda. This would be amended before the next ordinary Full Council meeting.
Apologies were received from Cllr Ian Stephens, Cllr Charles Chapman, and Cllr Jess Higgins.
Cllr Conyers declared an interest in item 15 on the agenda (minute Reference 90/24) as she was involved with Citizens Advice services within Ryde Library.
None requested.
The minutes to the meeting of Full Council held on 25 June 2024 were reviewed. After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
A report was circulated ahead of the meeting which was read and noted.
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Members received and noted the following officer reports which were circulated ahead of the meeting.
Network Ryde Youth Service Manager Report – Verbal report
Members noted the update which included the following:
It was noted that the new building of St Thomas’ had been created into a safe space for the youth. Network Ryde ran 54 activities over the summer with 103 young people joining which had doubled since the previous summer. 43 new young people have signed up. The building is also being used for the Youth Offending Team, as well as SNG having hosted a Wellbeing Festival there and other agencies getting involved. It was also stated that they had received a further 10k in funding from the Social Action Project.
Cllr Lilley proposed that there could be a ‘young people’s night’ on the calendar of meetings and young people could present their ideas for Ryde to the Council.
Clerks Report
Report from the Project Officer Regarding the Beach Accessibility Project
The report was circulated for members to note. The Clerk stated that there was a lot of positive feedback for the project and that they were looking to extend provision in 2025.
Paper D
Members noted the approved minutes of the Finance and Community resources Committee meeting held on the 18 June 2024.
Cllr Kirkby asked whether Ryde Town Council would be getting the money back from the Ryde Town Board, which the Clerk answered yes, all expenses incurred will be refunded.
Members noted the approved minutes of the Community Planning Committee meeting held on 11 June 2024 and 2 July 2024.
The two vacancies for the Community Planning Committee were left open.
The approved minutes of the Community Development Steering Group held on 25 July 2024 were noted.
Members noted the following:
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The Deputy Clerk stated that correspondence had been received from the Government that confirmation of the Levelling Up Funding would not be available until after the budget on the 30 October 2024.
Cllr Hayward noted it was good that the Town Board had undertaken comprehensive consultation and this would be valuable to the Town Council going forward to help prioritise projects and obtain additional grant funding.
A motion proposed by Cllr Ian Dore regarding the purchase of speed monitoring equipment to support Community Speed Watch Groups in deterring speeding traffic. Cllr Dore stated that it would make the roads safer as the Isle of Wight statistically has an issue with speeding.
Cllr Lucioni queried whether it would be for everyone, and this was affirmed.
Cllr Kirkby asked who would be liable and it was answered that this is a national police led scheme and volunteers would be fully trained and required to follow statutory rules.
After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
Members noted that the basis of the plan was the same but there was a new flood plan annex. A grant from SSSE had been applied for to assist with additional supplies to alleviate flooding.
Cllr Ross stated that there should be a risk assessment for the Ferries, but this was noted to be Isle of Wight Council authority.
Members noted the changes to the scheme but had no further comments to make.
Item withdrawn.
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Members considered the recommendation from the Community Development Steering Group to provide a service that would complement the Citizens Advice Service at Ryde Library from Alison Pearce, the CDO. She discussed that there would be a need for two extra members of staff to help empower residents and help them with technology and accessing unclaimed benefits. She added she would be having a meeting with the National Lottery and Isle of Wight Council for funding, and she wanted support as she wanted to start the project in November.
Cllr Conyers stated that there was a need for this as Citizens Advice was not meant to manage the requests that people were asking. She also reminded members that with the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners there is expected to be a large increase in the numbers wishing to apply for pension credit.
Cllr Lilley noted that as it was a community library, there was a need for people to use it and keep the library open.
Cllr Elliott stated that the service be offered as a pilot project until March 2025 and reviewed as part of the budget setting process. It would then give Councillors an idea of what additional funding is available and whether the service was needed and running efficiently.
Cllr Dore suggested that volunteers could come forward and learn from Cllr Conyers and the CDO.
After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
The next Ordinary meeting of the Town Council will be held on Tuesday, 19 November 2024.
The Clerk informed members that an Extra – Ordinary meeting would be called for the 15 October 2024 to discuss the School Places Consultation as the deadline for comments is 01 November 2024.
Meeting closed at 9pm
Signed………………………………………. Cllr Richard may
DRAFT
Mayor of Ryde Town Council, 19 November 2024