Agenda item
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC OR COUNCILLORS - TO RECEIVE DEPUTATIONS, STATEMENTS, PETITIONS OR QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OF THIS MEETING
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Minutes:
The Chair informed the meeting that members of the public and Councillors may ask their questions to Sue Mountstevens (Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner) after the introduction of agenda item 8 (Annual Report of the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner).
The Chair informed the meeting that two members of the public will address the Panel at this stage of the meeting with their statements.
The Chairman invited Lin Patterson, from Save Our Larkhall Public Toilets group, to address the Panel with her statement.
Lin Patterson read out the statement where she asked the Panel to agree that closing public toilets, without the viable alternative, is seriously reducing quality of life for some people and it is outing the community in the risk of economic deterioration.
Lin Patterson also said that there is currently no alternative provision for public toilets in Larkhall and may it not be by April 2014 (the new date for closure). The Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) from September 2012, section 1.3 states that there will be provision where there is no provision. Weston toilets will remain open until an alternative is agreed so why the same doesn’t apply to Larkhall.
Lin Patterson concluded her statement by highlighting the impact on the economy and potential increase in crime if the toilets in Larkhall are closed. The Save Our Larkhall Toilets group members spoke at six committees in two weeks and felt that they were fobbed off. Lin Patterson said that the campaign to save the toilets will escalate with 534 residents so far signing the petition.
A full copy of the statement from Lin Patterson is available on the Minute Book in Democratic Services.
The Chair thanked Lin Patterson for her statement.
The Chair said that the statement will be passed to the relevant Cabinet Member for consideration.
The Chairman invited Susan Charles (Honorary Chair of the Access BANES Group) to address the Panel with her statement.
Susan Charles explained that she was speaking on behalf of the Access BANES Group with the request for a support that the disabled access to the rear of Keynsham Leisure Centre be reinstated.
Susan Charles said that she received officer’s response that no access will be provided until the new leisure centre is built. Susan Charles said that response was not good enough considering that the current access is not adequate for people with disabilities and also there are no parking spaces agreed.
Susan Charles concluded her statement by saying that she contacted the Divisional Director for Environmental Services on Tuesday 16th July with her concerns and asked the Panel for the support on this matter.
A full copy of the statement from Susan Charles is available on the Minute
The Chair thanked Susan Charles for her statement. The Chair expressed her hope that Susan Charles will receive a response from the Divisional Director soon. The Chair also said that the Panel will consider this issue at their meeting in September 2013 when Leisure Strategy is expacted to be on the agenda.