Agenda item

Capital funds were provisionally allocated in the Council Budget for a number of Community Regeneration projects. Cabinet is being asked to agree to draw down the provisionally allocated capital funding for 4 projects

Councillor Eleanor Jackson in an ad hoc statement drew Cabinet’s attention to page 27 of the report, related to Digital B&NES.  Councillor Jackson felt that this was an excellent initiative for investment of Council resources into and she also welcomed an investment into the River Corridor Fund.  Councillor Jackson also said that the Midsomer Norton Business Centre was not accessible by public transport. 

Councillor Dave Laming in an ad hoc statement said that this day represented a quite significant day in the history of river.  The lease of the Boathhouse had been finalised as headquarters for the River Corridor Group.  This Council for the first time confirmed budgetary recognition of the river.  Councillor Laming also said that he had received full support from a senior director of Wessex Water.  Similar support had been received from an Environment Agency and the Canal and River Trust.  All of this was possible with support from the leadership of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet.  Councillor Laming also thanked the Strategic Director for Place for her contribution towards the River Strategy.

Councillor John Bull in an ad hoc statement commented that broadband connectivity in Paulton had not been included in Digital B&NES programme.  Councillor Bull felt that the scheme was not completely successful considering that residents in other parts of B&NES had provided their own cables in order to link to the BT system.  Councillor Bull said that all parts of the authority would need to be connected. 

Councillor Ben Stevens introduced the item by saying that this was really good news for all residents in B&NES.  Councillor Stevens thanked Councillor Laming for his kind words and for his efforts for bringing the river into the forefront. 

Councillor Stevens said that the Digital B&NES scheme had been trailed for the last few months and it would deliver wireless network in Bath, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Keynsham.  That would offer a significant boost in tourism and convenience for residents.  It would also offer a superfast broadband in Enterprise Area, which would help businesses.  Councillor Stevens highlighted an ongoing work with the BIDUK to deliver superfast broadband in rural areas.  This would cover all but few thousand premises across B&NES.

Councillor Stevens said that comments from Councillor Jackson about public transport connections with the Midsomer Norton Business Centre would be picked up by the relevant Cabinet Member.

Councillor Stevens moved the proposals.

Councillor David Dixon seconded the proposal. 

Councillor Dixon said that this report showed how Council would support businesses in the area.

Councillor Dixon said that he was pleased to see that the Minerva Rowing Club would receive some funding to provide basic facilities.

Councillor Dixon was also pleased that the Midsomer Norton Business Centre would receive some funding.

Councillor Paul Crossley said that this was really good news for B&NES.  This was about provision of vibrant economy and vibrant place across the whole of B&NES.  An expansion of Digital B&NES would address some current inadequacies.  Councillor Crossley also praised commitment from Councillor Laming towards the River Corridor Group and highlighted Council’s pledge of investment in the river.  Councillor Crossley was also pleased for investment in the Minerva Rowing Club and the Midsomer Norton Business Centre.

Councillor Stevens summed up by saying that this would support local businesses and help them grow.

On a motion from Councillor Ben Stevens, seconded by Councillor David Dixon, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To APPROVE the following provisional items for inclusion within the 14/15 capital programme:

·  River Corridor Fund - £340k to include support towards:

- Minerva Rowing Club;

- Edge Protection at Widcombe;

- Riverside linkages through Pulteney Bridge to Cleveland Place;

·  Digital B&NES - £350k;

·  Midsomer Norton Business Centre - £125k; and

(2) To DELEGATE authority to the Strategic Director for Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development to draw down the funds.