Agenda item
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC OR COUNCILLORS - TO RECEIVE DEPUTATIONS, STATEMENTS, PETITIONS OR QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OF THIS MEETING
Susan Charles will make a statement on Warm Water Swimming.
Rosemary Naish will make a statement.
Minutes:
The following members of the public made statements to the Panel:
1. Susan Charles (WWISE) made a statement on Warm Water Swimming at item 10 on the agenda. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.
2. Pamela Galloway (WWISE) made a statement on Warm Water Swimming at item 10 on the agenda.A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.
3. Rosemary Naish made a statement regarding a junction in Clutton. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.
In response to a question from Councillor Simmons, Ms Naish explained that her main concern is basic mistakes in the data for the plans. Councillor Butters stated that the Planning Application should deal with concerns. Ms Naish stated that outline planning permission was given and now it is full permission. Martin Shields – Divisional Director for Environmental Services – stated that he would send a written response.
4. Mike Parr made a statement on the 6/7 Bus Route. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.
Councillor Simmons asked if there is an alternative route, Mr Parr stated that this route worked before and it would be good to investigate getting back to that. Councillor Anthony Clarke – Cabinet Member for Transport – explained that alternatives are available and that the group are not prepared to consider shortening the route. The survey showed that the route was poorly utilised and the £39k subsidy did not represent value for money.
5. David Redgewell made a statement on Rail and Bus Investment. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.
6. Nicolette Boater made a statement on Infrastructure development and investment. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.
7. Paul Stansall – Bath Central Library Rescue Team made a statement regarding the relocation of Bath Central Library. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.
The following Councillors made statements to the Panel:
8. Councillor Lin Patterson made a statement on the 6/7 Bus Route.
She explained that the three buses do not connect the community and also shops are suffering. She stated that the survey mentioned by Councillor Clarke was taken during a period of severe disruption and a better service is needed. She asked that the Panel recommend that the Cabinet Member reinstates the subsidy.
9. Councillor Rob Appleyard made a statement regarding the 6/7 bus route. He explained that there are no plans from First Bus to refigure the route. He invited the campaign to look at the alternative solution.
10.Councillor Dine Romero made a statement regarding concerns on the budget plans. She stated that she hoped the Panel would scrutinize the proposed changes to Bath Library including the proposed click and collect service and potential loss of exhibition space, children’s are and study area. She also asked that the Panel examine plans for other libraries in the authority. Councillor Romero also asked the Panel to examine and monitor what they are being told regarding the introduction of wheelie bins and changes to the dog walking service and play areas such as Weston.
Councillor Bull asked what the concern is regarding access to books. Councillor Romero stated that she feared the library may become an electronic ordering service. Ian Savigar – Divisional Director Customer Services – explained that the plan is for a modern library where technology will enhance the browsing experience. He explained that there will still be shelves of books and that the consultation starts at the end of this month. Councillor Hale stated that after a few teething problems with Keynsham Library, it has settled and also the library staff are also useful in other areas. He said that the changes may seem big but there is a need to save money.