The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Phil Bibby CC, advised that he had received comments from Indoor Market stallholders about reduced footfall following the siting of the Bus Interchange, in particular less mobile people. He therefore asked the following question:
“What can the Council do with stallholders to improve their businesses to increase footfall and cater for those that had difficulty in walking from the Bus Interchange to the Indoor Market?”
The Leader of the Council replied that he was not aware of any evidence to support the matter raised in the question, but he and the Deputy Leader would investigate further with officers.
The Council then received updates from the relevant Executive Portfolio Holders on the following matters:
· Coronation Living Heritage Fund;
· Flat Block Recycling Pilot;
· Co-operative Neighbourhoods: Walkways Cleansing Programme;
· SBC Business Support Programme;
· Wenta; and
· Stevenage Works.
The Leader of the Opposition advised that Members had recently received an e-mail regarding the maintenance of Play Areas. The Programme had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the consultation was being re-run. He was not sure why as Members had previously been told that 50 Play areas were to be maintained in good working order. He asked if the £1.5Million budget was sufficient to cover the costs of the works.
The Leader of the Council replied that he would ask the Portfolio Holders for Environment & Performance and Culture, Leisure & Information Technology to investigate the matter.