NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
WEEK ENDING 23 OCTOBER 2020
MEMBERS’ INFORMATION
Topic Page News and information 1 - 5
CCTV Reports -
Pre-Agenda, Agenda and Decision sheets 6 – 21
Planning consultations -
Planning applications received & decisions 22 – 35
Press releases 36 – 44
Produced by the Communications Team. Any comments, suggestions or contributions should be sent to the Communications Team at [email protected]
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NEWS AND INFORMATION
AGENDA & REPORTS
PUBLISHED WEEK COMMENCING 19 OCTOBER 2020
None
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 26 OCTOBER 2020
(to be held as a Virtual Meeting)
Licensing and Appeals Committee – Monday 26 October 2020 Southern Rural Committee – Thursday 29 October 2020
CHAIR’S ENGAGEMENTS WEEK COMMENCING 24 OCTOBER 2020
Date Event Location None
VICE-CHAIR’S ENGAGEMENTS WEEK COMMENCING 24 OCTOBER 2020
Date Event Location None
OTHER EVENTS WEEK COMMENCING 24 OCTOBER 2020
Date Event Location None
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LEGAL AND COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PROTECTION
MEMBERS INFORMATION NOTE
Bespoke Child Protection Awareness Session
Last year, over 450 children in North Herts were referred into social care due to concerns they were victims of abuse.
As a trusted figurehead in your local community, would you know what to do if you were made aware of a child in need of protection?
Safeguarding children is the responsibility of all employees, volunteers, Councillors and contractors representing the North Herts District Council. Everyone has a legal duty to recognise, respond and refer any concerns relating to the treatment of children as well as whistleblowing if they believe a colleague’s behaviour could present a risk.
Get prepared and be able to recognise, respond and refer….
Recognise the signs of abuse.
Understand how you should respond to a disclosure or a concern.
Be able to confidently refer your concerns to Herts County Council.
Help protect children in North Herts.
A BESPOKE CHILD PROTECTION AWARENESS SESSION FOR MEMBERS IS BEING PROVIDED BY LOCAL EXPERTS - Education Child Protection Ltd.
THURSDAY 26th NOVEMBER - 19.30 TO 21.00 via zoom. For NHDC District Councillors ONLY
Course content is provided by Education Child Protection Ltd (ECP), a specialist training and consultancy company working with organisations across all sectors, who come into contact with children, young people, families and adults at risk. The course will be delivered by Operations Director Nicole Williamson. Please reserve your space by Thursday 12th November 2020.
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To reserve your place please: Email: [email protected] or Telephone: 01462 474560
For more information please contact:
Gemma Mitchell Safeguarding Support Officer Tel: 01462 474560 Email: [email protected]
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LEGAL AND COMMUNITY
MEMBERS INFORMATION NOTE
ESSENTIAL LEARNING IN THE GROWZONE ANTI-BRIBERY TRAINING The Bribery Act 2010 is a significant piece of criminal legislation which has a wide impact on all aspects of NHDC business. The anti-bribery module in the GROW Zone covers everything you need to know. This module provides an overview of The Bribery Act 2010 and explains how it affects NHDC as a whole and you as Councillor. It covers how to report potential acts of bribery if you have suspicions that they may have occurred. The anti-bribery training will take 20 minutes to complete. Complete your required anti-bribery training in the GROW Zone now. You can access the GROW Zone from the intranet via the “Straight to…” tab and log on with your normal NHDC account.
For more information please contact:
William Edwards Committee, Member and Scrutiny Officer Direct Dial: 01462 474295
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NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
DECISION SHEET
Meeting of the Council held as a Virtual Meeting on Thursday, 8th October, 2020 at 7.30 pm
1 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
The Chair welcomed everyone to this virtual Extraordinary Council meeting that was being conducted with Members and Officers at various locations, communicating via audio/video and online. There was also the opportunity for the public and press to listen and view proceedings.
The Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager undertook a roll call to ensure that all Members and Officers could hear and be heard and gave advice regarding the following:
1. Live Streaming; 2. Noise Interference; 3. Rules of Debate; 4. Voting; 5. Part 2 Items.
The Chair of the Council, Councillor Terry Tyler started the meeting proper.
2 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors David Barnard, John Bishop, Bill Davidson, Steve Deakin-Davies, Gary Grindal, Val Shanley, Kay Tart and Michael Weeks.
3 CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) Audio Recording
The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council policy this meeting was being audio recorded as well as filmed. The audio recordings would be available to view on Mod.gov and the film recording via the NHDC Youtube channel.
(2) Declarations of Interest
Members were reminded to make declarations of interest before an item, the detailed reminder about this and speaking rights was set out under Chair’s Announcements on the agenda.
(3) Rules of Debate
Members were reminded that the normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak would apply:
No speeches may be made after the mover had moved a proposal and explained the purpose of it until the motion had been seconded.
When seconding a motion or amendment, a Member may reserve their speech until later in the debate.
In accordance with the Constitution no speech should exceed five minutes without the consent of the Chair
(4) Comfort Break
The Chair advised that a comfort break would be called if the meeting was still in progress at 9pm. 6
(5) Order of Business
The Chair advised that, to aid discussion the order of business would be amended as follows:
• Items 3 and 4 would be considered together; • The motion would be introduced, proposed and seconded; • Then the Part 2 Item would be considered; • The Part 1 report, motion and amendment would then be considered and debated as one discussion, after the Part 2 item.
4 NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL SUBMISSION LOCAL PLAN
NB: the debate regarding this report and the motion was conducted as one item and will be recorded in the Minute regarding the Motion.
RESOLVED:
(1) That the contents of this report be noted;
(2) That the Council’s current position on the matters of objectively assessed housing need and housing supply as submitted to the Examination in August 2020 and attached as Appendices A & B respectively, be noted;
(3) That, should Members be minded to approve the substantive motion, officers are advised of the broad scope and scale of the modification(s) being sought and the planning justification(s) for these to forward to the Inspector.
REASONS FOR DECISIONS:
(1) To ensure Members are in possession of relevant facts in advance of debate on the substantive motion;
(2) To date, the Examination of the emerging North Hertfordshire Local Plan 2011-2031 (‘Local Plan’) has been conducted in accordance with the resolutions of Full Council of 11 April 2017. Any departure from, amendment to or replacement of those resolutions requires the consent of Full Council through a new decision;
(3) This report has been written to address the matters raised in the substantive motion only (i.e. the housing need for North Hertfordshire and the proposed allocation of housing sites in the Local Plan to address this). This report does not address any other matters in the Plan and under consideration at the Examination. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the settlement hierarchy, employment, retail, Gypsy & Traveller accommodation, unmet development needs from other authorities, transport, environmental matters, heritage or detailed policy criteria;
(4) Any amendments to the motion which broaden or alter its scope to cover such matters (or any other relevant matters) could raise new implications which are not covered by this report;
(5) Should the substantive motion be approved, officers will need to appraise the Inspector of the broad scope and scale of the modifications proposed, as well as the planning reasons, to enable the Inspector to come to a decision with regard the next steps for the Examination.
5 NOTICE OF MOTIONS
Councillor Sam Collins proposed the motion which was seconded by Councillor Ruth Brown. 7
A number of points of order were considered
NB at this point the Part 2 and then Part 1 reports were considered.
Following consideration of the Part 2 and Part 1 reports and detailed debate:
Councillor Carol Stanier called for a recorded vote:
Upon the vote the motion was lost with the votes recorded as follows:
For: Councillors: Daniel Allen, Ruth Brown, Paul Clark, Sam Collins, Keith Hoskins, Steve Jarvis, Ian Moody, Gerald Morris, Lisa Nash, Sam North, Sean Prendergast, Carol Stanier, Terry Tyler and Tom Tyson. Total: 14
Against: Councillors: Ian Albert, Kate Aspinwall, Claire Billing, Judi Billing, Val Bryant, Steve Deakin-Davies, Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Morgan Derbyshire, Jean Green, Simon Harwood, Terry Hone, Mike Hughson, David Levett, Ian Mantle, Sue Ngwala, Mike Rice, Adem Ruggiero-Cakir, Martin Stears- Handscomb and Richard Thake. Total: 19
Abstain: Councillors: George Davies, Tony Hunter, Jim McNally, Michael Muir, Helen Oliver and Claire Strong Total: 6
6 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).
7 NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT SUBMISSION LOCAL PLAN
NB The Part 2 report was considered after the motion had been introduced, proposed and seconded, but prior to debate regarding the motion.
RESOLVED: That Counsels’ advice, attached as Appendices A and B, be noted ahead of debate on the substantive motion.
REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure Members have the relevant external legal advice from the Council’s retained Counsel for the Local Plan in advance of debate on the substantive motion.
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NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
DECISION SHEET
Meeting of the Letchworth Committee held Held as a Virtual Meeting on Wednesday, 14th October, 2020 at 7.30 pm
1 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
The Chair welcomed everyone to this virtual Letchworth Committee meeting that was being conducted with Members and Officers at various locations, communicating via audio/video and online and advised that there was the opportunity for the public and press to listen and view proceedings.
The Committee, Member and Scrutiny Officer gave advice regarding the following:
• Attendance; • Live Streaming; • Noise interference; • Voting.
The Vice-Chair, Councillor Helen Oliver, started the meeting proper.
2 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Gary Grindal (Chair), Councillor Sean Prendergast, and Councillor Kate Aspinwall.
3 NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business notified.
4 CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) The Chair welcomed those present at the meeting, especially those who had attended to give a presentation;
(2) The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting was being audio recorded as well as filmed. The audio recordings would be available to view on Mod.Gov and the film recording via the NHDC YouTube channel;
(3) The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.
5 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - 7TH LETCHWORTH SCOUTS
Ms Jackie Hare, 7th Letchworth Scouts, thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation in respect of their grant application.
The Chair thanked Ms Hare for her presentation.
6 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - THE SETTLEMENT
Mr Nigel Carrick, The Settlement, thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation in respect of their grant application.
The Chair thanked Mr Carrick for his presentation.
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7 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS
Ms Lynne Misner, Small Acts of Kindness, thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation in respect of her organisation.
The Chair thanked Ms Misner for her presentation.
8 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - NORTH HERTS AFRICAN CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY
Ms Kava Johnson, North Herts African Caribbean Community, thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and provided the Members with a verbal presentation in respect of her organisation.
The Chair thanked Ms Johnson for her presentation.
9 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - LETCHWORTH SAFE CYCLING AND WALKING NETWORK
Ms Julia Sonander, Letchworth Safe Cycling and Walking Network, thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and provided the Members with a verbal presentation in respect of her organisation.
The Chair thanked Ms Sonander for her presentation.
10 LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY BID MANAGER
Mr Chris Wilson, Letchworth Garden City BID Manager, thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding issues and activities in Letchworth Garden City Town Centre.
The Chair thanked Mr Wilson for his presentation.
11 LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY HERITAGE FOUNDATION - UPDATE
Mr Stuart Sapsford, Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, thanked the Chair for the opportunity to update the Committee and gave the Members a verbal presentation.
The Chair thanked Mr Sapsford for his presentation.
12 ANNUAL UPDATE ON S106 OBLIGATIONS
RESOLVED:
(1) That the content of the report entitled Annual Update on S106 Obligations be noted;
(2) That it be agreed that a report continue to be presented on an annual basis to the Letchworth Committee, which sets out full records of all Section 106 activity for the preceding financial year and which reflects changes in legislation and practice;
(3) That, other than where a contribution has been negotiated for a specific purpose or project, Ward Members of the area where the Section 106 Obligation or Unilateral Undertaking funding is generated and the Area Committee be consulted prior to funding being allocated away from that area. Members must note that the discretionary funds are rapidly diminishing and will not be replaced under current legislation and practice, for reasons that are set out in the report.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
(1) To ensure that there is a robust system for negotiating and managing Section 106 Obligations and Unilateral Undertakings, that records activity for each financial year and is placed in the public domain; 10
(2) To ensure that the process is kept under constant review and Member scrutiny and that the risk associated with this activity is managed in an appropriate manner.
13 GRANT APPLICATIONS AND COMMUNITY UPDATE
RESOLVED: To endorse the actions taken by the Community Engagement Team to promote greater community capacity and well-being for Letchworth.
REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Committee is kept informed of the work of the Community Engagement Team.
14 GRANT APPLICATION - THE SETTLEMENT
RESOLVED: That grant funding of £2,000 be awarded to The Settlement for electronic and computer equipment to allow online access for participants.
REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.
15 GRANT APPLICATION - 7TH LETCHWORTH SCOUTS
RESOLVED: That grant funding of £760 be awarded to 7TH Letchworth Scouts for to support payment of the annual census fee to the national Scouting body.
REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.
16 WARD MATTERS AND OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS - MEMBERS' REPORTS
The Chair led a discussion regarding Ward Matters and Outside Organisations. The following issues were discussed:
• All Saints Church, Willian • St Michael’s Church, Broadway • Remembrance Day Events
RESOLVED:
(1) That Members be requested to inform Councillor Levett if they knew of a new home or temporary storage facility for the church organ which was due to be removed from the building;
(2) That All Saints Church, Willian be advised to contact the Community Engagement Team to discuss funding stream opportunities.
REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Letchworth Committee is kept apprised of matters affecting Wards and Outside Organisations.
Audio Recording of Meeting
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NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
DECISION SHEET
Meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Sub-Committee held as a Virtual Meeting on Thursday, 22nd October, 2020 at 10.00 am
1 HEARING PROCEDURE
The Committee, Member and Scrutiny Officer outlined the virtual meeting procedure and this and the hearing procedure as detailed in the agenda were noted.
2 APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY EVENT NOTICE IN RESPECT OF THE ENGINE, 3 STATION ROAD, BALDOCK
The Licensing Officer presented the report entitled Application for a Temporary Event Notice in Respect of The Engine, 3 Station Road, Baldock.
The report, together with verbal submissions and questions from the Applicant and Other Persons and advice from the Legal Advisor were considered.
The report of the Licensing Officer was noted.
3 DECISION NOTICE
The Decision Notice is attached.
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North Hertfordshire District Council Licensing Act 2003 Decision Notice
Date of Hearing Thursday 22 October 2020
Members of Panel Councillors E Dennis-Harburg, M Rice and R Thake
Applicant(s) Name Dale Mabert
Premises Address First floor raised outdoor seating area The Engine, 3 Station Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 5BS
Date of Application 8 October 2020
APPLICATION FOR TEMPORARY This is an application for a Temporary Event Notice under Section 100 EVENT NOTICES of the Licensing Act 2003.
DETAILS OF APPLICATION Date of Event: 26 to 31 October 2020
Time: 12:00 to 21:30
Duration of Event: 6 days
Licensable Activities: The sale by retail of alcohol (for consumption on the premises only)
Details of Event: Additional outdoor seating area to be used as a dining area for the consumption of food and drink
DECISION The Sub-Committee has read the material presented to it and have listened to all the evidence and submissions. The Sub-Committee has considered the Licensing Act 2003, the National Guidance, their Statement of Licensing Policy and has decided:
Not to issue a counter notice (allow the temporary event)
RATIONALE FOR The Sub-Committee do not consider that stopping this event is DECISION appropriate for the promotion of the prevention of public nuisance licencing objective.
In making this decision the Sub-Committee has taken into account the following evidence relating to the prevention of public nuisance licence objective:
1. The Sub-Committee did not feel that issuing a counter notice was necessary to promote the prevention of public nuisance licensing objective.
2. The Sub-committee listened to the evidence provided by Environmental Protection and were not sufficiently satisfied based 13
on their evidence that a counter notice was necessary to promote the prevention of the public nuisance licensing objective
CONDITIONS No conditions were capable of being attached to this Temporary Event Notice.
POLICE CLOSURE The Sub-Committee notes that the Police have powers to close POWERS premises for up to 24 hours. They may exercise these powers when a temporary event notice is in effect and they are satisfied the event is disorderly, likely to become disorderly or causing nuisance as a result of noise from the premises. Such orders may only be made where it is appropriate in the interest of public safety in cases of disorder or to prevent nuisance in the case of noise coming from the premises.
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RECORD OF DECISION MADE UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY
*PART 1 – PUBLIC DOCUMENT
SERVICE DIRECTORATE: REGULATORY
1. DECISION TAKEN
The award of the contract for the collection and kennelling of stray dogs to SDK Environmental Limited for three years from 1st November 2020 to 31st October 2023. The contract value being £89,400.
2. DECISION TAKER
2.1 Ian Fullstone, Service Director – Regulatory
3. DATE DECISION TAKEN:
3.1 15 October 2020
4. REASON FOR DECISION
4.1 The Council carried out a quotation exercise through In-Tend. There were expressions of interest from five suppliers but only one quote from the Council’s existing supplier was received. The bidder’s quotation has passed the quality requirements set by the Council and Officers are satisfied that the price quoted is in line with market rates.
5. ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED
5.1 To repeat the procurement process, however it is considered that the process was successful given five expressions of interest were received and SDK Environmental Limited submitted a quotation which met the requirements. Furthermore, the bidder’s quotation has passed the quality requirements set by the Council and Officers are satisfied that the price quoted is in line with market rates The current contract for this service ends on 31st October 2020.
5.2 Operate the service in-house, this was not recommended given the increase in revenue and capital costs required. Collection of stray dogs over a 24-hour period throughout the year would require a number of trained officers and suitable vehicles. This level of resource is not currently available in house. The contract also includes the maintenance of the stray dog register and re-homing of unclaimed dogs. The maintenance of this statutory record and rehoming would require additional resource.
6. CONSULTATION (INCLUDING THE EFFECT ON STAKEHOLDERS, PARTNERS AND THE PUBLIC)
6.1 The Executive Member for Housing and Environmental Health, Cllr Gary Grindal has been consulted and is supportive of this decision.
7. FORWARD PLAN
7.1 This decision is not a key Executive decision and has therefore not been referred to in the Forward Plan.
8. BACKGROUND/ RELEVANT CONSIDERATIONS
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8.1 The Council entered into a three year contract with SDK Environmental Limited in November 2015 at a cost of £20,402.50 per annum. This service included collection and kennelling of stray dogs 365 days a year, the collection of fees from owners and the re- homing of dogs not collected. At the end of the three years the contract was extended for a further two years.
8.2 In order to operate the service a contractor must have access to a licensed kennel willing to take stray dogs. To ensure the welfare of the dogs and allow members of the public to collect their dogs the kennel used must be within ten miles of the Council boundary. This can prove difficult and few local kennels seem willing to take the risk of accepting dogs with no medical history.
9. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
9.1 The provision of a stray dog collection and kennelling service is a statutory requirement under Section 149 of The Environmental Protection Act 1990. Under this Act the Local Authority has a duty to seize and detain stray dogs. Outside normal office hours the local authority is required to provide a reception for stray dogs.
9.2 The Council has undertaken a quotation process in accordance with the CPRs whereby one bidder, SDK Environmental Limited, submitted a bid which met the requirements for the service. The bidder’s quotation has passed the quality requirements set out in the RFQ and Officers are satisfied that the price quoted by the bidder is in line with market rates.
9.3 A waiver of the Contract Procurement Rules was considered justified because of the nature of the market for the services to be provided has been investigated and was demonstrated to be such that a departure from the requirements of CPRs was justifiable (Rule 22.4 a)).
10. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
10.1. The cost of the contract is £89,400 for a three-year contract.
10.2 The cost of the previous three-year contract was £61,207.50, this contract was extended for a further two years with no increase in cost. The current quote is a 46% increase in price quoted five years ago.
10.3 This is an additional cost of £9,400 a year which cannot be funded from existing budgets and will be an additional cost to the general fund. The budgets will be adjusted as part of the quarterly budget monitoring process. The additional expenditure is within the limits contained within the financial regulations, and does not require formal Cabinet approval (constitution 5.6.22).
11. RISK IMPLICATIONS
11.1 The Council has a legal duty to seize stray dogs found within the Council’s area, detain seized dogs for seven days and keep a public register of prescribed particulars relating to the dog. This contract avoids the risk of the Council failing to fulfil its regulatory duties regarding the collections and kennelling of stray dogs.
12. EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS
12.1 In line with the Public Sector Equality Duty, public bodies must, in the exercise of their functions, give due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
12.2 There are no equality implications. SDK Environmental Limited have their own Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy dated 20th March 2019. This Policy provides a statement of intent signed by the Managing Director. It also describes their commitment to diversity and eradicating discrimination.
13. SOCIAL VALUE IMPLICATIONS 16
13.1 The Social Value Act and “go local” policy do not apply to this decision.
14. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
14.1. There are no known Environmental impacts or requirements that apply to this report.
15. HUMAN RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
15.1 There are no human resource implications.
16. BACKGROUND PAPERS
16.1 None
17. APPENDICES
17.1 None.
NOTIFICATION DATE
23 October 2020
Signature of Executive Member Consulted ……Cllr. Gary Grindal (approved by email 16.10.20)
Date ……15 October 2020
Signature of Decision Taker ……………… …………………………
Please Note: that unless urgency provisions apply EXECUTIVE decisions cannot be implemented until 5 clear working days have elapsed after the decision has been taken to allow for scrutiny call-in.
Call-in does not apply to NON-EXECUTIVE DECISIONS
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NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth, Herts. SG6 3JF
Telephone: (01462) 474000. Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
PR 3487 16 October 2020
NHDC launches new community panel for North Herts
The first meeting of a new community focused North Herts District Council (NHDC) Cabinet Panel will take place virtually on Wednesday 21 October at 7.30pm.
The Cabinet Panel on Community Engagement and Cooperative Development has been created to give local people a platform to speak directly to the Council about ideas or issues with community, commercial and enterprise projects. The Panel is advisory and will act as a sounding board, providing direct access to advice and support on how to set up and grow community or cooperative groups. It will also provide an opportunity for networking between similar groups, sharing of experiences and peer to peer learning.
The Panel will meet six times a year. Guest speakers will also be invited to present and take questions.
The theme of the first meeting celebrates cooperatives in the local area and will provide an insight into how new cooperatives can be set up, benefits of cooperatives and tips on how to grow a thriving cooperative for the community. Cooperatives are run by local people with a common goal to benefit the community in which they live. Examples of these are community food banks, community pubs, cafes and clubs.
Plymouth City Council’s Partnerships and Regeneration Manager, Anna Peachey, will virtually present on how they have been successful in their own work with cooperatives – there are 23 cooperative enterprises currently in Plymouth that have a combined annual turnover of £18.6 million, involving 9,500 people.
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Cllr Judi Billing, Co-Chair of the Panel and NHDC’s Executive Member for Community Engagement said, “We are very excited to launch this Cabinet Panel. Not only will it give us a way of directly helping cooperatives and community focused organisations, but it will also prove invaluable in helping the Council learn, understand and gain insight into how we can improve upon the way we work with the local community.”
Cllr Keith Hoskins, Co-Chair of the Panel and NHDC’s Executive Member for Enterprise and Cooperative Development said, “We welcome this opportunity to speak directly with local cooperatives and community groups. Please do get in touch if your cooperative or community group would like to be involved in a future meeting.”
The Cabinet Panel on Community Engagement and Cooperative Development can be contacted at [email protected]
The virtual meeting will take place on Wednesday 21 October at 7.30pm. To watch the meeting via NHDC’s YouTube channel and to view the agenda, please visit here: https://democracy.north- herts.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=296&MId=2526
ENDS For more information contact NHDC Communications Officer Ann Favell on ann.favell@north- herts.gov.uk or tel 01462 474544
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Media release Friday 15 October 2020 Act now to avoid Hertfordshire moving to high-risk status
Hertfordshire’s Local Resilience Forum (LRF) is calling on the whole community to act now and ‘Play your Part’ to slow the rapid spread of coronavirus in our county. Hertfordshire, as a whole, has been placed as a medium-risk area in the Government’s new system of local COVID-19 alert levels. “Hertfordshire is currently rated in Tier One – the medium alert level. Despite this, we have seen a significant rise in positive cases of coronavirus in our county over the last 10 days and the situation here remains serious. There is no room for complacency,” said Darryl Keen, Director of Community Protection, Chief Fire Officer and chair of the strategic coordination group of the LRF. “I’m pleading with everyone to act now to avoid our county moving to high-risk status for which there will be stricter, tougher measures introduced. Now is the time to redouble our efforts to keep the virus at bay.” Hertfordshire’s LRF – a partnership of over 60 organisations including the emergency services, local councils, health services and volunteers, which plans, trains and responds to emergencies together – has been working to coordinate the county’s approach to COVID-19. Hertfordshire Constabulary Chief Superintendent Matt Nicholls said: “The vast majority of people have been playing their part by following government guidelines, particularly on face-coverings, social-distancing, the ‘rule of six’, and self-isolation where necessary. Now is the time for everyone to be even more disciplined to help us control the spread of the virus. “Our police officers continue to be out in communities - engaging, explaining and encouraging people to act responsibly and follow coronavirus rules. We will take enforcement action if necessary. We’ve increased targeted patrols; working in partnership with local authorities, licensing authorities and businesses to ensure the rules are being followed.” If you are concerned that an individual is breaking the law or you are experiencing anti-social behaviour, you can report this to police, who will consider the most appropriate response and will target the most problematic behaviour. Reports should be made online at herts.police.uk/contact or via 101 wherever possible. In an emergency dial 999. If you’re concerned that a business is breaching coronavirus rules, please contact your local district or borough council in the first instance. Darryl added: “We still have a limited window of opportunity to stay in control of the spread of the virus in Hertfordshire, if you keep playing your part, we can all stay safe in Hertfordshire together.”
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If you are feeling unwell, you should call 119 or book a test at www.gov.uk/coronavirus. …ends Issued by Fiona Winspear on behalf of the LRF Strategic Coordinating Group [email protected]
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NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth, Herts. SG6 3JF
Telephone: (01462) 474000. Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
PR 3489 23 October 2020
North Herts celebrates as parks and green spaces win Green Flag Awards
Five parks and nature reserves in North Hertfordshire are raising their Green Flag Awards with pride this month, in a year when millions of people have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep.
North Herts District Council (NHDC) managed parks and nature reserves that have received Green Flag Awards include:
• Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Hitchin, receiving the award for a fifth year running • Ivel Springs LNR in Baldock, receiving the award for the sixth year running • Howard Park and Gardens in Letchworth, receiving the award for the seventh year running • Norton Common LNR in Letchworth, receiving the award for the eleventh year running • Priory Memorial Gardens in Royston, receiving the award for the eleventh year running
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well- managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.
NHDC’s sites are five among a record breaking 2,061 parks and green spaces that received Green Flag Award status this year.
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Cllr Steve Jarvis, NHDC’s Executive Member for Environment and Leisure said: “Parks and nature reserves have become hugely important to residents in the district since lockdown, providing space to help individuals improve their physical and mental wellbeing. We work closely with John O’Conner Ground Maintenance, Countryside Management Service and various volunteer Friends Of groups to keep these sites well maintained and thriving for people to enjoy and we are very pleased that these efforts have been acknowledged by the awards.”
Commenting on NHDC’s success, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said, “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.
“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, NHDC has achieved the highest international standards in their parks and nature reserves, that are demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
To find out more about these parks and local nature reserves go to: https://www.north- herts.gov.uk/home/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-and-nature-reserves
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Notes to editors
The Green Flag Awards Scheme (http://greenflagaward.org/) is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership in the UK with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. The scheme also operates in an additional 14 countries including Portugal, New Zealand and USA.
Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. They set the standard for the management of parks and beaches, inspire people to be litter-free, to waste less and to live more. They run programmes including Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, their programmes and campaigns visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.
Any green space that is free to enter and accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award. Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status. A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary
41 and community groups. Green Heritage Site accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site’s historic features and the standard of conservation.
For further information contact NHDC Communications Officer Ann Favell on ann.favell@north- herts.gov.uk or tel 01462 474544.
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NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth, Herts. SG6 3JF
Telephone: (01462) 474000. Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
PR 3490 23 October 2020
Council grant funding benefits district wide good causes in North Hertfordshire
Three community projects in North Herts have received over £8,000 of grant funding from North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) to help with their work.
Garden House Hospice Care received £2,247 for its ‘Lights of Life’ project. Lights of Life is an annual remembrance event at the start of the festive season, where relatives and friends who have lost loved ones, are offered an opportunity to celebrate and remember them and write a dedication on a star that is displayed within the hospice grounds. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there will also be a live online service broadcast via Facebook and pre bookable garden open evenings, to light a candle in memory of lost loved ones. Garden House Hospice Care works across North Hertfordshire providing compassionate palliative end of life care for those in need, following a diagnosis of a life limiting illness.
Jayne Dingemans, Director of Patient Services at Garden House Hospice said, “After what has been a difficult year for many, giving our community the chance to reflect and remember their loved ones seems more important than ever. With thanks to North Herts District Council’s generous grant towards our Lights of Life appeal, we can bring people together at a time it matters most.
“As a charity, we rely on the support of local organisations to keep us caring for years to come. This kind gift from NHDC will not only help us to deliver an extra special Lights of Life but will make a massive difference to the end of life care for local people. “ Imajica Theatre Company received £2,000 to stage an online pantomime. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year their popular North Herts annual pantomime, which usually gives 400 complementary tickets to families on low incomes, is unable to be staged as normal. The grant funding will enable them to digitally record their ‘live’ performance which can then be shared with
43 community groups and local organisations, bringing Christmas cheer to viewers.
North Herts African Caribbean Community received £4,000 to help celebrate Black History in the district, staging a number of events and activities. These include:
• A creative writing workshop with an emphasis on mental health • A showcase evening for local Spoken Word artists and musicians • An exhibition at North Hertfordshire Museum based on the origins of movement of black people • A ‘Black Britons Trail’ through Hitchin town centre in partnership with Hitchin BID • A black hair workshop and positivity event aimed at promoting acceptance and understanding of afro hair • A Dragons Den style business mentoring event North Herts African Caribbean Community is a not for profit organisation with the aim of bringing together various community associations, groups and individuals to provide opportunities that support the health, cultural, spiritual and business needs of the BAME community in North Herts.
Kava Johnson, Treasurer at North Herts African Caribbean Community said, “We have been overjoyed to be supported by North Herts District Council through grant funding. We have used the funding to facilitate a series of online workshops to celebrate and educate on Black History and culture while keeping our participants safe. So far, we have hosted a series of online Creative Writing workshops and online afro and mixed haircare workshops, further events to be hosted throughout the next year.”
Cllr Judi Billing, NHDC’s Executive Member for Community Engagement said, “We are very pleased to give this grant funding to organisations that will make a real difference to those that they reach out to. Such different projects, each brings a mix of hope, inspiration, comfort and a way forward for our communities and we wish them every success for the future.”
District Wide Community Grants are awarded to volunteer led or not-for-profit groups that benefit residents across the district of North Hertfordshire. Applications are considered by the Community Facilities Capital and District Wide Grants Panel. The panel welcomes applications from groups which benefit the community in more than one committee area in North Herts.
To find out more visit: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/community/grants/district-wide- community-grants
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For more information contact NHDC Communications Officer Ann Favell on ann.favell@north- herts.gov.uk or tel 01462 474544.
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