Holywell Town Council

Business Plan 2019-2022

This Business Plan outlines the strategic objective and key priorities of the Council and details the operational tasks which underpin these objectives required for service delivery. The Business Plan is linked to the current human and financial resources available to the Council.

Introduction to Holywell Town Council’s Business Plan for 2019-2022

This is Holywell Town Council’s third Business Plan. The Plan sets the Council’s vision, objectives and key projects for the next three years 2019-2022 taking the Council up to the next Local Government Elections. Going forward it is the Council’s intention to produce a new plan at the beginning of each new electoral term. The plan builds on the successes of the earlier plans and will only be realised if the collaborative and partnership working continues with a number of stakeholders including Flintshire County Council, Holywell Business Group, Community Organisations, Cadwyn Clwyd and other groups. The Council reviewed its committee structure and terms of reference at the Annual Meeting in May 2019. Each of the listed projects are sponsored by one of the committees and its members. Notable key projects which feature include the depedestrianisation of Holywell High Street, the reopening of the former Holywell Junction Railway Station which closed in 1964, the installation of a community events area in Tower Gardens and the installation of gateway signs along the main road routes into the town centre.

- 1 -

Political and Demographic Information

The Holywell Community is the main residential area in the West Delyn district of Flintshire, with the local population in the region of 12,000. The area is steeped in history with the Town Centre home to the oldest High Street in Flintshire. There are also key tourism attractions which thousands of people visit each year, such as St. Winefride’s Holy Well, Greenfield Valley Heritage Park and the Greenfield Docks leading to the Wales Costal Path.

The Community is split into four electoral wards Holywell Central, Holywell East; Holywell Greenfield and Holywell West. There are fifteen town councillors elected across these four wards. Each ward also has an elected County Councillor meaning the community is also served by four County Councillors as part of the County’s political structure.

The Town Council’s Offices are located at 12-14 Bank Place, Holywell, CH8 7TJ Telephone: (01352) 711757, Email: [email protected]. The office opening hours are 9.00am to 1.00pm.

- 2 -

Electoral Wards of the Holywell Community

HOLYWELL EAST

- 3 -

Council Members

Name Post Held Ward Rosetta Dolphin * Councillor Greenfield Susan Johnson Councillor Greenfield Kenny Roberts Councillor Greenfield G. Barry Scragg Councillor Greenfield Sheena E. Wallbanks Councillor Greenfield Michael Brooke Councillor Holywell Central Edward B. Palmer * Councillor Holywell Central M. Dolores Phelan Councillor Holywell Central Karin Davies Councillor Holywell East Ian Hodge Councillor Holywell East Joseph M. Johnson * Councillor Holywell East Lynda A. Carter Councillor Holywell West Aidan Coleman Councillor Holywell West Paul A. Johnson * Councillor Holywell West Peter A. York Councillor Holywell West Emilia James Youth Councillor All Seren Wynne Youth Councillor All * also a County Councillor for the stated electoral ward

Council Staff Name Post Held Jason Baker Town Clerk and Financial Officer Martin G. Fearnley Projects & Development Officer Collette S. Lowry Support Officer

- 4 -

Committee Structure

The Council meet on the third Tuesday of every month with the exception of the August recess period. Special Council meetings and Committee meetings can also be called as and when required to deal with a particular matter or series of matters as and when the need arises. The Mayor is an ex-officio member of all Committees. The Council also form Working Groups as the need arises through the year which involve selected members of the Council.

Committee Framework

CHAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

COUNCIL OFFICES & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

EVENTS COMMITTEE

FINANCE & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

TOWN CENTRE COMMITTEE

TRANSPORT & LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

- 5 -

Strategic Objective

“Engage with key stakeholders and the local community to develop and actively promote the town and wider area as a high-quality visitor destination and a place to live, work and shop. Make full use of the unique heritage and tourism opportunities that exist within its area.”

- 6 -

Key Priorities

1 - Linking the town with Greenfield Valley, Greenfield Dock, Wales Coast Path and Heritage Park, Greenfield Business Park and Industrial Estate and the Holy Well. Initial suggestions include a main railway line train station at Greenfield, cycle path from the coast path, shuttle and community bus services and a land train, encompassing active travel arrangements.

2 - Establishing Holywell as a quality visitor destination and premier town centre events venue, including a covered events area over Tower Gardens. Setting up of community tourist information points and arrangements for leaflet distribution to them.

3 - Maintaining the provision of assets including public toilets in the town and ensuring adequate space at agreed locations for car parking, including some electric car charging points.

4 - Regenerate the Holywell and Greenfield communities with particular emphasis on the town centre, and Flintshire County Council's Local Development Plan.

5 - Co-ordinated joint working between the County Council, Town Council and the newly constituted Holywell Town Partnership. Improve and develop community engagement.

6 - Maintain other service priorities such as grants, contributions, health and safety, governance, finance and business processes and facilities management.

- 7 -

TRANSPORT LINKS ➢ Greenfield Railway Station Strategic Vision ➢ Land Train, Shuttle Bus and Community Bus QUALITY VISITOR DESTINATION Transport ➢ Tower Gardens Covered Events Area Links ➢ Museum ➢ A55 and Gateway Signs ➢ Tourist Information Points Maintain Core Quality COMMUNITY ASSET TRANSFER Visitor Service ➢ Public Toilets Destination Provision Engage with stakeholders ➢ Open Spaces – Gardens, Woodlands and the local community to develop and promote REGENERATION the town and wider area as a high quality visitor ➢ Encourage stallholder attendance and diversity destination and a place at the town’s weekly market to live, work & shop. Make use of the unique ➢ Establish pop up shops heritage and tourism ➢ Enhanced town centre features Coordinated opportunities that exist ➢ Car Parking/Car Charging Points Joint Community ➢ Water Refill Stations Working Asset With Transfer COORDINATED JOINT WORKING WITH PARTNERS Partners ➢ Flintshire County Council, Town Centre Partnership, Business Sub Group, Events Sub Group, Local MP/AM Regeneration MAINTAIN CORE SERVICE PROVISION

➢ CCTV Services in the town centre ➢ Grants and Contributions – Play Equipment and Local Organisations ➢ Support for Play Schemes - 8 -

Destination Holywell 1 Greenfield Docks

2 Holywell & Greenfield Area Railway Station

3 Greenfield Valley

4 St Winefride's Holy Well

5 Holywell Town Centre

6 Pen Y Ball Hillside

- 9 -

Financial Resources – Budget 2019/20 (Subject to Annual Review)

Cost Centre £ Detail £ Summary Income Local Taxation Precept (243,000) Total Income (243,000)

Expenditure Establishment 86,950 Elections 2,500 Public Works Loans Board 6,667 Council Offices 24,473 Community 3,750 Civic 4,520 Grants / Donations 7,850 Members 1,000 Litter Bins 1,000 Events 8,590 Well Inn Music Festival 10,000 Play Areas/Play Schemes 18,080 Wales In Bloom 6,140 Christmas Lights 20,000 Woodland 1,605 CCTV 19,355 Community Asset Transfer 520 Contribution - Holywell Leisure Centre 20,000 243,000

Variance (Expenditure Less Income) 0

- 10 -

Operational Plan

Linking the town with Greenfield Valley, Greenfield Dock, Wales Coast Path and Heritage Park, Greenfield Business Park and Key Priority Industrial Estate and the Holy Well. Initial suggestions include a main railway line train station at Greenfield, cycle path from the 1 coast path, shuttle and community bus services and a land train, encompassing active travel arrangements. Priority: Environment Link To Sub Priority: Transport Infrastructure and Services Impact: Safely accessing employment, local services and facilities FCC Plan Sub Priority: Sustainable Development & Environmental Management Impact: Protecting our local environment

Key Tasks Reporting Committee Timeframe Budgetary Resources On Target

1.1 Reopening of Holywell Junction railway station to Transport & Local Year 3 Nil serve the residents of Holywell, Greenfield and the Development ⚫ surrounding villages of West Flintshire Committee 1.2 Develop the active travel routes between the Transport & Local Year 3 Nil

coastal path, Greenfield Valley and town centre Development ⚫ Committee 1.3 Support the review of bus networks and routes Transport & Local Year 1 Nil

serving the Holywell and Greenfield communities Development ⚫ Committee 1.4 Develop the Greenfield Dock and coastal path and Transport & Local Year 2 Nil

explore enhanced features such as water refill Development ⚫ stations and a trim trail Committee 1.5 Support the St James Church Project to deliver a Transport & Local Year 1 Nil

useable asset for the community Development ⚫ Committee

- 11 -

Operational Plan

Establishing Holywell as a quality visitor destination and premier town centre events venue, including a covered events area Key Priority over Tower Gardens. Setting up of community tourist information points and arrangements for leaflet distribution to them. 2 Priority: Economy and Enterprise Link To Sub Priority: Business Sector Growth & Regeneration Impact: Growing the economy and creating jobs FCC Plan

Key Tasks Reporting Committee Timeframe Budgetary Resources On Target

2.1 Install covered events area incorporating stage and Events Committee Year 1 Nil – Financed through parasols in Tower Gardens, to enhance the town loan facility ⚫ centre events programme 2.2 Support the proposed occupant with the Town Centre Year 1 Nil

development and opening of a museum/hub on Committee ⚫ the High Street 2.3 Install Gateway Signs along the six main road Transport & Local Year 1 Nil – Financed through

routes into Holywell. Development loan facility or grant ⚫ Committee application 2.4 Install Tourist Information Points in the town Town Centre Year 2 Nil

centre Committee ⚫ 2.5 Install finger post signs at strategic locations across Transport & Local Year 2 Nil the Holywell community Development Comm. ⚫ 2.6 Research Blue Disc Heritage Plaques for town Town Centre Year 2 Nil

centre installation on prominent buildings Committee ⚫ 2.7 Consider a commemorative event and/or asset Events Committee Year 3 Nil installation to mark the Town Council’s 50th ⚫ Anniversary (in April 2024) and facilitate some ideas for the future Council

- 12 -

Operational Plan

Maintaining the provision of assets including public toilets in the town and ensuring adequate space at agreed locations for car Key Priority parking, including some electric car charging points. 3 Priority: Environment Link To Sub Priority: Transport Infrastructure and Services Impact: Safely accessing employment, local services and facilities FCC Plan Sub Priority: Sustainable Development & Environmental Management Impact: Protecting our local environment

Key Tasks Reporting Committee Timeframe Budgetary Resources On Target

3.1 Evaluate the town centre public toilets provision Town Centre Year 2 Legacy funding, and baby change facilities in conjunction with Committee possible future base ⚫ Flintshire County Council budget item 3.2 Evaluate the car parking requirements of the town Town Centre Year 2 Nil

centre in conjunction with Flintshire County Committee ⚫ Council 3.3 Investigate water refill station provision in the Local Environment Year 1 Nil, Grant funding

town as part of the Council’s plastic free policy and Committee application required ⚫ campaign 3.4 Install bottle bank recycling station in town centre Local Environment Year 1 Nil, Grant funding

in the theme of fish sculpture or similar Committee application required ⚫

3.5 Install Outdoor Gym/Fitness Equipment in Fron Town Centre Year 1 Nil

Park to include accessibility for all groups Committee ⚫

3.6 Review the location of all electoral polling stations Transport & Local Year 1 Not applicable operating in the four wards of the Holywell Development ⚫ Community Committee

- 13 -

Operational Plan

Regenerate the Holywell and Greenfield communities with particular emphasis on the town centre, and Flintshire County Key Priority Council's Local Development Plan. 4 Priority: Economy and Enterprise Link To Sub Priority: Business Sector Growth & Regeneration Impact: Growing the economy and creating jobs FCC Plan

Key Tasks Reporting Committee Timeframe Budgetary Resources On Target

4.1 Research the establishment of pop up shops to fill Town Centre Year 1 Nil vacant premises in conjunction with FCC Committee ⚫ Regeneration Team 4.2 Review the market provision in the town as Town Centre Year 1 Income from traders if

required, in conjunction with FCC Regeneration Committee brought in-house ⚫ Team 4.3 Research and develop a refurbishment/ Transport & Local Year 3 Nil – Grant

improvement programme for community centres Development Opportunities ⚫ located in the town centre and residential estates Committee 4.4 Undertake a play area condition survey to inform Transport & Local Year 2 Base Budget/Grant

the council’s future investment strategy for the Development Opportunities/Match ⚫ next 3 years Committee Fund Scheme 4.5 Install community noticeboards in key areas of the Council Offices & Year 2 Nil

residential estates of the Holywell community Communications ⚫ Committee 4.6 Investigate and encourage tenants and residents Transport & Local Year 2 Nil associations and their viability across the Holywell Development ⚫ communities Committee

- 14 -

Operational Plan

Co-ordinated joint working between the County Council, Town Council and the newly constituted Holywell Town Partnership. Key Priority Improve and develop community engagement. 5 Priority: Modern and Efficient Council Link To Sub Priority: Developing Communities Impact: Supporting communities to become resilient FCC Plan Sub Priority: Improving Resource Management Impact: Front line services are efficiently and effectively supported

Key Tasks Reporting Committee Timeframe Budgetary Resources On Target

5.1 Continue partnership working with FCC Town Centre Ongoing Nil Departments to include a mapping exercise Committee ⚫ identifying key assets and features across the community, and other initiatives affecting the residential estates. 5.2 Consider developing tourism opportunities Events Committee Year 2 Nil

including liaison with coach operators, a leaflet and ⚫ what’s on guide. 5.3 Consider the existing arrangements for Town Centre Year 1 £100,000 contribution

pedestrianisation within the town centre high Committee ⚫ street 5.4 Development of initiatives in conjunction with Full Council Ongoing Nil

Youth Councillors to engage the younger ⚫ community 5.5 Introduce a Time Banking scheme for local Local Environment Year 3 Nil residents/community groups Committee ⚫

5.6 Consider additional staffing resources to undertake Finance & Resources Year 3 Nil – base budget operational community duties Committee addition ⚫

- 15 -

Operational Plan

Maintain other service priorities such as grants, contributions, health and safety, governance, finance and business processes Key Priority and facilities management. 6 Priority: Economy and Enterprise Link To Sub Priority: Business Sector Growth & Regeneration Impact: Growing the economy and creating jobs FCC Plan Priority: Safe Communities Sub-Priority: Community Safety Impact: Keeping people and communities safe Priority: Modern and Efficient Council Sub Priority: Developing Communities Impact: Supporting communities to become resilient Sub Priority: Improving Resource Management Impact: Front line services are efficiently and effectively supported Key Tasks Reporting Committee Timeframe Budgetary Resources On Target

6.1 Maintain and review existing service contracts for Full Council Ongoing Base Budget

CCTV, Play Areas/Schemes, Christmas Lighting and ⚫ Wales in Bloom 6.2 Consider grants and donations as part of the twice- Full Council Ongoing Base Budget

yearly review of applications ⚫ 6.3 Maintain the running of the Council Offices Council Offices & Ongoing Base Budget building and facilities Communications ⚫ Committee 6.4 Develop new Council website and maintain social Council Offices & Year 1 Base Budget media channels Communications ⚫ Committee

- 16 -