WISBECH TOWN COUNCIL 16 December 2019 – 7.30Pm

WISBECH TOWN COUNCIL

16 December 2019 – 7.30pm

MINUTES OF MEETING

Present: Councillor Hill, Chairman (and Town Mayor); Councillors Balsevics, Miss Hoy, Human, Ketteringham, Lynn, Maul, Mrs Pehlivanova, Prest, Rackley, Tibbs, Tierney, Topgood and Mrs Wallwork.

Apologies: Councillors Meekins, Oliver and Patrick.

Public participation: None requested.

111/19 Remembrance

Councillor Tierney reminded members that six years ago it had been agreed that Wisbech Town Council would use its December meeting each year to stand for one minute’s silence to remember those who had died during the year. He made the point that members would be standing in silence for those whose names are well-known to many but also for those who, while not famous or well- known, are nonetheless sadly missed by those who knew and loved them.

Councillor Tierney had produced a list of those to be remembered, which he read to council and consisted of the following:

Irv Williams (American jazz saxophonist), James Ingrams (soul singer), Peter Tork (singer with the band The Monkees), Andre Previn (German composer), Keith Flint (singer with the band The Prodigy), Scott Walker (of the Walker Brothers), Ranking Roger (Ska and Two Tone legend), Boon Gould (of the band Level 42), LaShawn Daniels (songwriter and producer), Ric Ocasek (frontman of the band The Cars), Andy Anderson (drummer of the band The Cure), Cadet (British rapper), Eddie Money (singer-songwriter), Windsor Davies (actor, most famous for his appearances in the TV series “It Ain’t Half Hot Mum”), Jeremy Hardy (comedian), Clive Swift (actor), Albert Finney (actor), Luke Perry (actor), Peter Mayhew (actor who played the role of Chewbacca in Star Wars films), Freddie Starr (comedian), Andrew Hall (actor), Paul Darrow (actor, appeared in TV series Blakes 7), Rip Torn (actor), Freddie Jones (actor), Leah Bracknell (actor, best known for roles in Emmerdale), Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner and action star), Peter Fonda (actor), Dick Miller (actor), Jan-Michael Vincent (actor, who played the role of Stringfellow Hawke in the US TV series Airwolf), Brendan Grace (actor, who appeared in the TV series Father Ted), Doris Day (actor and Hollywood icon), Gordon Banks (England’s World Cup goalkeeper), Moondog Rex (American professional wrestler), Niki Lauda (Formula One motor racing legend), Peter Sissons (TV newsreader), Ginger Baker (drummer, most famously with the band Cream), Tommy Smith (Liverpool football legend), Gary Rhodes (chef), David Bellamy (English environmental activist and broadcaster), Brian Walden (broadcaster and former Labour MP), Gloria Vanderbilt (US fashion icon), Jose Antonio Reyes (ex- Arsenal striker), Harold 'Hal' Prince (known as the "King of the Broadway musical"), Toni Morrison (Nobel Prize winner who was the first black woman to receive the prize for literature in 1993), Jacques Chirac (former French president), Marieke Vervoort (Belgian paralympian), Terry O'Neill (photographer), Clive James (critic and broadcaster), Irving Burgie (co-writer of the Harry Belafonte hit “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)”, Grumpy Cat (Internet hero), Judith Kerr (author who wrote “The Tiger Who Came To Tea”), Michel Legrand (music composer), Carol Channing (Broadway star), “Boo” (the world’s cutest dog), Karl Lagerfeld (fashion designer), Mike Thalassitis, (footballer and Love Island star).

Councillor Tierney made the point that this is not a complete or exhaustive list and for any people who may have been missed, it was certainly not intentional and the council’s minute’s silence includes those un-named as well as those named. 72

Councillor Tierney commented that the council would also be standing in silence for those local people who had passed away during the year, including those whose family members or friends had asked the council to mention, as follows: David Williamson.

All of those present at the meeting stood in silence for one minute for all of those people who had passed away during the year, remembering that each and every individual who is no longer with us, whether they died through natural causes or otherwise, is a loss to us all.

112/19 Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Although no officer of Cambridgeshire Constabulary attended the meeting, the Constabulary had provided to the Clerk, via e-mail, the new Fenland Neighbourhood Policing Team Monthly Review report (minute 4/18 refers) on recent incidents of crime and disorder and other matters in Wisbech and the northern villages in Fenland. The Clerk summarised briefly the report.

The report mentions that the Neighbourhood Policing Team’s priorities over the last month had been:

1. officer patrols, as a means of continuing to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), in the town centre 2. tackling cycle thefts.

The report mentions that the Neighbourhood Policing Team had continued to develop intelligence regarding the large number of cycle thefts in and around Wisbech and had carried out disruption visits to known offenders and associates. An event had taken place at the Horsefair Shopping Centre, with Fenland Volunteer Police Cadets, to provide information to the public about registering their cycles with Immobilise and offering security advice; in addition, signs had been located in “hotspot” locations, reminding people to lock-up their cycles.

Mention is made in the report that there had been a force-wide campaign, which had operated between 20 and 22 November 2019, named Operation Astragal. The campaign had been in relation to Road Safety Week; vehicles had been stopped for traffic offences such as speeding, drink and drug driving, using mobiles phones etc. The campaign had been a success, with positive responses not only direct the public but also via posts on social media.

Comment is made in the report that youth-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) is still an ongoing priority for the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT); however, a large increase in high visibility patrols had helped to reduce the impact of the groups in Wisbech. There had been a reduction in calls for service in respect of youth-related ASB. The 3 Community Protection Warnings (CPW) which had been issued to the main perpetrators appear to have had a positive impact upon the whole; however, one youth breached the conditions of his CPW, which had resulted in a Community Protection Notice being issued. There is work ongoing in the background around ASB legislation being implemented to those causing the highest harm. NPT officers had been present during the council’s Christmas lights switch on event, and patrolled the town centre along with other youth- related ASB “hotspots”. There had been no youth-related ASB issues during the event.

The report mentions that PCs within the NPT had visited local businesses around the town centre to offer advice regarding shoplifting in the lead-up to Christmas.

The NPT for Wisbech had welcomed two new members during the first week of December 2019 and these officers are now “getting up to speed” with the way that things work. The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant comments that the plan is to utilise the number of staff to add to the visibility of the team out in the community. There will be a further increase in staff in the New Year, for which a recruitment process is underway.

Members decided that the situation be noted.

113/19 Fenland District Council

(1) Information

The Clerk reported that information in respect of CCTV performance, Section 106 Planning Obligations details and the council’s Environment newsletter, had been forwarded, last week by e-mail, to all members of the council.

Members decided that the situation be noted.

(2) Littering Enforcement Contract

Members received a presentation from Miss C Pilson and Mrs A Tighe, officers of Fenland District Council, for the purposes of updating Wisbech Town Council on the District Council’s littering enforcement contract, operated currently by Kingdom, and informing the Town Council of the potential next steps in that regard.

Miss Pilson informed the council that Kingdom may no longer be operating the littering enforcement contact after the end of January 2020 and, consequently, there had been discussions between officers of the District Council and members of its Cabinet as to what actions could be taken to facilitate continuance of litter enforcement across the district in the future. She mentioned that the current contractual arrangement is cost-neutral to Fenland District Council, as Kingdom’s work is funded through the fines that it levies.

The council was informed by Miss Pilson that Fenland District Council wishes to take into account the views of the Town Councils in Fenland in the design of arrangements for the future delivery of this service and, consequently, she invited members to give their opinions.

Councillor Tierney expressed the opinion, based upon what he heard from members of the public, that the majority of people are happy with the current arrangements but a few outspoken residents of the town had expressed the opinion that not enough is being done to tackle littering. He commented that he would like to see Fenland District Council deliver the enforcement service “in-house” – not use contractors – and linked, if implemented, to Civil Parking Enforcement. He expressed the belief that the District Council would still be able to operate this as a cost-neutral service; in fact, perhaps the District Council would be able to “bundle together” a number of enforcement activities, such as street drinking, anti-social behaviour, licensing, littering, dog fouling and on-street parking issues.

Councillor Human expressed the opinion that the public simply wish to see litter-free streets; they have no preferences as to how that would be achieved.

Councillor Lynn stated his concurrence with the comments which had been made by Councillor Tierney and suggested that perhaps there could be an arrangement whereby the Town Council would provide funding towards the cost of the enforcement arrangement and, in return, receive a share of the fines levied. However, he would like to see the primary way of tackling littering to be by way of educating the public; this would be followed by enforcement where necessary.

Councillor Miss Hoy expressed the opinion that it may be difficult to achieve a cost-neutral service if operated in-house by the District Council; one of the issues which had been experienced by the current contractor is achieving the payment of fines. She commented that she is supportive of some joined-up enforcement activity but careful consideration would need to be given as to which enforcement services were included in the “package”. 74

Councillor Mrs Wallwork commented that she agrees with all of the comments which had been made by other members; what the community needs is a regular (daily) consistent approach to littering enforcement; not occasional visits (say, once weekly) by the “enforcers”.

Miss Pilson informed the council that the next steps in this process would be for the District Council to produce some options for future delivery of enforcement activities and then to consult Town Councils again (early in the New Year) on those options.

Councillor Miss Hoy enquired as to whether it would be possible for the Town Council to, once again, have a Fenland District Council “link officer”; a member of the Corporate Management Team who would attend meetings of the Town Council on a scheduled basis (say, quarterly). Miss Pilson undertook to investigate the matter.

Councillor Tierney commented that he likes the idea of Town and Parish Councils being able to pay for an enhanced enforcement service, provided that those councils would be able to have a say in determining the enhancements.

Miss Pilson informed the council that Wisbech is the last of the four Town Councils in Fenland to be visited/consulted in relation to this matter and she gave an assurance that, in producing the options for future delivery of this service, the District Council would take into account the specific local priorities of each town.

Mrs Tighe mentioned the District Council’s existing Street Scene service and the activities that it undertakes.

Members decided that the information presented be noted and that the comments recorded above form the response of Wisbech Town Council in relation to the future of the littering enforcement service.

(3) Rough Sleeper Strategy Workshop

Members considered the selection of a member to represent Wisbech Town Council at the District Council’s Rough Sleeper Strategy Workshop, which is scheduled to take place on 6 January 2020, between 9.00 am and 12.30 pm at the Boathouse in Wisbech.

Members decided, on the proposal of Councillor Tierney, seconded by Councillor Rackley, that Councillor Lynn be selected to represent Wisbech Town Council at the District Council’s Rough Sleeper Strategy Workshop.

114/19 Cambridgeshire County Council

(1) Local Highway Improvement schemes 2019/20

Cherry Road, Wisbech

Further to minute 101/19 (1), Councillor Tierney informed members that the intended meeting with local residents regarding the proposed Local Highway Improvement (LHI) scheme for Cherry Road had still not taken place. However, he is of the opinion that, because of the change in the entrance point to the Orchards Academy since the LHI application had been submitted by Wisbech Town Council to the County Council, the scheme as designed is no longer necessary. This opinion was shared by other members.

Members decided, on the proposal of Councillor Tierney, seconded by Councillor Balsevics, that the council would withdraw this Local Highway Improvement scheme.

Station Drive, Wisbech

Further to minute 43/19 (1), members considered whether to continue with the proposed Local Highway Improvement scheme for the implementation of parking restrictions at the junction of Station Drive and Victoria Road, Wisbech.

Councillor Miss Hoy had expressed her concern to the relevant officers of the County Council regarding the detrimental impact that implementation of the scheme as designed would have upon some of the local residents (on Victoria Road) because of the loss of on-street car parking that would result from the laying of double yellow lines. She also expressed the opinion that the issue which this scheme had been designed to address may no longer exist.

Members decided, on the proposal of Councillor Miss Hoy, seconded by Councillor Human, that the council would withdraw this Local Highway Improvement scheme.

(2) Local Highway Improvement schemes 2020/21

South Brink, Wisbech

Further to minute 101/19 (2), Councillor Tierney informed members that he had undertaken some consultation (via newsletter) with residents but the process is not yet complete. However, to date, he had received no responses from members of the public. He suggested to council, and members agreed, that residents be given until the New Year to respond to Councillor Tierney’s consultation; following that, a decision would be taken by the council as to the future of this scheme.

Members decided that the update from Councillor Tierney be noted.

North Brink, Wisbech

Further to minute 101/19 (2), members considered a revised Project Feasibility Summary report, which had been prepared by an officer of the Local Highway Authority (LHA), to include possible revisions to the scheme considered previously (at minute 101/19 (2)), which had resulted from discussions involving Councillor Oliver, the Clerk and an officer of the LHA. A copy of this revised report had been circulated to members, by the Clerk, in advance of the meeting.

The estimated cost of the revised scheme for North Brink is £21,801.38, to which the contribution from Wisbech Town Council would be £6,801.38 (32.1% of the cost of the scheme). The estimated cost of the previous design is £15,772.94, to which the contribution from Wisbech Town Council would be £1,577.29 (10% of the cost of the scheme).

Members decided, on the proposal of Councillor Miss Hoy, seconded by Councillor Human, that, because of the increase in cost of this latest version of the scheme, the council would proceed with the original version.

115/19 Membership of Committees

The Clerk reported the resignation of Councillor Meekins from membership of the Community Events and Festivals Committee and he invited members to appoint another councillor to fill the resultant vacancy.

Members decided, unanimously, on the proposal of Councillor Lynn, seconded by Councillor Human, that Councillor Prest be appointed to membership of the Community Events and Festivals Committee.

116/19 Minutes of the Town Council meeting of 18 November 2019

Members decided, on the proposal of Councillor Prest, seconded by Councillor Lynn, that the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 18 November 2019 be confirmed and signed.

117/19 Minutes of Committees

Members received, for information, the minutes of committee meetings held since the last meeting of the Town Council, as follows:

(1) Planning and Community Infrastructure Committee – 18 November 2019 (2) Policy and Resources Committee – 25 November 2019 (3) Planning and Community Infrastructure Committee – 2 December 2019 (4) Wisbech Market Place Management Committee – 9 December 2019.

Members decided that the contents of these minutes, including the decisions made by the committees, be noted.

118/19 Mayor’s Report

The Mayor informed members that he had attended 19 events since the last meeting of Wisbech Town Council; he had travelled a total of 111 miles to attend those events.

The Mayor commented that although all of these events had been both successful and enjoyable, he had particularly enjoyed a pantomime which had been organised by New Beginnings (a company which provides care services for elderly people) and a rehearsal performance of a Rock Concert which had been performed by pupils of the Thomas Clarkson Academy. With regard to the latter event, the Mayor mentioned that the cast of the concert numbers 230 pupils and he recommends that members of the council book tickets for the concert.

Members were informed by the Mayor of his pleasure at the success of his Civic Service yesterday, which had achieved a good level of attendance by councillors, civic dignitaries and members of the public; he commented that all attendees seemed to enjoy the event.

The Mayor wished everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year.

Members decided that the information reported by the Mayor be noted.

119/19 Leader of the Council’s report

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Miss Hoy, commented that, given that each of the council’s Committee Chairmen would be providing an update, at minute 120/19, on the work of their respective committees, she would not be providing a general update on the council’s activity at this meeting.

Councillor Miss Hoy commented that she would take the opportunity, with this being the final meeting of Wisbech Town Council of the calendar year, to thank members for their input into council business during 2019. In addition, she expressed her appreciation of the work and dedication of the council’s staff team during 2019; it had not been an easy year for staff, particularly with the re- structuring exercises which had taken place during the year and the resultant level of vacancies.

Members decided that the comments of the Leader of the Council be noted.

120/19 Committee Chairmen’s reports

Community Events and Festivals Committee

Councillor Miss Hoy, the Chairman of the Community Events and Festivals Committee, informed members that the council had already delivered a number of community events and festivals so far this year; the most recent event had been the Christmas lights switch-on (on 24 November on the Market Place). This had been extremely successful; in Councillor Miss Hoy’s opinion, probably the best switch-on event to date.

Councillor Miss Hoy commented that, as she had mentioned at the last couple of meetings of the council, the Town Council is, again, running the Wisbech Unsung Heroes Awards, with the support of the Fenland Citizen newspaper. The aim of the awards is to recognize those townspeople who go the extra mile for the local community. Nominations opened on 16 October 2019 and closed on 4 December 2019. The members of the Community Events and Festivals Working Party would meet on 6 January 2020 to consider the nominations received. The awards ceremony is now scheduled for 24 January; further details would be provided to members in due course.

Members were informed by Councillor Miss Hoy that, at the next meeting of the Community Events and Festivals Committee, on 27 January 2019, members would agree a programme for 2020/21.

Councillor Miss Hoy commented that members would have seen, from the minutes of the last meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, that Wisbech Town Council would be acquiring, free-of-charge, from Peterborough City Council, an aluminium Christmas tree (of 10 metres in height), which is surplus to that council’s requirements. The Clerk had signed the necessary transfer of ownership documentation, achieved supply and delivery of the required storage and arranged for delivery of the tree.

Councillor Tierney congratulated Councillor Miss Hoy on the result of her discussions with officers of Peterborough City Council in achieving acquisition, free-of-charge, of the aluminium Christmas tree; an asset which, when purchased, only a few years ago by Peterborough City Council, had a purchase price of £70,000.

Members decided that the information reported by the Chairman of the Community Events and Festivals Committee be noted. Policy and Resources Committee

On behalf of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Oliver (who had been unable to attend this meeting), Councillor Miss Hoy informed members that the Policy and Resources Committee had agreed, at its meeting on 25 November 2019, a draft budget for the financial year 2020/21, which requires no increase in Precept for householders in Wisbech for that financial year.

Unless there is some change in circumstances which would necessitate revisions to any of the income or expenditure figures within that budget, the draft budget would be referred to 20 January 2020 meeting of Wisbech Town Council without further consideration by the Policy and Resources Committee.

Members were informed by Councillor Miss Hoy that Wisbech Town Council underwent, last week, its mid-year internal audit, with the second part taking place in May of next year. The Policy and Resources Committee would be discussing that matter at its next meeting (on 6 January 2020). From comments made by the internal auditor whilst here at the Town Hall, the Clerk is anticipating that the outcome of the mid-year audit would be very positive.

Members decided that the information reported on behalf of the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee be noted.

Staffing Committee

Councillor Mrs Wallwork, the Chairman of the Staffing Committee, informed members that the Staffing Committee only meets on a “when necessary” basis. The most recent meeting of the committee had taken place on 9 October 2019, for the purpose of producing a new staffing structure, in the light of the resignation of the holder of the post of Operations and Assets Officer (minute S4/19 refers).

Members were reminded by Councillor Mrs Wallwork that the committee had decided, in summary, at minute S4/19, that

(1) the post of Operations and Assets Officer (30 hours per week) be re-designed to a post of Assets Officer (18 hours per week); (2) a new post of Customer Services and Liaison Officer (25 hours per week) be created; (3) the situation be kept under review for a period of six months for the Clerk to assess whether the new staffing arrangement provides to be efficient and effective in terms of the necessary service delivery; the Clerk would report back to this committee at the conclusion of the review period. Councillor Mrs Wallwork informed members that since that time, the Clerk had undertaken recruitment processes in relation to these two posts. The successful candidate for the post of Customer Services and Liaison Officer would begin employment with Wisbech Town Council, at a date still to be agreed, early in the New Year. With regard to the post of Assets Officer, an offer of employment had been made but it had been declined by the applicant. Further action would be taken by the Clerk in an attempt to recruit to the post very soon.

Members were informed by Councillor Mrs Wallwork that the Clerk continues to look for relevant training and learning opportunities for the council’s staff, so that they remain best placed to deliver efficient and effective service for both the council and the local community. Over recent months, the Clerk had attended training on Making Every Conversation Count and Safeguarding of Migrant Communities.

Councillor Mrs Wallwork commented that 2019 has not been an easy year for staff; with, firstly, the resignation of the council’s Operations Manager (in May 2019) and, then, the council’s Assets Supervisor (in September 2019). This had placed considerable pressure upon the council’s other two staff - the Clerk and the Administrative Services and Civics Officer - in continuing to deliver the council’s services despite the vacancies. She asked that the council places on record its appreciation of the service provided to the council during 2019 by these two committed and dedicated officers. In addition, she expressed her “massive thanks” personally to the Clerk.

Members decided that the information reported to the Chairman of the Staffing Committee be noted.

Assets Management Committee

Councillor Tibbs, Chairman of the Assets Management Committee, informed members that there is little activity currently in terms of the work of this committee because of the lack of staffing resource at the Town Council. However, work is in hand to recruit to the vacant Assets Officer post.

The committee is, however, committed to both maintaining and enhancing its assets – allotments, public toilets, the car parking area to the rear of the Queen Mary Centre and the Town Hall.

Members decided that the information reported to the Chairman of the Assets Management Committee be noted.

Wisbech Castle Management Committee

Councillor Tierney, Chairman of the Wisbech Castle Management Committee, informed members that, since his last update to the council, it had been a very busy period at Wisbech Castle. During most of October the volunteers had worked hard with the preparations for the Halloween Event, Castle of Nightmares; as with the 2018 event, the 2019 event had been a sell-out. For the second year running the event received rave reviews and had been a huge success that made a healthy profit for the council. The Saturday (2 November) Halloween Fun Day, for families had been beset by terrible weather and, consequently, needed to be “slimmed-down” a little; it did still take place and was very well attended and enjoyed.

The private hires continue to increase and visits by community groups continue also. In November, Wisbech Castle hosted an Archaeology day with the Wisbech Junior Archaeology Group. In December the café had been decorated for the council’s Christmas Lights switch-on event (on 24 November) - the café did a swift trade on that day - and volunteers prepared for the Wisbech Castle Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Castle event, on the day of the Christmas Fayre (8 December). This too had been very successful, with people queuing out of the gate for the entire day; families enjoyed the rather unusual adventure-style grotto.

Councillor Tierney informed members that throughout the period the Castle had continued to open for free public tours and that the café opens every Saturday and Sunday afternoon – barring some special events – for visitors and passers-by.

Members were informed by Councillor Tierney that he had pledged to try to work for the Castle to be cost-neutral within a few years. Last year, the annual expenditure budget had been reduced from the level of the previous year; this year it is proposed that it be reduced further. Wisbech Castle income is increasing, the budgetary assistance that is required is decreasing, and the aim is to eventually have the Castle pay entirely for itself.

Councillor Tierney informed members that the volunteers are excited to have many enquiries for next year, including two weddings, a hire for the whole of the school summer holiday period and ever-increasing ghost hunts. He commented that members may see national media coverage if news of the most recent ghost hunt gets out – as there was reportedly some quite dramatic supernatural happenings.

Councillor Tierney expressed his gratitude to Councillors Ketteringham and Topgood for being truly amazing in what they do for the Castle. He also thanked Tony Bennett, Amanda Scott, Councillor Miss Hoy, Councillor Tibbs, Councillor Mrs Wallwork, Roger and Pam Rawson, Chris Glover, Callum

Barraclough, Councillor Rackley, Councillor Lynn, David Gutteridge, Jamie and Lukas Edwards, Councillor Prest, Cameron Fraser and all the other wonderful volunteers for continuing to give so much time, energy and love to Wisbech Castle.

Members were informed by Councillor Tierney that Wisbech Castle is now closed for the year and would re-open to the public, after some maintenance and cleaning, in February 2020.

Members decided that the information reported by the Chairman of the Wisbech Castle Management Committee be noted.

Planning and Community Infrastructure Committee

Councillor Prest, the Chairman of the Planning and Community Infrastructure Committee, informed members that he had nothing to report to them at this time.

Members decided that the situation be noted.

Wisbech Market Place Management Committee

Councillor Lynn, the Chairman of the Wisbech Market Place Management Committee, informed members that work is continuing, in liaison with the Local Highway Authority, to achieve new traffic management arrangements in and around the Market Place. He summarised briefly the discussion which had taken place at 9 December 2019 meeting of the committee in relation to this matter (minute M13/19 refers).

Members were updated by Councillor Lynn on the current situation with regard to the new electrical system on the Market Place; in summary, the electrical installations had taken place on 19 November 2019 and the fabrication of the new lids for those installations is underway.

Councillor Lynn thanked Terry Jordan, the Town Clerk, for his work in supporting delivery of this committee’s projects and ambitions; without that support, significantly less progress would have been achieved.

Members decided that the information reported by the Chairman of the Wisbech Market Place Management Committee be noted.

121/19 Correspondence

Cambridgeshire Police Shrievalty Trust (The Bobby Scheme)

The Clerk read to members a letter from the Manager of the Cambridgeshire Police Shrievalty Trust (The Bobby Scheme), expressing the Trust’s appreciation of the financial support which had been provided by the council (£1,000 from the council’s special grants budget) for the financial year 2019/20 (minute 68/19 refers).

The Manager of the Cambridgeshire Police Shrievalty Trust mentions in the letter that the Bobby Scheme had assisted, since its creation in 2001, in excess of 29,000 older people and that, without donations such as the one from this council, this small charity would be unable to continue such activity.

Members decided that the content of the letter be noted.

122/19 Notice board/information update

The Clerk informed members that there are currently no such items in need of reporting to council.

Members decided that the situation be noted.

123/19 Date of next meeting

Members were reminded that the next meeting of Wisbech Town Council is scheduled for 20 January 2020, to commence at 7.30 pm, at the offices of Wisbech Town Council.

Meeting finished at 8.30 pm.

Signed ......

Date ......