To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor R.B.A. Burke, Councillor M.R. Cunningham, Councillor J.G.S. Guthrie, Councillor P.G. Turpin, Councillor A.L. Williams, Mr. G. Jones and Ms. C. Jones for the meeting on 18th October 2006.

Additional apologies were received from Councillor Mrs. S.P.A. Daniels, Councillor R.M. Wilson (Cabinet Member – Resources) and Mr. A. Blackshaw for the reconvened meeting on the 20th October 2006.

To receive details any details of Members nominated to attend the meeting in place of a Member of the Committee.

Councillor B.F. Ashton, Councillor G. Lucas and Mr G. Woodman substituted for Councillor M.R. Cunningham, Councillor J.G.S. Guthrie and Ms C. Jones respectively on 18th October 2006 and at the reconvened meeting on 20th October 2006.

Mr. A. Blackshaw substituted for Mr. G. Jones on 18th October 2006 only.

To receive any declarations of interest by Members in respect of items on the Agenda.

Councillor J.G. Jarvis declared a personal interest in Item 7.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 16th June 2006.

RESOLVED: That the minutes for the meeting held on 16th June 2006 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider suggestions from members of the public on issues the Committee could scrutinise in the future.

No suggestions from members of the public were received.

To report on the available Performance Indicators position and provide information about current performance management work within the Economic and Community Services Division of the Adult and Community Services Directorate.

Members were informed about the available performance indicators position and provided with information about current performance management work within the economic and community services division of the Community Services directorate.

The following are the principle points from the ensuing discussion:

·         In relation to BVPI 178 ‘the percentage of total length of footpaths and public rights of way which were easy to use by members of the public’ a view was expressed that many of the county’s footpaths were in a poor condition and that this should be addressed due to the high number of visitors that they attracted to the county.  The Head of Economic and Community Services agreed that footpaths were an important feature of the County’s tourism attraction and highlighted that £25,000 had been awarded from the Local Transport Plan funding for footpaths and public rights of way.  It was also noted that footpaths were now under the management of the Parks, Countryside and Leisure Development Manager.

·         It was stated that the target for ‘number of working days/shifts lost annually to sickness absence per full time equivalent employee’ needed consideration and that a private sector business would strive for a target much lower than the current target of 9 days per employee per annum.

·         It was noted that the Chamber of Commerce and Advantage West Midlands had assisted with 45 business start up grants which had been awarded.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To consider the Cabinet Members for Community Services and Resources joint decision to relocate Ledbury Tourist Information Centre, which has been called in by three Members of the Committee, namely: Councillor A.C.R. Chappell, Councillor H. Bramer and Councillor J.G. Jarvis.

The Committee considered the joint decision of the Cabinet Members for Community Services and Resources to relocate Ledbury Tourist Information Centre (TIC) which had been called in by three Members of the Committee.

The stated reason for the call-in was: ‘in view of public concern to seek confirmation that appropriate consultation had been carried out about the proposed relocation of the TIC and that the proposal was feasible, financially viable, value for money and the best solution.’

The report to the Cabinet Members setting out the basis for the decision to relocate the TIC from the Homend to the Masters House at St Katherine’s was appended to the report together with the associated decision notice.

The Chairman explained the Scrutiny Committee’s role for the benefit of the public present, emphasising in particular that the Committee did not have the power to take decisions.  Having listened to the evidence presented to it the Committee would decide whether or not to make recommendations to the Cabinet Members, who it would expect to take account of the Committee’s comments in revisiting their decision.  He explained that, as indicated in the report, having heard the evidence presented to it, it was proposed that the Committee would adjourn and reconvene at 12.45 pm on Friday, 20th October, 2006 at the Council’s offices at Brockington, 35 Hafod Road, Hereford.  He made clear that that meeting too would be open to the public.

He outlined the order in which he proposed to invite speakers.  He added that having received a number of questions, covering a range of aspects, from members of the public he did not intend to invite further questions at the meeting.  An answer would be given during the meeting to the principal points raised in the questions which had been received and each person who had submitted a response would receive a written reply in due course.  The principal comments made by each of those invited to speak is set out below.

Natalia Silver, Head of Economic and Community Services

The Head of Economic and Community Services reported that the Council wanted to be in a position to act when the lease of the current TIC premises expired on 31st August, 2007.  The plan was to start work in December/January so that the TIC would be closed during a quieter period.  The importance of the TIC to Herefordshire and to Ledbury was recognised and the Council’s proposals were intended to enhance it.

She said that there were three main reasons for the proposed relocation:

·         The Council rented the current property but owned the Masters House to which it was proposed the TIC should relocate.  The saving on rent and reduced rates amounted to £24,000 pa.

·         The relocation would bring part of the Masters House back into use.  There had been criticism of it in its current, boarded up state.  By using part of it the building would be brought back to life.  Vandalism would also be reduced as a consequence, resulting in a cost  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.