BRAINTREE TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY GROUP MEETING 31st JANUARY
The Way Forward - The Chairman reported that he had contacted both the Witham and Halstead Town Strategy Group Chairmen who confirmed that both Groups would continue under their own steam. The Chairman then approached the parish clerks of Great and Black Notley; however, neither were able to assist the Group in an administrative capacity. A notice had been placed in the Great Notley newsletter and Mr Shiffner had also offered to seek assistance through the Chamber of Trade Bulletin.
Town Map - Peter Tattersley noted that the feasibility of affixing a loop to the base of the Map was still being investigated.
Transport Matters - Simon Taylor reported that he had sent a chaser letter to the County Council regarding the amendment to the Residents' Parking Scheme, however, no response had been received to date. The situation was not helped by a high turnover in staff at the County Council.
Braintree Area Forum
The Chairman reported that he had attended the Forum held on 14th January 2002 and put forward a bid for £1,000 on behalf of the Group towards future administrative assistance. The Head of Environmental Services, Mr Peter Tattersley, noted that bids against next year's budget would not yet be considered by the Forum and a decision had not been made at the meeting. The Chairman commented that, having previously been sceptical about the concept of Area Forums, he was now more enthusiastic. Mr Tattersley noted that the format was still being improved and any constructive comments were welcomed.
Farmers' Market
It was considered that this issue had been explored as far as possible and as the farmers themselves did not appear to want to trade from a town centre site, it was agreed that no further effort should be made to locate an alternative site. However, the Head of Planning, Peter Crofts, agreed to build the proposal of using Weavers Park into a consultation exercise to be undertaken later in the year.
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First Bus Eastern National *
As there was not a representative of First Bus Eastern National present, there was nothing to report under this item.
Christmas Lights
Peter Tattersley reported that he had asked Housing Services to contact George Shiffner direct regarding storage of the lights, however, Mr Shiffner reported that assistance in this regard had now been provided by the Crossman Group, although he thanked Mr Tattersley for the offer.
Consideration was given to a report by John Jemison which included comments on the 2001 Christmas Lights and Late Night Shopping Evening, together with details of the Maldon Victorian Shopping Evening, discussed at the previous meeting. It was agreed that more traders should be encouraged to participate in the late night shopping evening and as the costume aspect of the Maldon Victorian Shopping Evening appeared to be the key to its success, perhaps a similar idea could be introduced in Braintree. The Chairman noted that Derek Salmon, the Manager of George Yard, was happy to provide facilities for interested parties to discuss the event and Christmas Lights further. Members noted that Mr Jemison was holding a meeting on Tuesday l2th February 2002 at 4.00 pm at Phillers to discuss Christmas 2002 at which Mr George Shiffner and the Chairman would represent the Group.
A Member commented that their shop takings doubled compared to Christmas 2000 due to the sideshows and events staged in Bank Street at the Late Night Shopping Evening.
Transport Matters
In response to a query from a Member it was reported that the issue of taxis using the High Street had been discussed at the last Regulatory Committee and the decision made to recommend to the Braintree Area Forum that no changes be made to the current practice.
Mr Crofts noted that the proposed passing loop at Cressing had passed the first stage of the Strategic Rail Authority process.
Members commented in general at the large amount of roadworks around the town and District which had been causing delays, particularly at Hatfield Peverel, Great Leighs, High Garrett and London Road.
Group Budget
The Group were advised that a form had been devised for funding applications to the Braintree Area Forum budget on which was clearly set out the criteria to be applied in approving bids. Mr Tattersley agreed to bring the forms to the next meeting of the Group. Mr Tattersley reported that, from the current year's budget, steam cleaning of the town centre pavements to remove chewing gum and the provision of additional benches had been approved. Members were urged to spend the remaining £881 in the budget, as it would not be carried over. It was therefore AGREED to put this sum towards the Christmas Lights and George Shiffner agreed to raise an invoice in this respect. The additional £170, currently under Miscellaneous Debts, could also be put towards Christmas Lights on the understanding that should First National raise an invoice for this amount, Mr Shiffner would pay it.
Members discussed the commemoration of the Golden Jubilee and it was suggested that bunting be strung around the town centre. Mr Tattersley agreed to explore the cost and report back to the next meeting.
Peter Tattersley. The Group was informed that the District Council would welcome ideas on commemorating the Jubilee and that once the level of Council Tax for the following year was agreed; a small sum would be set aside to provide school children with a memento. It was suggested that additional hanging baskets could also be purchased to commemorate the occasion.
Marketing and Promotion
The Group was pleased to note that the new Town Centre Brochure had now been distributed and thanked Braintree District Council for the extra contribution made to this project.
Bench and Tree in New Street
The Chairman noted that the delivery of letters to interested parties had in fact been overlooked. A new return deadline had therefore been set of 28th February 2002.
Mr Tattersley noted that this area was under the jurisdiction of the County Council whose permission was therefore required to install any street furniture. The County Council would also have to be satisfied that a consultation of all interested parties had been carried out which John Jemison was carrying out with regard to shopkeepers and Braintree District Council was carrying out with regard to market stallholders. It had transpired that the stallholders objected to the bench, in particular being sited in New Street, as it would obstruct pedestrian access to stalls on market days. A drawing showing an alternative site in the small square near a computer and a carpet retailer was circulated, however, it was suggested that Crossman Investments would withdraw the bench if it was not sited in the original position. The Chairman agreed to contact Mr Cutmore at Crossman Investments to appraise him of the current situation.
Group representation The Group appreciated the attendance of the two senior officers but were disappointed
the Councillors were not present, however, this was partly due to a by-election being held in Braintree that day.
Town Clock Mr Crofts was pleased to report that the town clock now had a new mechanism and all works had been completed, paid for by a separate budget from the Group. Members were pleased that this issue had at last been resolved.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Braintree Town Centre Strategy Group will take place on Thursday 21st March 2002 in Room 2, Causeway House at 10.00 am.
