To receive questions submitted to the Leader under Standing Order No.14.
Minutes:
Under Standing Order No.14 Members asked the following questions:
· Councillor P Innes asked for information on how the decision by Cross Country Trains to reverse its earlier decision for trains to not stop at Chesterfield had come about.
The Leader provided a verbal response, explaining that on being made aware of the original decision she had written to the Cross Country Regional Director and involved the two local MPs, which had resulted in constructive discussion with Cross Country. She referred to the positive impact in this situation of the Council’s partnership working on HS2 with Network Rail and the train companies in maintaining the current services for keyworkers and other passengers and in developing plans for Chesterfield station and reliable transport services in the future.
· Councillor Redihough asked whether the licensing application process would be reviewed in order to enable more detailed information to be included on the application form.
The Leader agreed to consult with officers and to then provide a written response.
· Councillor Callan asked whether Chesterfield Borough Council had been consulted on the temporary closure of Crow Lane to traffic.
The Leader provided a verbal response, expressing her disappointment that the Council had not been consulted by Derbyshire County Council on the temporary closure as part of the response to reopening the town centre and explaining that the Council’s officers were now working with the County Council’s officers to produce sustainable plans for the long-term.
· Councillor Marriott asked what support had been given to Chesterfield Football Club by the Council during its current crisis.
The Leader provided a verbal response, explaining that both Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council had agreed to each provide a loan of £0.5m, subject to final agreement of terms and due diligence tests, to the Chesterfield Community Football Trust to support its acquisition and operation of the Football Club and their roles in supporting social and economic recovery.
· Councillor Flood asked about job opportunities that could be brought to the local area as a result of the development of HS2 and how the Council could support skills development for local residents.
The Leader provided a verbal response, referring to plans being developed currently to support local school leavers, including an online service for young people to provide information and advice on apprenticeship opportunities and job application skills. She also referred to the ‘HS2 and You’ project, encouraging primary school children to develop an interest in science, technology and engineering skills, with the future potential for more skilled, higher paid jobs.
· Councillor Holmes asked when wider consultation would take place on the proposals being developed for the Staveley Town Deal, involving local Members, Staveley Town Council and Staveley residents.
The Leader provided a verbal response, referring to the importance of the Town Deal funding being used for the whole of the Staveley Town Council area, and confirming that a Town Deal Board had been established including representatives of Staveley Town Council, local businesses and local education providers. She explained that wider consultation with residents would take place once the vision and more concrete proposals had been developed.
· Councillor Mann asked about information on the Staveley Town Deal being provided to Staveley Town Council and whether funding would be available for investment in the high street in Staveley.
The Leader provided a verbal response, referring to recent changes announced by the government in funding for Town Deal schemes, which she expected would be discussed at the next Board meeting, and to the process for all proposals for the allocation of the funding to be considered by the Staveley Town Deal Board.