To receive questions submitted to the Leader under Standing Order No.14
Minutes:
Under Standing Order No.14 Members asked the following questions:
· Councillor Fordham asked whether there were plans to revitalise the existing dog park at Holmebrook Valley Park and to establish a dog park at Poolsbrook Country Park.
The Leader provided a verbal response, referring to the Council’s approach to balancing the needs of dogs and dog owners with those of other users of its parks and open spaces. She explained that the Council was currently reviewing its parks and open spaces and play area strategies, which would include consideration of the options for dog parks at Holmebrook Valley Park and other locations.
· Councillor L Collins asked about the expected long-term benefits from the Staveley Town Deal for the children and young people of the wider Staveley area.
The Leader provided a verbal response, referring to potential benefits from the proposed Staveley Town Deal, including a construction skills hub at Mastin Moor to equip young people for jobs in construction, the Derbyshire Rail Innovation and Training Centre at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, which would build on interest already shown by young people through the HS2 and You project in engineering, opportunities for learning through sport at Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club and an active travel project to enable young people to get to work. She explained that a response on funding for the Staveley Town Deal bid was currently awaited from central government.
· Councillor Snowdon asked whether the Leader would agree to work on developing and submitting a proposal to government to build a prototype fusion energy plant in the borough, in support of the town’s commitment to developing a carbon-free energy future.
The Leader provided a verbal response, explaining that she would continue to consider the feasibility of such proposed developments with the Council’s strategic partners at the Sheffield City Region and D2N2 LEPs, with the aim of delivering cleaner energy supplies.
· Councillor S Niblock asked the Leader for her favourite Christmas carol.
The Leader provided a verbal response, referring to ‘In Dulci Jubilo’ and ‘Fairytale of New York’.
· Councillor Borrell asked about the potential impact on the plans for the redevelopment of the area around Chesterfield rail station if the government accepted the recommendation of the National Infrastructure Commission to not build the eastern leg of HS2 as far as Chesterfield and Sheffield.
The Leader provided a verbal response, referring to the potential benefits of the eastern leg of HS2 on the lives of people in Chesterfield and to her work with the Sheffield City Region Mayor and other Council leaders in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire to press government to fulfil its commitment to deliver HS2 in full.