Wotton Town Council Meeting

16th December 2024

I attended the Civic Centre on Monday evening along with SDC Cllr Braun. Here are my informal notes.

At the Council meeting there was a minutes silence for Sir David McMurtry. Apologies received from the Mayor and SDC Cllr Cohen. The Chair thanked Eve Coy, who has recently resigned from the Council, for all her hard work.

Just one member of the public at the forum, a representative from Christmas under the Edge. They gave a brief update on the decision to cancel the event due to storm Derragh. Even with hindsight it was the correct thing to do. Event insurance for unrestricted outdoor events doesn't cover inclement weather. The cancellation cost £671, however the group received donations to cover this. They have enough to ensure next years event can start too. So the group won't be calling on the Town Council for financial assistance.

There were a few questions on the SDC Councillors' Report. Cllr Braun gave a quick overview of the English Devolution Bill. Also, I was able to confirm that work will start on the eight new affordable rented council homes at Gloucester Street/Bradley Street before the end of the financial year. One Cllr had spotted a typo in the GCC report.

Various finance items discussed and approved, including a battery powered strimmer and articulated hedge trimmer along with batteries and charger. £2160. Professional equipment with an 8 year warranty.

A quote was approved for a hearing loop system at the Civic Centre. The building is not compliant with legal obligations. Complaints received from groups hiring rooms and members of the public attending Council meetings.

A Cllr. said this project just needs to be got on with because the Council had already approved this urgent item way back in November 2021 but nothing has happened.

A contractor was selected to perform the electrical testing in various buildings over the next five years.

Town Hall and Chipping Hall project plan; Contract to be signed in June and work will then commence over the summer. The costs associated with a new structural engineer were approved. They will take into account prior work. PWLB application amended to include CCTV of drainage. One Cllr. questioned why a PWLB loan of £336k was being pursued when the Town Council has £800k sat in reserves which should be used first. They were assured that once approved the Council will only draw down as/if required.

It was reported that there is water ingress at the Town Hall, possibly to do with a disused chimney that's in a bad state of repair. Photos taken.

After some brief councillor reports the meeting entered closed session for exempt items. Myself and Cllr Braun left the meeting.

A Planning Meeting was to follow where the Council was to receive an important update on the Symn Lane Car Park development in private session.

A Town Trust meeting was to follow the Planning Meeting.