Wotton Town Council Meeting

20th July 2026

My informal notes from the Town Council meeting last week also attended by Cllrs Braun and Cohen. Sorry for the delay in getting this report out I've not been on top form of late.

Normal formalities, apologies for absence, previous 22nd June minutes approved.

Great to see lots of people in the public forum.

It seems that the New Road allotments are causing some concern. One of the allotment holders say that a promised path along a slope has become very slippery. Buildings and Facilities Manager says there is talk about taking out fence to make a bit more room. TC has been doing work on this; a site plan is circulated. Upkeep of pathways is a joint effort between allotment holders and council. The path in question seems uneven. Allotment holders have been promised an extra tap too; needs to be chased. The Chair wants thriving allotments. Aston Gate in Bristol, by the football ground, was mentioned as well run. Options for water collection.

The forum discussion moves on to discussing Air Conditioning in council buildings. The Pilates class (in the Civic Centre?) had to keep stopping and cancel three sessions and moved venue. Town Hall equally difficult. Classes there had to cancel during the recent heat wave. Bad for business. Another person chips in who teaches dance in town hall, does get very hot. Most of the attendees to their classes are 60,70&80 the exercise keeps people active. When have to cancel its not good for them. Chair looking at costs.

Bel Whitwham from Wotton CAN talked about the nature bio-diversity plan. The Clerk has spoken with Bel. Talk of Knapp Road allotments and strimming to keep area accessible. There is a need for balance between access and nature. I'm assuming that this links in with the Council's new Biodiversity policy I missed the intro.

Climate Change
Discussion about requests from hirers to consider installation of air-conditioning at the Civic Centre and Town Trust buildings and agree actions. Backing papers had some comment and background of the users of various buildings. What users say. What are the feelings. Carter Jonas who are overseeing current Town Hall refurb work offered to do a feasibility of the Civic Centre options. Out of 52 weeks in a year four weeks are fierce. They will come up with a report that they will bring back in August. A Cllr doesn't want to go down Carter Jonas route because of costs. Clerk points out the Carter Jonas are doing the work pro-bono. Cllr changes opinion. Investing long term, for events.

Heritage Centre Lease
To review the response from the Heritage Centre Trustees on the Lease and proposed Memorandum of Understanding and agree actions.
This is an ongoing issue which is causing the Heritage Centre much anxiety and uncertainty. Chair say all agree that it cannot be tenancy, has to be a lease. Another question that has recently surfaced is who owns the content of the centre? Cllr Tucker, Chair of the Special Purposes Committee, talks through the issues. It seems the solicitor has not been well briefed about the history, etc. There are clauses in the proposed lease which say 'subject to negotiation'. Other Cllrs (with lease experience) say this is a problem. A simpler lease is needed. But Cllr Tucker says this is the simplest! All seem to agree that the Heritage Centre need a solicitor to act on their behalf. All seem to think it could rapidly be thrashed out between two solicitors. Nothing wrong with Memorandum of Understanding. Cllr Greenup offers to be their new TC rep. Chair acknowledges that the history has been difficult but says that a lot positive progress has been made and the TC really does want to build on the goodwill and get this over the line.

Reports from County Councillor and District Councillors

Cllr Cohen's report mentions that the Y8 bus service is secured for 3 more years of WECA funding after a successful campaign. Speeding concerns on Rushmire Hill are being addressed following a recent accident. New grassroots funding supported Stinchcombe Village Hall (fire alarm), Parent and Carer Alliance CIC, and North Nibley play area. Awaiting outcomes for the Bloor Homes Kingswood application (decision due 25 August). A summit with care leavers shaped new housing protocols; Youth Hubs expanded sports and activity access. Summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) bookings open 6 July. She also says it's a great shame that SDC is going with LGR.

Regarding LGR, I was on County wide LGR briefing the previous Friday. I did raise the question: "My town and parish councils tell me they are operating in an information void. What is the timeline for issuing operational guidance to them on governance, assets, staffing, and legal responsibilities during the transition. Also when will the neighbourhood areas be defined under the new unitary, all given the narrow window before April 2028?". Not much by way of reply except that the work-stream will be cranked up now the Unitary configuration is known.

My SDC Report is here

Myself and Cllr Braun and Cohen left the meeting for a quick catch-up meet.

As always, if you have any questions or just want a chat, I'm easily contactable - phone numbers and email on my home page. Use my contact info if you spot errors or if I've got something completely wrong!

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