Full Council meeting 24th September 2024: Decisions made

Published: 25 September 2024

At last night's Northstowe Town Council's Full Council meeting we had a full agenda and as part of the many items and proceedings the following decisions were made:

• The Town Council approved continuation, for another year of financing the successful Northstowe Community Lounge, which is loved by residents and has seen consistent attendee numbers of 15-20 each week (Every Thursday, 6-8 pm at The Cabin, all are welcome and all free!), with more at special activities. This is to be financed from the Council's precept, for a total of £2,370 to cover venue hire, refreshments and activity materials costs. Thank you to all residents joining the sessions and special thanks to Councillors and residents who give their time voluntarily to manage these sessions.
• The Town Council also continues to support the costs of a ParkPlay Leader for the Northstowe-Longstanton ParkPlay for another year (every Saturday, 10:30-12:30, behind Western Park Sports Pavilion; all are welcome and all free!). The £5,000 for another year is to be financed form the phase 2 Section 106 contributions 'Community Endowment Fund' provided to the Town Council. Attendee numbers have often been low, with some welcome exceptions some Saturdays. Thought will be given how best to attract more people to attend these fun active sessions and how we can measure its success over the coming year, whilst looking at models for making this sustainable in the longer run. Please come along and try out a session!
• A range of proposals were also brought forward for the delivery model of the monthly Northstowe market. In light of declining customer numbers and difficulties attracting traders the delivery model has been revisited and key changes are to be made: we will be changing the market day from the 4th to the 1st Sunday of the month; starting again on 3rd November and making this a Big Relaunch Event; this is to be accompanied by incentives to attract traders and with an increase in promotional materials and campaign. The Council welcomes any community groups who wish to do additional activities that day - please come forward and we may be able to accommodate those! please support your market and local traders.
• The Town Council has appointed Councillor Bros Sabria to represent the Town Council at the newly formed Social Value and Engagement Steering Group, managed through Homes England.
• The Town Council has also appointed Councillor Benedicic and Councillor Owen to represent the Town Council in further discussions with Community Stewardship Solutions, to help them feed into finalising a report for Homes England on future stewardship options for Northstowe.
• The Town Council has also agreed to go into contract with a HR Consultancy to ensure HR legal advice and support with HR-related policies and recruitment documentation development can be sped up and improved on.