Tenbury Town Council are proposing increasing their precept request by just over 13.5%.
Amongst other things funds required are to pay for additional repairs to the Community Centre which aren't covered by the HLF Grant. Also a budget has been created to help fund the Town's Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year. The amount being set aside for future repairs to the Car Park has also been increased and unless it is agreed that charges are introduced this is likely to have to increase again.
There are still some anomalies in the way they subsidise certain facilities to a much higher degree than others, but the Council has pledged to have detailed negotiations during the coming year to try to overcome these.
The other uncertainty at this stage is the overall financial effect of transferring the running of the Regal to a Management Trust. This should show major savings in future years, but probably not in the first year.
As the other elements of the Council Tax have been frozen by central government, the TTC increase won't have a major impact in the overall Council Tax charge. The increase for a band A property will be about the cost of one small chocolate bar a month.
The full Council will be voting on the increase next Monday.
Showing posts with label "Tenbury Town Council". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "Tenbury Town Council". Show all posts
Monday, 5 December 2011
Monday, 7 November 2011
Tenbury Regal to get new management
Tenbury Town Council have backed the proposal for the newly renovated Regal Cinema to be run and managed by a Management Trust.
One Cllr described the Regal as an "important Multi Media centre of activity" and thought the proposal was an excellent idea. Another Cllr said that this "needs to be run as a commercial enterprise and councils (all councils) are not good at running commercial enterprises."
One Cllr described the Regal as an "important Multi Media centre of activity" and thought the proposal was an excellent idea. Another Cllr said that this "needs to be run as a commercial enterprise and councils (all councils) are not good at running commercial enterprises."
Tenbury's New Deputy Mayor
Following the resignation of Cllr Mound, Cllr Sue Corfield has been appointed as Deputy Mayor.
Friday, 7 October 2011
Democracy in Action
Last month Tenbury Town Council voted 5 to 4 against supporting the Tesco planning application.
This was, as one commentator put it "as close as you could get to 50/50 without a chain saw"
What was slightly unexpected was that between this meeting and the meeting of the full Town Council, many ordinary (and I don't mean that in a derogatory way but people who don't usually become involved in the ways of the Council or write to the press or join action groups) towns folk and traders sought out and spoke to various Councillors and made their feelings known.
When the original vote was cast 9 Councillors were able to vote, 2 were not permitted as they had personal and prejudicial interests and 2 Councillors were away.
At the next full meeting of the Town Council, Cllrs were asked to (in effect) ratify this motion, but this time the numbers were different.
10 Councillors were able to vote, 2 were not permitted as they had personal and prejudicial interests and 1 Councillor was away. The motion (to ratify) was defeated 6 votes to 4.
This doesn't mean that the Town Council "have done a U turn" and now support the planning proposal, or that they no longer oppose it, but means that pending further discussion they have no official view.
Under "standing order" the rules that govern the Town Council, they are unable to discuss and vote on the same subject more than once in six months, but there is a "get out" which means provided four Councillors submit a written motion, then the subject can be brought back, provided that the written motion is posted for a duration and then voted upon and accepted by a majority.
So next Monday the Council will be able to vote on whether they agree to the motion brought by the four Councillors.
What happens next really depends on who is at the meeting on Monday.
A maximum of 10 Councillors will have a vote. 3 will not be permitted as they had personal and prejudicial interests.
If the written motion succeeds in attracting 6 votes, then the original motion will be brought back for another vote. In theory if the written motion succeeds then the Council will then vote to support the Tesco application. This can not then be overturned. If the written motion fails, then the original motion stands.
I think what we can safely say is that the Town Council are as divided as the Town, and that whilst there is a strong and vocal opposition to the development, there is an equally strong, but much less vocal group in favour.
As I wrote to one of the founders of what became Tenbury Futures nearly a year ago "I'm sure we will get the right result in the end (whatever that may be)"
(PS: This is my understanding of what happened/is happening, but can't guarantee I'm 100% constitutionally correct or have used all the correct terminology)
This was, as one commentator put it "as close as you could get to 50/50 without a chain saw"
What was slightly unexpected was that between this meeting and the meeting of the full Town Council, many ordinary (and I don't mean that in a derogatory way but people who don't usually become involved in the ways of the Council or write to the press or join action groups) towns folk and traders sought out and spoke to various Councillors and made their feelings known.
When the original vote was cast 9 Councillors were able to vote, 2 were not permitted as they had personal and prejudicial interests and 2 Councillors were away.
At the next full meeting of the Town Council, Cllrs were asked to (in effect) ratify this motion, but this time the numbers were different.
10 Councillors were able to vote, 2 were not permitted as they had personal and prejudicial interests and 1 Councillor was away. The motion (to ratify) was defeated 6 votes to 4.
This doesn't mean that the Town Council "have done a U turn" and now support the planning proposal, or that they no longer oppose it, but means that pending further discussion they have no official view.
Under "standing order" the rules that govern the Town Council, they are unable to discuss and vote on the same subject more than once in six months, but there is a "get out" which means provided four Councillors submit a written motion, then the subject can be brought back, provided that the written motion is posted for a duration and then voted upon and accepted by a majority.
So next Monday the Council will be able to vote on whether they agree to the motion brought by the four Councillors.
What happens next really depends on who is at the meeting on Monday.
A maximum of 10 Councillors will have a vote. 3 will not be permitted as they had personal and prejudicial interests.
If the written motion succeeds in attracting 6 votes, then the original motion will be brought back for another vote. In theory if the written motion succeeds then the Council will then vote to support the Tesco application. This can not then be overturned. If the written motion fails, then the original motion stands.
I think what we can safely say is that the Town Council are as divided as the Town, and that whilst there is a strong and vocal opposition to the development, there is an equally strong, but much less vocal group in favour.
As I wrote to one of the founders of what became Tenbury Futures nearly a year ago "I'm sure we will get the right result in the end (whatever that may be)"
(PS: This is my understanding of what happened/is happening, but can't guarantee I'm 100% constitutionally correct or have used all the correct terminology)
Monday, 27 June 2011
Town Councillors Gagged
If they had anything to say on any matter it should be said in the Council Chamber and minuted.
These aren't new rules, but she felt now was a good time to remind Cllrs of their responsibilities.
With several potentially contentious issues affecting the town it was important that any requests from the press should be referred to the Town Clerk.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Car Park Charges on the Agenda
Further discussion about implementing car parking charges at Tenbury's Palmers Meadow Car Park are on the agenda for June's full council meeting. It is already known that the idea has split the Council, but as yet the numbers are not known. It is very unlikely that a final decision will be made (unless the majority of the Cllrs want to kill the idea) as additional research and surveys will be required to understand who is using the car park.
After giving this subject a lot of thought and reading all the comment from a previous posting (which have been shared with the Town Council) I welcome the idea to investigate the idea further.
As I live in Town I rarely have the need to use either of the Town Car Parks. The introduction of a charge is likely to be of benefit to me, provided the money raised is used to reduce the precept. For others, it will depend on their individual circumstances. I had assumed most of the people using the Car Park, would be from outside the area (the area that funds Tenbury Town Council) but from previous comments, this might be entirely wrong. Only research will tell.
If charges are applied I think that the Palmer Meadow Car Park should be priced as a long term car park, but the minimum charge should be at the very least equal the minimum charge in the Burgage Car Park, but could be for a longer duration.
eg: 60p for 1 hour (Burgage) 60p for 8 hours (Palmers)
I think any notion that the Car Park should be run on an "honesty" system with no non payment penalties is unworkable. The Car Park is at it's busiest when either the Rugby or Football Clubs are playing. Word would quickly spread that no payment is required.
There could possibly be a partial refund for people using the Car Park to visit the Swimming Pool (& therefore only parking for a short while).
Many people already buy a MHDC residents pass which allows them up to 2 hours parking per visit (to any MHDC Car Park) for £15 a year. Perhaps a similar scheme could be introduced for the Palmers Car Park for people who work in the town.
I do think that the Town Council should consider giving WCC/Severn Waste notice to quit. Severn Waste have put aside sufficient funds to build a modern waste site locally. It is only lack of imperative that seems to be delaying this project. If they really cannot find another site then the Town Council should levy a far higher charge for the space being utilised, as it appears we are paying a far higher charge through the WCC precept (to fund the waste contract) and this is ending up as extra profit for Severn Waste, unless WCC are charging a high rent for the facility & passing just £1 a year to the Town Council.
Update after the Town Council Meeting 6/611
The Town Council agreed to form a sub-committee to research the idea of implementing a charge for parking on the Palmers Car Park, but adjourned until the next full meeting (4th July) the decision on who should sit on this committee. Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Tenbury to Clash with Worcestershire Council
With increasing anecdotal evidence that shoppers will desert Tenbury when the bridge is closed, and after the diversion signing fiasco of recent road closures, both the Tenbury Town Council and the Chamber of Trade look set to clash with Worcestershire County Council over the proposed closure of Teme Bridge.
Extensive repairs are required to the Town's main access bridge that require the bridge deck to be dug up and replaced. This work is scheduled to be undertaken early in 2012, but could see the bridge closed for several months. As all the alternate routes into town either rely on very narrow roads or steep hills with sharp bends, concern is growing about how both goods for sale and customers will be able to get into town, especially if we have another hard winter.
Although plans have been discussed to install a temporary pedestrian bridge, many customers who live to the north of the River Teme, have been telling shopkeepers that they will simply go elsewhere.
Unofficial surveys have been carried out and it appears possible to build a temporary bridge between the Fire Station and the Old Cattle Yard. Although this will add considerably to the cost of the project, it could be enough to stop a number of shopkeepers shutting shop and moving away.
In recent weeks confusing and contradictory diversion signs and road closure notices have been appearing around Tenbury. On Saturday a sign was placed on the North side of Teme Bridge saying Road Closed Ahead, when the closure was at St Michael's. A number of people followed the diversion signs only to find themselves on the wrong side of the closure to access the town centre.
The recent bridge closures which were advertised as being from 6am to 6pm, were in fact for much shorter durations, but a number of traders and publicans reported a severe drop in custom during whole day.
There is also concern that looking at the schedule, once the bridge work is complete, the Teme Street drains need to be replaced, the road is to be resurfaced and all the public realm work is to be undertaken, including resurfacing the pavements. Whilst this is all essential work for the long term prosperity of the Town, it could see up to a year of disruption and inconvenience and could well see many shops cease trading.
Update after Town Council Meeting 6/6/11
Cllr Pollock (WCC) said that the project for the repair of the Teme Bridge had reached the detailed design phase.
He accepted that there would be economic disruption, but said part of the planning included improving alternate routes and said that the diversionary routes would be gritted.
He also said that he felt that a temporary vehicle bridge would be unaffordable.
Cllr Grove was asked if the shops business rates could be cancelled during the closure period, but he felt that this is not something that MHDC could fund.
Extensive repairs are required to the Town's main access bridge that require the bridge deck to be dug up and replaced. This work is scheduled to be undertaken early in 2012, but could see the bridge closed for several months. As all the alternate routes into town either rely on very narrow roads or steep hills with sharp bends, concern is growing about how both goods for sale and customers will be able to get into town, especially if we have another hard winter.
Although plans have been discussed to install a temporary pedestrian bridge, many customers who live to the north of the River Teme, have been telling shopkeepers that they will simply go elsewhere.
Unofficial surveys have been carried out and it appears possible to build a temporary bridge between the Fire Station and the Old Cattle Yard. Although this will add considerably to the cost of the project, it could be enough to stop a number of shopkeepers shutting shop and moving away.
In recent weeks confusing and contradictory diversion signs and road closure notices have been appearing around Tenbury. On Saturday a sign was placed on the North side of Teme Bridge saying Road Closed Ahead, when the closure was at St Michael's. A number of people followed the diversion signs only to find themselves on the wrong side of the closure to access the town centre.
The recent bridge closures which were advertised as being from 6am to 6pm, were in fact for much shorter durations, but a number of traders and publicans reported a severe drop in custom during whole day.
There is also concern that looking at the schedule, once the bridge work is complete, the Teme Street drains need to be replaced, the road is to be resurfaced and all the public realm work is to be undertaken, including resurfacing the pavements. Whilst this is all essential work for the long term prosperity of the Town, it could see up to a year of disruption and inconvenience and could well see many shops cease trading.
Update after Town Council Meeting 6/6/11
Cllr Pollock (WCC) said that the project for the repair of the Teme Bridge had reached the detailed design phase.
He accepted that there would be economic disruption, but said part of the planning included improving alternate routes and said that the diversionary routes would be gritted.
He also said that he felt that a temporary vehicle bridge would be unaffordable.
Cllr Grove was asked if the shops business rates could be cancelled during the closure period, but he felt that this is not something that MHDC could fund.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
The New Tenbury Town Council
Peter Mound - Deputy Mayor (Finance, Regal & Pump Rooms)
Jonathan Morgan (Regal & Pump Rooms)
Stephen Bowkett (Planning)
George Price (Planning, Finance)
Sue Corfield (Regal & Pump Rooms, Parks & Cemetery)
Joe Watson (Finance, Parks & Cemetery)
Mary Drummond (Regal & Pump Rooms, Parks & Cemetery)
Mark Willis - Chairman of CEST (Finance, Planning)
Jay Da Costa (Planning, Parks & Cemetery)
Anji Stevens (Finance, Planning)
Adrian Rigby (Finance, Parks & Cemetery)
Eric Hudson (Regal & Pump Rooms, Planning)
All Cllrs sit on CEST
Friday, 8 April 2011
Election in Tenbury
There will be an Election next month for Tenbury Town Council.
Initial indications showed that there were less candidates nominated than seats available, but now the final list has been published there are 12 nominations and 11 seats.
The remaining two seat designated as St Michaels have attracted two candidates so there will be no election for these seats.
Full list of Candidates
Four Cllrs have decided not to seek re-election. They are
Richard Jones
Tony Penn
Jane Jenner
Ray Richards
The new Nominations are
Jay Da Costa
Mary Drummond
George Price
Mark Willis
and Eric Hudson, standing in the St Michaels Ward.
Initial indications showed that there were less candidates nominated than seats available, but now the final list has been published there are 12 nominations and 11 seats.
The remaining two seat designated as St Michaels have attracted two candidates so there will be no election for these seats.
Full list of Candidates
Four Cllrs have decided not to seek re-election. They are
Richard Jones
Tony Penn
Jane Jenner
Ray Richards
The new Nominations are
Jay Da Costa
Mary Drummond
George Price
Mark Willis
and Eric Hudson, standing in the St Michaels Ward.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Lets talk about the Tenbury Palmers Car Park
Cllr Joe Watson, asked the Tenbury Town Council to talk to as many people as possible about the possibility of introducing a small charge for parking on Palmers Meadow Car Park.
Although the Council have been putting away a sum of money each year for the eventual resurfacing, the figure has not been increased in line with inflation. Unless much larger sums are saved in the future by increasing the precept the Council would not be able to pay for the resurfacing when it is required.
Whilst most peoples initial reaction is that there shouldn't be a charge, some change their mind when considering the full facts.
The car park is mostly used by people who don't live in Tenbury, so the very people who are paying for it, don't use it. In most places people who drive to work have to pay to park their cars. Many of the people who work in Tenbury, and drive to work, don't live here so again they are making use of a facility they don't pay for.
It would be possible to have schemes, such as residents permits, season tickets, refund of charges when using the pool or when spending above a certain amount at the shops. All ideas are worth considering.
Even a small charge multiplied by the 91 spaces over a period of a year would bring in substantial revenues.
For instance: 91 Spaces @ £1 a day for 312 days would bring in £28,392, even with partial occupancy and several discount schemes the revenue could be significant.
I believe the question of who uses a facility and who pays for it should be extended to all the Town Council's facilities.
The Town Council only appear to receive £5 a year income for the skip area, although Severn Waste have included in their budget (and therefore in their tender to WCC) the cost of building and running a new waste facility for Tenbury.
We all pay for the Tennis Courts, the Bowling Green, the Rugby & Football pitches etc, but how many of us use them? There has been a move by both the Tennis Club and the Bowling club to fund some of the maintenance and repairs themselves, and this is to be welcomed as these facilities which appear to be used by relatively few cost many thousands a year in maintenance but bring in significantly less in income.
All (sensible) comments are welcome.
Tenbury Advertiser
Although the Council have been putting away a sum of money each year for the eventual resurfacing, the figure has not been increased in line with inflation. Unless much larger sums are saved in the future by increasing the precept the Council would not be able to pay for the resurfacing when it is required.
Whilst most peoples initial reaction is that there shouldn't be a charge, some change their mind when considering the full facts.
The car park is mostly used by people who don't live in Tenbury, so the very people who are paying for it, don't use it. In most places people who drive to work have to pay to park their cars. Many of the people who work in Tenbury, and drive to work, don't live here so again they are making use of a facility they don't pay for.
It would be possible to have schemes, such as residents permits, season tickets, refund of charges when using the pool or when spending above a certain amount at the shops. All ideas are worth considering.
Even a small charge multiplied by the 91 spaces over a period of a year would bring in substantial revenues.
For instance: 91 Spaces @ £1 a day for 312 days would bring in £28,392, even with partial occupancy and several discount schemes the revenue could be significant.
I believe the question of who uses a facility and who pays for it should be extended to all the Town Council's facilities.
The Town Council only appear to receive £5 a year income for the skip area, although Severn Waste have included in their budget (and therefore in their tender to WCC) the cost of building and running a new waste facility for Tenbury.
We all pay for the Tennis Courts, the Bowling Green, the Rugby & Football pitches etc, but how many of us use them? There has been a move by both the Tennis Club and the Bowling club to fund some of the maintenance and repairs themselves, and this is to be welcomed as these facilities which appear to be used by relatively few cost many thousands a year in maintenance but bring in significantly less in income.
All (sensible) comments are welcome.
Tenbury Advertiser
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Town Councillors - all present and correct?
In a few weeks time the good citizens of Tenbury, or at least those on the electoral roll will have the opportunity to vote for a new Town Council.
It hasn't been announced yet who is going to stand, but I thought a little historical data maybe of assistance, in helping you to decide who to vote for.
Of course, you shouldn't decide to vote for a Councillor just on the basis of Presenteeism. Some Councillors do a lot of additional work behind the scenes, so just being present at meetings doesn't tell the full story.
Also like most of us, life throws up unexpected challenges, such as ill health, bereavement or the need to work & stay away from home, which will divert even the most dedicated public servant.
The data below does give a flavour, if like most people you rarely sit in on meetings.
During the period January to December 2010 the Town Council held something in the region of 72 meetings (some of which had to be abandoned due to absenteeism) I was at most of the Public Meetings with the exception of a few planning meetings.
The table below shows how many meeting each Councillor was "summoned" to attend. The number varies depending on which committees each councillor sits on.
It hasn't been announced yet who is going to stand, but I thought a little historical data maybe of assistance, in helping you to decide who to vote for.
Of course, you shouldn't decide to vote for a Councillor just on the basis of Presenteeism. Some Councillors do a lot of additional work behind the scenes, so just being present at meetings doesn't tell the full story.
Also like most of us, life throws up unexpected challenges, such as ill health, bereavement or the need to work & stay away from home, which will divert even the most dedicated public servant.
The data below does give a flavour, if like most people you rarely sit in on meetings.
During the period January to December 2010 the Town Council held something in the region of 72 meetings (some of which had to be abandoned due to absenteeism) I was at most of the Public Meetings with the exception of a few planning meetings.
The table below shows how many meeting each Councillor was "summoned" to attend. The number varies depending on which committees each councillor sits on.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Tenbury Parking Crisis Talks
The Town Council will be holding talks with Will Chase & Malvern Hills District Council to see if any additional long term parking spaces can be made available for next week.
The 91 Town Council free long term spaces will be unavailable due to the arrival of the traditional fun fair.
In previous years the displaced cars have been able to find on-street parking and use the old Cattle Market, but with on street parking now reaching saturation point, and the closure of the Cattle Market there could simply be nowhere for the shop and office workers to park.
On occasion the Burgage has been made available for parking, but with the damage done last year by vehicles accessing the site for the bonfire still not repaired, and heavy rain forecast for the end of this week and the beginning of next week, there is an understandable reluctance to facilitate this.
The 91 Town Council free long term spaces will be unavailable due to the arrival of the traditional fun fair.
In previous years the displaced cars have been able to find on-street parking and use the old Cattle Market, but with on street parking now reaching saturation point, and the closure of the Cattle Market there could simply be nowhere for the shop and office workers to park.
On occasion the Burgage has been made available for parking, but with the damage done last year by vehicles accessing the site for the bonfire still not repaired, and heavy rain forecast for the end of this week and the beginning of next week, there is an understandable reluctance to facilitate this.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Get your nominations in quick
The 5th of May elections are fast approaching, so if you want to stand as a Tenbury Town Councillor you need to get your application /nomination forms completed and delivered before noon on Monday 4th April 2011.
Forms can be collected from the Town Clerk at the Pump Rooms.
As far as I know at least 23% of the current Councillors are not seeking re-election, and it looks like more than 13 people will be standing so there will be a "proper" election.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Tenbury Town Council Out On Its Own
It was revealed last night that the only element of the 2011/12 Council Tax to increase is the charge for Tenbury Town Council.
Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester County Council, Police & Fire have all maintained the same charge. Tenbury Town Council have increased their budget by just over 5.5%.
Hopefully the Councillors will fully endorse the proposal that the management of the Regal be transferred to a Charitable Trust, where it can flourish rather than continue to be managed directly by the Council and remain a drain on the Towns resources, and that in future more consideration be given to charging realistic amounts for the use of the Council owned assets, and ensure that assets used by a very small minority are not "over" subsidised.
Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester County Council, Police & Fire have all maintained the same charge. Tenbury Town Council have increased their budget by just over 5.5%.
Hopefully the Councillors will fully endorse the proposal that the management of the Regal be transferred to a Charitable Trust, where it can flourish rather than continue to be managed directly by the Council and remain a drain on the Towns resources, and that in future more consideration be given to charging realistic amounts for the use of the Council owned assets, and ensure that assets used by a very small minority are not "over" subsidised.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Should Parking Charges Apply in the Tenbury Wells Palmers Car Park
As Tenbury Town Council struggle to find the funds to pay numerous high energy bills for their portfolio of building, they are to discuss introducing parking fees at the Palmers Meadow Car Park.
Palmers Car Park is currently free and is used for long term parking by people working in Town and by people using the Swimming Pool complex, plus shoppers and visitors wishing the park without paying.
The car park is often full, especially now that the unofficial Cattle Market has been closed, and when there is a Rugby match, cars often clog the bus bays.
The Town Council transfer a percentage of the money raised each year from the precept into a resurfacing fund, but there will not be sufficient money saved before resurfacing is needed. They also have to pay a large sum in rates.
Public discussion and views are welcome.
The car park is often full, especially now that the unofficial Cattle Market has been closed, and when there is a Rugby match, cars often clog the bus bays.
The Town Council transfer a percentage of the money raised each year from the precept into a resurfacing fund, but there will not be sufficient money saved before resurfacing is needed. They also have to pay a large sum in rates.
Public discussion and views are welcome.
Monday, 17 January 2011
Tenbury Town Council Inflation Busting Increase
Tenbury Town Council voted tonight to increase their precept by 5.5% an increase of £5312 on last year.
Although some items of expenditure have been cut or budgets reduced, the loss of income from the Regal & associated shops and community centre during renovation has meant an above average increase to the precept.
Hopefully once the restoration is fully completed and the building is fully functional and utilised, the Town will see the benefits and the precept will be greatly reduced.
Although some items of expenditure have been cut or budgets reduced, the loss of income from the Regal & associated shops and community centre during renovation has meant an above average increase to the precept.
Hopefully once the restoration is fully completed and the building is fully functional and utilised, the Town will see the benefits and the precept will be greatly reduced.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Tenbury Town Council - Budget Cuts?
Tenbury Town Council were struggling last night to prepare a balanced budget now their Golden Goose is due to stop laying.
Regular readers of this blog may remember that I have been urging the Town Council for several years to modernise their account procedures so that they can better understand where their (our) money is spent.
Previously they set a budget against one set of criteria but reported income against a completely different set.
I maintained as our democratically elected representatives it is up to them to decide what they subsidise and by how much, but I couldn't see how they were making informed decisions when the accounting was shrouded in such mystery.
One reason for the reluctance to publish clear accounts, is that maybe large sums of money are being spent subsidising facilities that are used by very few people, but in the past it was impossible to confirm the exact details.
It now appears that the Regal Cinema was making a significant positive contribution to the Town's finances, but as it is going to be out of action for between 12 & 18 months for renovation, this means that the money to prop up their other services has to be found elsewhere.
To balance the budget, either expenditure has to be cut, or the amount paid by the Council Tax payers through the precept has to be increased. Or perhaps a mixture of the both.
Regular readers of this blog may remember that I have been urging the Town Council for several years to modernise their account procedures so that they can better understand where their (our) money is spent.
Previously they set a budget against one set of criteria but reported income against a completely different set.
I maintained as our democratically elected representatives it is up to them to decide what they subsidise and by how much, but I couldn't see how they were making informed decisions when the accounting was shrouded in such mystery.
One reason for the reluctance to publish clear accounts, is that maybe large sums of money are being spent subsidising facilities that are used by very few people, but in the past it was impossible to confirm the exact details.
It now appears that the Regal Cinema was making a significant positive contribution to the Town's finances, but as it is going to be out of action for between 12 & 18 months for renovation, this means that the money to prop up their other services has to be found elsewhere.
To balance the budget, either expenditure has to be cut, or the amount paid by the Council Tax payers through the precept has to be increased. Or perhaps a mixture of the both.
Monday, 13 December 2010
Tenbury Town Council re-consider Tesco application.
The Tenbury Town Council met tonight in special session to re-consider their support for Tesco. Usually the Town Council cannot return to a subject (after a vote) for several months but on this occasion decided that enough additional information had come to light to vote again.
After a rather confused meeting, where it became clear that there were still many questions to which the Council didn't have the answers to, they voted on a proposition to support the planning application.
4 For the motion, 4 Against, 2 Abstentions
The Mayor then used her casting vote to reject the proposition.
This means that whilst their support is documented in the Recommend to Refuse document, they will be speaking against the development at the Planning Meeting.
Worcester News
After a rather confused meeting, where it became clear that there were still many questions to which the Council didn't have the answers to, they voted on a proposition to support the planning application.
4 For the motion, 4 Against, 2 Abstentions
The Mayor then used her casting vote to reject the proposition.
This means that whilst their support is documented in the Recommend to Refuse document, they will be speaking against the development at the Planning Meeting.
Worcester News
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Tenbury Town Council & Tesco
A few weeks ago Tenbury Town Council voted in favour of the new Tesco development on the Old Cattle Market site, but they have now decided in light of new evidence that they wish to discuss the matter again and re-vote.
A meeting has been scheduled for next Monday, but if the format is the same as the last meeting there will be no opportunity for members of the public to speak.
The Town Council have received a number of letters about the development, including one from a couple who live on the Isle of Man. They wrote to say that in their opinion Tesco shouldn't be allowed to open a store in Tenbury as their local high street had been ruined by competition from Tesco. What they, and many Tesco objectors still don't take into consideration is the proposed store isn't a Superstore (which on average is twice the size of the proposed store) and will therefore carry fewer lines that will compete with local shops. All of the criticism I have seen published refer to Superstores or Larger (most or all of which aren't located directly in the High Street).
I think that there are still defects with the application, but decisions shouldn't be swayed by incorrect comparisons. Many shops have opened and closed in Tenbury through the years and will continue to do so with or without Tesco.
Far better to concentrate on the defects in the application such as their complete misunderstanding of the available public transport which they feel could be used by staff and shoppers alike.
A meeting has been scheduled for next Monday, but if the format is the same as the last meeting there will be no opportunity for members of the public to speak.
The Town Council have received a number of letters about the development, including one from a couple who live on the Isle of Man. They wrote to say that in their opinion Tesco shouldn't be allowed to open a store in Tenbury as their local high street had been ruined by competition from Tesco. What they, and many Tesco objectors still don't take into consideration is the proposed store isn't a Superstore (which on average is twice the size of the proposed store) and will therefore carry fewer lines that will compete with local shops. All of the criticism I have seen published refer to Superstores or Larger (most or all of which aren't located directly in the High Street).
I think that there are still defects with the application, but decisions shouldn't be swayed by incorrect comparisons. Many shops have opened and closed in Tenbury through the years and will continue to do so with or without Tesco.
Far better to concentrate on the defects in the application such as their complete misunderstanding of the available public transport which they feel could be used by staff and shoppers alike.
Saturday, 18 September 2010
River View - What River?
The burgage in Tenbury Wells is looking better than it has done for some time. There is a new childen's play area, better seating and more attention has been paid to the garden areas.
The only thing I would ask is could some attention be paid to the river walk. New seating has been installed so you can sit and enjoy the view but this is what you can see from the four benches. Perhaps, pruning can be arranged to co-inside with the bonfire, to cut down on the disposal costs?
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