There were no apologies for absence at this meeting.

·           Councillor Ayling

 

Council – 10^th September 2020

 

Agenda item 30 (Notice of Motion: Recruit two Special Constables per ward) – Non-pecuniary interest: son is a Special Constable;

 

·           Councillor Beck

 

Development Control Committee – 29^th July 2020

 

Minute 232 (115 Tattersall Gardens, LOS) – Non-pecuniary interest: has received emails from the applicant;

 

·           Councillor Borton;

 

People Scrutiny Committee – 2^nd September 2020

 

Minute 275 (Care Act Easement) – Non-pecuniary interest: Daughter employed in mental health unit at Basildon Hospital;

 

Council – 10^th September 2020

 

Agenda Item 27 (Notice of Motion: EasyJet) – Non-pecuniary interest: niece works at Southend Airport;

 

·           Councillor Burton

 

Appeals Committee B – 13^th August 2020

 

Minute 257 (School Transport Appeal – Pupil JM) – Non-pecuniary interest: reference made to King John school;

 

·           Councillor Burzotta

 

Council – 10^th September 2020

 

Agenda Item 6 (Public Questions from A. Atkinson) – Non-pecuniary interest: has businesses in the area of Hamlet Court Road;

 

·           Councillor Collins

 

Cabinet Committee – 27^th July 2020

 

Minute 197 (Traffic Regulation Orders (Junction Protection – Various locations) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives in Green Lane, which is named on six of the draft orders and knows personally residents and has canvassed them for their opinion on nine of the proposed restrictions situated in Eastwood Park Ward;

 

·           Councillor Cowan

 

Council – 10^th September 2020

 

Agenda Item 24 (Notice of Motion: Conversion of Twenty One site into Cycle Hub and Café) – Non-pecuniary interest: friends work for Forward Motion;

Agenda Item 28 (Notice of Motion: Ekco Park) – Non-pecuniary interest: has had conversations with residents about the matter;

 

·           Councillor Cox

 

Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee – 3^rd September 2020

 

Minute 286 (Notice of Motion: No overnight camping in the Borough) – Non-pecuniary interest: owns a static caravan outside the Borough;

 

·           Councillor Davidson

 

Audit Committee – 12^th August 2020

 

All minutes in so far as they related to South Essex Homes – Non-pecuniary interest: Non-Executive Director of South Essex Homes;

 

Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee – 3^rd September 2020

 

Minute 284 (Balmoral Estate) – Non-pecuniary interest: Non-Executive Director of South Essex Homes;

 

·           Councillor Dear

 

Development Control Committee – 29^th July 2020

 

Minute 232 (115 Tattersall Gardens, LOS) – Non-pecuniary interest: has received emails from the applicant;

 

·           Councillor Dent

 

Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee – 3^rd September 2020

 

Minute 286 (Notice of Motion: No Overnight Camping in the Borough) – Non-pecuniary interest: Former member of scouting organisations;

 

Council – 10^th September 2020

 

Agenda Item 24 (Notice of Motion: Conversion of Twenty One site into Cycle Hub and Café) – Non-pecuniary interest: friends works for Forward Motion;

 

 

·           Councillor F Evans

 

Development Control Committee – 29^th July 2020

 

Minute 232 (115 Tattersall Gardens, LOS) – Non-pecuniary interest: has been lobbied in the past on application on this site, but not this application specifically;

 

·           Councillor Flewitt

 

Cabinet Committee – 27^th July 2020

 

Minute 195 (Snakes Lane Waiting Restrictions) – Non-pecuniary interest: has lobbied and been lobbied about the waiting restrictions and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 289.

Councillor Willis

 

On behalf of the Council, The Worshipful the Mayor, extended the Council’s thanks and appreciation to Charles Willis, who recently stepped down as a Councillor in the Borough of Southend-on-Sea, representing the Westborough Ward.

 

Concord Rangers Football Club

 

On behalf of the Council, the Worshipful the Mayor conveyed his congratulations to Concord Rangers Football Club, based on Canvey Island, in reaching the final of the prestigious FA Trophy. He wished the football club well in the final which will take place at Wembley stadium on Sunday 27^th September.

 

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 16^th July 2020 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Minutes attached

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 30^th July 2020, be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The relevant Cabinet Members responded to written questions received from members of the public.

The relevant Cabinet Members responded to questions received from Councillors.

Petition attached

The Democratic Services Team had received a petition from Mr Sverdloff calling on the Council to introduce alcohol free zones in Old Leigh.

 

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, the petition stands referred to the Cabinet.

 

Petition attached

The Democratic Services Team had received a petition from Mr Webster and Mr Stobart calling on the Council to introduce traffic calming measures and speed restrictions in Burges Road

 

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, the petition stands referred to the Cabinet Committee.

 

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

 

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted and the recommendations contained in Minutes 207 and 209, be approved.

 

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Minutes attached

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Minutes to follow

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Minutes to follow

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

 

Minutes to follow

During consideration of Minute 286 (Notice of Motion: No overnight camping in the Borough) a motion was proposed and seconded to refer the matter back to Cabinet.

 

The motion for reference back of Minute 286 was not carried.

 

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of this meeting, be noted.

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘The use of BBQs on beaches, parks and open spaces

 

That the Cabinet considers a full ban in the Borough on the use of BBQs on its beaches, parks and open spaces, including the removal of the ones on East Beach.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Ward 

Seconded: Cllr Chalk 

 

 

 

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘Conversion of Twenty One Site into Cycle Hub and Cafe

 

We recognise the importance of cycling in improving the mental and physical wellbeing of residents and for improving the air quality of the town. We also recognise and support the Government’s commitment to increase the amount of active travel. We also recognise that currently the organisation designed to increase the uptake of cycling, ForwardMotion, does not have a public base in the town and the importance of ‘Coffee Culture’ in the culture of amateur cyclists.

 

This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Convert the Twenty One site along Western Esplanade into a Cycling Hub for Forward Motion to use as a base to include cycle hire facilities as well as bike repairs and sales.

2. Incorporate a Coffee shop within the facility to increase the appeal of the facility and encourage cycling along the length of our seafront.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Nelson

Seconded: Cllr Buck

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘COVID-19 Local Recognition Scheme

 

There have been many stories of those in our communities who have focused on the physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing of our residents, and in these extraordinarily challenging times innovated to find new and creative ways to help and support the most vulnerable in our community.

 

This Council therefore resolves that it should:

1. Note the efforts of those in our community who have supported the most vulnerable during this challenging time.

2. Create a local recognition scheme to honour our local community heroes who went above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Cox

Seconded: Cllr Davidson

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘Cycling Strategy

 

We recognise the importance of cycling in improving the mental and physical wellbeing of residents and for improving the air quality of the town. We also recognise and support the Government’s commitment to increase the amount of active travel. We note that in the recent Council active travel bid to Government that the Council does not have a Cycling Strategy and note that the proposed Transport Policy going through Council at the moment does not include the need for Cycling Strategy.

 

This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Generate a comprehensive strategy to increase the uptake of cycling and make cycling safer in our Borough.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Nelson

Seconded: Cllr Buck

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

Withdrawal of EasyJet Base at Southend Airport

 

The announcement by EasyJet to withdraw all flights out of Southend Airport is a massive disappointment and setback not only for the many employees of the airline but also for the associated small businesses and trades such as service Companies, logistics operators and retail outlets (hotels and shops) in and around Southend.

 

For many, the loss of employment will outweigh any enhanced redundancy package offered by EasyJet and for thousands more the loss of a convenient and expeditious transit through an airport which has been voted “best small airport “ on many occasions will bring frustration and sadness.

 

This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Note with regret the announcement by EasyJet

 

2. Engage with EasyJet to explore the possibility of reversing the decision of closing Southend Airport as a base and to reinstate its operations to enable the Airport to realise its commercial vision, to provide essential employment to local residents and to give South Essex the much needed economic recovery post COVID-19.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Flewitt

Seconded: Cllr McGlone

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘Ecko Park Estate

 

Residents on the Ecko Park Estate are continuing to suffer with un-adopted land and highways.

 

This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Undertake to investigate the un-adopted highway and land at the Ecko Park Estate with a view to bringing all land on that estate to adoptable standards.

 

2. Highlight to all Councillors future planning applications that include any Un-Adopted or unadoptable highway or land for consideration in the planning process.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Flewitt

Seconded: Cllr McGlone

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘Make our Gardens and Open Spaces to RHS Britain in Bloom Standard

 

This town has a renowned history with our parks and open spaces and our Parks Department winning numerous awards at the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows in the past.

 

To ensure that Southend continues to remain renowned for its floral displays, parks and open spaces, This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Engage with the RHS Britain in Bloom scheme, looking to involve both gardens/open spaces cultivated by community groups as well as public land tended by the Council Parks Department.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Bright

Seconded: Cllr Nelson

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘Recruit the Two Special Constables Per Ward

 

It is recognised that further Police resource is required in the Borough to help against the rising levels of crime especially the recent high levels of violent crime. To help in providing an increase in uniformed Police presence across the town, Cabinet agreed on 11th June 2019 that the Council would recruit two Special Constables per ward.

 

As yet no attempt has been made to recruit the Special Constables despite Essex Police having one of the best Special Constable recruitment programmes in the UK.

 

This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Take immediate action to recruit two Special Constables for each ward as agreed by Cabinet on 11th June 2019.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Nelson

Seconded: Cllr Cox

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘No Driving on Parks & Public Spaces

 

We have recently seen well publicised cases of vehicles being driven over our parks and public spaces at Thorpe Bay Gardens and Marine Parade Gardens. Regularly, members receive complaints from residents where motor bikes are being driven on our parks and public open spaces causing widespread nuisance.

 

To assist Council Officers and our Community Safety Team by giving them powers to take action on this anti-social behaviour, This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Create a Public Spaces Protection Order to prevent the driving of cars, van, lorries and motor bikes in our parks and public open spaces.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Bright

Seconded: Cllr Nelson

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘Southend Illuminations Festival of Light

 

Many in Southend will remember that Southend Illuminations were a fixture of the events calendar on Southend Seafront. The current light columns on City Beach give a taste of what can be done with lighting illuminations on the seafront. There are many examples across the world where light shows are a popular feature in towns, cities and tourist areas which consist of water features, music and colourful laser lights.

 

The need to attract visitors back to Southend seafront and high street post COVID-19 has never been more needed.

 

This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Resurrect the Southend Illuminations by creating a free to the public modern festival of light event.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Jarvis

Seconded: Cllr Cox

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet Committee:

 

‘Speed Camera on Eastern Avenue

 

Along the stretch of dual carriageway on Eastern Avenue there has been a history of accidents along this stretch of road. We have seen residents walls knocked down, cars written off and constant excessive speeding. Urgent action needs to be taken to try and control the excessive speeds on this stretch of dual carriageway and protect those residents whose lives are being put at risk by this antisocial and dangerous behaviour.

 

Acknowledging that a static speed camera would not be affective along the whole stretch of road, we seek a solution that would be affective and works for all the affected residents.

 

This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Install average speed cameras along the stretch of dual carriageway along Eastern Avenue between Hamstel Road and Sutton Road immediately.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Nelson

Seconded: Cllr Buck

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘Tyre Pump Stations

 

We recognise the importance of cycling and walking in improving the mental and physical wellbeing of residents and for improving the air quality of the town and support the Government’s commitment to increase the amount of active travel.

 

To assist active travel, there needs to be improved infrastructure. As part of the infrastructure, there is a need for cyclists and users of wheelchairs and pushchairs on occasions to require the use of a pump to inflate their tyres.

 

This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Install communal bike pumps, similar to those seen in cities such as Portsmouth, in areas such as our segregated cycle lanes and high footfall areas to allow for cyclists and users of wheelchairs and pushchairs to inflate their tyres.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Nelson

Seconded: Cllr Buck

 

Notice of Motion attached

Resolved:

 

That, in accordance with Standing Order 8.4, the following Notice of Motion be referred to the Cabinet:

 

‘Water Fountains & Water Bottle Refill Points

 

Single use plastics cause considerable harm to the environment and contribute to the litter problem on our beaches and open spaces. We also note the damage that plastics cause to our seas and marine life.

 

To help reduce single use plastics: This Council therefore resolves that it should:

 

1. Promote existing water fountains and water bottle refill points.

 

2. Extend the provision of water fountains and water bottle refill points in public areas.’

 

Proposed: Cllr Bright

Seconded: Cllr Buck

This matter was deferred to the next meeting of Council.

Report of the Executive Director (Legal & Democratic Services) to follow

The Council considered a report of the Executive Director (Legal and Democratic Services) recommending the establishment of the ASELA and Local Government Reform Working Party.

 

Resolved:

 

1. Thatthe ASELA and Local Government Reform Working Party be established with the terms of reference set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

 

2. That Council appoints Councillors to the Working Party on a politically proportional basis - 3(Con) :2 (Lab) :2 (Indep) :1(LD).

List of changes to follow

Resolved:

 

That the list of changes and appointments to Committees, Working Parties, etc, be approved as submitted.