Agenda item - Public Involvement

To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:

(a)       Petitions: to receive any petitions presented to the full council or at the meeting itself;

(b)       Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 6^th March 2020;

(c)       Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 6^th March 2020.

22a     Petitions

22.1    There were none.

22b    Written Questions

22.2    There were none.

22c     Deputation – Leave Rules for Historic Upper Gardner Street Market Unchanged

22 .1   Mr Swain presented a deputation referring to a petition on behalf of Upper Gardner Street Traders and Residents (circulated as an addendum to the agenda)

22.2    The Chair, Councillor O’Quinn invited Mr Swain to speak to his Deputation. He explained that the street market had been in operation for over 100 years and had been subject to separate conditions in recognition of its unique character, whilst recognising that the report appearing elsewhere on the agenda sought to address issues which had been experienced measures taken needed to be proportionate. The activities of a few traders should not jeopardise the activities of the majority who behaved responsibly and it was important during difficult financial times to encourage small individual traders. Support was expressed in respect of the proposed amendment put forward by the Conservative Group which he considered would be acceptable to traders. Mr Swain went on to explain that it would be possible for traders to spread into adjacent (if unoccupied) pitches sideways without causing obstruction, that had always been integral to the operation of the market and that could be done without causing obstruction either in the street or to residents.

22.3    The Chair thanked Mr Swain for his contribution, noting the contents of the petition stating that Members would give this matter their full consideration when determining the report appearing on the agenda at Item 24 “Upper Gardener Street Trading Policy Review.

22.4    RESOLVED – That the contents of the petition be received and noted.

22b    Written Questions

22.5    There were none.

22c     Deputations

22.6    There were none.