Agenda item

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered to speak can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Wednesday 24 August 2016.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the remit of the committee.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

“Please note this meeting will be filmed and webcast and that includes any registered public speakers, who have given their permission.  This broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (whose contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/6453/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetingspdf

It was reported that there had been twelve registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme, two of which had subsequently withdrawn, and that one Member of Council had also requested to speak.  The registrations were in respect of the following items:

Matters within the Remit of the Committee

Cllr Warters referred to current issues in connection with the Community Stadium project which he had raised with the Chief Executive and questioned alternative plans.

Advertising Boards, ‘A’ Boards and Other Equipment on the Public Highway

Cllr Warters spoke in support of the implementation of the ‘A’ Board policy but questioned the exemption of Micklegate.

Diane Rowarth spoke on behalf of York Blind and Partially Sighted Society expressing their complete support for the banning of ‘A’ Boards in the city. She referred to the difficulties encountered by those with mobility difficulties and expressed sympathy with traders suggesting that consideration should be given to more imaginative and effective methods of advertising businesses. She also asked for the involvement of pedestrians in the 12 month trial.

Ron Cooke spoke as Vice Chair of the Civic Trust following his involvement in this issue over a number of years. He expressed the Trusts full support for this evidence based initiative and thanked Officers for their comprehensive report and work.

Sophie Jewett spoke as the owner of the Cocoa House in Blake Street, confirming the contribution that small independent businesses made to both local residents and tourists. She referred to the outcome of the proposed policy on city businesses that already faced challenges from out of town centres and online shopping. She requested Members to extend the timeframe to find amicable solutions for all concerned. 

Sean Gill spoke as the Manager of Og Games who were in their first year of trading in premises situated in an alley off Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. He confirmed their reliance on A Boards and to the effect removal would have on the business. He handed in a petition signed by 350 customers also expressing their concern and requesting the Council to amend the proposed ban on advertising boards to ensure that it only prevented the placement of hazardous boards, or boards in cluttered or unsafe locations.

Harry Baines spoke as the owner of Love Cheese in Gillygate and owner of an A Board which he felt added to the street scene. With a cafe and garden behind their premises he felt that the board drew in custom and the board had received no negative comments. He asked for discussion to assist in the positioning of the board and felt that a blanket ban was unnecessary.

Bob Towner spoke to represent the York Older People’s Assembly and expressed the Assemblies full support for the proposals and the process to assist both older people and those with sight and mobility issues. He requested members to provide a consistent approach and include Micklegate in the policy.

Maqsood Sheikh spoke as the Regional Campaign Manager for the RNIB referring to the numbers who suffered sight loss each year. He referred to the numerous injuries sustained from A Boards in the last three months and to the effect on confidence this had. He also highlighted the obligations of the Council in relation to legislation and requested the Executive to support the ban.

Paul Lowman spoke to represent Inkwell a business in Gillygate and he outlined the effects that a ban on A Boards would have on small businesses in areas where there was already little passing trade. He highlighted a lack of consistency in respect of general obstructions on the cities streets. He requested consideration on a case by case basis.

Dawn Argyle spoke as the owner of the Luxury Ice Cream Company in Back Swinegate expressing her concern at the proposals. She referred to the success of A Boards, particularly as low cost advertising for small independent businesses to catch passing trade. She referred to the effect of a blanket ban on business and requested the licensing of A Boards or their use in connection with a cafe licence.

Capital Programme - Monitor 1 2016/17

Brian Watson spoke in respect of the Community Stadium and in particular to recent events affecting the cities football and rugby clubs. He referred to earlier agreements in relation to both clubs.