UPDATES from last night’s Hedon Town Council meeting (Finance & General Purposes Committee).
Newly re-elected chair of the F&GP committee Councillor Steve Gallant reported that the Post Box removed by Royal Mail on March 8 had been approved for its return. The re-location of the priority box next to the Dove House shop had depended on checks being made on utility services underground (cables, pipes) taking place. Those checks have been completed, now it’s just a matter of waiting for Royal Mail to actually install the Post Box.
The Town Council had been praised by its Auditors for maintaining its accounts to a high standard, and also the high standards of its financial governance and control. “Five years ago we were skint!” said Councillor Gallant, “but now we got healthy reserves. And those reserves are maintained at a reasonable level.” A vote of thanks to the Town Clerk and staff involved was moved and agreed.
South Holderness Cricket Club had asked the council for grant funding. Instead, the council agreed to book space on the club’s advertising hoardings to help promote Hedfest 2022. The council would buy this service for £300.
Events Working Group. Printers for the Town Calendar were recommended and agreed. Sponsorship of the calendar (adverts) would be £25. With Hedon Scrufts not taking place this year, an online competition was being considered where people would post photos of their dogs. The ‘Best Dressed Shop’ competition and Hedon Treasure Hunt would go ahead this year, with a flower festival and art exhibition proposed for next year.
Hedfest 22 would be promoted by a specially commissioned video to be produced in the church. The date of Hedfest 22 is still to be confirmed.
The Climate Change Working Group would seek a meeting with the new Cabinet Member responsible for the environment and Climate Emergency on East Riding Council, Cllr. Chris Matthews. The council would look at subscribing to an environmental impact website service to help it assess its own carbon footprint. It would also be considering major projects necessary in the next few years, including replacing the Town Hall gas boiler with a green alternative. It also planned to look at engaging with the Sewell’s Group about new tree planting on the green space between Hedon and the proposed Yorkshire Energy Park.
Bus Shuttle Service. Proposed to start in July, the six-month pilot scheme would see a mini-bus running a loop service around Hedon on a Wednesday to transport people to and from the town centre. It would be a hail & ride service but would have some fixed bus stops and timetable. Based on how well the service was used, the town council could look to continue the service when the pilot scheme ended. Publicity about the new service and promoting it across the town would be essential.
Ruben’s Voice activity event. The concert proposed for Saturday 21 August was being seen by organiser Katy Smith as a key event to help bring people in the town together. It would seek to establish a range of ongoing activities to help prevent teenage depression and suicide and promote better mental health for all. Katy was seeking a £2,000 grant under the auspices of supporting charity the Amy Black Community Centre. It was agreed by the council to establish a Working Group to look at the council’s grant-giving in more detail and to make the process of applying and receiving a grant more effective. An early meeting would take place so recommendations could be brought back to the council as quickly as possible.
Report based on observation of the Hedon Town Council F&GP meeting held last night at Saint Augustine’s Church (27 May 2021).
