Agenda and minutes

As there was no legislation in place for the Town Council to hold virtual meetings, and because of the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, the Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee formed virtually as an Advisory Committee. Any recommendations outside of the current work’s programme, budget or policy would require ratification at the Full Council meeting held on 2 August 2021.

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee Members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Democratic Services Officer (nicky.cayley@witney-tc.gov.uk) prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 30(a)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is  ...  view the full agenda text for item H357

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Liz Duncan.

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s code of conduct.

There were no declarations of interest from members or officers at this juncture.

a) To receive and consider the minutes of the Halls, Cemeteries and Allotments Minutes held on 24 May 2021;

b) Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda (Questions on the progress on any item).

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 May 2021 were received.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee held on 24 May 2021 be approved as a correct record of the meeting and be signed by the Chair.

There were no matters arising  ...  view the full minutes text for item H359

The meeting will adjourn for this item

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 42.  Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

There was no public participation.

To discuss the Committee priorities following adoption of the Open Spaces Strategy at the Full Council meeting held on 28th June.

The Committee considered the report of the Town Clerk outlining the priorities for the Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee from the recently approved Open Spaces Strategy.

Resolved:

That, the priorities be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Maintenance & Environment Officer.

The Committee considered the report of the Maintenance & Environmental Services Officer regarding options for the introduction of a new pedestrian access at Tower Hill Cemetery. Clarification was given of the proposed location of the access and ownership of surrounding land.

It was emphasised that the proposal would allow a more  ...  view the full minutes text for item H362

To consider the report of the Maintenance & Environmental Services Officer.

The Committee received the report of the Maintenance & Environmental Services Officer regarding a disability access audit that was conducted at Tower Hill Cemetery.

The Committee discussed the recommendations in the report and in particular options around reducing gradients around the site or the use of steps. It was agreed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item H363

To receive and consider the report of the Cemetery, External Contracts & Compliance Officer.

The Committee received the report of the Cemetery, External Contracts & Compliance Officer regarding an application for a memorial gate at Windrush Cemetery.

Councillors indicated that whilst liking the design they were concerned that the gate could give the impression of the site being a memorial area for one person. Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item H364

To receive a verbal update from the Chair.

The Chair outlined concerns that had been received regarding anti-social behaviour and littering at the site.

It was advised that any issues should be reported to Thames Valley Police (TVP) via 101 and that Council Officers were undertaking regular visits to the site. It was further suggested that if issues  ...  view the full minutes text for item H365

To receive the report of the Operations & Estates Advisor.

The report of the Operations & Estates Advisor was received outlining the setting up of a Benefice Environmental group covering the churches of St Mary the Virgin and Holy Trinity Churches that are maintained by Witney Town Council as closed churchyards.

The Committee supported the ambition to achieve Eco Church Status.  ...  view the full minutes text for item H366