Agenda item

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (C&CEO).

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

Members agreed that the Communication Survey should be rerun in order to establish which means of communication were most appropriate for residents. It was further agreed that this be included as part of the next resident’s annual survey as this was delivered to all Witney properties.

Regarding the production of an additional resident newsletter Members had varied opinions on whether this should be financed by the inclusion of paid advertising from businesses. There were concerns that the news content of the newsletter would not reach its intended audience as it would potentially be seen as a piece of additional junk mail, there were also concerns regarding staff time in organising the advertisements.

It was proposed by Cllr D Enright that instead of a newsletter, a calendar of town events be considered. The Chair asked that Officers report back on the feasibility of this to the next meeting of the Committee, along with the consideration of an external company carrying out the design and advertisement procurement work.

A Member asked that inclusion of paid advertising be considered for the existing printed spring newsletter so as to reduce the overall cost to the Council of its production and distribution.

The Committee considered the erection of an information sign for the COVID Memorial following persistent Anti-Social Behaviour over the summer. Members were in agreement of a budget of £100 being set.

Recommended:

1.      That the report be noted and,

2.      That, the Communication Survey be rerun in the next resident satisfaction survey and,

3.      That Officers report back to the Committee on the publication of an events calendar utilising an external company for its production and,

4.      That consideration be given to the inclusion of paid advertising in its existing printed newsletter in order to reduce costs,

5.      That, a sign be installed at the COVID memorial utilising a budget of £100.