Minutes:
(i) Wigston Pinfold Street Furniture Proposal
A written proposal was brought to the Forum. It is to mark the site of Wigston Pinfold with street furniture. The proposed site is on the corner of Newgate End and Moat Street. There is currently and Oadby and Wigston Council seat in situ.
The proposal is to mark the site with an interpretation panel. It is to be accompanied by a cattle trough which Pride of the Borough will plant and maintain. A photo print out showing what the seat design will be based on was circulated to residents. It will be vandal proofed and decorated with imagery of sheep and cattle.
Wigston Civic Society and historical societies were involved in shaping this proposal. The item will require planning permission as it is on the curtilage of All Saints Church. The church is a grade one listed building.
The projected cost of the project proposal is £2,500. Pride of the Borough put £1,500 towards the cost. Wigston Civic Society added a further £100. Wigston Floral Society donated £100 towards planting and care of the trough. Pride of the Borough members will make good the brickwork. There is likely to be a planning application fee.
It was stated the seat cost may rise before the order is placed. £900 is the award sum the group requested from the Council.
A representative spoke on behalf of the Historical and Civic Society`s support of the proposal, outlined the ethos to be noted by the trough of ‘live, shop and work’ and noted the direct benefit of the street furniture to Wigston Town as an improvement.
The proposal was seconded and by a show of hands, supported by 16 residents. No opposition was made to the proposal.
It was agreed the money will be allocated in stages. It was noted that the first allocation of £385 may include VAT. The Council is not allowed to claim the costs of planning and VAT.
(ii) Little Hill Residents Association and the purchase of Laurel Bushes
A written proposal by Little Hill Residents Association, for the purchase of Laurel Bushes at £420 was brought to the Forum.
The proposal is to plant the bushes which are some three feet high in front of walls. The walls are currently subject to damage and graffiti. Police and Councillors have provided support for this proposal. The landlord responsible for the walls has agreed to repair them by the beginning of October 2017.
The Association requested the award be allocated before winter comes, in order to establish planting growth.
Action
It was agreed this proposal forms an update report for the next Forum meeting.
(iii) A Proposal by the Lions Group for funds to customise Gazeboes.
The Lions applied for an award of just under £200 for the customisation of the Gazeboes donated by Friends of Peace Memorial Park.
The customisation is to help attract new members and to support the Wigston Christmas Lights switch on. This takes place on 25 November 2017. The venue for this switch on is Bell Street, Wigston at 12 Noon.
Due to timing limitations, to support the proposal the Chair used the old funding criteria to take the grant for endorsement to the PFD (Policy Finance and Development Committee).
Action
The Chair will liaise with the new incoming Finance Officer on this matter.