Issue - meetings

The Committee received the report of the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee requesting that the Committee discuss with the Cabinet Member for Growth the decision to reopen Bedford Place to traffic from the week commencing 19^th July, 2021. 

Councillor Moulton, Cabinet Member for Growth, Kate Martin, Executive Director for Place and Wade Holmes, Transport Delivery Team Lead were in attendance and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting. 

In addition, the Committee received representations from Councillors Noon, Bogle, Paffey and Kataria as well as residents living in the vicinity of Bedford Place and interested parties. 

The Committee discussed:

·  The impact of the scheme on businesses, visitors and local residents;

·  The evidence obtained from the 3 surveys that had been conducted on the scheme and how this had influenced the decision to reopen;

·  Issues of safety and anti-social behaviour in the area and how this had changed since the introduction of the scheme;

·  Views of the wider community, not just those of the businesses and how these were being considered;

·  Timing of the decision – implications of delaying the decision until after the summer;

·  Impact of the Night Time Economy on local residents;

·  Future design of the area;

·  How communication with businesses and residents was conducted;

·  The introduction of a temporary traffic regulation order. 

RESOLVED that the Cabinet Member gave consideration to utilising the residual funding within the Late Night Levy account to improve the cleanliness and appearance of Bedford Place.