Mayor's Announcements
Minutes:
Kevin Gibbs
The Mayor welcomed Kevin Gibbs to the meeting. Kevin would be joining the Council as Executive Director: Delivery from 18 March 2019.
Help Yourself Community Map
Councillor Birch reported that The Guardian had featured an article on the Bracknell Forest Help Yourself Community map which had been developed by Public Health. The map had been developed to reduce loneliness across the Borough by encouraging the lonely and vulnerable to engage with over 400 organisations offering activity groups and community support.
Adult Social Care Christmas
Councillor Birch reported that the Christmas period had been a success for Adults Social Care who had worked hard to support people to enjoy Christmas in their own home. A particular success story was of one individual who had been taken home from hospital on Christmas Eve.
Town Centre Vision 2032
Councillor Brunel-Walker informed Members that the Town Centre Vision 2032 which outlined development plans for the Civic Quarter and Southern Gateway had been published.
Easthampstead House
Councillor Brunel-Walker reported that the lease for the meanwhile use of Easthampstead House had been signed. The new space would be used to support new businesses, and would create valuable employment space in the town centre.
Business Rates Pilot
Councillor Heydon informed Members that Bracknell Forest had been accepted onto the Government’s Business Rates Pilot for a second year running. It was anticipated that the Pilot would generate an additional £4 million in revenue for the Borough.
Bracknell Leisure Centre refurbishment
Councillor McCracken reported that the dry changing areas and new reception areas at Bracknell Leisure Centre had now opened for public use. The new gym located in the former Forest Suite area had opened on a soft opening, and members were encourage to join to make use of this facility.
Photo competition
Councillor McCracken informed members that the annual photo competition had received 70 entrants. The successful entries would be displayed at South Hill Park.
Library user feedback
Councillor McCracken commented on a piece of feedback he had received from a resident who had said how much they enjoyed using the library at Great Hollands.
Glass bottle recycling
Councillor Mrs Hayes reported that glass bottle recycling was due to be incentivised in the same manner as blue bins through a good causes scheme. Fifteen glass recycling points within the RE3 catchment would be awarded £500 by FCC for good recycling behaviour and quantities, of which 6 were in Bracknell Forest. The funds would be awarded to nominated good causes.
Charity Collection Days
The Charity Collection Days for the Mayor’s Charity at The Lexicon and The Meadows Shopping Centres had been a success despite wet weather, and Members were thanked for their support and participation.
Spring Soiree
The Mayor asked Members to ‘save the date’ for his Spring Soiree event at Bracknell Rugby Club on 22 March 2019.