Agenda item

Having complied with the Motions Procedure as set out in the council’s Constitution the motion attached will be proposed by Cllr Richard Plowman and if duly seconded it will then be discussed at this meeting.

Cllr Plowman proposed his Motion which was seconded by Cllr Bell. He then explained that he was happy to except Cllr Sharp’s amendment as part of his Motion. Cllr Sharp confirmed she was happy with that approach. Cllr Bell agreed to second the Motion inclusive of the amendment.

Cllr Plowman then outlined his Motion. He explained it was primarily looking at things that could be easily improved straight away.

Cllr Sharp outlined her amendment to focus on younger people and families.

Cllr Bell as seconder to the Motion requested that the taskforce should be aimed at delivering immediate actions leaving a longer term strategy to the Chichester Vision Steering Group.

Cllr Lintill thanked both Cllr Plowman and Cllr Sharp for their Motion and amendment. She explained that she would support the Motion and request that officers prepare a report back to Cabinet.

Cllr Dignum supported the Motion. He asked that priority be given to improving pavements and carriageways.

Cllr Donna Johnson supported the Motion. She explained the importance of attracting visitors and tourism to the district for growth and sustainability.

Cllr Apel gave support to the Motion.

Cllr Purnell questioned whether the taskforce should be the responsibility of the council.

Cllr Oakley raised concerns about duplication of existing work.

Cllr Bangert gave support to the Motion.

Cllr Sutton noted Cllr Purnell’s comments. He gave support to the Motion.

Cllr Brown suggested the level of lights being left on in the city centre at night should be considered as should play equipment in parks.

Cllr Hobbs gave support to Motion. He asked that the City Council take a significant role in taking it forward.

Cllr O’Kelly commented that collaboration is needed between key partners.

Cllr Tim Johnson requested that the outcome be shared with town and parish councils as a form of best practice.

Cllr Graves explained that a similar piece of work had been undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee a number of years ago which had been successful.

Cllr Potter gave his support to the Motion. He asked that the pavements be prioritised. Cllr Sharp suggested she help increase the priority level of the pavements in her role as a WSCC member. She added that pollution from idling vehicles could be addressed via the council’s Environmental Health function.

Cllr Oakley asked that heavy vehicles be considered as part of any pavement improvements work.

Cllr Plowman thanked members for their support. He added that he saw the taskforce as short term until approximately Easter 2023.

In a vote the Motion from Cllr Plowman inclusive of the amendment Motion from Cllr Sharp was approved as follows:

That this Council instructs the Executive to investigate the setting up of a specific multiagency (CDC, CCC, WSCC , BID) Chichester City Centre Task Force to ensure the City Centre  defined as the Chichester Conservation area has an attractive  and well maintained Public Realm through enforcing Planning Conditions on premises; Regulation 7 removal of unsightly “to let” boards; graffiti; litter; unnecessary and redundant signs; and “A” boards. Enforce no cycling, pedlars and busking rules in the precinct and parks. Ensure premises are in a good state of repair and decoration and to research and understand the factors that have resulted in a decline in footfall.   To ensure we consider what can be done to enhance Chichester’s offer for a younger demographic, the Multi-Agency Task Force should include representatives from the University, the College, young people and families. City Centres can no longer rely on shopping for footfall, and Chichester needs to have an offer which competes with other places with a range of choice in shops, fun activities and a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.