Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hudson and Sedgwick.

Urgent business, if any, introduced by the Chair

The Chair, Councillor Beeley, advised that she wished to introduce an item of Urgent Business relating to the new Saddleworth School. This item related to a statement to be made to the press which required approval by the District Executive. This item was taken as the final agenda item.

Councillor Beeley advised that as the Borough’s representatives of the district she considered that a statement should be released reflecting the views of the District Executive on the proposed siting of the new Saddleworth School.

The Chair read out the following statement for Members’ approval:

“The Saddleworth & Lees District Executive support the principle of a new school for Saddleworth and Lees and strongly appreciate the need for modern, fit for purpose facilities in the Saddleworth area.

If the only feasible site is part of the former WH Shaw Pallet Works, then the District Executive would support the development of this area to ensure that the opportunity for a new school for the children of Saddleworth & Lees is not lost. “

A discussion took place relating to the content of the statement.

In view of the outcome of the discussion it was suggested that a recorded vote be taken on this item and in accordance with Council Procedure rule 12.3 at least five Members requested a recorded vote on this Amendment.

The vote was recorded as follows:

Councillor Alexander            FOR                Councillor McCann               FOR

Councillor Beeley                  FOR                Councillor Roughley              FOR

Councillor Harkness             FOR                Councillor SedgwickABSENT

Councillor Heffernan             FOR                Councillor Sheldon                AGAINST

Councillor Hudson                 ABSENT

On being put to the vote SIX VOTES were cast IN FAVOUR and ONE AGAINST.

It was therefore RESOLVED that the above statement be released to the press at the earliest opportunity.

Note: Councillors Hudson and Sedgwick were both absent from this meeting.

To Receive Declarations of Interest in any Contract or matter to be discussed at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest received.

To receive Questions from the Public, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

No public questions had been received.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd October 2013 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd October 2013 be approved as a correct record.

This is a standing item relating to Petitions received relating to the Saddleworth & Lees area for consideration by the District Executive in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme. No petitions have been received.

No petitions had been received.

In considering the applications for funding Members expressed concern that this was the third time that funding had been sought to support The Diggle Blues Festival and stated that they were not in favour of year on year applications.

It was suggested that, in view of the fact that there were only two meetings of the District Executive on the calendar for the Municipal Year 20112/13, Members should give consideration as to how the remaining funds should be spent.

An Elected Member suggested that enquiries be made into the possibility of a Group belonging to the National Rural Touring Association - staging an event in the area with some support from the District Executive. Councillor Roughley offered to research this project.

Mention was also made of the possibility of funding additional Defibrillators for the district.

RESOLVED that:

1. The budget available for 2013/14 be noted;

2. The budget commitments made be noted;

3. Provisional funding of £5,000 be allocated to support applications for the refurbishment of the tennis courts at Churchill Playing Fields;

4. A final sum of £1,000 be allocated to support the Diggle Blues Festival 2014.

5. The District Executive look into the possibility of staging and supporting a performance in the area by a group from the National Rural Touring Association.

6. The District Executive look into the possibility of providing more defibrillators in Saddleworth and Lees.

The next meeting of the Saddleworth & Lees District Executive will take place on Thursday 30th January 2014, commencing at 7.30pm.

RESOLVED that the next meeting of the Saddleworth and Lees District Executive will take place on Thursday 30^th January 2014 at 7.30pm.