Decision details

Councillor Julie Swan, as the chair of Economic Development, Culture & Leisure (EDCL) for this review, presented the scrutiny panel's report.  The panel had looked at ways of encouraging footfall and she was pleased that Boots were committed to community involvement in local retail areas such as North End, and the Ministry for High Streets had send officials to visit Portsmouth retail centres.  She was pleased that as part of the review the events notice had been simplified and was grateful for the involvement of the local traders associations such as Albert Road, Castle Road and Fratton Road, independent traders, Penny Mordaunt MP and all the officers who had given their time and the support of all the panel members and clerk.

Councillor Matthew Winnington who had been Vice-Chair of EDCL scrutiny panel for this review also spoke, with particular reference to the panel's third recommendation to encourage cycling and walking to the secondary shopping areas, which reflected points raised by Strong Island Co.

Alan Cufley, Director of Transport, Environment and Business Support, reported that officers from his directorate and that of Stephen Baily, Culture & City Development, would be developing the suggestions and would look at additional safe cycle storage and attracting sponsorship.

Councillor Jones,

DECISION:

(1)  The EDCL Scrutiny Panel was thanked for its work in undertaking the review;

(2)  The Economic Development, Culture & Leisure Scrutiny Panel's recommendations were approved in line with the responses noted in Item 4 of the Directors' response report.