Minutes:
G Wood gave an update on the MHCLG (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) programme guidance. The submission date was still pending but a prospectus and technical guidance was to be released in the New Year which would establish a timeline for the programme. MPs including A Strickland had received a briefing from the Minister on the shape of the programme going forward and key points which were expected. The board was reassured that the prospectus would not take out any elements of the areas which had already been worked on so no work would be wasted. It would instead create additional areas of influence and opportunity which would bring broader priorities forward.
He clarified that the £200,000 capacity funding which had been received was not to be used as a route to bring elements of the programme forward. However, this was to be utilised for the design and feasibility of the programme but not investment activity.
He noted that it was a little frustrating that clarity had not been given on how to move forward but was relieved that the allocation remained in place following the budget statement from the new government. The new prospectus and broad principles would give the opportunity to continue the core design so the grant fund mechanism would not be lost and the work would continue.
G Wood advised that work to invite business representatives to become members of the board was ongoing. He recommended that these invitations should wait until the new prospectus and technical guidance was released to shed light on how to work with businesses and clarify what business influence was required to improve the programme. This information would help encourage businesses to get involved.
A Boddy suggested that comms should be circulated to stakeholders and organisations who were integral to the programme to inform them of the delay and reassure them that work was still progressing well. K Monaghan to action.
G Wood stated that Spennymoor’s Christmas market would provide an opportunity to provide comms on the progress to date regarding the programme and seek views from young people.
K Monaghan informed the board that there would be various activities at the Christmas market including an ice rink in the town centre along with a giant snow globe which would be a great opportunity for photos. He added that the Christmas market had been opened to various businesses to occupy stalls to sell jams, chutneys, cakes, gifts and crafts. He confirmed that market fees had been waivered for Spennymoor businesses, Town Brass band and other local bands would play throughout the event. It was suggested to contact local schools to see if children and young people would join the choir.
G Wood reiterated that comms would go out in advance with a wrap around message to support the Christmas market and say thank you to everyone who had provided support and who had been involved with the engagement work.
There was capacity to monitor the footfall of the event to break down the number of people who attended to have follow up comms to advertise Spennymoor as having an active town. This was to be the start of the wider programme to have specialist markets in the town.
A Boddy mentioned that due to weather the Bishop Auckland Christmas market had been reduced and queried if there was an idea of the expected footfall to the Spennymoor Christmas market.
K Monaghan responded that the summer events which happened in Spennymoor every May had seen 1000 people come to the town. As the Bishop Auckland Christmas market had been reduced it was hoped that people would make the drive into Spennymoor and increase footfall and enjoy the event.
J Anson mentioned that the ice rink and giant snow globe were free which would be a big pull to encourage young people to attend. She added that this would be advertised on social media platforms from this point onwards up until the day of the event. Advertisement of the ice rink had not been carried out earlier, but this advertising would commence this weekend.
D Stone suggested that comms could go through the Director of Schools as part of the weekly output to get information direct to families. He agreed to liaise with K Monaghan to action.
Councillor D Ranyard agreed to speak to the parish clerk to advertise the Christmas market on their website.
A Boddy offered to deliver leaflets advertising the Christmas market as part of Livin’s tenancy visits. This would be actioned through Andy Coulthard