The Cabinet is asked to note any announcements made by Members of the Cabinet.
Minutes:
Proposed closure of Railway Ticket Offices
The Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism (Councillor I J Henderson) referred to the ongoing consultation by the Train Operators on the proposed closure of over 1,000 railway ticket offices around the country. Some would be within the District of Tendring including at Manningtree, Clacton and possibly Frinton Railway Stations.
Councillor Henderson stated that he had been contacted by members of the public within his local area who had informed him that they found it very useful to use the Ticket Office at Manningtree especially older members of the public and those with disabilities who wanted to make sure that they had access to both platforms and trains. In addition, for those who did not like to make electronic payments, manned ticket offices provided somebody who could provide access on the best route of travel and the cheapest tickets available. He felt that it was a real shame and concern that these experienced ticket office staff would be lost.
Councillor Henderson also expressed his concern at the short three weeks only duration of this consultation. He felt that this was unfair to the general public. As the consultation was due to end on Wednesday 26 July 2023 he urged all Members of the Council to respond on behalf of their residents. He drew attention to the fact that within the Greater Anglia rail franchise region, 16% of rail users (compared to the national average of 12%) used ticket offices and that there was a real danger of these rail users being seen as “not mattering anymore”.
The Leader of the Conservative Group (Councillor Guglielmi) stated that he fully supported Councillor Henderson’s stance. He referred to Greater Anglia’s announced intention that the ticket office staff would be redeployed onto the platforms but stated that he was sceptical that would this would happen. He pointed out the fact that, the ticket machines would, at some time, malfunction. They also could not give advice or answer questions or suggest the cheapest way to travel.
Councillor Guglielmi suggested that a combined response be sent on behalf of all the local authorities in Essex. He also suggested that TDC’s response be circulated to the town and parish councils and local community groups in the District in order to make as many residents as possible aware of this consultation.
The Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group (Councillor Scott) highlighted the problems that the elderly often had with using modern technology and that these machines in not being able to do “ticket splitting” to provide cheaper options would thereby penalise the lower income households. He also mentioned that many of the machines did not take cash and that if they malfunctioned then the passenger ran the risk of then receiving a fine from the ticket collector on the train. He advocated a reinstatement or provision of “Permit to Travel” machines as a backup system. Overall, therefore he felt that this proposal was not a sensible approach.
The Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder (Councillor Baker) stated that it was “outrageous” that only a three-week period for consultation had been permitted for an issue of such importance. He believed that this proposal was merely an excuse for Train Operators to save money given the fact that rail use had not returned to pre-Covid 19 levels. This was at the same time as the public was being urged to use sustainable transport, as an aid in the fight against ‘climate change’.
The Leader of the Council (Councillor M E Stephenson) assured Members that all of the points raised would be picked up in this Council’s response to this consultation.
Clacton Air Show
The Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism (Councillor I J Henderson) reminded Members that this year’s Clacton Air Show (to be held on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th August 2023) marked its 30th Anniversary and therefore it was a special one to celebrate. Highlights of this event would include:-
· Battle of Britain Memorial Flight;
· Red Arrows;
· RAF Tutor display team;
· Fleet Air Arm (RN) Swordfish.
Councillor Henderson also drew attention to Thursday’s twilight flights and displays, which would include:-
· “Tigers” Army Parachute Display Team;
· “Otto” helicopter pyrotechnic display;
· “Firebirds”.
He urged the public to visit www.clactonairshow.com for the continually updated information as to display flight times and public parking arrangements et cetera.
Green Flags
The Leisure and Public Realm Portfolio Holder (Councillor Barry) was very pleased to announce that parks and gardens around Tendring had kept their prestigious Green Flag Awards. The District had maintained all four of its Green Flags for open spaces at Clacton Seafront Gardens, Weeley Crematorium and Gardens, Cliff Park in Dovercourt and Crescent Gardens in Frinton.
Councillor Barry stated that these awards were testament to the hard work of council staff and many volunteers, who were passionate about their local area, in maintaining these parks and gardens to such a high standard in all weathers. He was pleased for them that Keep Britain Tidy had rewarded their efforts with these four prestigious Green Flags which recognised not only how beautiful a place was, but also the behind the scenes and community efforts as well.