An extraordinary meeting of the Broxtowe Borough Council has been scheduled for 7pm on 23rd May at the Council Offices on Foster Avenue. This session, convened by the Broxtowe Independent Group and the Liberal Democrat Group, aims to address several significant local concerns.
The following motion was received from Councillors: R D MacRae, D L MacRae, S J Carr, B C Carr, E Williamson
“All Members of the Broxtowe Independent Group have been approached by a number of independent small shop owners in Beeston, Eastwood and Stapleford.
This Council notes;
1. The significant downturn in business turnover since the removal of free parking in several car parks across the town centres.
2. Customers of many independent businesses have told owners that they will not pay for parking and will instead go where they can park for free.
3. No consultation took place with residents or businesses prior to the changes.
4. The increase in charges was not in the ruling party’s manifesto in the election just 6 months prior to this decision being implemented.
This Council calls for an immediate and urgent review of parking charges and requests that an inquiry, conducted in public, is set up into the adverse impact of the new charges on all Town Centres’ independent businesses.”
The primary agenda item for this meeting is the debate over the abolition of free car park charges. This issue has garnered considerable attention from residents and local business owners, who argue that the charges negatively impact trade and convenience. The debate will provide a platform for various viewpoints to be aired and considered by the council.
In addition to the car park charges, the meeting will also feature the presentation of petitions and questions from local businesses. This segment is expected to highlight the concerns and suggestions of the business community, fostering a dialogue between the council and its constituents.
The following motion was received from Councillors D K Watts, H Land, A Kingdon, S J Carr and D L MacRae
“The Council notes that the owner of Beeston Farmers Market has not had the lease renewed by the Council and further notes that the Council have now said that they intend to run a farmer’s market themselves.
This Council believes that it is not at all clear why such a decision was made or how Beeston and the Borough of Broxtowe will benefit from such a move. This Council further believes that the communications around this decision have been nothing short of disastrous and reflect very badly on the Council.
This Council therefore resolves to instruct the Chief Executive to arrange for an independent investigation to be held into to all aspects of how any why this decision was taken and further how it was communicated, and for the result of that investigation to be communicated to a future meeting of the Borough Council not more than six months from today”.
Another crucial matter to be discussed is the potential removal of Beeston Farmers’ Market from the Square. The market has been a staple of the community, providing fresh produce and local goods. The proposed motion will address the reasons behind this potential move and its implications for both vendors and shoppers.
This extraordinary meeting is a public event, and all residents and local businesses are encouraged to attend. Their participation will ensure that a broad spectrum of voices is heard, contributing to the decision-making process on issues that affect the daily lives and economic wellbeing of the community.
Residents and business owners interested in these matters should mark their calendars and prepare to engage in what promises to be a pivotal discussion for the future of Broxtowe.
Independent Councillor Richard MacRae 