STN Editors Report on the Full Syston Town Council meeting held via Zoom on Tuesday 23rd February 2021

There were 11 Cllrs, four members of staff, one Borough Cllr and one member of the public present. Three Cllrs gave their apologies along with County Cllr J. Poland.

The reflection was given by the Chairman Cllr T. Barkley and there were no declarations of interest given in regard to any item on the agenda.

During the fifteen minute adjournment the editor of the Stn informed Council of a new competition the newspaper was going to run in the March issue entitled Keep Syston Tidy. It would be open to all ages and the closing date is the 26th March. The editor asked if the Council would support the campaign and have the chosen A4 posters on the Notice boards around the town.

The following announcements were made:
Operation Wildfire – was a police initiative for anyone to report issues of vandalism or anti-social behaviour (ASB). All villages in Charnwood had reports of ASB and vandalism except Syston. Councillors were encouraged to report any issues to the Police. Town Manager had circulated a list of contact details of Syston Police Officers and PCSO’s to all Councillors.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 22nd February, outdoor sports for adults and children could commence from 29th March and the Community Centre could be open for room bookings from 12th April 2021. Enquiries for room bookings were already being received.

A Police report had been received and circulated as no Police Officer was present at the meeting.

A New Councillor – Salome Tonge was given a warm welcome after having problems logging into the meeting, she had applied to be a Syston Town Councillor.

Salome made the following statement explaining how she had become interested after having issues with car parking on her street. She has lived in Syston for six years, works for the NHS, is a mother and wanted to give back to the community. She thanked Cllr James Poland and the Town Manager for their help and support regarding a parking issue recently. It was agreed that Salome Tonge would serve the Merton Ward, as the Ward she lives in hasn’t any vacancies. Cllr T. Barley invited Cllr Tonge to attend all committee meeting before deciding which committee she would like to serve on. Cllrs S. Vadia and K. Pacey offer their assistance and an introduction to the work of a Cllr in the Merton Ward.

Borough and County Cllr Reports
Cllr T Barkley reported on the Business grants that Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) had paid out during the Pandemic. He also reported on the energy savings that residents could have if they used Charnwood Big Switch, it could save them £405 per year and they are focusing on Green Energy supplier, visit https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwoodbigswitch
He reported on the Vaccination programme and its roll out across the county, making Leicestershire cleaner and greener with the County Council leading the way and set to become Carbon Neutral ahead of National targets and become Carbon Neutral by 2030. He alerted members about Scams and gave the following useful places to report suspicious text, phone calls or emails to: forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (spells spam on your telephone keypad) or you can report suspicious texts, calls or emails to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 040. Never give your bank details or PIN as no bonafide company will ask for these. If you have given them out ring your bank direct.
He finished with an update on free school meals being provided for 12,000 eligible children in the county.
County Cllr J. Poland reported on the County Council Budget which was agreed on 17th February.
He then reported on the Rapid Covid testing for key workers and those who can’t work from home that is now available at six sites across the county, the nearest to Syston are Loughborough or Melton. Eligible people can book online via: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/rapid-asymptomatic-testing. He finished by advising members of a survey currently open to find the views of people on cycling and walking in the county available until 14th March.
Cllr S. Gerrard reported on her work with keeping in contact with elderly people across the borough to help break up their day. As well as attending training and meetings she had nothing else to report.
Cllr S. Bradshaw reported on Shop Safer Shop Local campaign were a resource pack had been offered to local businesses to reassure shoppers that they are compliant with the latest Covid-19 guidance. He also reported on a Missed Parcel Scam, so to be alert and not click on any link in any message received either by text or email. He asked if members had elderly neighbours to check in on them and make sure they were OK.
Cllr K. Pacey gave a verbal report on the first significant meeting of the Licensing Committee since lockdown and that they had approved two reports; one the Cumulative Impact report required every five years and the Licensing team report. He said Criminal checks would now be covered at national level, they were looking into introducing CCTV in taxis to improve vehicle safety and any complaints against drivers. They are working with government to agree a national standard and exploring into digital methods for licencing.

All minutes were agreed.
There were no questions for the Chairman.

The Town Manager’s report was received along with reports from the Deputy Town Manager, Facilities Manager, Senior Administrator and Assistant to the Town Manager.

The Town Manager said through a Charnwood initiative to mark the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore by lowering the flags on the Memorial and the Council Offices had been followed and after his funeral on Saturday 28th February they will be raised on Monday 1st March.

Council Operations During Covid-19 Update: The town manager said that offers were working through the changes following the Prime Ministers public address the previous evening. It included grass root football, which would return by the end of March and normal bookings at the community centre in June (subject to review). The deep cleaning of the community centre was being promoted on all social media sites.

Fiona Henry, Editor.
For the official minutes of this and other Town Council Meetings please visit their website: www.systontc.org
You can attend any council meeting held via Zoom on Tuesday evenings 7.30pm.
Details are posted across all Town Council notice boards.