The following Motion has been received from Councillor Crampton:
“Despite great efforts and good intentions from all involved, it is now abundantly clear that the closure of Fleet High Street has not been a success. The negative impact on residents particularly those living near the closure, of traffic congestion and the resulting pollution has not been outweighed by any appreciable benefits to businesses. This Council therefore resolves to have the road closures removed and to reopen the High Street as soon as is possible.”
Minutes:
The following Motion had been received from Cllr Crampton:
“Despite great efforts and good intentions from all involved, it is now abundantly clear that the closure of Fleet High Street has not been a success. The negative impact on residents particularly those living near the closure, of traffic congestion and the resulting pollution has not been outweighed by any appreciable benefits to businesses. This Council therefore resolves to have the road closures removed and to reopen the High Street as soon as is possible.”
Members discussed:
• The background as to why this motion had been brought to Council.
• Concerns around the negative impact on residents’ and businesses in the area.
• The result of a survey indicating a high level of objection to the Scheme.
• A petition to have the Scheme removed
• Members were reminded that the Scheme had been debated at the last meeting and clear evidence from collecting and analysing data has not yet been submitted.
• This is a ‘pop-up’ scheme with flexibility built into it, other options could be considered.
Members were asked to consider an amendment to the Motion proposed by Cllr Quarterman:
“Despite great efforts and good intentions from all involved, there is a concern that the closure of Fleet High Street to traffic has not been a success. This Council therefore resolves to actively engage with retailers to understand and assess the nature of their concerns and to physically observe at peak times the impact of traffic on neighbouring roads. If compelling and verifiable evidence gathered indicates that the benefit to retailers does not outweigh any negative impact on businesses or residents, then this Council requests Cabinet to have the road closures removed and to reopen the High Street to traffic as soon as is practically possible and not later than the end of October in sufficient time to support the Christmas trading period”.
After full discussion including reference to a conflict with Standing Orders, a recorded vote was taken on the Amendment to the Motion:
FOR the Amendment to the Motion: Ambler, Axam, Bailey, Blewett, Butler, Clarke, Cockarill, Crisp, Davies, Delaney, Drage, Kinnell, Lamb, Makepeace-Browne, Neighbour, Oliver, Quarterman, Radley, Smith, Wildsmith
AGAINST the Amendment to the Motion: Crampton, Crookes, Dorn, Farmer, Forster, Southern, Tomlinson, Wheale, Worlock, Wright
Abstentions: Kennett
Decision: Amendment to the Motion carried.
Members debated on the substantive Motion (as amended):
Members discussed:
• It is clear that opinion is split and this presents a challenge to Members to follow good governance and wait for more reliable data, both in support and against the Scheme to take a clear and balanced decision.
• Scheme lead by Hart District Council with support from Fleet BID, Fleet Town Council and Hampshire County Council.
• The Scheme has been done quickly under difficult circumstances to encourage shoppers to return to the high street during the pandemic, to feel safe and allow for adequate social distancing.
A recorded vote was taken on the substantive Motion (as amended):
FOR: Ambler, Axam, Bailey, Blewett, Butler, Clarke, Cockarill, Crisp, Davies, Delaney, Drage, Kinnell, Lamb, Makepeace-Browne, Neighbour, Oliver, Quarterman, Radley, Smith, Wildsmith
AGAINST: Crampton, Crookes, Dorn, Farmer, Forster, Southern, Tomlinson, Wheale, Worlock, Wright
Abstentions: Kennett
Decision: Motion as amended carried