1. To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Maskell
“The Bus Station in Barnstaple is especially important, as North Devon has a large rural hinterland and buses coming into the town may have been travelling for over an hour. Passengers may also be making an onward journey on a connecting service, and the ability to use the toilet facilities is essential. They may also have to wait for lengthy periods for those connections and it is important that they are able to sit somewhere warm whilst they wait. By not operating these facilities we are also disadvantaging the elderly, and those with medical and mobility needs, at a time when the £2 bus fare has been extended to supposedly improve access for all.
We are seeing other improvements at the Bus Station as Devon County Council are currently refurbishing the stands, replacing the signs and have plans for real time information for passengers. Although Barnstaple Town Council have an interest in using the building as a community hub those plans do not seem to be progressing due to financial constraints and the cost of refurbishment. We could look at an option to let the café space to a coffee franchise which would generate an income, whilst ensuring that a café and toilets are provided at little or no cost to the council. If the Town Council wish to use the remaining space for a community hub this could still be an option.
It has now been two years since the Bus Station facilities were closed and this council recognises that they should be reopened as soon as possible.
Therefore, Council:
1. Commits to re-opening the Bus Station within the next two months or set a reasonable time frame.
2. Commits to look at commercial options for a coffee franchise to run a café at the station with a toilet facility.
3. Commits to retaining the Bus Station facilities for future generations.”
2. To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Wilson
“City of Sanctuary UK is a national movement to ensure the UK is a welcoming place of safety for all people fleeing violence and persecution.
This motion recognises that people seeking sanctuary not only need to have their basic needs met but also deserve our compassion and support. North Devon Council is already central in supporting Government-led refugee relocation programmes in our communities, partnering with the Home Office, Ministry of Defence, DHLUC and local charities to deliver resettlement through: Homes for Ukraine; the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP); the UKRS Community Sponsorship scheme, and the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).
In becoming a member of the City of Sanctuary network, North Devon Council will benefit from the sharing of best practice, resources and initiatives amongst a national network.
Becoming a member of the City of Sanctuary network will signal an ongoing commitment within North Devon Council towards spreading a culture of compassion and welcome to migrants and refugees, both across its operations and out into our communities.
Consequently, the Council resolves to:
1. Join the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network.
2. Work to implement the City of Sanctuary pledges through its actions and policies, and with its partners in the statutory and voluntary sectors.
3. Consider working towards the full City of Sanctuary award.
4. Acknowledge the contribution of refugees and people seeking sanctuary in North Devon.”
Minutes:
(a) To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Maskell
Councillor Maskell outlined the reasons for the submission of her notice of motion to Council as a lot of complaints from residents had been passed to her in relation to the lack of toilet facilities at the station. Passengers waiting for buses could wait for up to an hour for a bus without access to toilet facilities. This lack of facility certainly discouraged people from travelling to the town. She advised that the Strategy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 8 January 2024 had considered the re-opening of the café and the reconfiguration of toilets open to the public and it was anticipated that the toilets and café would be re-open by Easter 2024. This would give passengers greater confidence to travel. Therefore she withdrew her notice of motion to Council.
(b) To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Wilson
Councillor Wilson presented her notice of motion to Council.
Councillor Wilson declared for transparency reasons that she was an employee of Pickwell Foundation.
It was moved by Councillor Wilson and seconded by Councillor Prowse that the notice of motion be adopted.
Councillor Walker declared for transparency reasons that she was a sponsor
host under the Home for Ukraine scheme.
It was moved by Councillor Walker and seconded by Councillor Maskell “that the notice of motion be referred to the Strategy and Resources Committee for further consideration”.
RESOLVED that the notice of motion be referred to the Strategy and Resources Committee for further consideration.