These are draft minutes that have not yet been approved by the council. The minutes are subject to change and will be confirmed at the next meeting.

E25/031 PRESENT

Councillors Banks, Dalzell, Hartley, Watson and Wood.

A Keppel-Green (Town Clerk).

 

E25/032 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllrs Coan (health), Forrest (business) and Russell (personal business)

 

E25/033 DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS

No member declared an interest in any item under discussion.

 

E25/034 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

A resident spoke in relation to the committee’s action to explore a festival of sport, noting it may be a good idea but the ‘Town of Culture’ application outlined an intention to host a sports programme in 2028. The resident also paid tribute to the Town Mayor for his dedication in submitting the Town of Culture application; the Town Mayor responded that it was an excellent idea.

 

E25/035 CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 20th October 2025 subject to the correction of the spelling of Cllr Wood’s name.

 

E25/036 REVIEW OF YEAR TO DATE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

The committee income and expenditure year-to-date was noted.

 

E25/037 RECENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS

A report on recent and upcoming events was noted.

The format of the Christmas parade was discussed with agreement that Santa should be at the end of the parade not leading it. In respect of Picnic in the Park, it was suggested there should be more entertainment/stalls such as coconut shies and fewer community organisations.

 

E25/038 CHRISTMAS MARKET

The committee noted feedback from visitors, traders and businesses in respect of the format of the event.

It was RESOLVED that the event be held on Princess Street and the Princess Street/Silk Mill Street car parks, with an extension into Church Hill if the road is already closed and/or the Egerton Place building has opened as a food court.

 

E25/039 STRATEGIC PLAN

The delivery of action under the plan was noted.

 

E25/027 OUTSTANDING ACTIONS AND PROJECT UPDATES REPORT

It was agreed that it was still worth exploring a sporting event for 2027 which could lead into any Town of Culture event in 2028.

 

E25/028 COMMITTEE WORKPLAN

The workplan was noted.

 

E25/029 QUESTIONS TO THE TOWN CLERK

The Town Clerk undertook to ensure United Utilities were contacted about advertising and presence at Movies on the Moor.

 

E25/030 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

It was noted that the next scheduled meeting would be held on 22nd June at 6:30pm.