IT HAS been a very busy couple of months here at Redditch Borough Council, so here is a brief update on what has been happening to date.
We are now at the stage where the council’s accounts are ready for auditing – at long last some stability in the councils finances.
When these accounts are audited you will be able to see these and the direction of the council’s finances.
Town Hall development
I have held several meetings with regard to the plans for the new Town Hall development.
They include a conference facility for the public, businesses and community groups and face-to-face working for council officers.
We are also in talks with the police about an office for the town centre team and the council chamber will have up-to-date facilities and live streaming so you can see what is happening live at the council meetings.
We have now started the process of setting up the forums as promised in our manifesto and my performance portfollio holder is working with officers on how these will be formatted and set up.
I have met with senior officers about our promise of area wardens and we shall be implementing them soon – these will be officers whose main responsibility will be to go around our wards making sure they are safe, clean and a great place to live, work and shop.
Outdoor market
At full council I was asked about what was happening to the outdoor market?
After meeting with officers it became clear the previous administration had removed the electrics outside the library, therefore making it difficult to open up the new market.
So, on Wednesday, I commissioned for the electrics to be put back and for a market group to be set up, made up of local councillors to work with officers and traders so the market will be up-and-running in March.
I will also examine how the council can encourage a Christmas style market to be set up in December to bring some festive cheer to the area.
I was sad to learn that the Kingfisher Centre had closed the indoor market traders last week.
When the Conservatives closed down the outdoor market, the Kingfisher Centre offered temporary space to the traders.
Now that this has finished, the traders are more than welcome to contact the officers at the council to see if they would benefit from the new market offering.
Unicorn Hill latest
The public realm works still continue on Unicorn Hill and so far have had a positive response – the temporary traffic lights will stop at the end of this month to allow a easy flow of traffic during the Christmas shopping period.
Pensioners’ plea
I would also like to take the opportunity to encourage all pensioners to check the councils website to see if they are receiving the right payments as some are unaware they may be entitled to extra payments.
Age UK also has lots of details and advice on pension credits and entitlements.
For anyone unsure as to where to go for help and advice, your team of Labour councillors in your areas are more than happy to help and assist you.
So as you can see, we continue to be busy here at the council fulfilling our manifesto plans and I look forward to updating you again soon.
Coun Joe Baker
Redditch Borough Council leader
