Gosport Borough Council Council Meeting

Apologies for non attendance were received from Councillors Huggins, Gledhill Kelly and Maynard and Honorary Alderman Searle, Dickson and Whitbread. 

There were none.

The Mayor advised that it continued to be a privilidge to meet so many residents of the Borough.

A deputation was received from Mr Miles, he advised that he was representing the residents of Peel Common, in particular those that used Brookers field for exercising, either themselves, or animals, or playing football.

He advised it was disappointing to see the lack of security on the site that although it was felt to be secure was not secure enough to prevent travelers from invading which had negatively impacted on the local population. There had been pollution, noise pollution, vandalisms, threats to wildlife and local businesses.

The invasion had to stop and he suggested that effective security be installed in the form of bollards that were tamper proof, required no power and cost no more than £4500. This was significantly less than the cost of the clear up following their departure, reported to be £40000.

Security of the site was important, concern was also expressed that the Council were not able to swiftly manage the situation as a result of having no Head of Streetscene or onsite legal officers. In addition there had not been wildflowers planted where grass had been removed.

In answer to a Members question, Mr Miles advised he had not contacted companies detailed in his hand out to establish if the barriers were angle grinder proof. A Member had done so and confirmed they were not.

Members thanked Mr Miles for his deputation and acknowledged the difficulties that had been presented.

There were none.

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, seeking the reappointment of Mr Large as an Independent Person of the Council.

RESOLVED:

1.    The Council approves the re-appointment of Mr Peter Large as an Independent Person for the purposes of Section 28 of the Localism Act 2011 for the period of 4 years ending on 30 JUNE 2027; and

2.    The Council thanks both Mr Willis and re-appointed Mr Large for their ongoing dutiful diligence and support.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting by virtue of paragraph 1 of Part 1of Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 as the next item contains personal information.