A
new task force is being created to look at events across the
Havant borough and how they can be supported to attract more
visitors to the area.
As
part of Havant Borough Council’s work plan for the overview
and scrutiny committee, the aim is to create or support
events that will draw visitors into the borough and then
review and evaluate the impact of those events. This will
include events in Havant, Waterlooville, Hayling Island and
Emsworth.
The
task force will review how these events can be funded and
resourced and report back to the overview and scrutiny
committee.
The
work of the overview and scrutiny committee’s task and
finish group will help advise different departments involved
such as the economic development service, the mayor’s office
and community service. They will review the work of
community service who work with economic development to host
workshops with businesses to develop event ideas and
planning and promote the benefits of business networks.
At
least three members are required to form the group and no
more than eight can form a task force group, members were
told at a council meeting on Monday, September 9th.
Five
councillors put themselves forward which was agreed by the
council officer as a good, small group. The group will be
chaired by Cllr Andrew Briggs (Con, Cowplain) and include
Cllr Mark Coates (Lab, Hayling Island), Cllr Daniel Berwick
(Lab, Havant St Faith’s), Cllr Ann Briggs (Con, Hart Plain)
and Cllr Sharon Collings (Reform UK, Leigh Park Central and
West Leigh).
Cllr
Andrew Briggs declared his interest in running community
interest company events, but Cllr Coates said it would be
valuable expertise. The monitoring officer said she would
discuss with him procedure and advise if there might be any
conflicts of interest after the meeting.
The
work plan represents the work of the scrutiny committee
throughout the municipal year. The council officer advised
that would be “challenging” with such little time for any
task force to look into the landscaping and grass-cutting
issues, raised by Councillor Keast in four weeks.
The
decision on choosing the second task force was deferred
until the next overview and scrutiny meeting as the council
officers will be reporting back their findings on the Norse
SE contract in three to four weeks.
The News 10th September
Page updated:
Monday February 03, 2025