Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hinder and Councillor Mrs Hinder.

The following substitutions were noted:-

Councillor Butler for Councillor Mrs Hinder

Councillor Mrs Wilson indicated her wish to speak on the Street Trading Applications from Mr Richards, Mr Bolesworth and Mrs Bolesworth.

Councillor Mortimer indicated his wish to speak on the Street Trading Applications from Mr Bolesworth and Mrs Bolesworth.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Sellar be elected Chairman for the municipal year 2009/10.

RESOLVED: That Councillor FitzGerald be elected Vice Chairman for the municipal year 2009/10.

Councillor Sellar disclosed that he would exclude himself from the hearing as he had previously objected to an application by the same applicants and there may, therefore, be an appearance of bias.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED: That the items on Part II of the Agenda be taken in private as proposed.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes not be approved as a correct record and that they be amended and brought for approval at the next meeting.

RESOLVED: That the Political Group Spokespersons be elected as follows:-

Councillor Sellar – Liberal Democrat

Councillor Mrs Parvin – Conservative

Councillor FitzGerald – Independent

The Committee considered the report of the Democratic Services Manager regarding matters raised by the Hackney Carriage Association.

A representative of the Hackney Carriage Association addressed the Committee and explained that during the recent gas works in King Street, the taxi rank had been moved to the monument.  It became apparent during this time that this arrangement worked very well and the Committee were requested to consider re-siting 4 taxis to the monument on a permanent basis.  It was also requested that the TV screen outside The Mall be moved to the Gateway so that it can be utilised by the taxi rank outside Somerfield.

It was now understood that taxi proprietors will be consulted on the High Street regeneration project.

The Hackney Carriage Association also raised the issue of access from the bottom of the High Street which had been raised at a previous meeting and asked for an update on the position

RESOLVED: That the Democratic Services Manager investigate with the Joint Transportation Board and submit a report to the Committee.

RESOLVED: That this item be deferred to the next meeting for a full report.

61.  Exclusion of the Public from the Meeting

RESOLVED:  That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business because of the likely disclosure of exempt information for the reason specified:-

6.30 p.m. to 9.25 p.m.