Optional: The Chairs of any of the informal groups may briefly update the Forum on any recent developments from their group.
Minutes:
The Forum received individual updates from the Chairpersons of various Town Informal Groups, where available. Each summarised the work that had been carried out by the respective groups over the previous two-month period.
Councillor Eve - Climate and Open Space Informal Group
Progress updates from the group included:
a) River Park - the bridge had opened connecting River Park, Devil's Island to the Winnall Moors.
b) Funding was approved for an accessible perimeter path for Devil's Island.
c) The new pavilion was progressing well and he thanked residents for their ideas and input over the years.
d) Good progress was being made with Allegra's ambition at the Winchester Sports and Leisure Park.
e) The play park programme was progressing with Chaundler Road play park and looking ahead to the next year and the rolling 5-year programme.
Councillor Tippett-Cooper - Culture Informal Group
Councillor Becker gave a progress update from the group on behalf of Councillor Tippett-Cooper who had left the meeting earlier, including:
a) Noting the update regarding the Buttercross and Hyde Gate provided under the public participation section of the meeting above.
b) An archaeologists report had been commissioned on the wall at the rear of Hyde Gate which had collapsed a number of years ago. The report would feed into application to rebuild the wall which was a listed structure.
c) Work had taken place to remove instances of graffiti on Wolvesey Castle.
d) Longer term repairs to Kings Gate were also being considered.
Councillor Aron - Grants and Community Empowerment Informal Group
Progress updates from the group included:
a) Welcomed the predicted budget forecast and the consequential possible review of the level of community grants funds.
b) The Group would be meeting on 29 September to consider policy and grant applications with the aim to increase the diversity of groups making applications.
c) She asked that councillors remind organisations, particularly smaller groups, of the availability of these grants.
Councillor Batho - Community Governance Review (CGR) Informal Group
Councillor Becker first gave an update from the CGR Task and Finish Group which had been appointed by the Licensing and Regulation Committee on 16 June 2025.
a) The cross-party working group had met twice and was close to agreeing the draft CWR terms of reference (TOR) and the consultation plan for that review. The TOR would be considered by Licensing and Regulation Committee on 29 September and it was anticipated that the first stage of consultation would launch in October.
b) The consultation was likely to include letter drops, a social media campaign and drop in events at various locations both within the town and those areas adjacent to the town that could also be affected by CGR review. She requested suggestions from councillors for potential venues for these drop-in events.
Councillor Batho also gave an update from the Town Forum appointed CGR Informal Group, including the following:
a) The group would be investigating other local councils or town councils that had already undertaken the CGR process.
b) Investigations would include ensuring that the mayoralty was protected through the process.
c) Town accounts were being examined with the aim of achieving a financially viable town council from day one, should that be the results of the CGR.
RESOLVED:
That the update received from the Town Informal Groups, be noted.