After the COVID-19 outbreak linked to Stone’s Crown and Anchor, Stone Town Council wrote to Stafford Borough Council and Staffordshire Police on things from free parking to licencing reviews.
As we highlighted in our report following the special general purpose committee meeting on the 11th August, Stone Town Council, resolved motions for the Town Clerk, Les Trigg, to contact a number of bodies to ask questions about the response to the COVID outbreak as well as asking for measures to avoid a repeat and also to help promote the town.
The responses will be debated at the next council meeting on the 22nd September, which will be live-streamed on the town councils YouTube page.
Here are the resolutions and responses:
The proposals put forward and voted on were the following:
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- Councillor Fordham proposed that Stone Town Council write to Stafford Borough Council to propose a suspension of late-night music & alcohol licences – the Crown and Anchor was the only venue in the entire Borough open beyond 1am on the night in question. Direct link to the vote – Proposal Passed Unanimously
Response:
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2) Councillor Fordham proposed that Stone Town Council write to the Stafford Borough Council to ask for a review of the Crown & Anchor’s licence. Proposer Councillor Fordham. Seconded: Councillor Hood. Vote: Councillor Adamson against, Councillor Power Abstained, All others in favour. Direct link to vote – Proposal Passed, 1 against, 1 abstention
Response
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3) Councillor Fordham proposed that Stone Town Council write to ask for weekend patrols of the town by both Staffordshire Police and the licensing enforcement team at the Borough Council. Direct link to vote – Proposal Passed Unanimously
Response
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4) Councillor Leason proposed the creation of a working group with the towns traders, other interested parties and of course Stone Town Council. Direct link to vote – Proposal Passed Unanimously
This is being carried out as a separate item and will form part of the next General Purpose meeting for Stone Town Council
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5) Councillor Kenny proposed that Stone Town Council write to Stafford Borough Council to ask how much they would charge the town council to provide free parking on every Saturday until the end of the year. Direct link to vote – Proposal Passed, 1 vote against.
Response
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6) Councilor Hood proposed an extension to the High Street road closure until later in the evening – extended from 4pm to allow for better enjoyment of the town’s High Street. Consultation recommended with traders and market stall holders to find a workable solution that allows deliveries and market stalls to be packed up. Liaise with highways to discuss possibilities, especially as the current regulations aren’t enforced. Direct link to vote – Proposal Passed Unanimously
An acknowledgement has been received from Staffordshire County Council but a full response is under consideration.
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7) Councillor Powell proposed that the town council write to Stafford Borough Council to ask for the pavement licence fee to be waived and to encourage a more alfresco experience in the town. Direct link to vote – Proposal Passed, 2 abstentions
Response
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It’s a ram-packed agenda for the next set of council meetings scheduled for 22nd September – more details here!
