Agenda and draft minutes

None.

There were no declarations made.

The minutes of the meeting were agreed as a correct record.

There were no public statements made.

Further to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee meeting held on 19^th February, 2019, the Panel received it’s first update on the delivery of management of Doncaster Markets.  The information provided included:

·         A recap and background information previous to the contract being awarded;

·         Street Scene Contract;

·         Heritage Zone Fund Bid;

·         Contract Management meetings;  and

·         Mexborough Market.

Following the presentation Members gave further consideration to the following areas relating to the Doncaster Wool Market:

General Management of the Contract – in response to Members questions, it was confirmed that all aspects of the contract were running well with development, growth and investment ideas being regularly addressed.

Members recognised that they had listened to some positive points during the presentation and were assured that the contract was being delivered and monitored, with MAM Doncaster (Market Asset Management) held to account, monitored with delivery being made against the contract.  The Panel was reminded that this was a concession contract with an annual sum paid to the Local Authority.  It was also explained that there were contract clauses in place to address any early signs of contract failure.

Street Cleaning Contract – it was confirmed that MAM had taken responsibility for the cleaning of the Wool Market.  It was noted that when the cleaning was undertaken by the Local Authority it was not a single person’s post, but additional hours to their regular day therefore there would not be any additional service provided by the Local Authority to other areas in the Borough.

Cleaning within the Wood Market - The cleaning was now undertaken by Wool Market staff who had been multi-skilled to carry out a number of roles.  Staff routinely cleared and cleaned tables but it was recognised that they were pressured at busy times, for example, during the Tour de Yorkshire.  Customers were regularly being encouraged to self clear and recycle independently.

Following a Member’s concern, it was confirmed that the provision of a toilet monitoring sheet would be discussed with MAM.

Building Maintenance - It was confirmed that MAM currently paid a fee for the maintenance of the building to be undertaken by the Local Authority but this was an area that would be re-addressed in the near future.

Increasing footfall – to increase attendance and enjoyment across the Wool Market it was noted that all events no matter how small or large were co-promoted with events for the town centre.  Work was also being undertaken to find new product lines to attract more people to visit. 

Members were pleased to note that the Market service had a dedicated website, Twitter and Facebook page to promote events to a wider audience.  Events currently planned included Halloween and Christmas Lights events, with proposals being developed following the Christmas period.

Wool Market Occupancy – it was reported that there were 24 new tenancies and the occupancy was at 83%.  It was noted that as part of the monthly meetings with MAM, up and coming embryonic businesses were discussed including their growth potential  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Senior Governance Officer presented the Scrutiny Work Plan and highlighted the Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions.  She stressed that if any Member wished to give consideration to any of the items published to inform the Chair.

Resolved:  That the Work Plan be noted.