Round up of Services Committee decisions
From discussing events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to considering possible alternatives to firework displays, Weymouth Town Council’s Services Committee returned to meet face to face last night (Wednesday 20th October).
Councillors received an update on the summer firework displays. These popular events took place on Monday nights throughout August, and two were lower noise displays.
After a wide-ranging discussion about the displays, councillors deferred the decision to the next Services Committee meeting, so that information on alternative events could be provided alongside options for fireworks.
Events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 include a having a beacon, making community grants available for groups in all council wards to stage celebrations across the town, and a sculpture at Nothe Gardens.
A sports festival on the beach will commemorate the 10th anniversary of London 2012, when Weymouth took centre stage for the sailing events. A sports development grant fund will also be available to clubs. A ‘pass the baton’ national campaign was also supported. 1
Councillors also noted a report on deckchair hire over April to September and agreed to keep the peak rate hire charges for July and August. 2
The money goes back into meeting the overall cost of the beach management service and subsidising seasonal agency staff who provide important roles for visitors and residents. These include RNLI lifeguards, a lost children service, safety checks along the seafront, a lost property area and beach wheelchair hire.
Two dates – November 27th and December 16th – will be put forward to Dorset Council for free parking in the town’s car parks. And members also noted the impact that the council’s two speed indicator devices are having on road safety, and the progress being made on the mural arts trail project.
Cllr Ryan Hope, Services Committee Chair, said: “Commemorative events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and plans to mark the 10th anniversary of the Olympics will provide a great economic boost to Weymouth. 2022 looks set to be a monumental year in terms of celebrations and milestones which residents, businesses and visitors will be able to enjoy in our fantastic town.”
Agenda papers from the meeting are available on the council’s website.
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. Pass the baton is a national initiative commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2012 Games. Officers agreed to monitor this and report to members as more information and opportunities become available.
2. Peak rate hire charges for deckchairs will stay at £2.50 a day (free for over-60s living in Weymouth), windbreaks at £3.50, and sunbeds at £7.50.
The latest information and updates from Weymouth Town Council can be found on their website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.