Minutes:
(Councillors Bartoli and Murphy left the meeting at this point)
It was moved by Councillor Johnston, and seconded by Councillor Scargill that:
The current infrastructure projects undertaken in Tynemouth, notably the creation of a one-way system and cycle path, have resulted in significant disruption to residents and businesses alike, mirroring the challenges faced during the embankment walkway construction in North Shields. The adverse effects on local businesses in Tynemouth, particularly along Front Street, Percy Park Road, and Grand Parade, are evidenced by substantial drops in revenue compared to previous years, posing a threat to their sustainability and viability.
The standstill traffic along the seafront and Broadway experienced every weekend is dissuading potential visitors and diminishing footfall, compounding the economic strains faced by local enterprises. Recognizing the proactive approach taken in North Shields fish quay, where the Council applied business rate relief to mitigate the loss in trade experienced by affected businesses this Council requests the Mayor and Cabinet to explore support measures for the business community in Tynemouth.
The support focuses on alleviating the economic burden and fostering resilience amidst on-going infrastructure developments. These measures may include:
• Implementing a rent relief scheme tailored to the needs of affected businesses on Front Street, Percy Park Road, and Grand Parade.
• Suspending parking charges in the vicinity to encourage patronage and ease accessibility for customers.
• Providing financial support for public transport costs to facilitate mobility and mitigate traffic congestion.
• Any other appropriate schemes deemed necessary to safeguard the economic vitality of local businesses during this period of transition.
This motion seeks to demonstrate the Council's commitment to supporting the Tynemouth business community and ensuring that they receive equitable assistance akin to that provided in other affected areas. Through collaborative efforts, North Tyneside are committed to mitigating the adverse impacts of infrastructure projects and foster a thriving local economy for the benefit of all residents and businesses alike.
An amendment was moved by Councillor Davis and seconded by Councillor Fox as follows:
In the second paragraph, replace the word ‘experienced’ with ‘where it can be evidenced’.
A named vote on the amendment was requested by two members present.
Votes for the amendment:
Councillors C Davis, M Fox.
Votes against the amendment:
Councillors L Bones, B Burdis, K Clark, D Cox, S Cox, N Craven, J Cruddas, E Darke, S Day, D Drummond, P Earley, M Fox, S Graham. I Grayson, M Hall, J Harrison, Janet Hunter, C Johnson, H Johnson, J Johnsson, C Johnston, J Kirwan, F Lott, W Lott, L Marshall, I McAlpine, P McIntyre, A McMullen, J Montague, J Mudzingwa, T Mulvenna, T Neira, A Newman, P Oliver, R O’Keefe, J O'Shea, S Phillips, B Pickard, N Redfearn, W Samuel, O Scargill, J Shaw, A Spowart, M Thirlaway, J Walker, J Wallace, M Wilson.
The amendment was rejected by 49 votes to 2 votes, with 1 abstention.
An amendment was moved by Councillor Carl Johnson and seconded by Councillor Samuel as follows:
To remove all the first paragraph after the word ‘alike’.
To remove the first sentence of the second paragraph.
In the second paragraph, replace the word ‘experienced’ with ‘where it can be evidenced’.
To remove the third paragraph in its entirety.
The amended motion therefore read:
The current infrastructure projects undertaken in Tynemouth, notably the creation of a one-way system and cycle path, have resulted in significant disruption to residents and businesses alike.
Recognizing the proactive approach taken in North Shields fish quay, where the Council applied business rate relief to mitigate the loss in trade where it can be evidenced by affected businesses this Council requests the Mayor and Cabinet to explore support measures for the business community in Tynemouth.
This motion seeks to demonstrate the Council's commitment to supporting the Tynemouth business community and ensuring that they receive equitable assistance akin to that provided in other affected areas. Through collaborative efforts, North Tyneside are committed to mitigating the adverse impacts of infrastructure projects and foster a thriving local economy for the benefit of all residents and businesses alike.
Votes for the amendment:
Councillors L Bones, B Burdis, K Clark, D Cox, S Cox, N Craven, J Cruddas, E Darke, C Davis, S Day, D Drummond, P Earley, M Fox, S Graham. I Grayson, M Hall, J Harrison, Janet Hunter, V Jamieson, C Johnson, J Johnsson, H Johnson, C Johnston, J Kirwan, F Lott, W Lott, L Marshall, I McAlpine, P McIntyre, A McMullen, J Montague, J Mudzingwa, T Mulvenna, T Neira, A Newman, P Oliver, R O’Keefe, J O'Shea, S Phillips, B Pickard, N Redfearn, W Samuel, O Scargill, J Shaw, A Spowart, M Thirlaway, J Walker, J Wallace, M Wilson.
Councillor McAlpine asked if the Conservative group could have a copy of the data showing the Tynemouth footfall data mentioned by Councillor Carl Johnson.
A named vote on the substantive motion was requested by two members present:
Votes for the substantive motion:
Councillors L Bones, B Burdis, K Clark, D Cox, S Cox, N Craven, J Cruddas, E Darke, C Davis, S Day, D Drummond, P Earley, M Fox, S Graham. I Grayson, M Hall, J Harrison, Janet Hunter, V Jamieson, C Johnson, J Johnsson, H Johnson, C Johnston, J Kirwan, F Lott, W Lott, L Marshall, I McAlpine, P McIntyre, A McMullen, J Montague, J Mudzingwa, T Mulvenna, T Neira, A Newman, P Oliver, R O’Keefe, J O'Shea, S Phillips, B Pickard, N Redfearn, W Samuel, O Scargill, J Shaw, A Spowart, M Thirlaway, J Walker, J Wallace, M Wilson.
The motion was approved unanimously.
(Councillor Bartoli rejoined the meeting at this point)