Issue - meetings

The report of the Executive Manager – Transformation is attached.

The Service Manager – Transformation presented the report of the` Executive Manager – Operations and Transformation which provided the Group with an update on the delivery of the Council’s partnership with the Canal and Rivers Trust. It was noted that the Service Level Agreement included that the Canal and Rivers trust would maintain the surfaced multi-user path and verge, pedestrian and cycle routes and to maintain street furniture including bins and motorcycle barriers. The Service Manager informed the Group that the payment made to the Canal and River Trust for 2018/19 was £40,825 + VAT in order for them to maintain the accessible route along the Grantham Canal.

The Canal and Rivers Trust National Contracts Manager delivered a presentation to the Group which focused on the outcomes of the Service Level Agreement with the Council. The presentation covered:

• Introduction
• Waterways and Wellbeing
• The Trusts Finances
• The Trust in the East Midlands
• The Trust in Rushcliffe
• Delivering Contract Work
• Service Level Agreement Improvements
• Volunteer Partner Groups
• Towpath Taskforces
• Grantham Canal Heritage Imitative
• Hickling Hut Restoration

Following the presentation, the Group asked for further information regarding the discovery of the lengthman’s hut in Hickling. The National Contracts Manager explained that a lengthman was somebody who would look after a section of canal and that the Trust would invite local Councillors to celebrate the restoration project which was currently taking place. The Group also praised the Canal and Rivers Trust work with the Friends of the Lady Bay Canal Group.

The National Contracts Manager noted that the Trust would be unable to maintain refurbishments without the financial payment from the Council as part of the Service Level Agreement. He explained that the aim for the Canal and Rivers Trust is to link the whole canal together but that it would be impossible without funding for other resources such as the National Lottery.

The Group were pleased to note that the Trust actively sought community engagement and volunteers to assist with projects and refurbishments. It was stated that the Trust worked with Groups of volunteers from the retail sector who allowed their employees time off work to volunteer for local community projects.

Following a question the National Contracts Manager confirmed that they were planning to try and increase their commercial income which was particularly relevant if in the future grants and other sources of income started to reduce.

The Chairman thanked the officers for delivering their presentation and for answering the Group’s questions.

It was RESOLVED that

a)    The report of the Executive Manager – Transformation be noted.

b)    The work of the partnership between the Council and the Canal and River Trust be endorsed

c)    Councillors be invited to the unveiling of the restored lengthman’s hut in Hickling.