Issue - meetings

Approx 8pm

The committee received a presentation from the BID Manager. The presentation can be accessed via:

http://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/documents/b8463/BID%20Presentation%2029th-Oct-2014%2019.00%20West%20Central%20Area%20Committee.pdf?T=9

Katie Preston: What is being done to support independent shops in Cambridge?

The BID Manager confirmed that, whilst smaller businesses with a rateable value of less than £20,000 did not have to pay the levy, they still received support and services from the BID. Independents’ Month is an event held each year and specific support was provided to independent businesses.

It was also noted that Cambridge had very low levels of vacant shops and that the number had reduced further since the introduction of the BID.

Resident: The introduction of the Park and Ride fee had resulted in more shoppers and commuters using residential parking in the City. The County Council needed to be persuaded to reconsider this.

The BID Manager felt that the charge, as well as the method in which it was being administered, was causing problems. BID representatives had visited the Park and Ride sites and were discussing the issues with the County Council. 

The County Council had now agreed to put in more pay machines and clearer signage to guide users through the complicated process. Payment was also being suspended for the November 5 Firework celebrations in the City.

Resident: Who on the BID represents local residents? It seems that the main aim is to make the City Centre a safer place to get drunk. What work is done with licenced premises to address this issue?

Councillor Smith (Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee) urged residents to report any issues with particular premises so that licencing reviews could be undertaken.

The BID Manager confirmed that the Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places sat on the board to represent local residents. Engagement with the public was also undertaken at events such as this.

It was noted that alcohol related anti-social behaviour in the City Centre also affected businesses and CAMBAC (Cambridge Businesses Against Crime) worked closely with the Police and licenced premises to address the issue.

The Police Sargent confirmed that it was a Condition on many of the Licenses that the premises are a member of CAMBAC.  

Resident: Will the temporary urinals be used in the City Centre again?

The BID Manager agreed to look into this.