MINUTES OF THE WARDMOTE
HELD AT NOON ON WEDNESDAY 18TH MARCH 2015
AT DRAPERS’ HALL
The Hon. Ward Clerk, acting as stand-in Beadle, opened the Wardmote in the usual manner.
The Alderman welcomed all to the Wardmote, and thanked the Worshipful Company of Drapers for the use of their Hall. He then commented on his Aldermanic activities over the past year. Finally, he congratulated Mr John Bennett for his year as Chief Commoner and thanked the Hon. Ward Clerk for standing in at short notice for the Beadle who was unable to attend through illness.
Next the Alderman appointed Mr John Bennett as the Ward Deputy for the year ensuing.
The Alderman appointed Mr Adrian Smallwood as Honorary Ward Clerk for the year ensuing.
As there was one nomination for the Ward Beadle, Mr Terry Taylor was appointed for the ensuing two years.
The Alderman then introduced PC Sadik Miah of the City of London Police to give a briefing on Ward security and policing within the City of London.
PC Miah spoke about Op Fennel (anti-begging initiative which has resulted in 400 ‘tickets’ issued to 160 beggars resulting in 25 Anti-Social Behaviour Orders), a homeless persons initiative, Op Ice (anti-phone snatching initiative), Op Wisbech (anti-car crime initiative), and anti-radicalisation activities. He also provided an insight into various crimes that had been reported over the past year: 2 people arrested for gambling on Tower Bridge, 42 thefts from either persons or premises, a couple of arrests for drugs possession and a few for common assaults.
He rounded off by warning about the rising trend of cybercrime and the need for companies to install safeguarding measures.
The Alderman asked whether the introduction of Crossrail had changed the nature of crime, to which the answer was that it had not.
The Alderman then invited Members of Common Council to address the Wardmote.
Mr Bennett spoke about his role as Chief Commoner for 2014/15, giving some details on the background of the position and how he was elected. He explained the duties of the role by comparing them to House of Commons equivalents of both the Leader of the House and Chief Whip, encompassing the protection of Members’ interests and privileges, and the training and discipline of Common Councillors. He made specific mention of his role as Chairman of the committee for hospitality at the Guildhall, which had involved catering for VIP attendees for state visits and commemoration services.
Mr Scott spoke about his current roles at the City of London Corporation. He is currently Deputy Chairman of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee where the Committee is looking at options for “Rattle Hall”; a new concert hall that may be made possible by using the site of the Museum of London which would move to Smithfield. Mr Scott also drew attention to his other roles, being Chairman of the Markets Committee and a member of the Board of Governors of both the Museum of London and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Mr Hayward noted that he was a ‘backbencher’ as the junior Common Councillor of the Ward. He highlighted his membership of the Planning, Finance and Licensing Committees and also his membership of the Board of Governors of the City of London School for Girls. He drew attention to the issues he has been dealing with in the Ward, particularly the Resolution to the Grand Court of Wardmote to implement a ‘No Parking’ and ‘No Unloading’ outside No.7 Lothbury during quiet hours.
Following the addresses, the Alderman asked if there were any questions from any voters present.
The first question asked about the governance of business activities of the City of London Corporation being published online.
The Alderman answered the question and he stated that there is full disclosure of Corporation business online, including Minutes of all the various Committees.
The next question related to planning and the pressure on food outlets coming as a result of new developments.
The Alderman again undertook to answer the question responding that he would make sure that retail opportunities are made available in new developments. Mr Scott made an additional observation regarding the increase in queuing at the Post Office outlet, and that the Post Office was not addressing the matter.
The final question related to the needs of cyclists being taken into account on the roads of the City of London.
Mr Bennett responded that the City of London was a cycle-friendly city and had introduced two-way cycle lanes in one-way streets and imposed 20mph speed limits on some streets.
Next the Alderman invited Victor Callister, Assistant Director (Environmental Enhancement), Department of the Built Environment, City of London Corporation to give a short presentation on Angel Court and other public realm developments in the Ward.
Mr Callister delivered a slide-show presentation, which highlighted recent and future public realm schemes at 8-10 Moorgate, Angel Court, Austin Friars, Telegraph Street, Tokenhouse Yard and Liverpool Street.
After the presentation, the Alderman invited questions to Mr Callister.
Mr Bennett addressed a point regarding funding of the works stating that much of it came from s.106 contributions from developers either directly or indirectly via Transport for London.
Mr Scott asked a question relating to the replacement of street art should it be removed, to which the answer was affirmative.
With no more business before the Wardmote, Mr Bennett proposed a vote of thanks to the Alderman for presiding at the Wardmote. This was seconded by Mr Scott and passed unanimously.
Mr Hayward then proposed a vote of thanks to the Master and Worshipful Company of Drapers for the use of their Hall. This was seconded by Mr Bennett and passed unanimously.
The Hon. Ward Clerk, acting as stand-in Beadle, closed the Wardmote in the usual manner.