Agenda and minutes

The Mayor announced that as there were two meetings to be held that evening, prayers and a minute’s silence for Mrs Laura Walsh and Company Sergeant Major Colin Beckett, would be held at the start of the ordinary meeting.

Apologies were received from Councillors Collins, Elsey, Goldspink, Harrington, Murphy and Over.

None received.

The Mayor announced that there would be a change to the order of the agenda. The name change for Stanground Central would be addressed first. 

Councillor Lee moved the recommendations contained within the report and stated that a proposed name change, in order to reflect the make up of the Ward, had been requested by members of the local community in Woodston a number of years ago. A large number of positive responses to the recent consultation had been received in respect of the change to incorporate Woodston and Councillor Lee further stated that two thirds of the meeting would be required to vote in support in order for the recommendation to be passed.

Councillor Serluca seconded the recommendations and stated that in addition to the official consultation exercise, two petitions had been received in support of the name change.

During debate, a concern was raised regarding the overall cost of the consultation exercise, particularly during times of austerity.  Councillor Lee responded that there had been postage costs incurred in relation to all replies which had been received back via the post, however the overall costs in relation to the consultation exercise had been minimal as a large portion of the exercise had been undertaken via the Council’s website.

Following a vote (42 for, 1 against, 1 abstention), it was RESOLVED to:

1. Change the name of Fletton Ward to Fletton & Woodston Ward; and
2. Authorise the Solicitor of the Council to settle any administrative matters in accordance with the report and give Notice to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England in relation to the name change of Fletton Ward.

Councillor Rush addressed Council on behalf of all of the Stanground Central Ward Councillors and stated that there had been extensive consultation undertaken in the Ward and the majority of the responses had been in objection to the proposal. The report was therefore not moved.