Agenda item

County Councillor R.J. Higginson took the chair. 

County Councillor R.J. Greenland proposed a motion, which was duly seconded:

‘Following the debate at the last Council meeting, it is acknowledged that officers have worked extensively with WG to address the concerns of members around the organisation of the 2015 Velothon. We welcome the appointment of Run4Wales To deliver the Velothon for 2016 and have received from them assurances that the route through Monmouthshire will be amended and that extensive consultation and communication with those affected will be at the centre of their work leading up to the event. Having received these assurances Council supports the inclusion of Monmouthshire in the Wales Velothon in 2016.’

In debating the motion we noted:

·         Significant issues had occurred after the last Velothon event and an all member seminar had been held to discuss proposals for 2016.

·         Members requested reassurance regarding whether costs would be incurred.  Council were informed that this was early stages of discussions and that the position would be scrutinised by select committees.

·         Costs would be contained within existing budgets, there would not be additional budgets to run the velothon.

·         Some concerns were expressed that existing budgets would be used and loss to businesses in the county was recognised.

·         Council generally supported the event.  However, members were apprehensive regarding the effect on local businesses and residents.

·         Members welcomed officer views in terms of the consequential financial gain which would offset investment.  Council sought reassurances and concrete information.  Further clarification was requested regarding whether there had been progress in a start/finish point being confirmed within Monmouthshire.

·         Council requested a map for the whole of the event route.

·         In supporting the motion, members were encouraged by information received by Welsh Government at the members seminar and that residents and community councils had been engaged.

·         In opposing the event, there were significant concerns due to the effect on residents in ward and restricted access.  It was felt that the event would be detrimental.

·         We highlighted the importance of sufficient and appropriate consultation.  Council welcomed an improved and organised event.   

Officers advised that members who had attended seminar would have been comforted by Run4Wales.  Lessons had been learnt and if the event was to go ahead then full consultation would be undertaken. 

Road closures had been an issue which would be addressed and options would be considered on how issues could be mitigated and impact on local communities minimised.

Sufficient time was available to ensure an appropriate plan was in place, so that events (i.e. Weddings) could be accommodated.

Cyclists would be using cycling routes prior to the event, as well as during.  Information would be publicly available on the website and people would be fully informed and engaged, to deliver an event which will minimise disruption and maximise benefit.

The Cabinet member reiterated that the event was a huge opportunity.  There were issues to be considered for businesses and individuals, however, there was a need to maximise the available opportunities at a minimised cost to the authority.

Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried:

‘Following the debate at the last Council meeting, it is acknowledged that officers have worked extensively with WG to address the concerns of members around the organisation of the 2015 Velothon. We welcome the appointment of Run4Wales To deliver the Velothon for 2016 and have received from them assurances that the route through Monmouthshire will be amended and that extensive consultation and communication with those affected will be at the centre of their work leading up to the event. Having received these assurances Council supports the inclusion of Monmouthshire in the Wales Velothon in 2016.’