Minutes:
Linkage
The last update received from either Landlord or MCC was on July 4th 2016, the email stated that over the next two weeks, documentation should be finalized and that they were acutely aware of the need to press on with the project. Aaron Weeks has emailed all parties asking for an update, but hadn’t received a response at time of the meeting.
Caldicot Goes Pop!
With long delays due to a leak in the unit where the pop up shop is being held, the Town Team announced that the official launch of the project will be on Tuesday August 9th 2016. All Members will receive a formal invitation over the next week, the launch will be a chance to talk in more detail about the project, what our expected outcomes are and what can be done in tandem with the project to stop the decline of the town centre.
Store 21
Store 21 has recently put up closing down signs. This is not a local movement, the company have been in trouble for the last 6 years, to varying degrees. The company have until 11th August to determine, with administrators whether the company would continue, Aaron Weeks was pleased to say that as of yesterday they have entered into a CVA, Company Voluntary Agreement, however this is not without issue and will see significant retail shops closing across the country. The Town Team are not aware yet of any decisions regarding the Caldicot store, but are keeping up to date on news coming from the company. That being said, after a long chat with the landlord last week, he is making steps to communicate directly with other companies who have previously registered interest in Caldicot. He has also confirmed that Caldicot Town Team will be involved with and taking part in any talks that takes place, as he feels that the redevelopment plans could be a key point in bringing in more national brands.
Urban Design Project
After taking a break from this project, due to other commitments, the Town Team have scheduled a meeting for 1pm today to look at moving the project forward, Members were invited to attend. Town Team will be focusing on the two phases the public most wanted to see, which also fits with their surveys carried out in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Landlords have been invited to the meeting, however are unable to attend. Town Team will reschedule a following meeting to take place during August/very early September. Work will continue in the background during this time.
Clean Up
The clean-up of the town has already commenced, all weeds have been removed. Town Team are talking with landlords about implementing new schemes to deal with pigeon roosting and we have recently received quotations from Gumdrop Bins to run a trial on chewing gum litter in the town. Recently Town Team have sent letters to all businesses that have external pillars, but not canopies, to gain interest and install hanging baskets throughout the town, which will be kept planted through Caldicot Community Farm (Fat Pigeon Farm) and maintained by businesses.
Events - 999 Day
Sunday 10th July saw the Town Team organise the first 999 day in Caldicot Castle, it was a free event, which saw Gwent police, South Wales fire and rescue, Blood Bikes, Welsh Ambulance Service and others take part in. The event saw approx. 3,500 attendees throughout the day, much more than anticipated. The Town Team are pleased to have already booked in next year’s event which will take part on the 9th July 2017.
Events - Family Fun Day
On Friday August 5th, the Town Team will be holding a Family Fun day in the town centre, there will be some unique entertainment, which includes the return of the land train, donkey rides and even a water dunk tank. Aaron Weeks gave flyers to Members, which he asked to distribute to groups/members. Town Team have requested and approved a car park closure for the day of the 5th August, parking will be available in the Woodstock way car park, as well as Asda and Waitrose,