Issue - meetings

Purpose:  The Cultural Heritage Strategy 2020-30 is presented for approval by the Council’s Executive.

Resolved that:

2.1      the Cultural Heritage Strategy 2020-30 be approved, subject to the inclusion of minor amendments agreed during the meeting.

2.2      the Cultural Heritage Strategy Delivery Group be formed with key stakeholders which would:

•      develop the Delivery/Action Plan with specific actions, outcomes, measures and resources to deliver the vision and strategic themes - and seek approval of the Executive for the Plan within 6 months of the Group’s inception.

•      report on progress to the Health & Wellbeing Board and the Culture & Leisure Programme Board as required.

•      review / refresh the strategy every 2 years to reflect progress and any changes required to deliver on the vision and objectives.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 22 January 2021, then it will be implemented.

The Executive considered the Cultural Heritage Strategy 2020-2030 (Agenda Item 6). Councillor Howard Woollaston presented the Strategy. He explained that the Strategy reflected the views of the many people who responded to the public consultation. The level of response made clear the importance of culture and heritage to the residents of West Berkshire.

Councillor Woollaston commended officers for all their hard work in bringing the Strategy together.

Together with approval of the Strategy, the report recommended that a Delivery Group be formed. The group would be chaired by Councillor Woollaston and would focus on achieving the objectives of the Strategy. Councillor Woollaston proposed approval of the Strategy.

This was seconded by Councillor Dominic Boeck. Councillor Boeck stated that adoption of the Strategy would lead to actions being taken that would support and promote opportunities for education, training and employment. It would improve access for children and young people to a range of cultural and heritage activities, and enhance the health and wellbeing of residents.

Councillor Graham Bridgman added his support of the Strategy. From an Adult Social Care perspective, it would be positive to be able to encourage West Berkshire’s senior citizens, at the appropriate time, to engage in the culture and heritage of the district. This would benefit their health and wellbeing.

Councillor Bridgman asked that officers review the table on page 11 of the Strategy for accuracy, prior to its publication.

Councillor Tony Vickers felt that the Strategy was missing a reference to the countryside being a part of the district’s heritage. Access to the countryside was free via the public rights of way network and more should be done to promote this. Councillor Woollaston was in full agreement with this point as were the Council’s officers. Councillor Woollaston would discuss this further with Councillor Vickers outside of this meeting to ensure that appropriate wording was captured within the Delivery Plan.

Councillor David Marsh drew attention to the feedback received in the consultation. This showed that many people wanted a greater number of events to attract visitors to West Berkshire and a greater level of awareness of what was on offer. However, feedback indicated that it was not easy to find out what was taking place. Councillor Marsh felt that a visitor information centre needed to be reinstated to promote what was on offer in the district and asked if this could be considered by the Delivery Group.

Councillor Woollaston agreed that this would be looked at. He felt that greater publicity could be achieved when considering that Newbury Bus Station was adjacent to Newbury Library and the West Berkshire Museum.

Councillor Erik Pattenden welcomed the Strategy, there was an abundance of culture and heritage activities on offer in West Berkshire and there was much to be positive about. This was on the understanding that the necessary resource would be available to implement the Strategy.

He did however feel that the many activities available in areas including Thatcham, Hungerford and Theale should have been explicitly mentioned. Councillor Pattenden  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73