Issue - meetings

Members considered an update on the progress achieved in delivering the Town Centres Development and Growth Programme.

Councillor Hannah Gray gave a presentation in regard to the provision of Full Fibre broadband.  Whilst businesses in Darwin and Cray Valley Wards benefitted from ultra-fast connectivity, the remainder of the Borough  was sadly lacking.  The industry standard of at least 300mbs should be achieved. 

An application to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport would be submitted for the provision of funding to boost broadband connectivity in the Borough.

Some years ago, Bromley had invested in trunking which was not used to its full capacity.  Should the bid for funding be successful, an extension of  the existing trunking would provide the Borough with greater and faster connectivity between a network of public buildings across the borough, including GP surgeries and the capacity to provide gigabit broadband services for many local businesses and residents.

Councillor Te suggested the option of using Hyper Optic, a company capable of providing broadband speeds of 1 gigabyte.

Members agreed it was vitally important to provide the Borough with a good connectivity service and doing so would be a legitimate use of resources.

Councillor Bennington reported connectivity had improved in Downe since the introduction of fibre optic to the area.

It was suggested that experts be employed to establish the true nature of connectivity in the Borough.

A further report on this subject  would be submitted to a future meeting of the PDS Committee.

Councillor Tickner reported complaints had been received about the laying of tiles and bricks at the Beckenham Green works.  He also advised that two-directional traffic would soon be reintroduced between Bromley Road and Thornton’s Corner on completion of the work being undertaken.  The Head of Renewal agreed to look into any issues raised and report back to Members.

Work on the Orpington Regeneration Strategy was commissioned in conjunction with the Orpington BID.  A report on the recommendations for a strategic approach for Orpington would be presented to future meetings of the PDS and Executive Committees.

Councillor Bennett proposed that a working group be set up by the Committee in the new Council year to drive improvement in West Wickham and to consider proposals for a Business Improvement District.  The Director of Regeneration confirmed that proposals for a West Wickham BID would be considered following the establishment of the Beckenham and Penge BID.  The work of the previous Town Centre Management officer had been redistributed between remaining officers as, due to financial issues, the vacancy could not be filled at the present time.

A review of the concept design for the Beckenham Green canopy was ongoing and would be reported to Members at the next meeting.

The Victoria Cross commemorative ceremony for Private Herbert George Columbine, VC, MGC was held at Penge War Memorial on 22 March and was a well-attended and emotional event.

RESOLVED that progress achieved on the delivery of the Town Centres Development and Growth Programme be noted.