Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Alderman Spence and Councillors Heading and Nicholl.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council’s Bonfire Governance Arrangements stated that the Press and public will be excluded from meetings in relation to bonfire-related issues, having regard to the sensitive nature of the business to be transacted and for the protection of officers who might be required to provide information to assist in decision-making. In addition, the information provided was to be treated as sensitive and confidential.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed that the Press and public be excluded from the meeting.

            The Committee was advised also that, in accordance with Standing Order 37a - Duties of Committees: Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, it had full delegated authority to take decisions in relation to bonfire-related issues.

            The Chief Executive provided the Members with an update in relation to the following sites:

            Ashdale Street/King George V Playing Fields

            The Committee was advised that, subsequent to its decision to remove all of the bonfire materials at the Ashdale Street site, the remaining materials had now been cleared and the site returned to its original status.  With regard to the bonfire at the King George V Playing Fields, as agreed, officers were keeping a watching brief and there was no significant change to the site

            Avoniel Site

            The Committee was advised that, subsequent to its decision, that is, to the removal of all of the bonfire materials at the Avoniel site and to the removal also of all the flags on the site, correspondence had been sent to the Police Service of Northern Ireland regarding the decision.  A letter had subsequently been received from the Police Service outlining the actions which it could take to support the Council and the current status of risks associated with interventions.

            In light of the Police Service response and advice, the Chief Executive tabled, for the information of the Members, a draft copy of a further letter which she was seeking approval to forward to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

            After discussion, the Committee approved the contents of the letter and agreed the wording and the issuing of a statement in relation to the Committee’s decision.

Call-in

            The Committee agreed further, in accordance with Standing Order 47 (a) (2) (c), that the decisions would not be subject to call-in, on the basis that an unreasonable delay could be prejudicial to the Council’s or the public’s interest.