COLUMN - Political View with Melton Borough Council leader Ronan Browne
The Melton Borough Council Conservative group recently took control of the council.
At the time, I stated that we would aim to get issues resolved that have been outstanding in the town and borough.
As part of our strategic direction politically we have already instructed the installation of the new bridge at the country park and the repainting of street furniture in Melton town centre, along with a major clean-up that will start in the next two weeks.
We have also taken the decision to move forward with the procurement of new car park machines that will take cash, contactless and apps, meaning that the frustration of broken machines is no longer.
In addition to the immediate tasks, we have set a direction of travel with working towards business growth in the borough and will later this year, working with business, launch a robust economic development strategy.
This will be underpinned by a review of the council’s planning service with investment being made, adding additional resources.
New priorities of flooding, rural affairs, farming and more support for parish councils will also be progressed in the coming months.
These are key areas for our borough and we want to ensure that our rural communities are supported.
As a group we came into power stating we would work with all political groups and to show our intent we gave the Labour/Independent groups the ability to chair our scrutiny committee.
We have kept our word on this and hope that the new cross- party working approach is welcomed in a time when Melton Borough Council’s functions will transfer to a new unitary authority.
It is also our intent to work more collaboratively with all business, Melton Mowbray Town Estate, college, NHS, police and Leicestershire County Council.
The next 12 months will be a critical time to get services in the best possible shape for our residents which is what this Conservative-led council aims to achieve.
**The new Melton Borough Council cabinet, which was confirmed at last week’s annual meeting comprises the following councillors: leader Ronan Browne, deputy leader Robert Child, Alison Freer, Ian Atherton, Don Pritchett, Simon Lumley and Joe Orson.