A report of the Mayor had been circulated with the agenda.

The Chairman invited members to indicate whether they wished to ask a question of the Mayor. Councillors Bell, Trebar, Turmaine and Jeffree indicated that they wished to ask questions.

Before responding to members’ questions, Mayor Taylor paid his personal tribute to Mike Jackson, echoing the comments already made. 

1)      Councillor Bell noted that Watford’s MP had given his support for the development of Watford hospital and asked for the Mayor’s comments.

              The Mayor welcomed the support of the MP and noted that there had been a campaign on this issue for many years. Redeveloping the hospital and improving its facilities was important for Watford and the wider region. The multi-storey car park would be opening this year and would provide much-needed space for new buildings. The NHS staff had done an excellent job over the years at the hospital.

2)      In a supplementary question, Councillor Bell paid tribute to the hospital staff and asked if the Mayor agreed that it was vital that the MP pushed for funding to be made available for the redevelopment. He noted that the plans had already been agreed by the council.

In response, the Mayor advised that the hospital was always a priority for discussion with the MP and it was important for him to fight for the necessary funding. They Mayor had organised a cross-party letter of support from regional leaders to progress the scheme. Investment needed to be delivered to the project. He urged the MP to play his part in securing the investment.

3)      Councillor Trebar noted that the Farm Terrace allotments had had 128 plots, as part of their deregulation, the council committed to re-provide the plots and she asked when this would happen. She argued it was not new provision as indicated in the written answer.

                            The Mayor highlighted that Watford had the highest allotment rates of any Hertfordshire council. The council had invested in expanding the site at Paddock Road. There was a substantial budget to increase the number of plots and there had been growth in the number of applicants. He was keen to work with the councillor and others to continue to increase and improve provision. 

4)      Noting that such incidents were rare in Watford, Councillor Turmaine asked whether the town had a response to anti-vaccine demonstrators.

          The Mayor paid tribute to everyone who played their part in the rollout of the vaccination programme locally. He agreed that anti-vaccination activity was rare in the local area. The best response was to provide reassurance to those who were hesitant and to make sure the law was upheld. His priority was to provide reassurance and to talk about the difference made by the vaccine rollout.

5)      Councillor Jeffree highlighted a recent event at Watford Women’s Centre. The organisation did excellent work supporting women from all backgrounds, including around issues linked to violence against women. He asked what more the Mayor and council could do to support them and other similar groups. 

             The Mayor concurred that it was a positive event which was attended by a number of councillors from across the political groups. It was an important issue and was a focus for the current and previous Chairman. He worked regularly with the chief executive of the centre and the council had awarded approximately £8,000 in grants in the last year. The council also worked closely with them in providing space for the centre.  He was keen to continue working with them and noted that a number of councillors played an important role supporting them.