Meeting documents

The Area Development Manager (North) gave an overview of the situation faced by some businesses affected by the flooding of 2013/14, and noted it took time to visit businesses and understand ways they could improve marketing of their business.

She highlighted that the impact of the flooding was now being compounded by ongoing highway maintenance works and road closures, some of which were for multiple weeks or months at a time. For example the main road through Ilford Bridges was shut for 3-4 weeks, and the main road through Aller to Othery was due to be closed for a further 10 or so weeks.

In response to a comment raised, the Area Development Manager (North) commented that:

·         much signage, especially that regarding road closures, needed local knowledge.

·         The money would be ring-fenced

At the end of the brief discussion members were content to support the carrying forward of £20,000 from the Area North budget into 2015-16 specifically for additional local business support work in Area North.