Agenda item

The Superintendents to be heard.

The Committee received oral updates from each of the Market Superintendents, as follows:

Smithfield Market

·         Safety Management / Banksmen - The Superintendent reported that the red risk would remain in place following a further four-night investigation of 103 movements that had indicated 8% risk. Freight transport companies would be reminded of measures required to comply with approved standards and potential penalties should they fail to do so.

·         Crossrail - It was noted that the pavement proposals at Farringdon were likely to have a significant impact on HGV manoeuvrability. These concerns would be made clear to the Department of the Built Environment.

·         Sickness Absence - Members were updated on recent long-term sickness absences. The Superintendent advised that this totalled 88 days across 3 individuals.  One person had subsequently left the Corporation’s employment and the remaining two have returned to work with no further absence. The Superintendent said that he was not anticipating any further problems in respect of long-term absences.  

New Spitalfields Market

·         Entry Barrier - The Superintendent said that a further meeting had been held with Waltham Forest Borough Council. A certificate of lawfulness had been applied for but planning permission was required as the proposals are considered a change of use in planning terms. It was noted that this had changed the way that the barrier would be procured, with a two-stage design and build procurement plan required. A design had been produced and it was envisaged that, following planning consent, the barrier should be in place by the end of March 2018, subject to the consent of appropriate approvals.

·         Flytipping - Members were informed that publicity had been given to measures to reduce flytipping and that this had been successful in the run-up to the waste contract coming into force in early October.

·         Leases - It wasconfirmed by the Superintendent that there had been good progress in this area with many leases signed or about to be signed and that the Market was now starting to recoup backdated rents.

Billingsgate Market

·         Fish Craft Championships - The Superintendent reported that the prestigious Fish Craft Championships had taken place at Billingsgate at the end of August and had been very successful. The organisers were looking at other potential London venues in the future, including the possibility of Leadenhall Market, although there was a possibility the event might be held again at Billingsgate.

·         Grant Funding - It was noted that a waste compactor had been purchased at a cost to the Market of only £5,000, as a consequence of 75% grant funding being made available through European Union grant schemes. The intention was to bid for similar funding for other schemes, such as replacing the floodlighting with LED lights, which would qualify.

·         Crossrail - Members were informed by the Market Superintendent that Crossrail construction works near to the Market had finished with reinstatement works now taking place.

·         HSBC Window - The Superintendent confirmed that he would follow up the HSBC window incident that had occurred earlier in the year.

RECEIVED.