There were no declarations of interest.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Borg, Fairhead and Flaxman-Taylor.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 September 2018 were confirmed.

(i) Disabled drivers on Ravine

It was reported that Councillor Plant had looked into this and could find no evidence of this.

(ii) Dykes

Councillor B Williamson reported that all of the dykes from Burgh Road through to Southtown Common had now been cleared out and the water levels had returned to normal.

It was reported that 13 out of 20 had been sold and building of the amenities block would start on the 10th December and would be completed by February 2019.  The beach huts would start being built by 1st March 2019 which could be occupied by April. 

Councillor Williamson reported that since the early 2000's Burgh Road has had flooding issues.  Anglia Water had now agreed to put in one large pipe down Burgh Road round into Harfrey's Road onto Southtown Common to the pumping station at a cost of £4.5m and this was scheduled in for 2019 and it was hoped to start work on this in March 2019.

Councillor Plant stated that this was a joint effort involving Anglia Water, Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council and was a real achievement.  

A resident from Burgh Road stated that the highway drain outside their property had flooded with the flash floods the week earlier and Councillor Plant stated that he would arrange for this one to be cleared out again.

(i) Pedestrian Lights

A Member of the public asked if pedestrian lights could be installed at Magdalen Way/ Crab Lane as it was quite dangerous to cross in this area and Councillor's Plant and C Walker stated that they would look into this and would consider merging of ward budgets to fund this.  It was reported that Norfolk County Council were monitoring this area to get an evidence base but it was suggested that a longer delay on the traffic lights might help pedestrian with their crossing time.

(ii) Gorleston Library

Members of the public asked if Norfolk County Council could pledge to keep Gorleston Library open and Councillor Plant stated that it was their policy to keep libraries open, however concern was expressed that Norfolk County Council could pledge this due to cuts across the country and the savings that they were required to make.  Councillor Plant stated that Norfolk County Council had made savings in other areas and that they would be writing to Government to ask them if the RSG Grant reduction could be spread over 3 years in order to help. Councillor C Walker stated that with the levels of cuts coming from Government they could not categorically state that they would not be closing the library. 

(iii) Beacon Park Housing

A Member of the public asked if with the addition of  287 properties on Beacon Park would there be any additional services provided such as doctors, schools and dentists.

Councillor Wainwright stated that the Government tells the Council how many houses it needs to build and if this figure is not met then they are fined and this figure is currently 350 houses a year for Great Yarmouth Borough Council and that space has been allocated on Beacon Park for a school, supermarket and retail along with affordable housing which will include 6 flats.  The Council's Local Plan details where housing should be built and this is a 15 year plan.  

(iv) Duncan's Pump

A member of the public stated that the lights were out at the steps and it was dangerous to use and asked when this area would be repaired.  Councillor Plant stated that he would look into this.

(v) Gorleston Model Boat Pond

A member of the public asked if there could be a better water fountain in the middle as the current one is a dribble.  It was reported that the current one is blocked and that this is going to be cleaned out.

(vi) Children's Centre 

A member of the public asked when they were able to see the plans at Norfolk County Council level on what was planned for the Children's Centre services as a user of the services they would like to know what was happening.  It was reported that the Consultation Process had now closed and feedback from this was available on the Council's website.

(vii) Gorleston Promenade Corrugated fencing 

A member of the public asked if it was cost effective for the Council to still keep erecting this fencing and removing it after each winter as there would be a cost for labour of this and a storage cost.  Councillor Plant stated that yes this was cost effective as the bill for removing the sand with a bulldozer at the end of the winter for higher. 

(viii) Splash Pad Pumping Station 

A member of the public asked if the Council could improve the look of the pumping station by painting pictures on it as it currently looks out of place as a bright green box on the promenade.  It was suggested that local school children or a community group could paint it.

There was no other business.

It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday 5 March 2019 at 6.30 pm.