Councillor Barry noted that the utility companies were under no legal obligation to inform Councils of scheduled works generally (although not the case in this instance).

The Chairman thanked Councillor Barry for presenting his report.

It was proposed by Councillor Lawrence, seconded by Councillor Gubb and resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 18 June 2026 as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 8, Against: 0, Abstention: 4)

Councillor Hind suggested the Council consider the Council’s response to the recently announced local government reorganisation decision by central government at the next meeting of the Council.

The Deputy Town Clerk reminded members of the arrangements for the Procession of the Civic Party, councillors, officers and the Youth Pipe Band including the Long Bridge crossing on Saturday 8 August 2026. (Councillors L Hellyer, Bushby and Hawkins indicated that they would not attend the Procession.)

The Chairman provided background detail, including benefits (free ‘phone calls, free charging for devices, free public Wi-Fi, internet connectivity, bleed control kit, defibrillator, public and emergency messaging, local information, maps and wayfinding”), to a proposal to install digital street kiosks.

Councillor Bushby questioned why Pulsehub had not approached the District Council direct, the Council Planning Department having rejected their initial approach.

Councillor J Hellyer inferred that the kiosks were not aesthetically pleasing.

It was proposed by Councillor Lawrence, seconded by Councillor McKenzie to support the installation of two Pulse hub digital street kiosks at Kingsley Road and the Quay in Bideford.

The proposal was not carried; the Bideford Town Council would not support the installation of digital street kiosks in Bideford.

It was proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded by Councillor Gubb and resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting of the Amenities Committee held on 23 July 2026 as a correct record.