Issue - meetings

To report on the Vending on the Downs pilot scheme.

The Conservators received a report on the Vending on the Downs pilot scheme.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Trading Hours. A Member of Conservators asked for clarification as to what the trading hours will be for the catering van in the Mile Post Car Park. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare explained that the vendor was planning on starting from 8am. The Member explained they were interested in knowing the closure time, due to the location, closure of London Road, and security risks. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare explained that the catering van would close in line with the London Road gate and wouldn’t be trading any later than that. The Member raised that this could mean the catering van is trading as late as 9pm on a summers evening. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare confirmed that as true. The Member expressed that this was of concern to the security of the racecourse. This concern was echoed by another Member. The Chair and Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare informed Conservators that this is a pilot scheme and if any changes need to be made, they can be quickly.

b)            Concern. A Member of Conservators expressed that they are hesitant to encourage people onto the Downs, into and around the Mile Post Car Park, towards the closing time of the London Road Gate. The Chair noted the comments and assured Members that these concerns would be raised with the vendor. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare explained that a risk assessment has also been conducted, to ensure the vendors safety, due to the remote location and chance of anti-social behaviour.

c)            Licenced Trading Hours. A Member of the Conservators queried if the licence would have maximum hours of trading and specify and earliest and latest time the vendor would be permitted to trade. The Member raised that if the licence does not currently include this, then perhaps it could be included that the licence timing will be subject to discussion with Conservators involved in the training industry. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare explained that so far, the hours had been flexible and the vendor in the viewpoint car park conducts her trade purely in the morning and early afternoon. 

·                     Councillor Frost proposed that an additional sentence was added to recommendation two.

‘(2) Receive an update on the proposed start date of the Tiger Lily Bus Company at the Mile Post Car Park. The licence for the Tiger Lily Bus Company at the Mile Post Car Park should include and give consideration to the hours of trading, following discussions with the Jockey Club and Training Grounds Management Board and the final decision and recommendation should be made in consultation with the Chair, Clerk to the Conservators and Assistant Head of Service - Streetcare.’

Simon Dow seconded the amendment to recommendation two.

The Conservators agreed (7 FOR, 1 ABSTAINING) in favour of the proposed addition.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9