Agenda item

8.1

It was formally moved by Councillor Jack Clarkson, and formally seconded by Councillor Keith Davis, that this Council:-

(a)       welcomes the new security arrangements put in place to protect the local people of Sheffield and visitors to the City whilst shopping at the Fargate ‘Christmas’ Market;

(b)       believes that this is a sensible precaution by placing large concrete blocks to prevent vehicular access, at the top and bottom of Fargate, although is saddened that these measures have had to be taken, but which are necessary in view of what has taken place at other events where crowds gather;

(c)        will do all it can to ensure that everyone can go about their business this Christmas period, feeling safe and secure, whilst enjoying the Christmas festive period; and

(d)       will do all it can to ensure that no group or individuals will try and disrupt any Christmas festivity taking place within the City of Sheffield, by putting in place the necessary security arrangements to ensure the safety of the people of Sheffield and its visitors.

8.2

Whereupon, it was formally moved by Councillor Jim Steinke, and formally seconded by Councillor Mohammad Maroof, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by the addition of new paragraphs (e) to (h) as follows:-

(e)       notes that the additional security measures have not been implemented in response to any increase in the threat level and are instead purely precautionary, and that thanks should be given to all those who make the city centre safe throughout the year, including, but not limited to, City Centre Ambassadors, South Yorkshire Police and Police Community Support Officers; 

(f)        believes that though the bollards serve an important function, the Administration has launched a plan to dramatically improve the look of the grey bricks to help keep the festive theme around the city centre, with the public submitting designs;

(g)       further notes that five designs will be chosen and printed onto covers which will be placed on the blocks, and that these can be used for future years also; and

(h)       believes that Sheffield Christmas markets are going from strength to strength, year-on-year, and that this demonstrates increasing confidence in the city centre as a destination for shopping and leisure.

8.3

On being put to the vote, the amendment was carried.

8.4

The original Motion, as amended, was then put as a Substantive Motion in the following form and carried:-

RESOLVED: That this Council:- 

(a)       welcomes the new security arrangements put in place to protect the local people of Sheffield and visitors to the City whilst shopping at the Fargate ‘Christmas’ Market;

(b)       believes that this is a sensible precaution by placing large concrete blocks to prevent vehicular access, at the top and bottom of Fargate, although is saddened that these measures have had to be taken, but which are necessary in view of what has taken place at other events where crowds gather;

(c)        will do all it can to ensure that everyone can go about their business this Christmas period, feeling safe and secure, whilst enjoying the Christmas festive period;

(d)       will do all it can to ensure that no group or individuals will try and disrupt any Christmas festivity taking place within the City of Sheffield, by putting in place the necessary security arrangements to ensure the safety of the people of Sheffield and its visitors;

(e)       notes that the additional security measures have not been implemented in response to any increase in the threat level and are instead purely precautionary, and that thanks should be given to all those who make the city centre safe throughout the year, including, but not limited to, City Centre Ambassadors, South Yorkshire Police and Police Community Support Officers;

(f)        believes that though the bollards serve an important function, the Administration has launched a plan to dramatically improve the look of the grey bricks to help keep the festive theme around the city centre, with the public submitting designs;

(g)       further notes that five designs will be chosen and printed onto covers which will be placed on the blocks, and that these can be used for future years also; and

(h)       believes that Sheffield Christmas markets are going from strength to strength, year-on-year, and that this demonstrates increasing confidence in the city centre as a destination for shopping and leisure.