The Council Procedure Rules provide for a maximum of four petitions to be presented at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. 

Any further petitions received by the deadline for the meeting are listed for information and to be noted.

5.1       Petition regarding STOP Drug Dealing in Batty Street E1

SamranSaleem addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Mayor John Biggs then responded to the matters raised in the petition. The Mayor noted the issues with ASB and drug dealing in the area and that tackling such problems remained a top priority of the Administration. 

He reported that the Council had put in place a number of measures to address such behaviour. This included upgrading CCTV systems in the area, providing new Police Officers and working closing with the Police as part of their Operation Continuum initiative to target drug dealing that had achieved positive results in the area. Furthermore, the Council were looking at further measures to design out problems in the area

RESOLVED:

1.         That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director Health, Adults and Community for a written response within 28 days.

5.2       Petition calling on Tower Hamlets Council to repair Frank Dobson Sq Fountain and replace statue

Tara Hudson and others addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing then responded to the matters raised in the petition. He provided an update on the proposals in respect of the site near Frank Dobson square and the plans to refurbish the square and provide a space for public art. Whilst the Council remained committed to refurbishing the square and retaining space for art, there were a number of issues that would that need to be given further consideration before the planning proposals could be pursued.

He also stated that he and the Mayor were happy to consider the petitioners specific proposals for the site.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the petition be referred to the Acting Corporate Director, Place for a written response within 28 days.

5.3       Petition regarding Divestment from fossil fuels

Jess D'Arcy and others addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector then responded to the matters raised in the petition. She noted that tackling climate change was one of the most pressing challenges facing the community.  To this end, the Council’s Pensions Committee had adopted a new Pensions fund Strategy and were considered a range of initiatives to reduce carbon investments, whilst maximising returns.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director, Resources for a written response within 28 days.

5.4       Petition regarding Buxton Street Empty Space

Caroline Hand addressed the meeting on behalf of the petitioners and responded to questions from Members. Councillor Amina Ali, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit then responded to the matters raised in the petition.

She provided an updated on the plans to refurbish the site and Allen Gardens.

Turning to the petition, she expressed concerns about the requests in respect of their business. She advised that should a business wish to operate on Council land, it would to need to apply for permission through the appropriate channels.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the petition be referred to the Acting Corporate Director, Place for a written response within 28 days.