The report before Members provided an update on the Brentwood Borough Renaissance Group 2014/15 Workplan and Budget following agreement of the Annual Workplan at the 16 July 2014 Business and Town Centres Committee meeting.

The Renaissance Group Chair, Clive Othen,  was in attendance at the meeting and the Cllr Kendall advised Members that Mr Othen would attend future B&TC Committee meetings to give updates on the work of the Renaissance Group and thanked him for the  work he had undertaken so far relating to the Group.

Members were advised that Trade Clusters were being established for the main retail areas in the Borough and Members requested a Cluster be set up for the row of shops in Ongar Road close to the Robin Hood pub and also for rural areas.  Cllr Kendall advised that key trade areas were being established then others would be considered.

Mr Othen advised that, following discussion with the Brentwood Nighttime Action Group (BNAG)  it had been proposed that BNAG should form a Cluster Group to include representatives from  the police, street pastors and town link  radio and act in an advisory capacity to the Renaissance Group. However, the vice-chair of BNAG was in attendance and advised that BNAG was prepared to work with the Renaissance Group but not merge with it.

In light of the discussion, the Chair MOVED, Cllr Keeble SECONDED  and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY  that the item be deferred to the 16 December 2014 Business and Town Centres Committee meeting before which a meeting would have taken place with representatives from BNAG, Renaissance Group and relevant Members and Officers to propose a way forward.

(Cllr Reed declared a non-pecuniary interest by virtue of his involvement with Renaissance Group through his employment at Brentwood Theatre)