To consider a report on the future of the Nest Nursery, Brixham.

The Chairman advised that a revised officer recommendation had been circulated on 26 February 2014.  The Council made the following recommendation to the Mayor:

It was proposed by Councillor Pritchard and seconded by Councillor Lewis:

The Mayor be recommended:

should the received bid not meet the mandatory procurement requirements, the Director of Children’s Services be authorised to consult on the proposed closure of The Nest Nursery, Brixham.  The consultation would propose that the Nursery closes on the 31 August 2014.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Ellery and seconded by Councillor Morey:

should the received bid not meet the mandatory procurement requirements, the Director of Children’s Services be authorised to consult on future options for establishing affordable nursery and early years provision in Brixham.

A recorded vote was taken on the amendment.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For: Councillors Baldrey, Cowell, Darling, Davies, Doggett, Ellery, Faulkner (J), James, Morey, Pentney, Pountney, Stocks, Stockman and Stringer (14); Against:  Mayor Oliver, Councillors Addis, Amil, Barnby, Bent, Brooksbank, Excell, Hernandez, Hill, Kingscote, Lewis, McPhail, Mills, Pritchard, Richards, Thomas (D) and Tyerman (17); Abstain: Councillor Parrott (1); Absent: Councillors Butt, Faulkner (A), Hytche, Scouler and Thomas (J) (5).  Therefore the amendment was declared lost.

The original motion was then put to the vote and declared carried.

The Mayor considered the recommendation of the Council, as set out above, at the meeting and a record of his decision, together with further information, is attached to these Minutes.