Minutes for Crosby Area Committee meeting, Sep 9 2009, 6.30PM official page

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Roberts and Veidman.

Members and Officers are requested to give notice of any personal or prejudicial interest and the nature of that interest, relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the relevant Code of Conduct.

No declarations of interest were received.

Part “A”

These items are for general discussion.  Anybody attending the meeting is welcome to speak (subject to the Chair’s discretion).

Ms Steph Prewett, the Assistant Director (Neighbourhoods) provided a verbal report on action arising from the Minutes of 8 July 2009, taken by the Neighbourhoods Team.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2009 be approved as a correct record; and

(2)

the verbal report of the  Assistant Director (Neighbourhoods) on action taken by her Team arising from the Minutes of the previous meeting, be noted.

Inspector Turner presented and reported on Crosby’s crime statistics for August 2009, comparing them with the statistics for the same period in 2007 and 2008.

August

2007

2008

2009

Hightown 2009

All Crime

230

229

203

0

Violent Crime

47

37

22

0

Robbery

3

2

2

0

Burglary Dwelling

8

11

20

1

Unauthorised theft

of Motor Vehicle

13

9

4

0

Theft from Motor Vehicle

18

10

13

0

Criminal Damage

55

56

29

0

The Inspector indicated that burglaries involving theft of copper from properties had been a problem in Crosby, resulting in 4 recent arrests; poor security of properties was still a cause for concern; Operation Sefton Coast during the summer months , assisted by the Mounted Police during July and August, had led to marked a decrease in anti-social behaviour and criminal damaged as evidenced in the crime statistics.

The Chair requested that Inspector Turner remain for the first Open Forum question on the cumulative impact of drinks licenses in South Road, Waterloo, submitted by Mr Ian Hamilton-Fazey, Chair of the Waterloo Residents’ Association.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

Inspector Turner be thanked for his informative presentation; and

(2)

Inspector Turner remain at the meeting for the first Open Forum question on the cumulative impact of new drinks licenses in South Road, Waterloo.

Members of the public are invited to ask questions, raise matters, or present petitions on issues which are relevant to Sefton Council.  The person asking a question will be allowed one supplementary question.

(If a response to a question is required which cannot be provided at the meeting or if the question is not reached within the 45 minute period, the Chair will either refer the matter to the appropriate Service Department for a written answer or to the appropriate Cabinet Member for further consideration).

The following matters were raised during the Open Forum:

(a)

Mr. Ian Hamilton-Fazey addressed the Committee expressing concern at the ‘cumulative impact’ of new drinks licences in South Road, Waterloo’, with the potential for anti-social behaviour, littering, criminal damage, etc., in South Road and its surrounding area.

He indicated that he was familiar with the apparent conflict whereby whilst planning applications were required to consider the ‘cumulative impact’ of a number of businesses of the same type (e.g. licensed premises) being in the same area, it was not part of the remit for consideration of  licensing applications, in accordance with Licensing Act 2003.

In this respect, Mr. Hamilton-Fazey asked Inspector Turner whether  the Police could provide ‘…a regular subset of data relating to incidents in South Road and its immediate environs particularly on Friday and Saturday nights’; and ‘….showing the pattern of deployment of police resources by day and night time throughout Crosby on a regular basis’; indicating that the  provision of such data might support the argument for ‘cumulative impact’ to be made grounds for consideration in dealing with licensing applications in future.

Inspector Turner indicated that since the introduction of Operation Nightsafe, 10 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) had been deployed to the South Road Area on Friday and Saturday nights and Inspector Turner continued to organise shift patterns to maximise the police presence on South Road.  Statistical information for the area for August had shown only two offences committed.

Church Ward Members referred back to the Working Group,  which had been set up two years ago to look at Waterloo District Centre and in particular, the economy of South Road and the proliferation of Planning  Retail Use Class A4 (bars) and A5 (hot food take-away outlets), which supported the night-time economy, to the  detriment of the day-time retail economy. 

The Assistant Chief Executive (Neighbourhoods) had written to Mr. Hamilton-Fazey, proposing that subject to Area Committee agreement, the Community Safety Partnership (of which the Police were a key partner), be asked to take a look at the relevant crime data and assess whether there was a case to be made for cumulative impact. The outcomes of such research would be discussed at a future meeting of the Area Committee.  Mr. Hamilton-Fazey thanked the Assistant Chief Executive (Neighbourhoods) for her prompt response.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

the Community Safety Partnership be requested to assess the case for cumulative impact of bars and hot food take-away outlets on South Road and surrounding areas by looking at the associated crime data; and

(2)

a report on (1) above be submitted for consideration by Area Committee.

(2)

Mrs. Debbie Roberts had submitted a question enquiring how much the landscaping of the green space in Thompson Road (Sandy Road end), Seaforth, had cost and why the area had been neglected subsequently ‘when 100 yards away a similar area is flourishing’; and how this could be rectified.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Neighbourhoods) indicated that she had sent an e-mail to Mrs Roberts informing her that she would seek to rectify the situation as soon as possible and notify her of a date for this.

She further indicated that the Council was looking carefully at the contract for highway grassed areas and was determined that such areas were maintained on a regular basis to the standard specified in the contract.

RESOLVED:

That the Assistant Chief Executive (Neighbourhoods) pursue the maintenance of the piece of land on Thompson Road and inform Mrs. Roberts of the outcome in writing.

(3)

Mr. Bob Wright, Advisory Group Member raised concern at the substandard quality of patch repairs carried out in Back Lane, Little Crosby which had left an uneven road surface and potholes in some areas.

Members concurred with Mr. Wright’s suggestion that the work of contractors carrying out such repairs should be closely monitored by the Council.

RESOLVED:

That the Assistant Chief Executive (Neighbourhoods) be requested to take this matter up with Highways Maintenance Team, Capita Symonds.

Presentation by Will Moody, Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership Scheme

Part “B”

These are formal decisions to be taken by Members of the Council.  Only in exceptional cases will the Chair allow contributions from the public (Advisory Group Members may speak but not vote).

The Chair welcomed Mr. Will Moody, Project Manager for the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership, who was in attendance to give a presentation on the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Mr. Moody informed Members that:

• the Sefton Coast Partnership (SCP) managed and promoted conservation of the Sefton Coast and was made up of representatives of various organisations with an interest in the coast;

• SCP had applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for funding to run a Landscape Partnership Scheme (LPS)

• the vision and aims for the LPS were about getting people interested in the coast and improving access to the coast;

• SCP had prepared a strategy for delivering its vision and aims which included the following projects:

*

constructing and improving paths and cycle routes;

*

restoration of various landscapes and habitats;

*

training courses, events and materials;

*

publications about the coast; and

*

Investigation of historical and archaeological features on the coast.

Having had a stage one application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) approved, a detailed stage two HLF application would be made for £1,200,000.

Mr. Moody concluded by indicating that the project was dependent on the involvement of local people, organisations and other parties interested in the Sefton Coast and people were encouraged to contact him for further information on how to get involved by ringing him on 0151 934 2963 or via e-mail at will.moody@planning.sefton.gov.uk.

Mr. Moody answered questions arising from his presentation and Members asked about fire prevention measures along the coast.  Mr. Moody indicated that fire prevention did not fall under the remit of the Sefton Coastal Partnership, but he would raise the matter with Natural England Site Office in Ainsdale / Formby.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

Mr. Moody be thanked for his informative presentation; and

(2)

Mr. Moody enquire with Natural England about fire prevention measures along the Sefton Coast.

Report of the Environmental Protection Director

Further to Minute No. 32 (3) of 8 July 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Environmental Protection Director on provision, sitings and background to litterbin activity within the Area Committee boundary, to enable Members to make informed decisions about the allocation of litterbins and the most appropriate type of litterbin to be sited.

Appendix A to the report provided a list of the litterbins sited within the Committee’s boundary; the day of collection (Monday to Friday) and the frequency of collections; and whether the litterbins were concrete, plastic or metal. 

The report concluded by indicating that a database of litterbins was maintained by the Street Services Officer (Mr. Phil Stirk) and Committee Members were requested to inform him of any missing or vandalised bins which they wished to have replaced.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

Report of the Legal Director

The Committee considered the report of the Legal Director which examined evidence as to the existence or otherwise of a village green on the piece of land adjacent to and connecting Lydiate Lane and Green Lane, Thornton.

Mr. Peter Cowley, Senior Solicitor presented the report and referred to historical mapping (indicated in Annexes A and B) of the area dated between 1893 and 1937 showed that the majority of the area had been occupied by several small properties and was not evidently a public space.  Enquiries within the Local Searches did not reveal records of a village green and a further three plans from the Highways Development Control Team (Annexes C, D and E) showed that the area in question was an adopted public highway.

The report concluded by indicating that the area of land which residents had referred to as possibly being part of a Village Green did in fact form part of the adopted highway, and that there was no historical evidence to support the claim for a Village Green in this location, either before or after the acquisition of the land by the County of Merseyside.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

the report be noted; and

(2)

Mr. Cowley be thanked for his hard work and research undertaken in producing the report.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services on a proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), the effect of which would be to reflect sections of existing ‘At any Time’ restrictions already in place on the south west side of Sandy Road and the junction with Thomson Road.

It was proposed to introduce individual Orders for the roads incorporating all the existing restrictions.

Councillor Cummins asked whether the proposed TRO had taken into account traffic speeds and the safety of pupils attending the recently built Rimrose Hope School in Sandy road, Seaforth.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

the Assistant Director (Neighbourhoods) be requested to confirm with the Traffic Services Manager, whether traffic speeds and safety of pupils attending Rimrose Hope School had been taken into account in respect of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order on the south west side of Sandy Road and the junction of Thomson Road, Seaforth;

(2)

subject to (1) above, the Traffic Regulation Orders, as shown on the plan in Annex B and set out in the schedules in Annex C be approved; and

(3)

the Traffic Services Manager be authorised to undertake the necessary legal procedures, including those of public consultation and advertising the Council’s intention to implement the Orders.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director advising of the successful completion and making of the Gating Order relating to the gating of various passageways in Waterloo, which included the passageway at the rear of Hastings Road and Eastbourne Road and seeking authority to commit an additional £411 from the Area Committee’s devolved budget to fund the redesign of a bespoke gate following concerns from a local resident.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

an additional contribution of £411 from the Area Committee devolved budget towards the redesign, manufacture and installation of alley gates at Hasting Road and Eastbourne Road be approved;

(2)

the Assistant Director Transportation and Development be requested to making of Gating Order GO024, pursuant to 129A of the Highways Act 1980, to proceed with the erection of an alley gate as indicated on Plan No. DC0096 attached as an Annex to the report; and

(3)

the Finance Director be advised of expenditure indicated in (1) above.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director on the involvement of young people in Area Committees and the Chair welcomed two young advisors, Joe Ross and Katie Russell who were in attendance at the meeting to see how the Committee operated and to consult on how they could help develop an appropriate mechanism for involving young people in the future.

Discussion took place and Members indicated that as each of the Wards falling within the remit of Crosby Area Committee was so distinct and different from the others, it would be useful if the Young Advisors could consult on a ward by ward basis in the first instance.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

the research proposal for involving young people in the work of the Area Committee be noted; and

(2)

the young advisors be requested to consult with Crosby Area Committee members on a Ward by Ward basis, on how to involve young people in area management.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

Further to Minute No. 32 of 8 July 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director indicating that the balance of the budget available for allocation during 2009/10, including sums set aside for the provision of litterbins, was £23,457.00.

 Requests for funding of up to £1,000.00 were indicated in Appendix A to the report.

The Assistant Director (Neighbourhoods) indicated that since publishing the report a request for funding of up to £1,000 had been received for a ‘No Ball Games’ sign in Windle Avenue, at a cost of £110 from the Manor Ward allocation.

The Assistant Director Neighbourhoods indicated that currently expenditure against the Crosby ward budget allocations was dependent upon applications coming forward; and it was proposed that the remaining ward balances available be allocated to the Neighbourhoods Division to be used in accordance with ward priorities as defined through area management approaches.  She explained that any approvals made against this amount would be subject to agreement by all three ward members and that this would enable the ward budgets to be used in a responsive way to tackle any pertinent ward issues.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the remaining balance of £23,457.00 of the budget available for further allocation for the rest of the year be noted; and

(2)       the following allocations be approved:

Scheme

Ward

Amount

£

All Saints Church – decoration of Church hall

Manor

400.00

Moor Lane Methodist Church – refurbishment of toilet facilities in Community Hall.

Manor

£400.00

South Sefton Visually Impaired - - CD Player x2, photocopy machine, steel cabinet cost of transport and entry fees  for daytrip)

Manor

300.00

St William of York Presbytery – painting and decorating of one room in the centre which holds councillor surgeries and is used by various community groups

Manor

400.00

Painting of cast iron street nameplates

Manor

150.00

‘No Ball Games’ sign in Windle Avenue

Manor

110.00

(3)         the following remaining ward balances be allocated to the    Neighbourhoods Division to be used in accordance with each ward‘s         area management priorities, subject to the approval of all three ward         councillors:

Ward

Available Funds

£

Crosby Wide       

1,500.00

Blundellsands

4,006.09

Church

5,516.57

Manor

3,339.97

Victoria

4,014,03

The Chair paid tribute to Ms Ruth Appleby, Crosby Area Committee Administrator who was to be seconded to the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny section.  As a result of this, Mr. Mike Morris, Senior Committee Administrator would be responsible for administering the Area Committee for the foreseeable future.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

Ms Appleby be thanked for her hard work and commitment during her time as Crosby Area Committee Administrator;

(2)

letter of thanks be sent to Ms Appleby from the Chair; and

(2)

Mr. Morris, to be welcomed as the new administrator to the Committee.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 7 October 2009, at Waterloo Rugby Club, The Pavilion, St Anthony’s Road, Blundellsands, commencing at 6.30 p.m.

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting of the Committee be held at 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday 7 October 2009, at Waterloo Rugby Club, the Pavilion, St. Anthony’s Road, Blundellsands.