Minutes for Southport Area Committee meeting, Jan 6 2010, 6.30PM official page

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor M. Fearn and Local Advisory Group Member Mrs. M. Pointon.

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.

The following declaration of interest was received:

Member

Minute No.

Reason

Action

Councillor Shaw

113(g) - Open Forum petition relating to the provision of a temporary Town Centre Library in the Market Hall

Prejudicial - his son is employed by Sefton Library Service

Left the room during consideration of the item

Minutes of the meetings held on 28 October and 18 November 2009

The Committee considered the Minutes of the meetings held on 28 October and 18 November 2009.

Councillor McGuire referred to the fourth bullet point of Minute No. 92 (Police Issues) of the meeting held on 28 October 2009; and requested that the names of Councillors Hands, McGuire, Shaw and Weavers be recorded as being on patrol with the Police on weekend evenings.

RESOLVED:

That subject to Minute No. 92 being amended as referred to above, the Minutes of the meetings held on 28 October and 18 November 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Committee received a presentation from Peter Gerring, Area Performance Manager and Steve Bradley, Station Delivery Manager, Northern Rail on their plans/proposals to provide additional services when major events took place in Southport; and improvements to the rolling stock.

Mr. Gerring indicated that Northern Rail had a 8¾ year franchise to operate services through to September 2013 if performance targets were achieved; detailed that performance on the Southport-Atherton-Victoria line was 94% whilst the Northern and Department for Transport (DFT) targets for the service were 90% and 85% respectively; and that the Southport-Manchester Airport line had seen steady performance improvement from low 80% in mid 2008 to over 90% for the latest two consecutive periods.

With regard to rolling stock, Mr. Gerring indicated that Northern operated 3 types of train on the Southport line with seating for 114 to 146 (150-190 with standing capacity); that the stock was inherited from previous franchisees; that there had been a 34% increase in passengers but with no significant increase in fleet; and that a decision from the DfT on new rolling stock was expected soon and the company was working hard to get the best possible deal.

Mr. Bradley indicated that Northern had introduced a special events planning process to deal with the strong programme of events in Southport such as the flower show, airshow and fireworks championship; explained the engineering/other demand issues that caused service problems during the last flower show; and that the aspiration was to improve services in 2010 and that planning would be undertaken with Sefton’s Tourism Department at an earlier stage.

Mr. Bradley also detailed how Northern promoted Southport by working with the Tourism Department; and detailed the promotional literature produced by his company regarding Southport.

Mr. Gerring and Mr. Bradley concluded by stating that the West Lancashire Community Rail Partnership brought together all stakeholders with an interest in a route; that promoting the line and passenger development were key objectives; and that Sefton’s voice was needed in the process.

Members raised the following issues:

• the Friends of Meols Cop Station were not advised about the introduction of the information help point.

• tourism was very important to the Southport economy and more carriages were required, especially when major events took place.  Mr. Gerring indicated that he was looking at the possibility of running additional services between Wigan and Southport this year.

• engineering works caused problems last year and closer liaison was needed between Northern Rail and Network Rail.

• more off-peak usage of community stations such as Meols Cop was required or the company risked losing customers.

• what investment was planned for new rolling stock?  Mr. Gerring indicated that applications for new rolling stock had to be made to the DfT.  This had been done and a decision was expected from DfT shortly.

• the Southport-Manchester service could not be improved without additional rolling stock.  Mr. Gerring indicated that improved services could be introduced on Sundays but on Saturdays, only a small improvement could be made by the introduction of two additional units.

• could you look at capacity issues/rolling stock?  Could better quality rolling stock be transferred to the Southport line when events took place?

• better timetable co-ordination between Merseytravel and Northern Rail needs looking at.

• the 9.38 service to Manchester from Southport was changed to 9.23.  This meant that cheap fares could no longer be obtained on this service.  Was this a revenue generating ploy?  Mr. Bradley indicated that he was unaware of this situation and he would investigate.  Nonetheless, Mr. Bradley stated that Northern Rail was not revenue generated.  Because of the franchise arrangements, any revenue generated above a certain threshold was passed to DfT.

• the timetable co-ordination with Virgin trains needed much improvement.  Currently, details provided on Virgin rolling stock indicated that the connection to Southport was to travel to Preston and then take a bus.  This was not satisfactory.  Why can’t train connections at Wigan be advertised?

• information was requested on the criteria used for determining late running trains when compiling performance targets.

• did a cancelled train count as a late running train in the compilation of performance statistics?

• the current overcrowding on trains was not acceptable.  Mr. Gerring indicated that everyone at his company was eager to obtain new and additional rolling stock and he reiterated his earlier comment that a decision was awaited from DfT.

• due to cancellations, confidence in the Manchester Airport service was low

• often, the Manchester Airport service was displayed as cancelled at Southport as the train would terminate at Manchester.  No information was given to passengers that they could simply get the Manchester train and change at Piccadilly to the frequent airport service.  Could a mechanism be introduced to resolve this problem?

• discussions had been held with the organiser of the Southport Air Show.  The organiser had indicated that rail services were the most important way of getting spectators to the event.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)      Mr. Gerring and Mr. Bradley be thanked for attending the Area Committee and making their presentation;

(2)      the points raised by Members at this meeting be referred to Northern Rail for response;

(3)      any further questions/comments Members may have be submitted to the Committee Administrator for forwarding on to Northern Rail; and

(4)          Northern Rail be requested to submit a progress report to the Area Committee every six months.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

Further to Minute No. 84 of 28 October 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 as follows:

Ward

Available Funds

£

Ainsdale

      8,250.58

Birkdale

    15,921.18

Cambridge

      8,070.83

Dukes

    12,485.28

Kew

      3,231.29

Meols

    11,277.25

Norwood

    18,329.84

Town-wide

      2,812.50

Total

    80,378.75

Details of the allocations made by each ward against the general provision in the current year were set out in the report.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the remaining balance of £80,378.75 of the budget available for further allocation for the rest of the year be noted;

(2)       the following allocations be approved:

Scheme         

Ward

Amount

£

Provision of replacement metal litterbin outside Golden Dragon, Shakespeare Street

Kew

380

Provision of replacement metal litterbin outside the Liberal Democrat Office, Southport

Kew

380

Provision of "No Ball Games" signs to be fixed to lampposts in Birch Street, Southport

Kew

40

Provision of 2 litterbins to be installed at Birkdale Golf Course

Dukes

700

Provision of 2 wall mounted street signs at Rimmers Avenue

Dukes

90

Contribution towards the nature garden at Holy Family R.C. School

Norwood

800

(3)       the following allocations, notified to the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director since the preparation of his report, be approved:

Scheme         

Ward

Amount

£

Provision of robust litterbin to replace the broken bin near Rowlands Chemist

Birkdale

380

Funding towards the purchase of bicycle marking kits and locks as part of the Bicycle Crime Prevention Initiative

Birkdale

850

Provision of robust litterbin on Eastbank Street bridge

Kew

380

(4)       the contribution from the Norwood devolved budget of £1,500 towards the Portland Street playing field scheme be returned to the devolved budget as the funding is no longer required.

Report of the Head of Regeneration and Technical Services

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Regeneration and Technical Services that advised of the review of the draft policies for the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP); and sought the views of the Area Committee as part of the consultation process.

The report indicated that SMPs provided large scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal processes and presented a long term policy framework to reduce these risks to people and the developed, historic and natural environment in a sustainable manner; that an SMP was a high level document that formed an important element of the strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management; and that the SMP covering the Sefton shoreline was currently being reviewed.

The report detailed the six main stages of the SMP progress; the consultation process; and that once the consultation process was completed and any resultant changes made, the SMP would be presented to Cabinet for adoption during April 2010.

Attached as an annexe to the report was a copy of the SMP2 Document - Consultation Draft.

RESOLVED:  

That the report on the draft policies for the Shoreline Management Plan be noted.

Report of the Legal Director

Further to Minute No. 76(b)(2) of 30 September 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Legal Director on the legal position of graffiti removal on non-Council owned land and premises.

The report indicated that the Local Authority was responsible for removing graffiti from Council owned buildings, monuments or street furniture such as benches; other items such as telephone boxes, bus shelters and electricity boxes were the responsibility of the Company that placed them there and that statutory undertakers, such as Railway Operators, were responsible for land and buildings in their ownership.

The report provided details in relation to railway property and that Government guidance required that where there was graffiti on railway land (other than on a surface fronting a street) the Local Authority should seek to enter into partnership arrangements with the railway undertaker.

RESOLVED:  

That the report on the legal position of graffiti removal on non-Council owned premises be noted.

Report of the Environmental Protection Director

The Committee considered the report of the Environmental Protection Director advising of the “Safe and Secure Town Centre at Night Audit of Southport” (the Audit), a strategic intervention to assess the issues involved in alcohol-related violence and disorder in town centres at night; and indicating that a decision on this matter was required to obtain support from the Public Health Partnership for further town centre audits.

The report indicated that the Audit was carried out between April and June 2009 using a ‘toolkit’ that was broken down into 13 categories; and summarised the findings from each category relating to:

·             partnership working

·             data and information sharing

·             licensed premises

·             policing strategies

·             capable guardians and street welfare

·             CCTV

·             lighting

·             underage drinking

·             transport

·             offenders and victims

·             visual cues in the town centre

·             fast food outlets

access routes for space allocation

The report concluded by recommending the action required to be taken to satisfy the minimum standard for a safe and secure town centre.

Attached as an annex to the report was a copy of the “Safety and Secure Town Centres at Night Toolkit”.

RESOLVED:  That:-

(1)       the report be noted;

(2)       the findings of the “Safe and Secure Town Centre at Night Audit of Southport” be noted and further work be encouraged towards areas of potential improvement in the areas outlined in the report; and

(3)       the Public Health Partnership Alcohol Strategy Group and the Alcohol Related Crime Sub-Group be requested to consider the recommendations in the Audit report.

Joint report of the Head of Regeneration and Technical Services and the Leisure Director

Further to Minute No. 72(3) of 30 September 2009, the Committee considered the joint report of the Head of Regeneration and Technical Services and the Leisure Director on the cost of maintaining planters and hanging baskets.

The report indicated that the cost to supply, install, maintain and take down hanging baskets was £75.00 per basket.  The capital element was minimal, being in the region of 10%, the bulk of the total cost was labour; and that planters were normally provided by others (as part of a scheme or by Area Committee) and that the cost to plant up and maintain was £100 per planter per year, again the bulk of the cost was labour.

The report concluded by detailing the budget provision available for the maintenance of hanging baskets and planters; and that inflationary cost increases had meant that the reduction in planters on Lord Street had not generated a saving from this budget.

RESOLVED That:

(1)       the report on the maintenance costs of hanging baskets and platers be noted; and

(2)       the Head of Regeneration and Technical Services and the Leisure Director be requested to submit a joint report to the Committee on whether the £100 charge per annum to plant and maintain planters applies to those planters funded by the Area Committee via the devolved budget to replace old planters.

Minute of the meeting of the Cabinet Member – Communities held on 2 December 2009 and report of the Legal Director

Further to Minute No. 53(3) of the meeting of the Cabinet Member - Communities held on 2 December 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Legal Director on the possible introduction of byelaws in respect of ball games.

The report indicated that "No Ball Games" signs on their own were not legally enforceable and were merely advisory; that such signs would only be legally enforceable if there was a byelaw to support them; that however, byelaws could only be introduced in relation to matters that were not already the subject of national legislation; and that in relation to the playing of ball games in the highway, there was already national legislation that covered this.

RESOLVED:  

That the report on the possible introduction of byelaws in respect of ball games be noted.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director advising of a proposed new cycle track linking Birkdale (Selworthy Road/Coastal Road) and Ainsdale (Pontins) and seeking approval to allow cycling on Southport Footpaths 13 and 15 (part).

The report indicated that Cycling England had confirmed that £250,000 had been allocated to the Council to progress the scheme (as detailed on plan number DCO497 attached to the report); and that approval would be sought from Cabinet to include the scheme within the 2009/10 Capital Programme.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the report advising of a new cycle track linking Birkdale and Ainsdale be noted; and

(2)       the use of Southport Footpaths 13 and 15 (part) for cycling be approved.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee Administrator advised that this report had been withdrawn from the agenda by the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director to allow for further investigations to be undertaken in relation to crime statistics at the locations.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director on proposed Traffic Regulation Orders, the effect of which would extend the "At Any Time" parking restrictions at the junction of Arundel Road/Woodstock Drive, Birkdale.

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

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this matter be deferred until the next meeting.

Further to Minute No. 92 of the meeting held on 28 October 2009, Inspector Moss advised that all officers from Southport that were deployed to take part in the Rhys Jones murder investigation had now returned to their normal duties.

Members of the Public/Councillors raised the following issues:-

• a question was asked about the graffiti on the Victoria Railway Bridge.  Graffiti was removed, which was very pleasing, only for it to re-appear at a later date.  Did the Police have a strategy to deal with this anti-social behaviour?  Inspector Fairbrother explained the strategy in place that involved liaising with the Community Safety Team of the Council.

• a comment was made that the recent murder on Lord Street was not a good advert for the night-time economy.  Inspector Fairbrother indicated that one male had been arrested for the offence and was in custody and that two other males were also being questioned about the offence; that during the last 11 years, three murders (including the 30 December incident) had occurred in Southport relating to the night time economy; reiterated comments made at 28 October meeting that the rate of violent crime in Southport was very low and that there were less violent offences during 2009 than 2008; and that the perception of crime was worse than the reality.  Inspector Fairbrother concluded that a lot of good partnership work was undertaken with the Council, licensees and shopkeepers to reduce levels of crime.

Members indicated that it was not possible to introduce a blanket reduction in licensed premises opening hours, but that reviews could be, and had been, undertaken of various premises by the Licensing Sub-Committee.  The reviews had resulted in the imposition of sanctions and strong conditions on premises.

In response to a question about the publicising of Southport’s low violent crime statistics, Inspector Moss indicated that press releases were issued regularly.  However, the Police had no control over whether the news was printed or what was printed in the media.  He urged the representatives of the press present at the meeting to consider the press releases more positively in the future.

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 and, provided the questioner is present or represented, any interested members of the public will be permitted to ask supplementary questions, provided the total time on each issue does not exceed five minutes.

(If the questioner does not attend the meeting or nominate a representative to attend (at the discretion of the Chair), the question will not be read out, but a written response will be forwarded to the questioner.  If a response to a question is required which cannot be provided at the meeting or if the question is not reached within the 1 hour 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).

During the Open Forum the following questions/comments/petitions were submitted:

(a)       Mr. P. Aird indicated that the street nameplate for Hawesside Street fixed to the boundary wall of Southport College near the junction with Mornington Road was spelt incorrectly.  The street nameplate had been spelt as "Haweside Street" rather than correctly as Hawesside Street; and asked whether the sign could be replaced.

The Committee Administrator indicated that he had been advised by the Team Leader, Capita Symonds Highway Management that the nameplate was over 10 years old and no records existed as to who had ordered the incorrect nameplate.

RESOLVED:

That a new street nameplate be provided at Hawesside Street and funded from the Dukes Ward devolved budget.

(b)       Local Advisory Group Member Mrs. M. Pointon indicated that in the area where she lived there had been a massive leaf fall in the autumn.  The leaves, if not brushed and particularly when wet, were slippy and very dangerous for pedestrians.  Mrs. Pointon asked whether the householder who owned the tree(s) had any responsibility for the removal of the leaves; and stated that as there were not many road sweepers, could the Council start a campaign to get householder/owners of trees to clean the leaves up to make the pavement safe for pedestrians.

The Legal Director had advised Mrs. Pointon that if leaves fell naturally onto the highway i.e. footway, then the Council was responsible for dealing with the problem in much the same way as it dealt with snow falling onto the highway.  If, however, a property owner was to deliberately sweep or deposit leaves onto the highway, then they could be held responsible.

(c)        Mr. J. Lee suggested that the purchase of an 0845 telephone number for Sefton Plus would have cost Sefton a great deal of money and the cost of dialling it was only of benefit to people who did not live locally as all calls were charged as local calls; and that he could find no advantages for a Local Authority in having such a number.  The old telephone numbers for the former Southport and Bootle exchanges were reported as still working, so what was the point of introducing this 0845 number for Sefton Plus?

The Committee Administrator indicated that he had been advised by the Service Manager, Sefton Plus that Sefton Council introduced its 0845 telephone number in 2005 as part of the Council’s Customer Contact Strategy.  The overall aim of the strategy was to make services more accessible, and customers could now dial one number, 0845 140 0845 and access all services.  Although not a primary driver, one of the other customer benefits of the introduction of an 0845 number was that callers from anywhere in the United Kingdom were charged at local rate.  This arrangement also benefited Sefton residents in as much as callers from the south of the borough who called an office in Southport for example would previously have been charged national rate for calling outside of their 0151 prefix and vice versa.

In terms of cost, Sefton MBC was charged £50.00 per month to use the 0845 number and the supplier agreement includes a standard revenue share clause providing Sefton MBC some modest income based on it’s use.  This monthly income was used to offset the cost of the 0845 number with any balance being re-invested in developing better services for Sefton residents.

Members also advised of the recent decision of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Performance and Corporate Services) on this matter that:

(1)       the decision of the Cabinet Member - Corporate Services, to retain the current ‘0845’ prefix Contact Centre number be supported; and

(2)       the Cabinet Member be requested to consider the ‘promotion’ of the two existing geographical numbers 01704 533133 and 0151 922 4040, as alternative ways of accessing the Sefton Plus Contact Centre, rather than introducing a new number with an 03 prefix.

(d)       Local Advisory Group Member Mr. J. Fairhurst indicated that he was appalled at the lack of pedestrian safety during Christmas week.  He stated that:

• on last Tuesday following Monday night's snowfall nothing whatsoever had been done by noon either to clear or to grit pavements in Monument Square, London Street and Chapel Street;

• on the Wednesday pavements in Monument Square were still icy;

• on the Thursday the pavement outside the Town Hall was still icy.

Mr. Fairhurst continued that he fully realised the importance of keeping roads open but so far as he knew pedestrians were just as important as motorists; and concluded that by its inattention to pedestrian safety the Council must surely be deterring shoppers and was also possibly giving grounds for action against the Council following falls.

Mr. Fairhurst asked could he have a promise, and, more importantly a promise that would be implemented, that following future snowfalls pavements in the Town Centre received attention first thing in the morning.

The Committee Administrator indicated that he had been advised by the Highways Network Manager that Sefton had set footway routes.  In Southport they were:

Lord Street

Scarisbrick Avenue

Nevill Street

London Street

Chapel Street

Eastbank Street

Diana Memorial Gardens

In December alone these routes were gritted 15 times.  More specifically they had been gritted on 24, 28 and 30 December and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 January.

The Council would continue to operate the Winter Service Policy and had staff on duty 24 hours a day monitoring the weather.

RESOLVED:

That the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director, in conjunction with the Legal Director, be requested to submit and present a report to the Area Committee on the gritting service provided during the recent severe weather; and on the potential for claims to be made against the Council by residents who had accidents as a result of slips/falls.

(e)       Mr. J. Pugh M.P. asked whether there would be a review of gritting procedures or routes in the light of this winter's recurrent snow falls and ice; how the outsourcing process was overseen; and how the Council ensured that all routes had been effectively serviced by the contractor.

The Committee Administrator indicated that he had been advised by the Highways Network manager that:

(1)       the Winter Service Policy and Operational Plan had been approved by the Council and was reviewed every summer in discussion with the Cabinet Member - Technical Services.  Procedures had been followed exactly by officers and our contractor;

(2)            Officers were on duty 24 hours a day monitoring the weather both via computerised forecasts, actual data, thermal mapping, radar and verbal discussion with weather forecasters.  The contractor was supervised during the gritting operation with gritters electronically logged in and out of the depot with salt usage also recorded electronically; and

(3)       in addition to the electronic recording of timings and salting, officers also checked various routes to ensure gritting had taken place.  The operation had been undertaken by the same contractor for a number of years and they were 100% reliable.

Sefton officers would continue to be vigilant in monitoring the weather 24 hours a day and operating the winter service plan in accordance with Council Policy.  So far this winter the Council had gritted over 35 times (twice yesterday and 3 times the day before by way of example).  Each time gritting took place it covered 209 miles.  Snow ploughs had also been deployed in Southport and Birkdale.  At the moment the Council had sufficient rock salt for its needs and was receiving regular deliveries.

To be effective, the rock salt relied on the movement of traffic and many roads, although gritted, could still suffer due to reduced traffic flows, particularly over the Christmas period.  Sefton also put an additive in the rock salt which made it more effective than the standard product.  Everything was being (and would continue to be) done with the resources available to the Council to help to keep traffic and people moving throughout the borough.

(f)         Mr. T. Dawson indicated that he attended a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Performance and Corporate Services) on 9 December 2009 at which the issue of the need for a temporary replacement for Southport's main library was discussed.

Mr. Dawson stated that his recollection was that one Councillor estimated that there would be savings, from the closure of the present Southport Library for 2½ to 3 years, amounting to around £70,000 per annum and that Council officers agreed with that claim.

Mr. Dawson asked if this was correct.

The Committee Administrator indicated that he had been advised by the Leisure Director that at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee it was not appropriate to “challenge” the figures presented, as there was no proposal supported by the majority of Councillors.  The actual gross cost savings of closing Southport library were £54,550 per annum.  However, as the opening hours of the 3 other branch libraries were being extended this would incur additional costs for utilities and repair and maintenance in particular.  Therefore the net saving of closing Southport library would be approximately £44,000 per annum.

(g)       Mrs. P. McNeish submitted a petition signed by 30 Southport residents seeking the provision of a temporary Town Centre library in the Southport Market Hall.  The terms of the petition were as follows:-

• “We, the undersigned, believe that Southport cannot do without a Town Centre Library.

• We call on Sefton Council to locate a temporary Library in the vacant space at the rear of the Southport Market Hall.

• This would benefit library users and also market traders, due to the extra 150,000 to 300,000 visits a year to Southport’s “Library within a Market”.”

Motion by Councillor Hands, seconded by Councillor McGuire and resolved:

That this Southport Area Committee supports the terms of the 7000+ strong petition, and:

1.            agrees that Southport cannot do without a Town Centre Library;

2.            supports the call for the Council to locate a temporary Library in the vacant space at the rear of the Southport Market Hall;

3.            agrees with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 9 December that “the timetable and funding for the refurbishment of the Southport Cultural Centre should not be jeopardised in any way”;

4.         notes that, should the use of the Market Hall not be possible, 2 alternative Town Centre locations have recently been advised to officers;

5.         notes that there will be savings in premises-related costs arising from the closure of the present Town Centre Library during the period of the redevelopment of the Southport Cultural Centre which would be of the order of £150,000, and that such savings could be used to cover most or all of the costs of a temporary Library located as in 2. or 3. above;

6.         calls on the Cabinet to reverse its previous decision not to provide a temporary Town Centre Library for Southport residents.

(In accordance with Rule 18.5 of the Council and Committee Procedure Rules:

(i)         the following Councillors requested that their vote in support of the above resolution be recorded, namely;

            Councillors Booth, Brodie-Browne, Dodd, Lord, Fearn, Hands, McGuire, Preston, B. Rimmer, D. Rimmer, Sumner, Tattersall and Weavers; and

(ii)        the following Councillor requested that his vote against the above resolutions be recorded, namely:

            Councillor Byrom)

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director on a proposed Traffic Regulation Order, the effect of which would extend the existing "At Any Time" parking restrictions on Liverpool Road, Birkdale.

It was proposed to introduce an individual Order for the road incorporating all the existing restrictions.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the Traffic Regulation Order as shown on the plan and annexes A and B and as detailed in the report, be approved; and

(2)       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 Order.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

Further to Minute No. 52 of 2 September 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director advising of the results of a consultation exercise undertaken with Wesley Street traders on a suggestion that vehicles be prevented from entering the street for any purpose between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.

The report indicated that 30 consultation documents were delivered and 17 were returned (a response rate of 57%); of those that responded 8 (47%) indicated they supported the proposal to further restrict access on Wesley Street, whilst 8 (47%) indicated that they did not support the proposal.  1 (6%) respondent crossed out both options and added their own preferred solution.

The report concluded that in view of the lack of a majority in support of the proposal, it was recommended that the matter was not progressed.

RESOLVED:  

That consideration of this matter be deferred to enable the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director to submit a further report to the next meeting of the Committee.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered:

(1)          Further to Minute No. 84 of 28 October 2009, the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director advising of the results of the recent consultation exercise undertaken with residents/business owners fronting onto the section of Bispham Road between Wennington Road and Canning Road on a proposed pedestrian refuge for this section of Bispham Road, Southport.

The report indicated that 36 consultation documents were delivered and 23 were returned (a response rate of 64%); and of those that responded 9 (39%) were in favour and 14 (61%) were not in favour of the proposed pedestrian refuge on Bispham Road between Wennington Road and Canning Road.  A petition, submitted by the local Post Office, containing 400 signatures opposing the proposed refuge was also received.

The report detailed that the refuge was one of seven proposed throughout Sefton as a result of the 2009/10 pedestrian crossing review; that it was prioritised in the review as the site showed significant conflict between pedestrians and vehicles; the introduction of the refuge would result in the loss of a small number of parking spaces and this was the main objection from businesses; and that in accordance with delegations in the Council's Constitution, the Area Committee could take the following courses of action:

·           Approve the scheme as proposed

·           Approve the scheme with minor amendments; or

·           Refer the scheme to the Cabinet Member - Technical Services, indicating the Area Committee's view on how the proposal should be progressed; and

(2)      the following question submitted by Mr. C. Cockwill during the Open Forum:

“there seemed to be some inaccuracies as to the car parking arrangements reported.  The number of lost spaces was more like 6 not 4 and that the shop parking referred to in front of the shops was on the whole not available to customers as there were flats above whose occupants parked there.  He wanted confirmation that those flat residents were part of the consultation process.  The agenda report suggested that the road was capable of accommodating the refuge however, this was only so if guidance on design was severely compromised.  He asked had the Council undertaken a full technical assessment of the location?”

RESOLVED:  

That the scheme be referred to the Cabinet Member - Technical Services with a recommendation that the pedestrian refuge on Bispham Road should not be installed.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director seeking approval for the introduction of four concrete bollards in Cable Street, Southport to the frontage of the Ship and Anchor public house to prevent vehicles from driving up onto the footway at this location.

The report indicated that a request was received from a business owner in Cable Street for the introduction of a number of bollards on the footway to the frontage of the Ship and Anchor public house; and it was alleged that due to Cable Street being a cul-de-sac, vehicles drove onto the wide footway to the frontage of the public house to carry out three point turns, leading to several near misses with patrons leaving the public house; that the installation of four concrete bollards would resolve the problems being experienced; and that whilst the location of the bollards would restrict vehicle movement on the footway, their location would still permit access for double pushchair buggies and wheelchairs.

The report concluded that as this was a 'life and limb' issue, the cost for the bollards and their installation (approximately £500) could be met from the Traffic Management Revenue budget.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the installation of four concrete bollards in Cable Street, as identified in Annexe A to the report, be approved; and

(2)       the cost of the installation of the bollards be met from the Traffic Management Revenue Budget.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director on proposed Traffic Regulation Orders, the effect of which would introduce "At Any Time" parking restrictions at the junction of Everton Road/Vaughan Road, Birkdale.

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

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the Traffic Regulation Orders as shown on the plan and Annexes A and B and as detailed in the report, be approved; and

(2)       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 on a proposed Traffic Regulation Order, the effect of which would extend the two existing disabled persons' parking places at the frontage of Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. School, Grantham Road, Birkdale from 6.6 metres in length to 10 metres in length.

It was proposed to introduce an individual Order for the road incorporating all the existing restrictions.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the Traffic Regulation Order as shown on the plan and Annexes A and B and as detailed in the report, be approved; and

(2)       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 Order.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director setting out details of current Traffic Regulation Orders in the Southport area which had been approved for implementation.

RESOLVED:  

That the report on the monitoring of Traffic Regulation Orders be noted.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

Further to Minute No. 24 of 1 July 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director advising of the receipt of letters of objection to the proposed waiting restrictions in Althorpe Drive, Crockleford Avenue, Hythe Close and Ovington Drive and the results of the recent re-consultation with residents of Crockleford Avenue, Adleigh Avenue, Fordham Close, Westwood Close, Hythe Close and Ovington Drive.

The report indicated that given the unusually large number of objections received to the initial consultation exercise, a meeting was held with Ward Members to discuss the objections and how they should be dealt with; and it was resolved that, given the comments contained in objectors' letters, it was clear that there was some confusion surrounding the implementation of waiting restrictions and how residents and/or their visitors (including tradesmen) could park their vehicles following implementation of the waiting restrictions.  As a consequence it was decided to re-consult with residents of Crockleford Avenue, Hythe Close Fordham Close, Ardleigh Avenue, Westwood Close and Ovington Drive.

The report detailed the responses of residents to the consultation exercises, together with the comments of officers thereon.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)      the results of the public re-consultation be noted;

(2)      Traffic Regulation Orders be made for Althorpe Drive, Hythe Close, Crockleford Avenue, Westwood Close and Ardleigh Avenue as originally approved at the 1 July 2009 meeting of this Committee (Minute No. 24);

(3)      the necessary legal procedures, including those of public consultation and advertising the Council's intention to implement the Orders, be approved for the proposals in Fordham Close as detailed in paragraphs 5.8 - 5.9 of the report;

(4)      no action be taken at the current time in Ovington Drive; and

(5)      the objectors be advised accordingly.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

Further to Minute No. 84 of 28 October 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director advising of the results of the recent consultation exercise carried out with residents/business owners adjacent to the existing splitter island to the north of the roundabout at the junction with Shore Road, adjacent to The Sands public house on the Coastal Road, Ainsdale.

The consultation was on the proposal to relocate the existing crossing on the Coastal Road onto the splitter island of the roundabout at Shore Road.  This would allow proper dropped kerbs and tactile paving to assist visually impaired pedestrians to be provided; and would allow a much safer crossing point as visibility of approaching traffic would be improved and pedestrians would only have to cross one lane of traffic at a time.

The report indicated that two consultation packs were delivered and one response was received; and that the response was in support of the proposed improvements.

RESOLVED:  

That the scheme to improve crossing facilities at the Coastal Road as detailed in the report be approved.

The Committee considered correspondence relating to the above.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the correspondence be noted; and

(2)       the Leisure Director be requested to arrange a meeting with Councillor Brodie-Browne and Local Advisory Group Member Mr. I. Goley to discuss the use of the mosquito device in the vicinity of the Arts Centre.

No future agenda items were proposed.

In accordance with the agreed programme of meetings for this Area Committee, the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 3 February 2010 at the Town Hall, Lord Street, Southport, commencing at 6.30p.m.

RESOLVED:  

That the next meeting be held on Wednesday, 3 February 2010 at the Town Hall, Lord Street, Southport, commencing at 6.30 p.m.