Minutes for Crosby Area Committee meeting, Jan 21 2009, 6.30PM official page

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor D. Jones and Advisory Group Members Mr. C. Billingsley, Mr. T. Edwards and Ms K. West.

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:

Councillor

Minute No.

Interest

Action

Councillor Barber

Min No. 106 – Presentation by Merseyside Fire Authority.

Member of Merseyside Fire Authority

Remained in room during the presentation and feedback session

Minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2008.

Part “A”

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

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2008 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, in particular Inspector Neil Turner, Merseyside Police who had recently taken over from Inspector Dave Pryce as Neighbourhood Inspector for Crosby; and Sergeant Paul Wright.  Welcome was also extended to Mr. Allan Harris District Manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue (Sefton), who was in attendance to address the Committee on the plans for the Fire Service in Sefton in 2009.

Congratulations were extended to Mr Frank Egerton, Crosby Area Manager, on his recent appointment to the newly created post of Central Area Regeneration Manager.

The Chair thanked Mr. Egerton for his work and dedication in the Crosby Area so far, and the Committee’s appreciation that he would continue to have a key role in Crosby area management.

Inspector Neil Turner addressed the Committee explaining that he had commenced in the post on 5 January 2009 and expressed the hope that he would be able to maintain the excellent working relationship with the Committee and local residents as his predecessor, Inspector Pryce.  He indicated that he had been employed by Merseyside Police for 19 years, 10 years serving in the Sefton area; and that he had been involved in setting up Operation Hawk, targeting drug offences in the area.

Inspector Turner presented and reported on Crosby’s Crime Statistics during the November and December 2008 period, comparing them with the November and December statistics from 2006 and 2007.

NOVEMBER

2006

2007

2008

All Crime

330

334

263

Violent Crime

45

23

35

Robbery

3

1

3

Burglary Dwelling

23

20

24

Theft of Motor Vehicle

13

4

4

Theft from Motor Vehicle

24

23

23

Criminal Damage

77

59

67

DECEMBER

2006

2007

2008

All Crime

308

235

241

Violent Crime

61

46

32

Robbery

2

2

3

Burglary Dwelling

37

22

28

Theft of Motor Vehicle

8

5

8

Theft from Motor Vehicle

25

8

12

Criminal Damage

51

50

54

Inspector Turner referred to an increase in domestic burglaries, some of which might have been prevented with greater security at the properties concerned. To tackle this problem ‘Operation Venus’ had been implemented resulting in a number of arrests

He reported on a recent spate of mobile phone and cash thefts from school boys in Victoria Park, by gangs of older youths, apparently from outside the area. In response, Operation Clarence had been put into place, involving plain clothes and high visibility patrols around parks, involvement of park wardens and monitoring of train stations to see if offenders were getting off trains.  Young people had been advised to be careful when using mobile phones and be alert to what was happening around them.  He was pleased to report that there had been no further incidents of this nature since 10 January.

Finally Inspector Turner remarked on a significant decrease in crime involving auto vehicles and also a reduction in incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Turner and Sergeant Wright responded to questions on various issues from Councillors and members of the public, including cycling on pavements; the increase in crime statistics between November and December;  the Crosby Area Newsletter;  problems with parents parking on the pavement and grass verges near St. Michael’s School, Manor Road; and high visibility policing – ‘bobbies on the beat’’.

Parish Councillor West congratulated Inspector Turner and his team on the swift response to an incident where following a telephone call about youths involved in theft from motor vehicles in Hightown, the youths had been arrested shortly afterwards on alighting their train at South Road railway station.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

welcome  by the Committee be extended to Inspector Turner, with all best wishes in his new post; and

(2)

Inspector Turner and Sergeant Wright be thanked for their attendance and input at the meeting.

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).

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 following matters were raised during the Open Forum:

(a)

Further to Minute No. 49 of 10 September 2008, Ms D. Roberts had written expressing concern that the temporary Vodaphone Aerial at Sandy Road, Seaforth, was still in situ despite having been informed that it would be removed during the week commencing 12 January 2009.

Mr. Faulkner from the Planning and Economic Regeneration Department had provided an initial response indicating that the mast operators had apologised for not having removed the mast by the due date, but that the alternative site for the mast would not be available until March 2009. The Planning and Economic Regeneration Director had therefore requested that the operators supply a specific date in March for removal of the mast and if that did not occur then enforcement proceedings would be instigated.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director be requested to respond to Ms Roberts question in writing; and

(2)

the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director be requested to instigate enforcement proceedings against the operator should the mast not be relocated in March 2009.

(b)

Parish Councillor West requested that the Area Committee consider contributing towards the cost of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights which were to be installed in trees on the village green in Hightown. He explained that local shops and businesses had also been asked for contributions towards the lights.

Parish Councillor West also requested that the Area Committee investigate the possibility of obtaining funds from Community Safety or any such other funds  to assist in Crime Prevention Measures .

Finally, the Parish Councillor asked that the appreciation of Hightown Parish Council be extended to the Technical Services Department

‘…….for supplying the excellent Christmas Tree and in particular to the Street Lighting Department for their prompt action in replacing existing inefficient street lights around the green and in front of the shops with vastly improved brighter lights and, also, for every Council Department concerned in ensuring the Village Christmas tree lights switch-on by television actress Sherie Hewson last December had been such an outstanding success’.

RESOLVED: That

(1)               the Area Manager be requested to liaise with Parish Councillor West in the completion of an Area Committee Budget Application form requesting funding towards LED lights on Hightown village green; and

(2)               the Area Manager be requested to investigate the possibility of obtaining funds from Community Safety or any such other funds to assist in Crime Prevention Measures.

(3)

Mr. W. Wilson (Waterloo Seafront Residents Group) advised the Committee that himself and Councillor Veidman had met with Mr. Lymbery, (Coastal Defence Project Leader) in June 2008 and that  the outcome of this meeting had been that Mr. Lymbery and Mr. D. McAleavy, (Head of Coast and Countryside), would submit a joint statement/report to the Area Committee detailing their plans for the Crosby Waterfront. However, such report had not so far been forthcoming.

Councillor Cummins confirmed that he had also been promised a joint report by Mr. Lymbery and Mr McAleavy on the Crosby Waterfront.

RESOLVED:

That the Area Manager be requested to liaise with Mr Lymbery and Mr McAleavy about submission of their joint report on plans for the Crosby Waterfront.

(4)

Mr. L. Tighe expressed concern about problems caused by persons attending the weekend football games at Brookvale, including obstructions to pedestrians, wheelchair users and pushchairs by vehicles parked on footways, churning up of grass verges by cars, and mud from football boots.

RESOLVED:

That the Leisure Director be requested to provide a written response to Mr. Tighe on this matter.

Presentation by Mr Allan Harris (District Manager for Sefton)

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service  

Mr. Allen Harris (District Manager for Sefton) Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, gave a presentation on plans for the Fire Service in Sefton for 2009 and answered questions thereon.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

Mr. Harris be thanked for his interesting and informative presentation; and

(2)

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service be commended for its excellent performance and partnership work with other local agencies.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services

The Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services on a request for a ‘No Ball Games Sign’ in Pritchard Avenue, Seaforth.

The report indicated that local residents had participated in a ballot with the majority of ballot papers having been returned voting against a ‘No Ball Game’ sign being erected.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

based on the majority ballot return by residents in Pritchard Avenue against the erection of a ‘No Ball Game’ sign, the erection of a ‘No Ball Game’ sign be not approved; and

(2)

the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services be requested to advise local residents accordingly.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director on the proposed introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order, the effect of which would be to amend the parking restrictions on St. Luke’s Road as indicated in the report and set out in the plan in Annex A to the report.

The report reminded Members of the current moratorium on all revenue budgets, as a result of which, subject to approval of the amendment, progression of the legal notices and subsequent implementation of works would only take place when budgets were reinstated.

RESOLVED: That subject to the lifting of the Council’s moratorium on all revenue budgets:

(1)

the Traffic Regulation Order as shown on the plan in Annex A and indicated 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 Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director on the proposed introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order, the effect of which would be to amend the parking restrictions on Liverpool Road, Crosby, as indicated in the report and set out in the plan in Annex A to the report.

The report indicated that the proposed amendment was that 15 metres of junction protection would remain at the junction with St. Luke’s Road, with a limited waiting parking bay installed from the junction protection to the end of the zigzag markings.

Discussion took place and it was suggested that the limited waiting parking bay could be made bigger by reducing the junction protection from 15 metres to 10 metres.

Mr. Johnston (Traffic Services) advised that junction protection of 15 metres was recommended by Traffic Services on busy roads such as Liverpool Road, and in this instance was recommended because of a potential blind spot for drivers when the traffic lights were showing green.

The report reminded Members of the current moratorium on all revenue budgets, as a result of which, subject to approval of the amendment, progression of the legal notices and subsequent implementation of works would only take place when budgets were reinstated.

RESOLVED: That subject to the lifting of the Council’s moratorium on its revenue budgets:

(1)

the Traffic Regulation Order as shown on the plan in Annex A and indicated in the report be approved with the amendment of a reduction in the junction protection at the junction with St. Luke’s Road from 15 metres to 10 metres; 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 Director of Planning and Economic Regeneration

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director on a proposed Traffic Regulation Order for Mount Pleasant, Waterloo, the effect of which would be to reflect sections of existing ‘Monday to Saturday 7.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. single yellow line restrictions in place on the south-west side of Mount Pleasant between Wellington Street and Canning Street and on the north-east side between Wellington Street and Back Mount Street.

The report indicated that the TRO was not subject to the budget moratorium because Mount Pleasant was already scheduled for resurfacing.

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 in the Plan in Annex A, set out in the schedules in Annex B and indicated 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 Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services

The Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services advising of those locations which had been identified for inclusion in the Highways Maintenance Programme 2008/09.

The report indicated that following the format adopted in previous years, the 2009/10 Highways Maintenance and Street Lighting Renewals /Refurbishment Programme was being shared with Area Committees for comment, prior to it being referred to the Cabinet Member - Technical Services for formal approval on 25 March, 2009; and that following a request by Members, the Highways Maintenance Programme also included an indicative list of locations, which currently justified consideration for inclusion in a three year rolling programme for specific highway treatments, namely Major Reconstructions, Carriageway Resurfacing, Micro-Asphalt Carriageway Surface Treatments and Footway Reconstruction/Re-laying.

In each category of treatment identified in the annex to the report, the initial thick black line denoted the extent to which the Programmes were likely to be completed during 2009/10, based upon anticipated budget allocations and preliminary cost estimates.

The report concluded by requesting examination of the Programme and comments, if any, for submission to the Cabinet Member - Technical Services and the Area Manager requested that such comments should be forwarded in writing to the Highways Manager in the first instance.

RESOLVED: That

(1)       the Highways Maintenance Programme for 2009/10 be noted; and

(2)       the Highways Manager be notified in writing of any comments on the Highways Maintenance Programme.

Report of the Director of Planning and Economic Regeneration

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director on a proposed Traffic Regulation Order, the effect of which would be to introduce ‘No Loading/Unloading’ at any existing ‘At Any Time’ parking restrictions at the junction of Thornfield Road/Edge Lane, Thornton.

The report reminded Members of the current moratorium on all revenue budgets, as a result of which, subject to approval of the Traffic Regulation Order, progression of the legal notices and subsequent implementation of works would only take place when budgets were reinstated.

RESOLVED: That subject to the lifting of the Council’s moratorium on all revenue budgets:

(1)

the Traffic Regulation Order as shown on the plan in Annex A, and as detailed in the schedule Annex B, 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 Director of Planning and Economic Regeneration

The Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services which sought approval for the progression of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to provide a disabled resident with a parking place directly opposite their place of residence in Harrington Road, Crosby; and to reduce the existing ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ parking restrictions at the junction of Harrington Road and Coronation Road, Crosby, on both sides of the carriageway.

The report indicated that all new TROs for Disabled Parking Permits allowed for the provision of a numbered permit which restricted the use of the bay to the applicant only.

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

RESOLVED: That

(1)

a Traffic Regulation Order providing a numbered disabled person’s parking permit for a disabled resident directly opposite their place of residence in Harrington Road, Crosby; and to reduce the existing ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ parking restrictions at the junction of Harrington Road and Coronation Road, Crosby, on both sides of the carriageway;  as indicated on the plan in Annex B and as detailed in the schedule in Annex C 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 Director of Planning and Economic Regeneration

The Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services which sought approval for the provision of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to remove an existing Disabled Person’s Parking Place (DPP) from Roseberry Avenue, Waterloo.  The report indicated that information had been received by the Council stating that the disabled person’s parking place was no longer required as the original applicant no longer lived there.

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

RESOLVED: That

(1)

The Traffic Regulation Order providing a numbered Disabled Person’s Parking Place centrally located outside  No.12 Roseberry Avenue, Crosby, as detailed in the report, be revoked; 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 revoke the DPP from the Order.

Report of the Director of Planning and Economic Regeneration

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director which sought approval for the erection of a ‘Kent Carriage Gap’ at both ends of the Public Right of Way known as Crosby 6, pursuant to the provisions of Section 115b of the Highways Act 1980 (as amended by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982).

Members expressed vociferous objections to the proposal stating that they wished to retain the boulders which currently prevented use of the bridleway by motor vehicles.  Removal of the boulders would encourage joy riders which the proposed bollards would be insufficient to prevent.  In its present state the bridleway was suitable for use by cyclists and persons on horseback.  Ward Councillors indicated that one of the two ladies who uses the bridleway to drive her horse-drawn carriage along the bridleway had stated that the bridleway would easily be passable with the slight shifting of one of the boulders by a mere 5 inches to one side.

Further concern was expressed at the lack of financial information contained in the report.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

the proposed alterations to Crosby Bridleway No. 6 (Dibb Lane) be not approved; and

(2)

the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director be requested to ensure that future reports contain full financial information relating to the costs of proposals.

Report of the Leisure Director

The Area Committee considered the report of the Leisure Director advising of the first phase of the Council’s Play Builder Programme 2008/09 (the Programme) and in particular about proposed works at Coronation Park, Crosby

The report indicated that following a successful application to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) for Fair Play ‘Play builder’ status, Children’s Services, working with the Leisure Department, submitted a Play builder Project Plan to the DCSF in July 2008; that the plan set out how Sefton would provide innovative and stimulating play equipment and landscaping, which would facilitate physically active play opportunities for all children, but with a particular focus on 8-13 year olds; that the Plan was approved, and the Council was awarded a grant of £1,117,442 over the three year Play Builder programme; and that Coronation Park had been selected as one of six sites across the Borough as part of the Programme.

The report detailed the design aspects of the proposed scheme at Coronation Park and sought the views of Members thereon; and concluded that the main work at the park should be completed by March 2009 and that following a “settling-in” period, an official opening ceremony would be organised.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed play area works designed for Coronation Park, Crosby, as detailed in the report be approved.

(1)       The Antony Gormley Statues – ‘Another Place’ - Crosby Beach

The Area Manager indicated that Ward Councillors had requested the provision of an additional sign at the top of Orrell Hill Lane to direct vehicles into Crosby, to view the Antony Gormley Statues on Crosby beach. It was suggested that many drivers were being misdirected perhaps by Satellite Navigation systems into Hightown.

The Traffic Services Manager had indicated that a single sign at the suggested location would be inadequate as it would potentially lead to motorists getting lost in Crosby Village or somewhere else along the route and therefore it would be necessary to direct motorists from this point, through to either the existing route in Crosby or by an alternative route to the beach.  This would require 3 additional signs at a cost of £1,520 if the existing route down Coronation Road was to be picked up, or £1,900 if a new route past St Michaels School or down Manor Road was used.

Discussion took place and Members suggested that a report on the success (or otherwise), benefits and impact on the Crosby area of the  Antony Gormley Statues, should be undertaken, incorporating a number of issues relating to the installation, including visitor numbers,  litter proliferation, wear and tear on roads  and road signage.

RESOLVED:

That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Environmental Services) be requested to undertake a review of the success, benefits and impact of the Antony Gormley (Another Place) installation.

(2)       Footpath Coast Guard

Further to Minute No. (96 (2)) of 5 November 2008, the Area Manager was pleased to report that that there had been some progress in this matter; that the Coast Guards agents and Council officers had now agreed terms for the purchase of the land for the nominal sum of £1.00; and that the necessary report allowing the Council to acquire the land and legal agreements was being progressed.

However, he emphasised that regrettably, future progress on the footpath was in the hands of the Coast Guards’ legal advisors and that as they had been slow to respond previously, he was unable to confirm when the matter would be concluded, but that he would continue to press for progress and report back to Area Committee when there was a start date for the work, which he expected to be in the early spring.

(3)               Progress on Alley Gates:

The Area Manager referred to Minute No. 65 (5) of 10 September 2008 in respect of progress on alley gates in:

Victoria Ward

All the alley gates funded by the Area Committee through the Ward Delegated budgets had now been installed.

There were still 8 locations to the rear of Lawton Road for which gating orders had been approved but which were awaiting funding of approximately £9,000.

Blundellsands Ward

All the alley gates funded by the Ward through its delegated budgets had been installed with the exception of a gate to the rear of Hastings Road.

This gate had been installed, but subsequently removed when a resident had suggested that the alley gate contractors had damaged her drains.

Following discussion between the Legal Department and the complainant’s solicitors, it had been determined in so far as was practicable, that the Council had not incurred damage to the drain during the installation of the alley gate.  In view of this, Mr. Egerton had since given instruction for the gate to be reinstalled.

Two further consultations were currently progressing – one for Westward View and River View the other at Bonnington Avenue. It was anticipated that these consultations would be complete by the end of February, when a report would be presented to the Committee for a decision on whether to make funds available for installation of gates.

Church Ward

The project in Seaforth off Rawson Road which included the installation of 12 gates and railings was now complete.

The remaining project for which a gating order had been approved was in the Stuart Road Area of Waterloo. So far 4 gates had been installed and work was progressing in identifying additional funding for the remaining 11 gates. These would be large double gates and therefore approximately £21,000 was required. Currently the Ward had secured £17,000 of the  funding for this.

Manor Ward

Brooms Cross gate

Further to Minute No.16 (6) of 21 May 2008, the Area Manager indicated that the purchase order for the gate/vehicle barrier had been made and an instruction given for its installation.

He explained that the delay in progressing the barrier had been to gauge the reactions of users of the path/road. This now appeared to have been sorted out because of the intention to maintain unfettered access for pedestrians and people on horses.

The work involved providing a 4.2 metre wide horse-friendly vehicle barrier and motorbike inhibitors adjacent to it; and re-profiling of the earth where necessary, to close off any gaps.

The Forestry Commission had confirmed their £750 contribution towards the work.

(4)               Area Management

Mr. Egerton indicated that as part of Sefton 2010, the Council had given a commitment to roll out area management proposals and that since that agreement, work had been undertaken by the Assistant Director for Neighbourhoods, to develop suitable implementation arrangements with a focus on getting the roles and responsibilities for Area Committees agreed and the support infrastructure right.

With regard to the Central Area agreement had been given to the creation of 7 posts.

Two of these positions – that of Area Management Officer and a Project Officer, would be directly employed within the Crosby Area. In addition, there would be a part-time Business Neighbourhoods Officer working across the whole central area which would encompass the Crosby, Formby and Sefton East Parishes Area Committees.

Mr. Egerton indicated that the new officers appointed for Crosby would report to him in his new role as Central Area Regeneration Manager. There would be similar arrangements in Sefton East, and one Area Management Officer in Formby.

Following representation from Members, suitable office accommodation was being sought in all three Area Committee areas.  Mr. Egerton and his team would be based in Crosby.

Mr. Egerton indicated that the Roles of New Officers and Area Committees would be as follows:

• Engagement with the relevant parts of Sefton Borough Partnership and Council structures to look at how services and priorities could be delivered at a local level

• Monitoring the performance of targets and services that could be measured at an area level, this included the Neighbourhood Charters

• Feeding local concerns and issues back into the Council and other key partner organisations and Sefton Borough Partnership structures

• Development of plans setting  out local priorities, targets and actions

• Influencing mainstream service outcomes

• Commissioning services using available budgets to meet gaps in provision at a local level

• Consultation and engagement with local residents on issues that affect the local area

• Being the key conduit for consultation on large scale developments or strategies that impacted on the area.

It was envisaged that the new arrangements would go live in April 2009. In the meantime Mr. Egerton was working with the Regeneration Department and the Assistant Director for Neighbourhoods on a baseline review of Service Delivery across the whole of the Central Area and would be involved in the staff recruitment process.

(5)               Possibilities for Young People becoming  involved in the work of the Area Committee

Further to Minute No. 77 (4) of 8 October 2008 Mr. Egerton indicated that he had been involved in further discussion with Officers form Children’s Services exploring in more detail how young people might become involved in the work of the Area Committee.

It had been suggested that Crosby could be a pilot project and to move the proposal on a stage it was proposed to consult with a wider group of Council Officers and Area Committee Members. It was likely that this meeting would take place in March 2009.

(6)               Community Safety and Merseyside Probation Project

The Area Manager referred to an approach made by the Community Safety Department regarding a partnership scheme with the Merseyside Probation service, involving offenders currently serving 'Community Payback' orders within Sefton whereby the offenders were ‘contracted’ to carry out unpaid work in the area – for example, undertaking litter picking, parks maintenance, painting community centres, clearing dog fouling, removal of graffiti, and so on.

Members had been requested to complete a proforma indicating where such work could be undertaken in the Crosby area and it was suggested that the project could be raised at the Britain in Bloom Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Area Manager raise the ‘Community Payback’ Scheme involving offenders undertaking unpaid work to improve the Crosby area, at the next meeting of the Britain in Bloom Committee.

(7)               Police Quad Bike’s

Further to Minute No. 42 of 9 July 2009, Members requested an update on the use of police quad bikes in the Crosby area.

RESOLVED:

That the Area Manager take this matter up with Inspector Turner, Merseyside Police.

Report of the Finance Director

Further to Minute No. 97 of 5 November 2008, the Committee considered the report of the Finance and Information Services Director on the balance of its budget remaining available for allocation in 2008/09.

The report indicated that since the last meeting, one request for an allocation of up to £1,000 had been received by the Strategic Director.

The Area Manager informed the Committee that he had received 6 requests for funding.

RESOLVED: That

(1)

the balance of the Area Committee’s budget available for allocation during 2008/09 be noted;

(2)

the request for funding from Manor Ward funds for the placement of 7 concrete planters be deferred to enable further consultation between Ward Members;

(3)

the following requests for funding from the Area committee be approved:

Ward

Project

Amount

£

Manor Ward

No Ball games Sign at Barncroft Place, Crosby

110.00

Manor Ward

Provision of and alterations to ‘No Through Road’ signage at: Thornbeck Avenue, Hightown.

506.34

Manor Ward

Payment of Planning Fees in respect of Hightown Parish Council’s new Notice Board.

167.50.

Victoria Ward

Provision of new street name plate on The By-pass Crosby  (Moor lane side)

269.00

Victoria Ward

Provision of litter bin (standard type) on College Road Crosby (between Marine AFC and Brompton Avenue).

210.00

Victoria Ward

Provision of environmental works adjacent to No. 64 on the Northern Road.

420.00

(4)

the Financel and Information Services Director be advised of the expenditure referred to in (3) above; and

(5)

the Area Manager be requested to take action and liaise with departments  in respect of (3) above.

Copies to responses to issues raised at previous meetings of the Committee were submitted for information.

The next meeting of the Crosby Area Committee will be held at 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday 18 February 2009, in St Stephen’s Church Hall, St. Stephen’s Road, Hightown.

The Committee Administrator indicated that the next meeting of the Committee would be held at 6.30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, St. Stephen’s Road, Hightown.

The Committee Administrator advised the Committee that in the light of Equalities Impact Assessments currently being undertaken by the Committee and Member Services Team, and also taking into account the feedback from Members and persons attending Area Committee meetings at various different venues in the Crosby area during the past year, that primary schools with insufficient ‘adult’ seats were deemed to be unsuitable for Area Committee meetings. 

It was therefore proposed that Thornton Primary School, scheduled for the meeting on 15 April 2009 should not be used and that the Committee Administrator would find a suitable alternative venue fully compliant with equalities impact assessment criteria for this date and also for the meeting on 20 May 2009, for which no definite venue had yet been fixed.

The Committee Administrator also indicated that based on the feedback questionnaires and anecdotal evidence on the various venues tested by the Area Committee during the past year, a report would be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting proposing fixed venues for the 2009/10 Area Committee Schedule.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)

the Committee Administrator be authorised to find suitable venues for the Crosby Area Committee meetings on 15 April and 20 May 2009; and

(2)

a report by the Committee Administrator, proposing venues for the 2009/10 Committee Cycle be submitted to the next meeting.