Minutes for St. Oswald and Netherton and Orrell Area Committee meeting, May 21 2009, 6.30PM official page

To appoint the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the 2009/10 Municipal Year

RESOLVED:   That

(1)            Councillor Mahon be appointed Chair of the Area Committee for the Municipal Year 2009/10; and

(2)            Councillor Brennan be appointed Vice-Chair of the Area Committee for the Municipal Year 2009/10.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bradshaw, P. Dowd and Mahon.

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.

Minutes of the meeting held on 9 April 2009.

RESOLVED:  

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Area Committee held on 9 April 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director that updated on the recent spending of monies received through planning agreements (Section 106 of the Planning Act) for tree planting and public open space; advised of the forthcoming developments that would afford monies towards tree planting and public open space within the Area Committee's area; and provided a breakdown of street trees planted in the Committee's area.

The report indicated that the following recommendation for spending monies had been agreed by the Planning Committee:

Application Address

Amount to Spend

Recommendation to Spend

S/2006/0702 - Land adjacent to Savio R.C. High School, north east of Orrell Park, Netherton

Sum:   £31,556.00

Trees: £31,556.00

Greenspace: Nil

Tree planting in the vicinity.

The report also indicated that Leisure Services were currently consulting on a project to restore the Browns Lane Allotment site with the £50,000 allocated to this site; that an unchanged total of £26,315 remained committed to Killen Green Park; that the total sum of £107,461.84 was committed to Abbeyfield Park; and that Leisure Services anticipated that this would be the next project in their work programme with preparatory works beginning late in 2009.

The Planning Committee, at its meeting held on 11 March 2009, had requested all Area Committees to look positively at the programmes of projects to ensure progress was made in spending S106 money.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the report on the progress and action on Planning (S106) Agreements and forthcoming schemes be noted;

(2)       the recommendation for tree planting arising from Application No. S/2006/0702 and as referred to in the report be approved; and

(3)       the breakdown of street trees planted in the St. Oswald and Netherton and Orrell Wards be noted.

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 “A”

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

During the Open Forum the following matters were raised:

(a)       Mrs. Y. Cross complained about the noise nuisance and inconvenience she had to endure caused by youths who played football in Pine Tree Close, Netherton.  Mrs. Cross indicated that youths played football from early morning until late at night; climbed over her fence to retrieve balls; and damaged her plants in the process.  Mrs. Cross concluded by requesting the erection of a "No Ball Games" sign in Pine Tree Close to alleviate the problems she was experiencing.

RESOLVED:

That the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director be requested to undertake a survey of residents in the area to ascertain whether they are in favour of a "No Ball Games" sign being erected in Pine Tree Close;  and thereafter submit a report to the Area Committee.

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).

Members and the Local Advisory Group Member raised the following issues:

(i)         Youths were congregating at the Old RoaN bus station during the evening, but particularly on Friday evenings.  The youths played football and caused problems for passengers waiting at the bus stops;  and also to vehicle drivers when balls were kicked into the road.

            Allegations of drug taking/sales occurring in the area were also made.

            Sergeant Squire and P.C. Kelly indicated that a Section 30 Dispersal Order was in operation on the Aintree side of the railway bridge and this displaced the problems referred to;  urged residents to contact the police when the incidents referred to were occurring;  indicated that neighbourhood officers would be asked to pay attention to the Old Roan area;  that information would be sought about the allegation of drug activity;  and that a joint approach was required with the Youth Service to secure a long term solution to the problems referred to rather than short term measures such as Section 30 Dispersal Orders;

(ii)        Youths were riding motorbikes/mini motorbikes on the Old Roan estate and in the parks.  Had any complaints been made to the Police?

            P.C. Kelly indicated that he had not received any complaints on this matter;  but the Force's quad bike could be used to combat such problems;

(iii)       A letter of complaint had been received from a resident complaining about anti-social behaviour in the Sandiways Avenue area.

            P.C. Kelly indicated that he would investigate the complaints made;  and

(iv)       The recent "Respect" day event was referred to and comment was made that the work of the Sigma Hate Crime Investigation Unit should be promoted.

Sergeant Squire and P.C. Kelly updated the meeting on the following issues:

            (i)         the recent property marking operation undertaken by PCSO's in the Marian Square area;

            (ii)        that victims of burglaries were contacted to find out what they thought of the service provided by the Police;  that surveys were taken by the Police to assess the security measures in the victims homes;  and that any resident could contact the Police to arrange for such a security assessment of their home.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)            Sergeant Squire and P.C. Kelly be thanked for their attendance at the meeting; and

(2)       the Head of the Youth Service, in liaison with Merseyside Police, be requested to investigate and seek a long term solution to the problems being experienced at the Old Roan bus station.

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 a Traffic Regulation Order, the effect of which would introduce "At Any Time" restrictions to both sides of the full lengths of Sefton Moss Lane and Boundary Road, Bootle, and the cul-de-sac section of Sterrix Lane, Litherland fronting property numbers 117-127. 

The proposal was required to comply with a planning condition attached to the granting of the application for the development of the South Sefton Sixth Form Centre.

It was proposed to introduce an individual Order for each of the roads incorporating all the existing restrictions.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       The Traffic Regulation Orders, as set out on the plans and as detailed in the report, be approved; and

(2)       the necessary legal procedures, including those of public consultation and advertising the Council's intention to implement the Orders, be approved.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

Further to Minute No. 93 of 9 April 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director updating on the implications of preventing access at Sandiways Avenue, Netherton.

The report detailed the history to the requests for the legal closure of the pathway leading from Sandiways Avenue to Dunningsbridge Road; that it would be extremely difficult for the Council to legally prove the test to achieve the closure of the pathway; and concluded, therefore, that there was no available legislation to the Council to close the pathway.

However, given the alleged level of anti-social behaviour in the vicinity and the complaints made by Ward Councillors and local residents, Merseyside Police and the Highways Agency could be contracted to take a co-ordinated approach to resolve the problems being experienced.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       no further action be taken in relation to the processing of a Gating Order or Stopping-Up Order pursuant to the provisions of the Highways Act 1980 at Sandiways Avenue; and

(2)       the Traffic Services Manager be requested to make representations to:

            (i)         the Highways Agency in relation to the cleansing of the area on a regular basis; and

            (ii)        Merseyside Police to request extra vigilance in the immediate area.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director seeking authorisation for the provision of a dedicated disabled parking bay at the lay-by of the parking area fronting numbers 38-54 Sherborne Avenue, Netherton.

The report indicated that all new Traffic Regulation Orders 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 the existing restrictions.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the Traffic Regulation Order providing a numbered permit located at the lay-by of the parking area fronting numbers 38-54 Sherborne Avenue, Netherton (north west side), as set out in the plan at Annex A and 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 seeking authorisation for the progression of a Traffic Regulation Order, the effect of which would be to introduce an ambulance parking bay directly outside Orrell Lodge Nursing Home, Rafter Avenue, Bootle.

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

The report concluded that, due to budgetary considerations, a definitive programme of works could not be given but that work would be progressed as soon as possible.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the Traffic Regulation Order, as set out on the plan in Annex A and as detailed in the report, be approved;

(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; and

(3)       the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director and his staff be thanked for their quick response to the request from Ward Councillors and residents to resolve the above matter.

Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

Further to Minute No. 87(2) of 9 April 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director seeking approval of funding from the Area Committee's devolved budget for the installation of five concrete bollards on Pattens Close, Netherton, to prevent vehicles from gaining access to, and damaging the grass verge and paved areas on the estate.

The cost of the installation of the bollards would be approximately £625.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the installation of five concrete bollards in Pattens Close, at an approximate cost of £625, be approved and funded from the Area Committee's devolved budget; and

(2)       the Finance and Information Service Director be advised of the expenditure referred to in (1) above.

Report of the Environmental Protection Director

Further to Minute No. 101 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member - Environmental held on 6 May 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Environmental Protection Director providing the statutory annual review of the enforcement action undertaken by the Trading Standards Section for 2008/09 in relation to legislation intended to control the sale of age restricted products and advising the Cabinet Member - Environmental of:

(a)       the outcome of the enforcement programme in relation to age restricted products for 2008/09;

(b)       the proposed enforcement programme in relation to age restricted products 2009/10; and

(c)        the ongoing "Knock Back" scheme designed to assist licensees in the prevention of underage sales of alcohol;

and indicating that a decision on this matter was required because the annual report on this activity was a statutory requirement; and because the control of age restricted sales had positive benefits for Community Safety and young people's health and that there was growing pressure from external organisations for the Council to increase the quantity of work in this important area.

The Cabinet Member - Environmental had resolved that:

(1)       the activities undertaken by the Trading Standards Section to control age related sales in 2008/09 be approved;

(2)       the level of activities proposed for 2009/10 be approved; and

(3)       the report be referred to all Area Committees and their views be sought on potential locations were exercises could be undertaken to combat the sale of age restricted products.

The Committee Clerk advised that discussions regarding individual premises could not be held in the public domain, especially if only anecdotal evidence was suggested.  Therefore, Members who had any suggestions for potential locations were kindly requested to email them direct  or write separately, to Mr. A. Naisbitt, the Trading Standards Manager.

RESOLVED:  

That Councillors and the Local Advisory Group Member be requested to submit potential locations for test purchase operations direct to the Trading Standards Manager.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services.

Further to Minute No. 76 of 12 February 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services advising of the cost for the installation of gates and railings at 69-81 The Marian Way and 107 The Marian Way.

The report indicated that the scheme would take the form of a set of additional, unlocked gates and recessed from The Marian Way and set well within the pathway leading to the properties referred to above; that the cost of the works amounted to £2,500; that a licence under Section 115B of the Highways Act 1980 was also required prior to the installation of the gates and that the cost of processing the licence was £1,000.

The report concluded that it had been agreed that the proposed gates were not to be fitted with a locking device and that these gates were to be kept closed but unlocked at all times with the area kept clear to allow access for residents and the Emergency Services.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the installation of gates and railings at 69-81 The Marian Way and 107 The Marian Way, Netherton, as detailed in the report and at a cost of £2,500 be approved and funded from the Area Committee's devolved budget;

(2)       the cost of processing the requisite Section 115B Highways Act 1980 Licence, in the sum of £1,000 be approved and funded from the Area Committee's devolved budget; and

(3)       the Finance and Information Services Director be advised of the expenditure referred to in (1) and (2) above.

Report of the Finance and Information Services Director

The Committee considered the report of the Finance and Information Services Director which advised that the balance of its budget available to allocate during 2009/10 was £53,118.29 and that the Strategic Director had received the following requests for allocation since the last meeting.

Requested By

Description of Project

Amount Requested

Councillor M. Dowd

Erection of a "No Ball Games" sign in Harrops Croft, Netherton

£110

Mrs. P. Horsley, Sefton Estate Residents Association

Contribution to refurbishment of a meeting room, advertising banner and promotional material for the Sefton Estate Residents Association

£500

The following requests for funding were made during the meeting:

(i)       the siting of a robust litter bin at the following locations:

• adjacent to the bus stop next to the sub-station opposite the shops on Park Lane, Netherton;

• outside the chip shop on Homestead Avenue, Old Roan; and

(ii)      two street nameplates at Heysham Road, Netherton.

Ms. C. Kelly, South Sefton Area Manager updated Members on the current budget for street nameplates;  that bulk purchases of the nameplates could reduce the unit cost;  and concluded by seeking suggestions for locations requiring street nameplates.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)      the balance of the Area Committee's budget of £53,118.29 available for allocation during 2009/10 be noted;

(2)      the requests for an allocation from the Area Committee's devolved budget from Councillor M. Dowd and Mrs. P. Horsley, as referred to above, be approved;

(3)      the request for allocations from the Area Committee's devolved budget for litterbins at Park Lane and Homestead Avenue;  and for two street nameplates at Heysham Road be approved in principle;  and Councillor Maher be requested to submit the appropriate budget request forms to the Finance and Information Services Director;

(4)      the Finance and Information Services Director be advised of the expenditure referred to in (2) above and of the forthcoming submission of budget allocation forms referred to in (3) above; and

(5)          Members be requested to contact the South Sefton Area Manager with suggested locations requiring street nameplates.

In accordance with the agreed programme of meetings for this Area Committee, the next meeting will be held on Thursday, 2 July 2009 at the Bootle Day Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle commencing at 6.30 p.m.

RESOLVED:  

That, in accordance with the agreed programme of meetings for this Area Committee, the next meeting will be held on Thursday, 2 July 2009 at Bootle Day Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle, commencing at 6.30 p.m.