Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

The Chair made a statement informing members of the passing of Councillor Joe Holliday in which he said that Mr Holliday was a dedicated Councillor who passionately served his ward, his district and his county and will be sadly missed.

A minutes silence then took place in memory of the late Councillor Joe Holliday.

Apologies were received from Mr A Kennon and Mr H Graham.

Members are invited to disclose any disclosable pecuniary interest they have in any item on the agenda which comprises:-

1          Details of any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for       profit or gain.

2          Details of any payment or provision of any other financial benefit (other than from the authority) made or provided within the relevant period in respect of any expenses incurred by you in carrying out duties as a member, or towards your election expenses.  (This includes any payment or financial benefit from a trade union within the meaning of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

3          Details of any contract which is made between you (or a body in which you have a beneficial interest) and the authority

(a)       Under which goods or services are to be provided or works are to be executed; and

            (b)       Which has not been fully discharged.

4          Details of any beneficial interest in land which is within the area of the authority. 

5          Details of any licence (alone or jointly with others) to occupy land in the area of the authority for a month or longer. 

6          Details of any tenancy where (to your knowledge)

            (a)       The landlord is the authority; and

(b)       The tenant is a body in which you have a beneficial                                         interest.

7          Details of any beneficial interest in securities of a body where

(a)       That body (to your knowledge) has a place of business or land in the          area of the authority; and

(b)       Either –

(i)      The total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one        hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body; or

(ii)     If that share capital of that body is of more than one class, the total nominal value of the shares of any one class in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest exceeds one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that class.

In addition, you must also disclose other non-pecuniary interests set out in the Code of Conduct where these have not already been registered.

Note

A “disclosable pecuniary interest” is an interest of a councillor or their partner (which means spouse or civil partner, a person with whom they are living as husband or wife, or a person with whom they are living as if they are civil partners).

Mr T Markley declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to Agenda Item 10 as he was a member of Silloth Town Council and this item would consider a funding application to the Friends of Silloth Green gardening group.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item on the agenda.

RESOLVED that,     the press and public be not excluded from the meeting during consideration of any items of business.

There were no public statements, questions or petitions received at the time of publication.

1) There were no public questions or petitions to be considered at this meeting.

2) A statement was read by Mr Stewart Grant which went as follows:-

I have lived in the village of Parsonby and on the B5301 since 1989, i.e. 31 years. When we first moved in HGV’s from ‘Sealy Posturpedic’ and the Dairy used the road regularly but there was very little other HGV usage apart from agricultural vehicles.  This traffic was largely accepted because the businesses were part of the local community. Over the years however the amount of HGV activity has substantially increased and lorries have become much bigger; 6 axle juggernauts are frequent as are lorries pulling double trailers. Very little of this expansion of traffic has anything to do with the local community; for example it is not uncommon for vehicles bearing continental licence plates to pass through the village.

I wholeheartedly support the proposal to impose a weight restriction on the B5301 as quite simply it was not built to sustain the present level of activity. My fellow residents at this meeting will be presenting a number of reasons to support the proposal but I would like to draw the committee’s attention to the following points.

 A CCC map regarding HGV routes in the county, which I believe was published in 2010, classifies roads as ‘preferred’ and ‘less suitable’. This classification applies to both ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads. The section of the B5301 which runs from the A596 to the A595 does not even appear on the map. Thus it would seem that the road being discussed at this meeting is not only ‘less suitable’ but not even worthy of inclusion? I assume this is because in several places it is really only a single track road e.g. the bridge over the River Ellen at Arkleby Mill.

Further, I suspect it’s exclusion from the map is due to there being several  ‘pinch points’, e.g. the bridge crossing the railway line at Aspatria station, the corner at Arkleby Hall Farm, at the North  and South Ends of Parsonby Village and on the corner of the hill at Parsonby Brow. It is difficult for lorries to pass one another at these points and I believe one of my fellow residents has provided photographs illustrating this.

Further still, it is at many other points much narrower than the minimum recommended width for industrial roads? I believe this to be 7.3 metres but outside my home in the middle of Parsonby it is only 5 metres wide (I have checked with a tape measure).

Of course because the road is inadequate it necessitates the use of verges, pavements and curtilages by HGV’s with the attendant damage that causes.

I appreciate that companies are using this section of the B5301 as a ‘cut through’ for commercial reasons. But if the intended destination of the HGV is Cockermouth the distance saved from Aspatria is only six miles! If the intended destination is Keswick the distance saved is 10  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To confirm the minutes of two previous meetings held on 15 September 2020 and 21 October 2020.

RESOLVED that,     the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2020 and 21 October 2020 be agreed as an accurate and complete record.

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

Members considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which provided the details of the outcome of the meeting of the Highways Working Group (HWG) held on 1^st October 2020 and presented the HWG recommendations to the Local Committee for approval.

The Highways Network Manager introduced the covering report as well as the minutes of the Highways Working Group and highlighted the decisions that would need to be taken by Local Committee.

RESOLVED that,     the minutes of the Highways Working Group be noted.

The Traffic Management Team Leader introduced the North Allerdale TRO report and provided an overview of the report drawing specific attention to the proposals which were considered most challenging.

A detailed discussion took place regarding ‘Proposal 12 – B5301, Parsonby’. The proposal was to implement a 7.5t weight restriction (except for access) along the section of the B5301 that ran between the A596 and the A595. A number of requests were received from residents that lived on the B5301 and the Parish Council to introduce a 7.5t weight restriction.

Many consultation responses were received in favour of ‘Proposal 12’, largely reasoning that the larger vehicles added to noise and air pollution for residents. Additionally, many responses raised safety concerns with larger vehicles meeting in Parsonby village where the carriageway was narrower than other sections of the road.  Concerns had been raised around road safety issues, although existing collision data showed 8 collisions in the last 5 years on the entire length of the B5301. Members were informed that this collision data could be broken down into 7 ‘slight’ severity, and 1 ‘serious’ severity and that none of the collisions involved a vehicle exceeding 7.5t.

The Traffic Management team Leader explained that the road was currently classified as a ‘B’ road meaning that it connects different areas, and feeds traffic between A roads and smaller roads on the network. For this reason, it is on the gritting routes and would no longer be considered such an important route should this status be removed and a weight restriction be implemented. Additionally, the restriction of vehicles exceeding 7.5t on this route would lead to an increased number of these vehicles using the B5299 and the A594, increasing movements on those sections of the A596/A595 accordingly. Officers therefore recommended not to progress any further with this current proposal.

Members discussed the proposal and the implications of the decision. In particular members considered the risks involved with downgrading the road and agreed that the recommendation of officers was the correct course of action and that a full study and review of the route should be undertaken.

Members asked about the possibility of implementing a weight restriction on vehicles of over 26t as a form of compromise regarding ‘Proposal 12’. Officers agreed that this should be looked at as part of a wider study.

Discussion moved to the concerns of Wigton town council regarding traffic approaching Tomlinson Junior School. The Traffic Management Team Leader stated that discussions had begun regarding High Street, Wigton as part of the CRASH group. She informed the Local Member for Wigton that consideration was being given to engineering solutions to deal with the road safety issues evident in this location.

Members requested that an additional proposal to reduce the extent of the double yellow lines on Station Hill, Wigton, be also included in the Advertisement of changes to The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, North Allerdale) (Consolidation and Provision of Traffic Regulations) Order 20><.

RESOLVED that,                                     

1)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38a

Members considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which provided the Highways Working Group (“the Working Group”) with the background and details of proposed changes to The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Workington) (Consolidation and Provision of Traffic Regulations) Order 2017, following informal consultation.

RESOLVED that,                

1)        Local Committee agree to proceed to statutory consultation and advertisement of a Traffic Regulation Order which would both  consolidate the provisions of The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Workington) (Consolidation and Provision of Traffic Regulations) Order 2017 and its variations, and propose to introduce new restrictions as  shown on the plans attached as Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.1, 6, 7, 8, 9.1, 10, 11.1, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 only to the report to the Working Group which is attached as Appendix 3 of the Report (“the Order”).

2)         Local Committee agree that, subject to there being no unresolved objections received at the end of the statutory consultation and advertisement of the changes referred to in paragraph 1) above, that the Order be brought into operation, as advertised having taken into consideration the matters contained in Section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 which were more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of the Report.

Members considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which provided an overall draft provisional Devolved NPRN programme for 2021/22, including lighting and small scale improvements based on an assumed funding allocation of £3,816,000

RESOLVED that,                 Local Committee agree the proposed Devolved Capital Programme of Works for 2020/21 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report to HWG, which is attached as Appendix 4 to this report, subject to Council confirmation of the devolved highways budget allocations for 2021/22.

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

Members considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure the purpose of which is to provide Members with the background and detail of the proposed introduction of a 50mph speed limit on the A595 at Bothel, as well as the extension of the existing 30mph restrictions at both Broughton Moor and Seaton, following statutory consultation and advertisement.

The Traffic Management Officer explained that scheme development had begun on the A595 within the vicinity of Bothel in 2016. During consultation of the scheme development (November 2018), the local community expressed their desire to see a reduction in the speed limit near the village of Bothel, with 40mph initially being suggested.

Following this request, Cumbria County Council officers investigated the possibility of a reduction in the speed limit, with consideration being given to existing traffic speeds and volumes, previous collision history, the geometry of the road and any hazards present along the route. Traffic surveys were undertaken during the summer of 2018 at 2 locationson the A595 near Bothel to determine current vehicle speeds, while acomprehensive report on previous road traffic collisions was also produced.The surveys determined mean speeds of 45 mph and 46 mph, with 85^thpercentile speeds of 52 mph and 54 mph respectively. The collision reportshowed little history of collisions being caused as a direct result of excessivespeed.

RESOLVED that,                 having taken into consideration the matters contained in section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 which are more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of this report, Local Committee agree that The County of Cumbria (C2007 Great Broughton, C2016 Seaton, and A591 and A595 Bothel) (Speed Limits) Order 20>< (“the Order”) be brought into operation as advertised.

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

Members had before them a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which provided an update on the Cumbria Highways Asset Management Strategy which was approved by Cabinet in July 2020. It has been developed to improve the management of the Council’s highways assets and allows for the longer term planning taking into consideration customer needs, local priorities and asset condition whilst making the best use of the available resources.

The Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure informed members that the Highways Asset Management Strategy would set out how the Council will deliver a Highways Service over the next five years and would drive decisions about investment in the highway network and the direction for future models of service delivery. It was highlighted to members that to maximise funding opportunities from the Department of Transport (DfT) the Council would need to continue to demonstrate it is following good asset management practice, efficiency measures and continuous improvement across all aspects of the Highway Service.

Members heard that engagement with Members through the Highways Improvement Board and through Local Committees would continue throughout the implementation of the Strategy and would in  particular seek their input in reviewing service standards and priorities which are contained within the Highways Asset Management Delivery Plan which was developed alongside the Highways Asset Management Strategy.

Members noted the report and thanked the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure for presenting it to Local Committee.

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services.

Members considered a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which served to replace the following reports that are usually presented to local committee:

·         Area Planning

·         Investment in Children and Young People

·         Investment in our Communities

The Area Manager (Allerdale) detailed the grant funding requests that had been received which were as follows:-

Project 1 - Friends of Silloth Green volunteer gardening group

General Provision Fund - £4,500

The request was less than £5,000 but the local Member had also allocated some of his funding, also from the General Provision Fund to this project which in total exceeded the £5,000 criteria for local committee approval.

Project 2 – Apprenticeship Posts

0-19 fund – Up to £15,000

The County Council were due to recruit to apprenticeship posts in the new year. The Community Services Team had employed apprentices previously although the current ways of working make that more difficult. However, the Area Manager sought reassurance that if a suitable position could be identified within either the Community Services Team or with a partner organisation (this has been successful previously), that funding would be available to do this.

Therefore, the funding would be utilised if the opportunity was identified, the Area Manager would therefore discuss this in detail with the Chair of Local Committee and Members.

RESOLVED that,                

1)    Members note the contents of the report.

2)    Members agree that an amount of £4,500 is utilised from the General Provision Fund for raised beds as part of the successful work of the Friends of Silloth Green to be extended.

3)    Members agree that an amount of up to £15,000 is ring-fenced from the 0-19 Fund to fund apprenticeships in the Allerdale area if it can be demonstrated that these can be successfully facilitated in a Covid-19 safe environment.

To note the minutes of the Workington Harbour Management Committee (23 October 2020).

RESOLVED that,                 the minutes of the meeting of Workington Harbour Management Committee held on 23 October 2020 be noted.

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale ]

To consider a report by the Area Support Manager (copy enclosed).

This report updates the Committees on actions arising from previous meetings.

Minute No 94 – Allerdale HWG Reports –The Sustrans annual update be arranged to coincide with the Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (CWIP) sessions.

To receive updates from Allerdale’s Local Committee Champions.

There were no updates from Local Committee Champions provided on this occasion.

Members representing Allerdale Local Committee are invited to report back verbally on recent meetings they may have attended.

There were no verbal updates from Members serving on outside bodies provided on this occasion.

The next meeting will be held on  5 January 2020 at 10am via Microsoft Teams.

The next meeting of the Allerdale Local Committee will take place on 5 January 2020 at 10:00am.