To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs B Cannon.

The Chair announced that this would be the last attendance of Mr Andrew Butler the Area Engineer (Allerdale),  who would be retiring in early March.   The Chair and other members sincerely thanked Mr Butler for his outstanding work for the Allerdale area and the exceptional service he had provided to the County Council. On behalf of the Committee, the Chair presented  Mr Butler with a card and gifts from Committee members and wished him a very happy  retirement.

To disclose any personal and prejudicial interests relating to any item on the agenda.

NB   The following is a summary of what constitutes a personal interest and a personal and prejudicial interest.  Please seek advice or refer to the Code of Conduct (paragraph 8) for full definitions.

Personal Interests

You have a personal interest if the issue being discussed in the meeting affects the well-being or finances of you, your family or your close associates more than most other people who live in the Electoral Division affected by the issue.

Personal interests are also things that relate to an interest you must register.

N.B. If the personal interest arises because of your membership of another public body, you only need to declare it if you intend to speak.

A personal interest should be declared as follows:

I have a personal interest in agenda item […] regarding the report on […] because I am […].

Personal and Prejudicial Interests

If you have a personal interest in a matter you will also have a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice your judgement of the public interest.  If you have a personal and prejudicial interest you must withdraw from the meeting room for that item, unless you are there to make representations and the public have the same opportunity to do so

NB You only have a prejudicial interest if the matter

• affects your financial position or that of your family, close associate, employer etc or it
• relates to a regulatory matter

A personal and prejudicial interest should be declared as follows:

I have a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item […] regarding the report on […] because I am […].

Advice on this can be sought from staff in Legal and Democratic Services.  Members are requested to seek advice, wherever possible, before the meeting starts.

Mr M Johnson declared a personal and prejudicial interest in relation to agenda item 10(a) Better Highways – budget arrangements  and agenda item 12 (Highways and Transport Working Group) and item 11 (Local Committee Devolved Budget) due to being an employee of Amey.

Mr  D Fairbairn, Mr T Fee and Mr A Markley all declared a personal interest in agenda item 17 (Membership of Flooding Group) due to being Members of the Allerdale Borough Council.

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 item on the agenda.

To receive a presentation by pupils at Wigton Nelson Thomlinson School who are carrying out a business project on  Cyber-Bullying.

The Committee received a presentation by pupils Louise Long and Andrea Dean from Wigton Nelson Thomlinson School.  Louise and Angela were part of the Safety-Net young enterprise organisation in the school which was working to create an awareness among younger children of the causes and problems of cyber?bullying.  Safety-Net were currently making visits to primary schools to explain how some children might use sites on the internet (Facebook etc) to bully others and  to give advice on the key messages of ‘be safe and be aware’

Many very young children did use Facebook and this was often due to them being encouraged by a sibling or their parents.  There were therefore plans to include parents in the sessions to increase their awareness of the dangers that can exist with social networking.

Members thanked Louise and Angela for carrying out an important and interesting piece of work.  A disc was planned for wider distribution of the information.  Members asked to be supplied with a copy and suggested that this also be made available to School Governors.

There have been no questions, petitions or deputations submitted under public participation  for this meeting at this stage.

There were no public questions, petitions or deputations relating to the business of the Committee on this occasion.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on  20 December 2010   (enclosed).

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting held on 20 December 2010 were agreed as a correct record subject to the amendment of Minute 79 to read ‘Mr K Little declared a personal interest in agenda item 12 (Money Advice Contract) due to being a trustee of Citizens Advice’.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

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

This report updates the Committee on progress on action arising from previous meetings.

Members considered a progress report by the Area Support Manager. The following points were raised:-

(1)               Residents Permit Arrangements

RESOLVED,     that a report be brought to the April meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group clarifying the budgetary position around the DPE/residents permits agreements with Allerdale Borough Council

(2)               Better Highways

The Area Support Manager would follow up on progress regarding the offer for Members to spend a day with one of the local teams provided highway maintenance. 

To consider the minutes of the meeting of the Children and Young People’s Working Group held on 6 December 2010 (copy enclosed).

The Chair of the Children and Young People’s Working Group presented the minutes of the Group’s meeting held on 6 December 2010 and appendices containing information on Cumbria Youth Services model for communicating and reporting; Youth Services support curriculum and activity report for 2010 (quarter 3). The Working Group was also looking at improving processes for recruitment and appointment of Governors.

Members discussed the Quarter 3 Update Activity report.  In response to questions, the Chair of the Children and Young People’s Working Group explained the processes being used by Youth Staff to keep track of the activities by all providers in the areas, specific activities and numbers using the services.  Some members felt,  however,  that the information supplied in the activity report did not present adequate assurance of whether this model provided the correct level of provision and whether the contract presented Best Value.  A task and finish group was suggested but it was agreed that that more detail and scrutiny of the youth support services situation across the County would be beneficial and that this was an opportune time to undertake this work. This could examine:-

• if  the youth support services currently delivered are effective;

• whether there could be a better way of developing Youth Services ‘on the ground’. Is there duplication of services?

• the contract in value for money terms.

A member highlighted a clash of meeting dates of this  Working Group and the Committee’s Combined Grants Panel which effected a number of members. The Area Support Manager undertook to resolve the situation.

RESOLVED, that

(1)     the minutes of the Children and Young People’s Working Group held on 6 December 2010  be received

(2)  The Scrutiny management Board be asked to examine the current provision of Youth Services across the County to determine if the services currently delivered are effective;  whether there could be a better way of developing Youth Services ‘on the ground’ and whether the contract presented Best Value.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale] 

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Children’s Services

This report provides information for members about the use of Allerdale Local Committee funding for Enhanced Support 2009-10 and  puts forward proposals for funding for 2010-2011 to ensure appropriate provision for children with special educational needs, disability and additional support needs in childcare and non-maintained early education settings in the Allerdale area.

The Committee considered a report by the Corporate Director – Children’s Services which provided information for members about the use of Allerdale Local Committee funding for Enhanced Support in 2009-10 and sought approval for an allocation for 2010?2011.  Specific information was also supplied in the report on ‘outcomes’,  as previously requested by the Committee.  

Due to grants from the Early Years budget being considered at a meeting the following week, the Area Support Manager advised that if a sum was awarded for  Enhanced Support, this would be factored into the information available to the Combined Grants Panel.

RESOLVED,    that  a sum of £10,848 (as per 2009?10) for Enhanced Support in 2010-11 be awarded from the Local Committee’s Early Years budget, which would be used in conjunction with a larger amount available from the Early Years and Sure Start Grant.

(1)    Better Highways – Local Committee Budget Arrangements

(Mr M Johnson left the meeting for this item having declared a personal and prejudicial interest earlier in the meeting)

The Committee considered a report by the Corporate Director – Environment which sought to provide members with a clearer understanding of how some minor changes to the format of Local Committee Highways Revenue budgets could allow a much improved flexibility within the Better Highways service delivery approach being rolled in across the County. The work underpinned a key change in the way in which local members engaged with Area Engineers, moving from a variable budget expenditure position to one which relied for much of the time on a fixed budget position for reactive maintenance.

The report also addressed concerns raised by members regarding the operational boundaries of the Area Teams and affordability within the 2010/11 approved Basic Maintenance revenue budget.

A member had concerns that some figures in the report were not correct and the Area Engineer accepted that many figures in the report, which had been deferred from the December 2010, needed amendment in the way suggested.

Members were advised that the cold weather spell had resulted in a lot of damage to roads and drains and claims were increasing. The Committee had. however, approved minor patching work at its last meeting and this was ongoing.

RESOLVED,    that the changes to the current Local Committee budgets as set out in Appendix 1 to reflect a single Better Highways budget as detailed in Appendix 2 be approved.

(2)    Better Highways – Monitoring Report

Further to recent discussions with members following the rolling in of Better Highways in Allerdale,  the Committee considered a report by the Corporate Director – Environment which provided members with an update on highways maintenance issues using the Better Highways approach. It contained the new measures as well as a profile of the work.

Members were advised that the information in the report required update and that as the monitoring process developed, Members would receive more information on the measures.

In response to questions, the Area Engineer advised that the ‘end to end’ time of 3 days had increased due to the cold weather spell.

RESOLVED,    that

(1)   the proposed format for monitoring information for the Better Highways works for reactive maintenance work, as detailed in the report be noted.

(2)   a graph containing the information in paragraph 5.4 of the report be provided in future reports in order for Members to see work type broken down to their respective Divisions.

(3)    an explanation be provided in future reports of the work type category ‘other things’

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

(1)    Highways Budget

(Mr M Johnson left the meeting for this item having declared a personal and prejudicial interest earlier in the meeting)

The Committee considered a report by the Corporate Director – Resources which presented the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 31 December 2010.

The Highways NPRN Capital Budget showed an unallocated balance of £178,499 but the utilisation of the balance for carriageway repairs should bring the spend back onto budget. Options to bring APM budget back to budget would be presented to the Committee.

It was confirmed that there were still monies available in the budget for gulley emptying but this figure did need increasing. A member referred to a ditch at Moorclose that had not been completely cleared and needed attention. The Area Engineer stated that here would be more flexibility in the Better Highways budget to direct resources to  specific  delivery issues.

Lighting costs were also discussed. With regard to budget, it was noted that the figures in the report had been revised since production of the report and that inspections were ongoing to utilise lighting budget. A member also pointed to the need for detailed situation report of street lighting including number of lights/those requiring replacement/replacement timescale etc and suggested that this information be drawn together and scrutinised.

RESOLVED,    that

(1)       the budget allocations for 2010-11 and the expenditure recorded to date as presented be noted but it also be noted that updated information, in some parts due to the transition to Better Highway, would amend the data going forward;

                           (2)       It be noted that the Revenue budget currently has a projected overspend balance of £9,311. This includes adjustments for the better highways roll-in;

                           (3)       It be noted that the NPRN budget is showing a projected unallocated balance of £178,499 and that the APM is showing a projected overspend against allocated budget of £23,316.

(2)    Communities Budget

The Committee considered a report by the Corporate Director – Resources which presented the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budget as at 31 December 2010.

The Committee was advised that any unspent balances would be drawn back at the end of the financial year. It was noted that the Combined Grants Panel and Young People’s Working Group would be meeting shortly to allocate from the Early Years and Children Activities remaining budget line.

 Members discussed the use of surplus of £20,000 remaining in the School Crossing Patrol budget head.  This was the first year that a carry forward was not likely to happen and the remaining monies needed to be used in the 2009/10.  The Area Engineer advised that monies could not be used for new road safety projects at this late stage as schemes would not be deliverable in 2009/10 due to the time required for consultation.  Members were disappointed that the underspend had not been brought to their attention at an earlier stage but noted that some of this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale ]

To consider the minutes of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on  10 January 2011 (copy enclosed)

Attention is drawn to:-

Minute 99 – Workington Traffic Regulation Order

Minute 100 – C2055 Hesket Newmarket Village Green Road.

(Mr M Johnson left the meeting for this item having declared a personal and prejudicial interest earlier in the meeting)

The Committee considered the minutes of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 10 January 2011.

(1)                 Workington Traffic Regulation Order

The Committee considered the proposed parking & waiting restrictions,  mainly related to  the St John’s Electoral Division in Workington, that would be formally advertised subject to Member approval together with amendments suggested by the Highways and Transport Working Group.

Members were advised that any objections made in respect of any of the proposals would be brought back to the Committee. 

RESOLVED,  that the changes proposed by the Highways and Transport Working Group be supported and the following be agreed:-

(1)          to approve the advertisement of “The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Workington and Surrounding Area) (Consolidation of Traffic Regulations) Order 20’’, to consolidate existing traffic restrictions into one Order and to introduce Phase 2 of parking and waiting and restrictions in Workington, during the early part of 2011.

(2)          to bring into force “The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Workington and Surrounding Area) (Consolidation of Traffic Regulations) Order 20’’, either in whole or in part, subject to there being no unresolved objections, 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 the report.

(2)                 C2055 Hesket Newmarket Village Green Road

RESOLVED, to agree to bring into force “The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Wigton, Aspatria, Silloth and Surrounding Area) (Consolidation of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2003) (Hesket Newmarket) Variation Order 20><’’, subject to there being no unresolved objections, 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 of the report.

[Electoral Divisions – Cockermouth East and Cockermouth West]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Environment (copy enclosed)

This report advises members of provisional proposals for the enhancement of Main Street Cockermouth to be funded from a variety of sources and the Flood Recovery (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered a report by the Corporate Director – Environment.  The report contained provisional proposals for the enhancement of Main Street, Cockermouth to be funded from a variety of sources and the Flood Recovery. The report gave an overview of the project being initiated and developed by the Cockermouth Main Street Improvement Project Steering Group to revitalise the main street and its surroundings.

The Area Engineer clarified that the Cockermouth Main Street scheme was a delegated scheme under the Corporate Director of Environment and had received approval from the Environment Project Board.  The funding and resources for the scheme were still being developed and unless all funding was in place, the scheme would not go ahead.  The County Council would be the accountable body for the scheme and further work was required on where responsibility for budget decisions on the scheme would lie. The report was therefore for information and  endorsement of the proposals was being sought at this stage from the Local Committee.

Members commented that they would like to receive regular reports on the progress of the Cockermouth Main Street Scheme for information.

A member pointed out that other areas in Allerdale had been similarly affected and that it was important to look at where a similar commitment to post flood enhancement  work was required.

RESOLVED,that

                           (1)    provisional proposals for the Cockermouth Main Street Enhancement/Flood Recovery Scheme subject to further development of the scheme and determination of the final partnership funding arrangements be supported;

                           (2)    the nomination of the County Council local member for Cockermouth (West), Cllr Alan Kennon, to serve on the Cockermouth Main Street Flood Recovery and Enhancement Scheme Steering Group be supported ;

                           (3)    it be noted that the Committee wish the following elements of Cockermouth Main Street remain as essential features of the new scheme:-

                                    (a)       the existing traffic movements will continue;

                                    (b)       there will be no overall loss of on-street parking in the town;

                                    (c)        the three existing Zebra crossings will remain in their current locations albeit with some minor adjustments to carriageway width etc;

(d)                     the ‘avenue’ of trees will remain, albeit with slight amendments to locations, on completion of the scheme.

(4)    regular update reports be provided to Committee on the progress of the Cockermouth Main Street Scheme for information; 

(5) the Area Engineer provide a situation report on flood alleviation/enhancement work for the Allerdale area.  

[Electoral Divisions]

To consider a report by the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

Cumbria Country Council is designing and delivering a new Bridge as a replacement for the original New Bridge at Northside destroyed during the November 2010 flood event. Extensive and innovative public and sector group engagement would benefit from an dedicated budget to be identified from within uncommitted local committee funds.

With reference to the Workington Connected programme, the programme of bridges replacement made necessary following the November 2009 flood event,  a report by the Chief Executive was submitted which sought the Local Committee’s views on setting aside some of its uncommitted funds to help develop an iconic public art installation contributing to a public memory of the November 2009 flood event.  This would have the potential to relate to and enhance the New Bridge to be developed as a replacement river crossing in Workington and  help further in giving local community ownership.

The Area Support Manager explained that funding was being sought from the Local Committee to commission an artist who would carry out the design work for the art installation, in consultation with local people, and that external funding applications would be made to various bodies for the construction remainder of the work.

Members supported the proposal,  emphasising that the community view was crucial in any plans. It was hoped that a local artist would be commissioned if possible.

RESOLVED,    that a budget of up to £6,000 be allocated from £5,541 in area projects and £459 in general provision; to enable procurement, within officer delegated powers, of specialised support for further public engagement associated with the bridge replacement programme in the Workington area.

 [Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale] 

To consider a report by the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

This report, seeking to commit elements of the Local Capital Scheme budget, includes Members’ proposals that have been sufficiently worked up, to enable Local Committee to consider spending decisions.

A report by the Chief Executive was presented which detailed proposals from members for minor capital schemes in their Electoral Division, to be funded from the Committee’s Local Capital Schemes budget 2009/10.

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)       in respect of the Harrington, Clifton & Stainburn Electoral Division; members agree to a capital grant of £10,000 to Workington Town Council, as a contribution towards larger back lane improvement programme, including specified back lanes in Harrington;

                           (2)       in respect of Maryport East and West Electoral Divisions; members agree to a capital contribution up to £24,000, combining the two Electoral Division allocations for 2010-11 to enable Cumbria Highways to deliver the proposed road lighting improvements in the Ewanrigg area of Maryport and Chapel Street Flimby, along with pedestrian dropped crossing point improvements in Ewanrigg area.

To consider the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership held on 8 December 2010 and 7 January 2011 (copies enclosed)

The Committee considered the minutes of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership held on 8 December 2010 and 7 January 2011 on budget consultation.

Discussion focussed on the debate which had taken place at the 7 January meeting on the proposals with regard to Local Committee support.  A number of Members were concerned that the proposals would result in less officer support to Local Committees. The question was raised  whether an Assistant Director/Senior Manager would be easily contactable and have adequate time to provide support to Local Committees.  Other issues were raised about the whether the proposed new model of support for Local Committees, would indeed, result in savings when compared with current support costs.  

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership  

held on 8 December 2010 and 7 January 2011 be received.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To consider a  report by the Corporate Director – Resources (enclosed)

This report asks members to consider a request made by the Allerdale Borough Executive for the appointment of an additional Borough member to the Allerdale Multi-Agency Flooding and Drainage Working Group.     

A report by the Corporate Director – Resources which asked members to consider a request made by the Allerdale Borough Executive for the appointment of a named,  additional Borough member to the Allerdale Multi-Agency Flooding and Drainage Working Group. An increase in the number of Borough representatives on the Working Group to 7 would necessitate an additional appointment of a Local Committee representative to on the Group to maintain a balance of County/Borough representatives. 

Members agreed that as substitutes were accepted on this Working Group,  there was no necessity to appoint an additional member and it was 

RESOLVED,    that the Committee not support the proposal from Allerdale Borough Council and the Borough Council be asked, instead, to make use of the substitute provision.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Adult Services (copy enclosed)

This report seeks approval of nominations of Cumbria County Council Governors of Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools.

The Committee considered a report by the Corporate Director – Children’s Services seeking approval of nominated County Council Governors of nursery, primary and secondary schools.

RESOLVED,    that the following appointment be made:-

SCHOOL                                                                                     REPRESENTATIVE

Community, Nursery and Primary

Richmond Hill                                                                              Mrs B Gear

                                                                                                      Brandraw Mount

                                                                                                      West Street

                                                                                                      Aspatria

                                                                                                      Wigton

                                                                                                      CA7 3HG

Ashfield Junior                                                                             Mrs N Smith

                                                                                                      73 Frostoms Road

                                                                                                      Workington

                                                                                                      CA14 3UR          

Fell View                                                                                      Mr A Grieve

                                                                                                      Lower Height

                                                                                                      Caldbeck

                                                                                                      Cumbria

Voluntary Aided

Eaglesfield Paddle PrimaryMr M Ashton

                                                                                                      Meadow View

                                                                                                      Alice Lane

                                                                                                      Little Broughton

                                                                                                      Cockermouth

                                                                                                      CA13 0YB

Voluntary Aided Catholic

St Josephs Catholic High School                                        Mr  L Patrick

                                                                                                      43 Fitz Road

                                                                                                      Cockermouth

                                                                                                      CA13 0AN

The next meeting will be held on Monday 7 March 2011 at 10:00am at Moorclose Community Workshops.

Monday 7 March 2011 at 10:00am at Moorclose Community Workshops.