Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received on this occasion.

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).

Mrs A Burns declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 6 – Barrow Area Planning Report (Minute 49 refers) as she was Trustee of Barrow Women’s Community Matters.

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

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

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 15 November 2021 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2021 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Committee gave a positive update on the Knife Angel statue which was currently on display in Barrow Town Centre.  Members welcomed the partnership work that had been undertaken, together with the funding from Barrow Local Committee, which had enabled the event to take place.  It was agreed to send a letter of thanks and appreciation to the organisation who had provided the transport for the statue. 

Members discussed the knife amnesty which had been promoted during the time in which the Knife Angel had been in situ and it was agreed that the Area Manager would find out further information as to the number of knives which had been handed in to the Police.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

This report provides Local Committee with an update on its work and agreed activity since the last meeting of the Committee.  It also includes a financial statement in support of the work of the Local Committee for Members’ information.

Members received a detailed report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which provided information from across the Community teams including Community Development, Archives and libraries, and provided an update on work and agreed activity since the last meeting of the Committee.

The Committee received details regarding ‘Street Tag’, an app?based physical activity initiative that aimed to incentivise users to be more active through the gamification of their surroundings.  The Area Manager explained that due to the success of the Furness pilot there was a proposal to extend the project across the county to create School Street Tag Leaderboards in every local authority area.  Members were, therefore, asked to consider whether they would approve that the Area Manager agree under delegated powers a grant of £4,693 from General Provisions for the Street Tag project.

Members were given an update on Brathay, a charitable organisation working with vulnerable children, young people and families to support their wellbeing and enable them to reach their full potential.  The Committee was informed that last year they had delivered a successful pilot ‘Take and Make’ programme with Walney and St James’ schools which had enabled them to support families who were vulnerable to food poverty in an inclusive non?judgemental way. 

The Committee was informed that Brathay would be undertaking a further project, working in partnership with the Year 6 children and their families in St James’ Junior School and Sacred Heart School.  Members were, therefore, asked to consider whether they would approve the Area Manager to agree under delegated powers a grant of £4,000 from its 0-19 Services budget and £1,120 from General Provisions to Brathay for its Take and Make Programme.

The Chair of the Local Committee expressed his thanks and appreciation for the work carried out by Sim Tiribocchi and Ellie Dobson at Sacred Heart.

Members noted that in addition to the COVID Funding Streams Government would provide ‘Household Support Fund’; a package of support for vulnerable families which had specific criteria and which would have to be spent by 31 March 2022.  It was explained that in addition to the countywide offers, there was an opportunity for funding to be targeted in local areas via Local Committees.

The Committee was informed that following discussions with a number of organisations, a funding request had been received from Women’s Community Matters for £37,625 to provide support to families and individuals in the Borough in line with the DWP guidelines.  Members were, therefore, asked to consider approval of a grant of £37,625 to Women’s Community Matters from the Household Support Fund.

Members were informed that an increasing number of grant requests had been received in recent months as organisations began to carry out more activities and work.  It was explained that as a result of this increased demand the Community Grants fund had been significantly reduced, therefore, Local Committee were asked to consider viring £5,000 from General Provisions to Community Grants, to enable appropriate applications to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

[Electoral Divisions: Hindpool]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report seeks approval from the Local Committee to progress to statutory advertisement and consultation of a Traffic Regulation Order.

Members considered a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which sought approval from the Local Committee to progress to statutory advertisement and consultation of a Traffic Regulation Order.

The Committee reiterated their concerns regarding the problems being incurred in the area due to the number of fast food delivery vehicles together with a significant amount of outstanding parking enforcement fines.

Members suggested that the Authority’s Communications Team contact the local media and highlight the changes agreed in the Traffic Regulation Order.

The Committee discussed the benefits of the Local Highways Authority being responsible for Devolved DVLA powers.  It was, therefore, agreed that Local Committee recommend that Cabinet consider devolving DVLA powers to the Local Highways Authority.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)       the progression to statutory consultation and advertisement of The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Barrow-in-Furness) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2001) Variation Order (No. 45) 20>< (“the Order”) to introduce the following (as shown on the plan attached as Appendix 1 to the report) be agreed:

                                      (i)      a new limited waiting parking bay on Preston Street, Barrow-in-Furness, with parking for all vehicles from Monday to Sunday inclusive between 8am and 6pm, with waiting limited to 20 minutes, no return within 40 minutes;

                                      (ii)     shared use parking bays on Crellin Street and Fell Street, Barrow?in?Furness, through a change to existing loading/unloading bays, allowing the existing loading bay to be used for loading & unloading only between 6am to 11am Monday to Sunday inclusive, and between 11am to 6am the following day, Monday to Sunday inclusive, for parking for all vehicles, waiting limited to 20 minutes, no return within 40 minutes;

                                      (iii)    new parking bays for all vehicles, on Crellin Street and Fell Street, Barrow?in?Furness, between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Sunday inclusive, waiting limited to 20 minutes, no return within 40 minutes;

                          (2)       a referral be made to Cabinet asking them to consider devolving DVLA powers to the Local Highways Authority.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report seeks consent of Barrow Local Committee for the making of an Order by Barrow Borough Council, which will replace the existing Order entitled; The Council of the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness (Off-Street Parking Places) Order 2018.

Members received a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which sought consent of Barrow Local Committee for the making of an Order by Barrow Borough Council, which would replace the existing Order entitled: The Council of the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness (Off-Street Parking Places) Order 2018.

The Committee was informed that the proposed new Order, entitled “The Council of the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness (Off-Street Parking Places) Order 2022, proposed to consolidate the provisions of the previous Order with amendments as follows:

            To include the following car parks within the order; Amphitheatre Car Park, West Shore Car Park, Biggar Bank parking areas and Nelson Street and Lime Street car parks in Dalton; to include provision for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points; new areas identified for the use of motor homes; 2 new contravention codes; removal of Hindpool Road Contract car park and removal of Portland Walk Level A with introduction of charges of 40p for 20mins and £1.30 for 1 hour – to the existing tariff on levels B and C.

The local members for Dalton North and Dalton South raised their concerns regarding the removal of parking spaces at Nelson Street and Lime Street car parks in Dalton to allow for the provision of Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs) and asked if the Borough Council had considered reconfiguring the car parks to accommodate the EVCPs without losing existing parking spaces.  During the course of discussion they highlighted the effect this would have on on?street parking and felt they could not agree with the proposals due to the lack of consultation with local residents’ regarding the matter.

The local Member for Walney North welcomed the larger bays for motorhomes at West Shore Car Park whilst highlighting the need for adequate signs to highlight the restrictions.

A discussion took place regarding the lack of facilities for the travelling community and it was agreed this would have to be considered separately. 

Upon being put to the vote with 5 For, 4 Against and 1 Abstention for resolution (1) below and 6 For, 2 Against and 2 Abstentions for resolution (i) below it was

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)          Barrow Local Committee gives consent to Barrow Borough Council introducing The Council of the Borough of Barrow?in?Furness (Off-Street Parking Places) Order 2022; “the 2022 Order” (as summarised below and detailed in the background and attached as Appendix 1 to the report):-

                                        (i)      to include the following car parks within the Order; Amphitheatre Car Park, West Shore Car Park, Biggar Bank parking areas and Nelson Street and Lime Street car parks in Dalton; to include provision for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points; new areas identified for the use of motor homes; 2 new contravention codes; removal of Hindpool Road Contract car park and removal of Portland Walk Level A with introduction of charges of 40p for 20mins and £1.30 for 1 hour – to the existing tariff on levels B and C.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report presents the Highways Revenue and Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports and updates Members as to current progress on these budget lines.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which detailed the Highways Revenue and Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports and updated members as to current progress on those budget lines.

Members noted that currently the budgets were Devolved Highways Revenue £883,064, Devolved Highways Capital £673,161 and the Devolved Highways Additional Pothole Repairs Capital £494,547.

The local Member for Walney South raised concerns regarding the backlog of pothole repairs.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager whilst acknowledging the concerns raised explained that the number of reports received were significant and the Team were currently experiencing resource issues.

The local Member for Hindpool drew attention to a recent local media press release on behalf of Dalton Action Group regarding potholes and raised concerns that this would expedite the process for them.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed that this would not change the current proposed list of schemes. 

During the course of discussion the local Member for Dalton North informed the Committee that he had met with the Group to try and alleviate the situation and that he not been contacted by the local media with regards to the article.

The local Member for Roosecote queried why the proposed scheme on Manor Road had increased from £10,000 to £32,000.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager agreed to forward details direct to the local Member.

RESOLVED,     that

                            (a)       the revenue and capital budget allocations for 2021/22 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to the end of November 2021 (as shown in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 of the report) be noted;

                            (b)       the £87,224 currently sat in the Other/Holding budget line within the Devolved Revenue budget be moved into the cleansing line within the Devolved Revenue budget which is currently showing an overspend;

                            (c)        the £154,809 currently sat in the Devolved Capital Holding/Unallocated line is allocated to repair speed cushions in a number of locations throughout the town;

                            (d)       the £60,527 currently in the Budget Holding/Unallocated line within the Additional Pothole repairs budget is allocated to surface repairs on Leece Lane close to the junction with Holbeck Road.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting held on 17 December 2021.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which gave details of the discussion and recommendations of the Highways Advisory Sub-Group for the Barrow area which met on 17 December 2021.

The Chair of the Barrow Highways Advisory Sub?Group agreed that a number of traffic surveys proposed by the local Member for Dalton North be included on the agenda for the next meeting of the Sub?Group.

The local Member for Walney North raised concerns regarding flooding on Solway Drive/Cows Tarn Lane since the new housing estate had been built and asked the Local Area Highways Manager to investigate this matter.

The local Member for Walney North asked for an update regarding traffic congestion at Hollywood Park.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager informed members that a response from the Land Agent was still outstanding but the Authority had undertaken a separate video survey which he would view and report back to the Committee. 

A discussion took place regarding a suggestion to block up an entrance to Hollywood Park and the Local Area Highways Network Manager informed the Committee that he was still awaiting legal clarification with regards to any potential legal challenges.

The local Member for Walney South advised that flooding continued at Thorny Nook Lane, Walney and that a site visit was still outstanding.

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2021 be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To receive a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

This report updates Local Committee on the work of the Public Health Locality Manager (PHLM) to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in Barrow.

Members received a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which provided an update on the work of the Public Health Locality Manager (PHLM) to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for our communities.  The Committee received detailed information regarding COVID 19 and the Barrow Health and Wellbeing Partnership.

The PHLM explained to members that information was changing virtually on a daily basis.  Members were informed that almost 100% of all current COVID cases were due to the Omicron variant and that the Barrow area was four times higher than the first lockdown with 2,426 cases per 100,000 population.

The Committee was informed there was a concern that approximately 20% of people remained unvaccinated.  It was explained that the PHLM had been working with key stakeholders and had identified local community champions, who were able to act as trusted advocates for the vaccination programme.  Members noted that a bespoke training programme had been developed and was delivered in early December which meant that community champions were now upskilled to be able to answer queries and promote the vaccination programme in their communities.  Further contact information regarding community champions would be made available to members.

During the course of discussion it was confirmed that vaccinations would be available to the asylum seekers in Barrow.

A discussion took place regarding the discrepancies in information regarding vaccinations and it was agreed the PHLM would investigate this and update members direct.

The Committee received information regarding the Addictions Board for Cumbria which had been piloted in the Barrow area.  It was explained this project would work with a holistic approach alongside the Safer Cumbria Partnership.

The local Member for Hindpool drew attention to the lack of funding to support an Alcohol Care Team (ACT) at Furness General Hospital and raised concerns that the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) had a well-established ACT, yet evidence demonstrated that the need in Lancaster was similar to Barrow, agreeing that this inequity needed to be addressed.  It was suggested that this should be brought to the attention of the Cumbria Health and Wellbeing Board.

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

It was noted there were no updates from members serving on outside bodies on this occasion.

The next scheduled meeting will take place on Tuesday 15 March 2022 at 10.30 am in the Community Room, Nan Tait Centre, Barrow?in?Furness, LA14 1LG.

RESOLVED,    that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Tuesday 15 March 2022 at 10.30 am in the Community Room, Nan Tait Centre, Barrow?in?Furness, LA14 1LG.