Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Mrs T Macur.

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 R Guselli declared personal interests in relation to agenda item 10 (3.4 and 10) (Neighbourhood Grants Panel), Item 12 (Highways Advisory) and item 13 (Alleygates).  Ms J Heath declared a personal interest in item 10 (3.3).  Mr D Marcus declared a personal interest in item 10 (3.11).  Ms Hammond declared a personal interest in item 13 (Alleygates).

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

There were no questions, petitions or deputations 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 14 July 2010.

It was agreed that resolution 2 of Minute No.30 be amended to remove the words ‘or in part’ from line three and that resolution 2 of Minute No.31 be amended to read ‘£1,000’ (and not £1,100).

RESOLVED,that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2010 (as amended) be agreed and signed by the Chair.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Resources (copy to follow).

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 31 July 2010.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Resources which set out the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highway Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 31 July 2010.  There was discussion about junction works at Promenade Road.  Members felt that criticism about the programme timetable had been unjustified and that officers and contractors should be congratulated that the improvement works were carried out in less than half the time envisaged.  It was agreed that concerns about delays in weed clearance work in various locations should be raised at the next liaison meeting with Barrow Borough Council representatives and the outcome reported back to the Committee.

RESOLVED,   

                           (1)       to note the budget allocations for 2010-11 and the expenditure recorded to date;

                           (2)       to note that the Highways Revenue budget has a projected overspend of £2,129;

                           (3)       to note that the Highways Stewards Budget has a projected overspend of £2,407;

                           (4)       to note the NPRN budget is showing a projected balanced budget;

                           (5)       to note the APM budget is showing a projected unallocated balance of £42,329;

                           (6)       that concerns about delays in weed clearing operations across differing locations be raised at the next liaison meeting with Barrow Borough Council.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Resources (copy to follow).

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budgets as at 31 July 2010.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Resources which set out the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budget as at 31 July 2010.

The Area Support Manager reported the need for alterations to a number of figures contained in the report.  These included an amendment to resolution 3.2 which should show £277,966k unallocated.  3.6 of the report should read as £114,649k.  Amendments/comments re appendices were as follows:-

Appendix B – need to show transfer from commitments to actual column at November meeting

Appendix C1 – that the £1k shown on balances brought forward for Forum Grants (re Park Vale) be de-committed and reallocated to grants.

Appendix C6 – the £7,566k shown under Alleygates needed to be moved to the Alleygates programme fund which will then be moved from the commitments to the actual column.

Appendix D1 – there was a need for the Early Years officer to identify plans for the £115,474 currently unallocated.

RESOLVED,    to

                           (1)       note the budget allocations for 2010-11 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date;

                           (2)       note the unallocated resources in the Communities Revenue budgets of £277,966;

                           (3)       note the unallocated resources in the Local member Capital budgets of £139,095.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Children’s Services (copy enclosed).

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

The Committee considered a schedule which outlined the position regarding vacant County Council governor positions at County Council nursery, primary and secondary schools in the area. 

RESOLVED,    that subject to their approval the following be appointed:-

                           School                                                              Representative

                           Community, Nursery and Primary

                           Cambridge Primary                                         Dr P Kent

                                                                                                      12 Yarlside Road

                                                                                                      Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                      LA13 0ER

                           George Romney Junior                                   Mr P Lister

                                                                                                      12 Fair View

                                                                                                      Dalton-in-Furness

                                                                                                      LA15 8RZ

                           Yarlside                                                             Ms A Morgan

                                                                                                      48 Marsh Street

                                                                                                      Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                      LA12 2AA

                           Voluntary Controlled

                           St George’s CE                                               Mrs N Thompson

                                                                                                      52 Ocean Road

                                                                                                      Walney

                                                                                                      Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                      LA14 3DX

                           St Pius X Catholic                                            Mr M Skyrme

                                                                                                      34 Princewood Drive

                                                                                                      Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                      LA13 0RX

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report provides information and offers recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Children and Young People’s Working Group meeting held on 17 August 2010.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which provided information and offered recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Children and Young People’s Working Group.  Councillors J Heath and A Burns declared personal interests in relation to proposals for a children’s video interview suite in Barrow.  In relation to the proposal issues were raised about the need for suitable accommodation and the possible need for additional one?off capital cost assistance.  It was agreed that the Area Support Manager be authorised to undertake further investigation with relevant parties in respect of allocating additional resources up to a maximum of £20K (in excess of the £8K already recommended) from other Local Committee funds (eg by a reallocation of Early Years funding).

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)       members note the activity of the Children & Young People’s Working Group;

                           (2)       to agree, in principle, a grant of £8K from the earmarked Area Plan allocation within the General Provisions budget to support the provision of a Children’s Video Interview Suite in Barrow and to delegate to the Area Support Manager, in consultation with the Chair and Vice?Chair, permission to investigate the possibility of allocating up to a further £20k for this project and report outcomes to the next meeting;

                           (3)       members approve a grant of £13,000, from the Early Years budget, for Quarry Brow Day Nursery in support of their childcare provision;

                           (4)       members approve a grant of £1,543, from the Early Years budget for Hopscotch Pre-school in support of their childcare provision.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Neighbourhood Grants Panel meeting held on 24 August 2010.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which gave recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Neighbourhood Grants Panel meeting of 23 August 2010.  The Neighbourhood Development Officer reported that there had been some inaccuracies reported in relation to unallocated Neighbourhood  Forum grants and Social Care Grants which now stood at £25,016 and £1239 respectively.

RESOLVED,     that

                            (1)      members accept the attached minutes and content therein Appendix A (subject to David Marcus’ name replacing that of David Roberts in relation to the Walney Musical Theatre Company request);

                            (2)      members approve a Social Care Grant of £1,239.00 to the Bluebell Foundation;

                            (3)      members approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £4,000.00 to Hawcoat Memorial Hall from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets;

                            (4)      members approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £1,000.00 to Barrow and District Society for the Blind from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets;

                            (5)      members approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £750.00 to Askam Village Hall Charity from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets;

                            (6)      members approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £3,000.00 to Dalton & Ireleth with Askam Festival Association from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets;

                            (7)      members approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £1,250.00 to Furness Model Railway Club from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets;

                            (8)      members approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £2,770.65 to Salthouse Bowling Club from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets;

                            (9)      members approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £2,000.00 to Dalton Community Association from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets;

                            (10)    members approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £3,000.00 to Walney Musical Theatre Company from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

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

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which sought to commit elements of the Local Capital Scheme budget, including Members’ proposals that had been sufficiently worked up, to enable Local Committee to consider spending decisions.

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)    members agree a capital contribution of £3,075 towards refurbishment of Hawcoat and Ormsgill Memorial Hall, Hawcoat ward for the Community Infrastructure Capital Programme;

                           (2)    members agree a capital contribution of £1,854 towards equipment for Duddon Scouts, Dalton South ward for the Community Infrastructure Capital Programme;

                           (3)    members agree a capital contribution of £1,844 towards after-school club equipment for Chapel Street Infants & Nursery, Dalton South ward for the Community Infrastructure Capital Programme;

                           (4)    members agree a capital contribution of £495 towards a training defibrillator for South Lakes Search & Rescue, Dalton South ward for the Community Infrastructure Capital Programme;

                           (5)    members agree a capital contribution of £1,850 towards refurbishment of St. Mary’s Church Hall, Walney South ward for the Community Infrastructure Capital Programme;

                           (6)    members agree a capital contribution of £780 towards new chairs and a trolley for Ocean Wave Community Centre, Walney South ward for the Community Infrastructure Programme;

                           (7)    members agree a capital contribution of £2,000 towards seating and planters for TASK residents for Buccleuch Street Gap Site for Hindpool ward for the Public Realm Works Programme.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting held on 9 August 2010.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Environment which detailed the discussion and recommendations of the HASG for the Barrow Area which met on 9 August 2010.  It recommended that the Local Area Committee for Barrow note the discussions and approve the recommendations.

There was discussion about costs associated with the proposed verge hardening schemes for Minister Lane and Southport Drive.  Whilst the outcome of trial bore hole tests were still awaited it was unlikely that there would be sufficient funds to undertake both schemes.  It was suggested that once the test results were known the matter be considered at the next Highways Sub Group meeting with a view to recommending consultation on the basis of work progress of one side of each road and that a further report be submitted to the Local Committee in November.

Consideration was given to bridge works at Greengate Street and proposed weight restriction issues.  It was agreed that appropriate members and officers seek a meeting with Network Rail officials to address and propose suitable resolutions. 

Other matters discussed included disabled parking bays, responsibility for contributing towards the establishment and maintenance of bus shelters, speeding traffic at the junction of Leece Lane and Holbeck Road and the need for local members to spend their local capital allocations.

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)    the minutes of the Barrow HASG held on 9 August 2010 be noted;

                           (2)    the recommendation made by the HASG on 9 August 2010 for parking and verge hardening be approved and the Minster Lane and Southport Drive schemes be progressed subject to further consideration by the Group and Local Committee about progression of limited works in both areas;

                           (3)    the recommendation made by the HASG on 9 August 2010 for the proposed locations for 2011/12 NPRN surface dressing beds be approved.

[Electoral Divisions: Old Barrow]

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

This report asks members to consider alleygating The Mall Part 2.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which asked the Committee to decide whether or not the Order should be made, in whole or in part.

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)    having considered the comments and representations, including objections, set out in Appendix C to the report; and

                           (2)    that the conditions on which a gating order may be made are satisfied;

                           (3)    to authorise the Head of Legal Practice to make the necessary order as advertised, in whole and arrange to erect the requisite notices before gates are erected drawing to the attention of members of the public using those highways the fact that a gating order has been made and the effect of the order.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report updates Members on the work of the Sports Equity Project and seeks support continuing the project past March 2011

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which sought their support for the continuation of the project past March 2011.

Funding for this beneficial project which assisted, in particular, people with disabilities and the black and minority ethnic community would come to an end in March 2011.  It was unlikely that further funding would be available from Sport England or the NWDA.  The report highlighted a range of activities and actions which had been made possible through the project which helped meet a number of area plan targets.  Options outlined in the report ranged up to support amounting to £45k a year.  It was emphasised that support for the project could only come from the Local Committee’s limited resources.

RESOLVED,    that the Local Committee support an allocation of £15k in 2011/12 for continued support of the Sports Equity Project enabling a part time worker to be funded and that the Area Support Manager be asked to investigate possibilities for using 6-12 youth budget funds to allocate a further £5k to support the project.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This is the quarterly report on the Community Unit Community Development activity and will include an update from Age Concern, Barrow on the Building Bridges project.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which detailed the quarterly report on the Community Unit Community Development activity.

Details were provided about consultation about the Sports Council’s new sport and physical activity strategy, the holiday sport programme which had been well supported and a range of other activities.  A representative from Age Concern provided further details about the Building Bridges project which promoted links between older and younger generations.

RESOLVED,    that the report be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

The purpose of the report is to update  members on the consultation responses received from the public on the Draft Core Strategy of the 3^rd Local Transport Plan for Cumbria (2011-2026).

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Environment which provided feedback to members on responses received during the consultation on the Draft Core Strategy of the 3^rd Local Transport Plan for Cumbria (2011-2026).  The responses submitted by organisations and residents based in Barrow were summarised in Appendix 1.  Some more general and countywide comments from partners and organisations were highlighted in Section 4 of the Report.  Appendix 2 summarised the response of Members raised at the Local Committee meeting of 14 July 2010.  Some further responses were still awaited (eg Stagecoach).  There had been some comments that further emphasis should be given to rail related issues.

RESOLVED,    that members give their views on the responses to the Strategy.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report addresses the dual outcomes of ‘Stronger Communities’ and ‘Safer Communities’. It contains community engagement performance information monitoring and performance of the countywide money advice service provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau.

This report addressed the outcomes under the County Council’s ‘Better’ theme. Such outcomes included the following:

·     Local people have confidence that their council delivers effective and efficient services

·     People find council services easy to use

·     People can have a say about decisions that affect them

Questions were raised in respect of the best ways of demonstrating support given to sporting activity, school crossing patrol vacancies and debt reduction.  It was reported that the money advice service provided by Barrow CAB on behalf of Cumbria County Council was performing well and had helped a significant number of families to deal with debt issues. Members agreed that the report was a very useful document.

RESOLVED,    that members note the report.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report updates the Committee on progress made and plans being implemented for developing Credit Union coverage for Barrow & District. This would utilise the Local Committee ring-fenced ‘debt management budget’.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which updated the Committee on progress made and plans being implemented for developing Credit Union coverage for Barrow and District. This would utilise the Local Committee ring-fenced ‘debt management budget’.  The Committee was informed that a part time co-ordinator was now in place and acknowledged the good work he was already undertaking.  Activity was now taking place to establish a Credit Union Board and encourage volunteers to become involved with the Credit Union.  A borough wide meeting has been arranged in October in order to attract interested individuals.  A further meeting at Roosegate would be held to promote activity.

RESOLVED,    that the Committee notes the achievements made from investing the allocated DRAMA/Credit Union Development budget of £17,866 for 2009-10 and agree proposals for the allocation of the same budget in 2010-11.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report is the July/August Monitoring report for Barrow Local Committee.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which gave details of the July/August Monitoring Report for Barrow Local Committee

RESOLVED,    that members note the content of the information contained within the report at Appendix A.

To enable local members to give verbal reports on and share information in respect of outside bodies to which they have been appointed.

Councillor Mrs Burns reported the pressures which organisations such as the Furness Enterprise Board were now under and that they were likely to loose a substantial proportion of their funding.  Issues relating to supporting job creation activity would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the liaison meeting with Barrow Borough Council.

The next scheduled meeting will take place on Monday 1 November, venue to be arranged.

The next scheduled meeting of the Committee will take place on Monday 1 November 2010 in Hindpool.