Agenda and minutes

County Council Local Committee for South Lakeland - Tuesday, 22nd March, 2022 10.00 am

Venue: County Offices, Busher Walk, Kendal

Contact: Nicola Harrison  Email: nicola.harrison@cumbria.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

63.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Mr J Brook, Mr S Collins, Mrs B Gray, Mr P Thornton and Mrs J Willis.

64.

Public Participation

Petition - Traffic Calming at Sedbergh Road and Castle Green Lane

Minutes:

Dawn Berry

 

A petition - Traffic Calming at Sedbergh Road and Castle Green Lane was handed to the Chair with the following statement read out at the meeting:

 

We are petitioning the council to review and act in relation to the speed of traffic between the Castle Green Hotel and the bottom of Sedbergh Rd coming from and heading into town. I can confirm that the petition yielded a total of 366 local signatures and that this has been provided separately to the Senior Democratic Services Officer, Mrs Harrison. I can confirm that 121 e-signatures and 245 wet signatures were collected, including signatures from a leaflet drop showing strong support from those less likely to use online methods for participation in a petition or campaign.

 

We had strong support from most of the people asked to sign face to face - every person we asked thought that the speed on this stretch of road is a problem and that despite the previous efforts made to slow traffic down, there is still speeding along a road where there is a high number of children, pedestrians and cyclists.

 

The council has previously supported measures in an attempt to slow traffic down and safeguard those people - but it is plain to see that this hasn’t worked well. Parents said that they would not allow their children to walk alone to school because they are scared that the speed of the traffic is a fatality waiting to happen, with drivers often failing to stop at the zebra crossing, and the speed and proximity of cars to the pavement also of concern. Most people petitioned had witnessed a failure to stop at the zebra crossing in their recent memory, many giving first-hand accounts of failures to stop within the last few days when we were collecting signatures.

 

In a recently undertaken phone GPS study of average speeds along this stretch - undertaken as part of the council’s ’20’s plenty’ campaign, it can be seen that this stretch of road does indeed have average speeds of over 30mph. Clearly the speed limit here is having little effect on the behaviour of many users and there is strong local support to properly review the speeds at which people are travelling, and to take effective and expeditious action before an accident occurs. We have also been advised by the Traffic Management Team Leader for Cumbria County Council that further speed data will be- or possibly has already been - collected, following support at a Casualty Reduction and Safer Highways meeting, and I hope that the weight of concern from local residents is also taken into consideration when that statistical data has been reviewed.

 

Many of the people we spoke with felt that an alert to drivers advising them of their speed at the top and bottom of the road would support drivers in their awareness - many drivers coming down the hill towards Kendal town centre have driven from country roads and the motorway and the incline  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

65.

Exclusion of Press and Public

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

Minutes:

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

66.

Disclosures of Interest

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).

Minutes:

There were no disclosures of interest made at the meeting.

67.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 648 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 26 January 2022

Minutes:

RESOLVED that, the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 26 January 2022 were confirmed as circulated.

68.

Area Working in South Lakeland pdf icon PDF 1 MB

[Electoral Divisions: All South Lakeland]

 

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

 

This report provides information and offers recommendations to the Local Committee for approval from meetings of the Strategic Planning Working Group and the Children and Young Peoples Working Group. It also updates the Local Committee on previously agreed activity supported with the latest financial statement.

Minutes:

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services regarding Area Planning in South Lakeland. The report provided service information and offered recommendations to South Lakeland Local Committee for approval from the Strategic Planning Working Group and Children and Young People’s Working Groups. The report also provided Local Committee with an update on activity against agreed priorities and provided an overview of the current budget position.

The Area Manager presented the report. She guided members through the activity of the Area Team since the last meeting. Attention was drawn to the change of date in Recommendation 9 from 2023/24 to 2022/23. Details were provided on the reasons for all of the amounts to be agreed for each recipient. Attention was drawn specifically to the amount to be carried forward into the next financial year to the Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool Budget. Members were advised that the appointment of Councillor Willis to the Management Committee of Newbridge House PRU was a joint appointment with Barrow Local Committee, which had  agreed the appointment of Councillor Willis.

The recommendations as set out in the report were moved by Mr Cook and Seconded by Mr Bland. These were agreed by assent of the Committee.

RESOLVED that,

 

1     Members note the budget update for 2021-22 including the commitments and expenditure to date, Appendix A of the report.

2     Members note the work of the Strategic Planning Working Group as set out in the minutes at Appendix B of the report

3     Members agree an amount of £10,000 to Ulverston Town Council to enable the progression of the Ulverston Multi-use Greenway from the Economic Initiatives Budget, Appendix C of the report.

4     Members agree the current list of Environment Fund and Contain Outbreak Management Fund schemes as outlined in Appendix D of the report.

5     Members note the work of the Children and Young People’s Working Group as set out in the minutes at Appendix E of the report..

6     Members agree to decommit an amount of £2,500 which was previously agreed for the Park Play Initiative from the 0-19 budget due to a contribution towards the scheme from our partner, SLDC.  The Local Committee will now provide an amount of £5K for the scheme rather than £7,500.

7     Members agree an amount of £6,468 to Right2Work which will provide support to young, disengaged people to help them into work placements, college or apprenticeships, from the 0-19 budget, Appendix F of the report.

8     Members agree an amount of £9,200 towards the Kendal Futures Project Manager post from the 2022/23 Economic Initiatives Budget, see Appendix G of the report.

9     Members commit the end-of-year surplus amount in the Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool Budget towards the continued operation and recovery of the pool in the 2022/23 financial year.

10  Members agree the appointment of Councillor Willis to the Management Committee of Newbridge House PRU as outlined in paragraphs 4.12 - 4.14 of the report.

69.

KENDAL LOCAL CYCLING AND WALKING INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN pdf icon PDF 295 KB

[Electoral Divisions: All Kendal Divisions]

 

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure

 

The purpose of the report is to seek approval of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Kendal.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 The Chairman changed the order of business and this item was taken after Public Participation.

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the Kendal Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. The purpose of the report was to seek approval of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Kendal.

A member moved that the report be postponed to a future meeting in order to allow members to review larger maps. This was not seconded so the motion fell. A member, who wanted Parish Councils to also be able to view the LCWIP asked for it to be circulated in electronic form and in A3. The Senior Programme Manager Cycling and Walking undertook to arrange this.

The Senior Programme Manager Cycling and Walking presented the report. Information was provided on why and how the LCWIP had been developed and what its aims were. Two other Local Committees had agreed their LCWIPS to date. It was noted that this was not a funded plan and was the start of a process. The four sections in the LCWIP were explained for members and the work with strategic partners was detailed, along with the next steps. It was stressed that the document was a live one and would continue to develop.

 

The Chair commented positively on the number of responses received to the consultation and acknowledged the importance of cycling to the South Lakeland population.

 

A member raised that there were more walkers than cyclists and asked how the LCWIP would address this. He queried if disabled access had been considered. The Senior Programme Manager Cycling and Walking talked to members about the core walking zone and routes, adding that design guidance meant access was ensured for all.

 

A question was asked about the inclusion of children using scooters to school in the LCWIP. The Senior Programme Manager Cycling and Walking explained how this was covered by the Active Travel Team.

 

The Chair asked when Government feedback on the LCWIPs would be received and how the Plan would be funded. The Senior Programme Manager Cycling and Walking advised on the Government’s expectations and how bids would be made for funding. The experience of the consultants brought in to help with the drafting of the LCWIP and how it was detailed and ambitious was noted. It was stressed that the LCWIP was a core network of routes which could then expand into other areas.

 

A member considered that it was key to note that the LCWIP was unfunded. He commented on the work ahead with schools and partners for the new Westmorland and Furness Authority to develop the LCWIP. He considered the LCWIP to be a good start and urged members to support it.

 

After drawing attention to the need for safe routes and the barriers to cycling, a member asked how those issues were being addressed. The Senior Programme Manager Cycling and Walking reported that the LCWIP was the first stage in the process, adding that schemes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

70.

SOUTH LAKELAND DISTRICT COUNCIL OFF STREET PARKING PLACES ORDER AMENDMENT 17 pdf icon PDF 368 KB

[Electoral Divisions: All]

 

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure

 

This is an information report to the Local Committee regarding the making of an Order to amend the fees and charges within the existing “The South Lakeland District Council (Off Street parking Places) Order 2004”.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the  South Lakeland District Council Off Street Parking Places Order Amendment 17. It was an information report regarding the making of an Order to amend the fees and charges within the existing “The South Lakeland District Council (Off Street parking Places) Order 2004”.

The Traffic Management Manager presented the report. The background to the proposals were explained and what the effects of the proposal would be were detailed for the Committee.

There were no questions or debate on this item. The Chair asked if the recommendation as set out in the report was agreed. This was agreed by assent of the Committee.

RESOLVED that, the Local Committee notes that South Lakeland District Council are proposing to introduce The South Lakeland District Council (Off Street Parking Places) Order 2004 (Amendment No 17) Order 2022, as set out in Appendix 1 attached to the report.  

71.

2021/22 HIGHWAYS DEVOLVED REVENUE AND CAPITAL UPDATE REPORT pdf icon PDF 373 KB

[Electoral Divisions: All South Lakeland]

 

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure

 

This report provides details of the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital and Non-Devolved Capital Budgets.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the 2021/22 Highways Devolved Revenue and Capital Update Report.  The report presented the Highways Devolved Revenue and Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital Budget finance reports and updated members as to current progress on those budget lines as detailed in the appendices attached to the report.

The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland presented the report and drew out the key messages for members. This included the predicted overspend in the Highways Revenue Budget which was attributed to reactive tree works relating to Storms Arwen and Barra. The Deputy Leader of the Council was investigating ways of the overspend being covered by the corporate centre. The figures relating to the spend for the Devolved Capital Budget and Non Devolved Capital Budget were reported.

The Chair asked if officers were undertaking close budget monitoring in the forthcoming year to ensure the new Westmorland and Furness Authority would not inherit an overspend. The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland advised that full clarity of the budget for 2022/23 would be known once Full Council had considered any brought forward under or overspends from 2021/22. The Teams would then endeavour that spend was achieved against the agreed revised budgets.

A member referred to the large amount of tree debris still left on the ground following recent storms. The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland outlined the work being undertaken by contractors until the end of March 2022 in respect of this matter. He confirmed that tree debris on highways land would be cleared by the County Council. It was noted that some debris remained where carriageways had been reopened as that had been the priority but debris would be cleared at a later date.

A member asked about Aggregate Industries, the private contractor who was undertaking work for the County Council as well as National Highways and whether there was only one contractor used at a time. The member wanted to ensure the work programme would be completed. The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland explained the working arrangements and work programme agreed with Aggregate Industries. He commented that they would be undertaking work on the Principal Road Network early in the 2022/23 financial year.

It was questioned why there was an underspend in the Highways Devolved Capital Budget and pothole allocation when all members had residents contacting them about pothole issues. The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland advised that the underspend would reduce once two external contractors started repairing potholes which had been identified after the winter. He noted that figures were also out of date when presented by Local Committee due to publication requirements of the report in the Agenda pack.

The Chair asked if the recommendation as set out in the report was agreed. This was agreed by assent of the Committee.

RESOLVED that, Local Committee notes the revenue and capital budget allocations for 2021/22 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to the end of January 2022  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

72.

HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP MEETING 16 FEBRUARY, 2022 pdf icon PDF 402 KB

[Electoral Divisions: All South Lakeland]

 

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure

 

This report presents the minutes of the meeting of the Highways and Transportation Working Group held on  16 February 2022 and brings forward recommendations for consideration by the Local Committee.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the Highways and Transportation Working Group Meeting 16 February 2022. The report provided the notes of the meeting of the Highways and Transportation Working Group held on 16 February 2022 and included recommendations for consideration by the Local Committee.

 The Vice Chair of the Highways and Transportation Working Group presented the report and proposed that the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed.

The Chair of the Local Committee asked for brief synopsis of the options to be considered  in the Kendal Town 20mph Speed Limit Scheme. The Traffic Management Manager advised that options would be developed by the Working Group being set up with Kendal Town Council. Mr Cook reassured the Committee that Kendal Town Council were progressing this matter. The Chair highlighted that the Working Group had the support of County Council members.

The Chair asked if the recommendations as set out in the report was agreed. These were agreed by assent of the Committee.

RESOLVED that,

1     Local Committee notes the Minutes of the Working Group meeting of 16 February 2022 which are attached as Appendix 1 of the report.

 

2    That Local Committee: -

A         Approves the bringing into operation of The County Of Cumbria (Various Roads, South Lakeland Area)  (Consolidation Of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2002) (U5498 Garsdale Bridge, Sedbergh) (3 Tonnes Maximum Gross  Vehicle Weight Restriction) And (U5498 Sedbergh) _(Prohibition Of Motor Vehicles, Except For Access) Variation Order 20>< (“The Order”) in its entirety, as advertised, having taken into account the objections and representations which were received, and having also 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 (which is attached as appendix 2 to the report).

 

B         Agrees for Officers to engage in next steps progressing a way forward for a 20mph scheme in Kendal to be through discussion in a working group initially led by Kendal Town Council with membership of other wider stakeholders, with regular updates to the Working Group as it develops.

 

C         Agree the Provisional Devolved Highways Revenue Allocations for 2022/23 which is attached as Appendix 1 to the report (and Appendix 3 to the report) which has been updated following confirmation of the budget allocation by Full Council on 10th February 2022.

 

D         Notes the details provided in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 of the Working Group report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (attached as Appendix 4 of the report) which gave a 2021/22 Flood and Development Management Update and that the Local Committee notes that there are no additional comments in the Appendices to bring to the attention of Local Members. Any significant comments, changes and/or amendments will be highlighted in subsequent and future reports to the Highway and Transportation Working Group.

73.

SPEED LIMIT VARIATION TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER A595 AND A5092 pdf icon PDF 411 KB

[Electoral Divisions: High Furness]

 

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure

 

This report sets out the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the Order referred to at paragraph 3.1 of the report and seeks a resolution on the proposed introduction of the Order.

.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the Speed Limit Variation Traffic Regulation Order A595 and A5092. The report set out the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the Order referred to at paragraph 3.1 of the report. All of the proposals were summarised in the statutory notice which was attached as Appendix 1 of the report.

The Traffic Management Team Leader - South Lakeland presented the report. The proposals were explained and the consultation process, including the responses received were detailed. The Local Member was in support of the proposals.

Local Member, Mr Brereton thanked the Traffic Management Team Leader - South Lakeland and her team for the work undertaken. He explained the concerns of local residents and explained his reasons for supporting the proposals, including the appropriateness of the 50mph speed limit on the hill. He highlighted that once introduced, the scheme could be revisited and amended if necessary.

The recommendation as set out in the report was moved by Mr Brereton and seconded by Mr Cotton. They were agreed by assent of the Committee.

 

RESOLVED that, Having taken into account the objections and representations which were received during the statutory consultation and advertisement, and having also 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, that The County of Cumbria (Various Roads in the District of South Lakeland) (Consolidation and Provision of Speed Limits) (Order 2018) Variation Order (No.8) 20>< (“the Order”) be brought into operation as advertised.

74.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIVITY - UPDATE pdf icon PDF 503 KB

 [Electoral Divisions: All Kendal Divisions]

 

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure

 

This report draws attention to key Community Development and Public Health Activity undertaken by the South Lakeland Area Support Team and the Locality Public Health Manager.

Minutes:

An update report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding Community Development and Public Health Activity. The report drew attention to key Community Development and Public Health Activity undertaken by the South Lakeland Area Support Team and the Locality Public Health Manager.   

The Locality Public Health Manager presented the report. He focussed on the impact of the pandemic on the mental wellbeing of the population and on health inequality. He talked about the research that had been undertaken and the impact on young people, women and people with an Asian background. Members were advised of the continuing work of the Mental Wellbeing and Mental Health Partnership which included the distribution of a revised version of the ‘Every Life Matters’ booklet. It was reported that living with COVID and long COVID were causing high levels of anxiety for some people. The Public Health Team was working with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Resilience Hub who were providing support for people working in care. A number of other initiatives were reported to members.

A short briefing was provided on health inequity and the variation between wards in South Lakeland. A number of events were highlighted for members.

The Locality Public Health Manager undertook to circulate resources relating to public events to members.

A member urged the public to take up the offer of vaccine boosters.

Mrs Sanderson reported that schools still had high numbers of COVID cases and advised that she still had regular meetings with the Assistant Director - Education and Skills and the Director of Public Health on this matter.

Mrs Sanderson thanked Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service for their hard work at two recent fires in her division.

RESOLVED that, the report be noted.

75.

Partner Organisations

76.

Outside Bodies

To receive feedback from members on the outside bodies that they serve, and from the Local Member Champions.

Minutes:

There were no reports to Committee at this meeting.

77.

Children's Champion

Update by the Children’s Champion.

Minutes:

Mrs Evans gave a briefing on the business she had taken part in as her role as the Local Committee’s Children’s Champion.

 

Mrs Evans thanked Foster Carers for their dedication. She briefly reported on her recent attendance at the Foster Carers Steering Group. She reported that Foster Carers were needed for sibling groups, older children and those with complex needs.

 

A lot was learned from Care Ambassadors at the Children and Young People’s Working Group meetings.

 

The County Council was offering Apprenticeships to Care Leavers and they were being supported in these roles.

 

The County Council’s Promise to Children Looked After was being reviewed in Summer 2022.

 

Members were asked to promote the County Council’s Holiday Activities during the Easter Holidays.

 

78.

Date of Next meeting

The next meeting will be held on 12 May 2022 at 10.00am at County Offices, Kendal.

Minutes:

The next meeting of the Committee would be held on 12 May 2022 at 10.00am at County Hall, Kendal