Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Dr K Lockney.

(1)       Mrs EA Mallinson declared a non?pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 – Highways and Transport Working Group (Traffic Regulation Order Review 2020/21: Variation Order 62 – Etterby Road) (Minute 40 refers) as she was a resident in the area.

(2)       Mr J Mallinson declared a non?pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 – Highways and Transport Working Group (Traffic Regulation Order Review 2020/21: Variation Order 62 – Etterby Road) (Minute 40 refers) as he was a resident in the area.

(3)       Mr M Mitchelson declared a non?pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 – Highways and Transport Working Group (Speed Limit Consolidation Order No 8, Various Roads 2020/2021) (Minute 40 refers) as he was a resident of Lanercost.

RESOLVED,    that the press and public be not excluded from the meeting for any items of business on this occasion.

There are no public questions, statements or petitions to be considered at this meeting.

There were no public questions, statements or petitions to be considered at this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 13 September 2021 (copy enclosed).

With reference to Minute 18(2)(a) – Public Participation (junction of Dykes Terrace and Brampton Road, Carlisle) the local Member for Stanwix Urban asked for an update on the matter and the Local Area Highways Network Manager agreed to contact the local Member direct.

With reference to the paragraph immediately before the resolution on Minute 24 – 2021/22 Highways Budget/Programme Progress Report it was agreed that the word ‘pavement’ should read ‘pavements’.

RESOLVED,    that with the inclusion of the above amendment the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 13 September 2021 be confirmed as circulated and thereupon signed by the Chair.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To note the revised Terms of Reference (copy enclosed).

The Local Committee received a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which advised members of the revised Terms of Reference for local committees which had been agreed at Council on 7 September 2021.

RESOLVED,   that the revised Terms of Reference be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

Members received a presentation which gave details on the local Team together with an overview of Carlisle Library for 2020?21. 

The Local Committee also received an update on the COVID-related closures and re?opening of libraries, an introduction of enhanced online offer and select and collect, increased joint work with HAWCs and Adult Learning, relocation of Carlisle West, announcement of Towns Deal Funding and the full service restructure.

Members welcomed the new projects and collaborations which included the development of the Digital Hub, Business and Intellectual Property Centre Hub, partnership working with Department for Work and Pensions, Tullie House, University of Cumbria, Local Studies & the Jackson collection, Wi-fi printing due by the end of the year, increase in resources that reflected equality and diversity and early intervention literacy initiatives.

The local Member for Longtown asked if the valued library facility in Penton would be resumed following the pandemic.  Officers highlighted the number of staff vacancies within the Team and the impact this was having on the Service whilst confirming that a priority was to ensure branch libraries continued. 

The local Member for Belle Vue thanked officers for the successful outreach library facility in her Division. 

The local Member for Belle Vue then explained that in her role as the Local Committee’s Autism Champion she had previously met with colleagues in the Library to discuss support for people with autism when using the facility and children with autism using the soft play equipment.  Officers explained it was anticipated that a sensory room and ‘quiet times’ would be offered in Carlisle Library following the refurbishment programme.  Mrs Bowditch offered her support and it was agreed officers would contact her direct with regards to the soft play equipment.

The local Member for Dalston and Burgh highlighted the problems with the venue for the link service in Dalston.  The Area Manager confirmed that the Carlisle Community Team would provide support to find a suitable location.

The local Member for Belah asked for further information regarding the cultural agenda.  Officers explained this was currently emerging as a new service and team which would be investigating how libraries could also include cultural activities.

The local Member for Harraby South welcomed the changes and customer focussed approach.  A discussion took place regarding the future costs of wi-fi printing and officers confirmed that although there would continue to be a charge for this service it would be less than the current fee.

The Leader of the Council drew attention to the new projects which included the Jackson Collection and officers explained that there were currently preservation issues regarding this. 

The Leader then discussed family history highlighting the issue with regards to information currently being stored on two separate sites and asked whether it would be possible to have a one?stop shop approach.  Officers acknowledged the concerns raised and informed members options were currently being explored.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked officers for an informative presentation.

RESOLVED,   that the presentation be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report provides an update on its agreed activity, a financial statement in support of these activities and requests decisions on a range of issues.

Members received a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which provided members with recommendations and matters to note relating to budget commitments, grant allocations from the recommendations of its Strategic Grants Panel and other relevant matters relating to area planning.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)          the commitments made and the remaining balances within delegated budgets and the grants (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report) be noted;

                          (2)          the grant of £1,500 to Upperby Elderly Activities Group from the Area Planning Fund (as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report) be noted;

                          (3)          the grant of £5,000 to Great Orton Parish Council towards new play equipment from the 0-19 Funding (as summarised in Appendix 3) be noted;

                          (4)          the following grants from the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (referred to in Appendix 4 of the report) be noted:-

                                        (i)        £4,285 to CADAS towards the cost of extra staff for face-to-face support from office base and virtual outreach;

                                        (ii)       £5,000 to ParkPlay to set up Parkplay within Heysham Park.  A free weekly event similar to parkrun every Saturday, but with play activities for children;

                                        (iii)      £3,000 to Carlisle Matters for a new online booking system, freeing up administration time to support other community activities;

                                        (iv)      £1,000 to Cumbria Gateway to support vulnerable women and children with emergency toiletries, laundry and cleaning products;

                                        (v)       £4,000 to Pennine Way Primary School PTA to make the campus COVID safe with new hard-wearing flooring in Harraby Community Campus communal area to determine clear boundaries as to where the different areas start/finish;

                                        (vi)      £2,819 to Cumbria Police to support Carlisle to host the ‘knife angel’ as a National Monument Against Violence & Aggression;

                                        (vii)     £3,000 to Carlisle Matters towards the cost of Winter Resilience events in Botcherby, Brampton and Longtown;

                          (5)          the following nominations be made:-

                                        (i)        Mrs C Bowditch to the Carlisle Educational Fund;

                                        (ii)       Mrs V Tarbitt to the Carlisle Joint Member Advisory Group;

                                        (iii)      Mr R Dobson to the Carlisle Local Committee Strategic Grants Panel.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report presents the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports, combined with the highways programme progress information, as detailed in the attached appendices.

The Committee received a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which presented the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports, combined with the highways programme progress information.

Members noted that the 2021/22 Highways Revenue and Highways Devolved Capital budgets were forecasting on budget with the Highways Non-Devolved Capital budget forecasting a £29,000 overspend.

The local Member for Botcherby drew attention to the Highways Capital Works Programme highlighting his concerns regarding the lack of information he had received following a previous request for a breakdown and commitment for schemes in his Division.  The local Member asked for a breakdown of information regarding the schemes at Eastern Way and Victoria Road, Wood Street to Warwick Road A69 together with a general update regarding flooding on Tilbury Road.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed that a full response regarding the schemes on Eastern Way and Victoria Road had been made available to the local Member but agreed to circulate the information again.  It was also agreed that the Manager of Flood and Development Management would be asked to provide a response regarding Tilbury Road.

The local Member for Belah asked for an update as to why the proposed scheme on Lowry Hill (Sark Close-Teasdale Road) included the replacement of paving flags with a flexible surface.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager explained that a safety tolerance investigation had been undertaken which had concluded that the flexible surface should be used to avoid the same issues being repeated.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton asked for further information regarding the inclusion of bridleways, footpaths and cycleways; it was agreed the Local Area Highways Network Manager would provide an explanation direct to the Member.

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (1)          the Highways Programme progress information (as shown in Appendices 4 and 5 of the report);

                          (2)          the various Highways Revenue budget allocations and headings (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report);

                          (3)          the various Highways Capital budget allocations and headings (as set out in Appendix 2 of the report).

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report provides details of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 7 October 2021 and presents recommendations for the Local Committee to consider.  

Members considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which gave details of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 7 October 2021 and presented recommendations to the Local Committee for approval.

The local Member for Botcherby thanked officers for the information made available at the meeting regarding Warwick Road and asked if a further meeting could be arranged with them to discuss the matters further.

(1)       Minutes

RESOLVED,   that the minutes be noted.

(2)       Carlisle Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (a)          for the purpose of the LCWIP public consultation both the Botchergate cycling route and the Lancaster Street/Carlisle Station car park cycling route be included on the Cycling Plan and a question be included about this to gauge opinion on both route options;

                          (b)          engagement be undertaken with user groups on both options;

                          (c)          officers continue to develop designs for both options to support the Southern Gateway Business Case;

                          (d)          a preference for the route via The Crescent be used rather than Citadel Row when linking onwards from Botchergate/Crescent junction.

(3)       2021/22 Flood and Development Management Update

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(4)       2021/22 Flood and Development Management Update Report Regarding Environment Agency Phase 1 Flood Work Changes to Laundry Culvert Works

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(5)       2021/22 Flood and Development Management Update Report Regarding Environment Agency Phase 1 Flood Work Changes to Tesco Entrance

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(6)       Warwick Road, Lidl Access

RESOLVED,   that the update be noted.

(7)       Cumbria House and Cecil Street Off-Street Car Parks – Electric Charging Facilities and Addition of Annual Permit Charge

RESOLVED,  

                          (a)          to proceed to statutory consultation and advertisement of changes to:-

                                        (i)      The County of Cumbria (Cecil Street, Carlisle) (Off Street Parking Places) Order 2016; and

                                                  The County of Cumbria (Council’s Office Car Park,) (Off Street Parking Places) Order 2016;

                                                  “the Orders”, to include spaces for electric charging points and an annual permit charge for all car park users; and to extend Cecil Street car park to include land adjacent to Stanley Hall;

                          (b)          that in the event that no objections are received, the changes and Orders be brought into operation;

                          (c)          that any unresolved objections to the changes (as detailed in paragraph (a) above), will be brought back to the Local Committee for consideration.

(8)       Traffic Regulation Orders Review 2021/2021: Variation Order 62

The local Member for Yewdale asked that his thanks and appreciation be conveyed to the Traffic Management Team for the thorough engagement which had taken place with regards to the Old Raffles Parade proposal.

Members agreed to defer the proposal regarding Craw Hall, Brampton to a future meeting of Carlisle Highways and Transport Working Group for further consideration.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (a)       having considered the representations received during the statutory advertisement and consultation, (referred to in paragraph 4.2 of the report), and having taken into consideration the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

To note the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership meetings held on 27 September 2021 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,   that the minutes of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership meeting held on 27 September 2021 be noted.

To receive verbal updates from Carlisle Member Champions as follows:-

(a)       Children in Care

(b)       Autism

(c)       Armed Forces

(a)       Children in Care

Members received an update from Elizabeth Mallinson, the Local Committee’s Children in Care Champion.

The Committee was informed of the various activities which had been undertaken by the Carlisle and Eden young people from the Children in Care Council (CiCC) which included a successful visit to Hawse End Centre during the summer, the Annual Care Awards for Cumbria and recruitment of a new Care Leaver Ambassador for Carlisle and Eden.

Members received an update from the Corporate Parenting Board which had considered housing for vulnerable young people and care leavers, Independent Reviewing Office (IRO) Annual Report for 2020\21, the Annual Report for Children Looked After April 2020-March 2021 by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and the Foster Carer Survey.

(b)       Autism

Members received an update from Christine Bowditch, the Local Committee’s Autism Champion.

The Local Committee was informed that the Autism Strategy 2021?22 had been published explaining that its introduced in 2009 had focussed on diagnosis, awareness and employment for adults but welcomed the inclusion of children in the current Strategy.  It was explained this would be in place until 2022 when there would be a Spending Review whereupon councils would be able to make longer term plans.

Members were informed of the six priorities within the Strategy which had funding amounting to £74.88 million, namely:-

1.         Improving understanding and acceptance of autism within society

2.         Improving autism children and young people’s access to education and supporting positive transmission into adulthood

3.         Supporting more autistic people into employment

4.         Tackling health and care inequalities for autistic people

5.         Building the right support in the community

6.         Improving support within the criminal and youth justice system.

Members were informed that the initial £75 million would be used as a contribution towards developing a public understanding campaign, reducing diagnosis waiting times and increasing crisis support in the community, amongst other things.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the support required for autistic people from the social care sector to enable them to carry out everyday tasks.  It was explained the Strategy was not specific about what services should be provided and the importance of communicating with autistic people in the Carlisle district to ascertain what they needed in order that those services were invested in was highlighted.

Members were given an update on a recent Cumbria Learning and Autism Partnership Board where a successful new initiative had been discussed regarding a campaign group called ‘gig buddies‘.  It was explained this involved the recruitment of volunteers who were willing to stay with adults with autism and severe learning differences after an official carer left social events.

The importance of the work of the Champion for Autism was acknowledged following the thanks which Mrs Bowditch had received from an individual for her invaluable help and advice.

(c)       Armed Forces

Members received an update from Val Tarbitt, the Local Committee’s Armed Forces Champion.

The Committee was informed that a number of activities, including the Breakfast Club,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

The current Forward Plan of business for future meetings of the Local Committee was noted.

To note that the next meeting of Carlisle Local Committee will be held on Wednesday 5 January 2022 at 10.00 am in Conference Room A/B, Cumbria House, Botchergate, Carlisle.

RESOLVED,    that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Wednesday 5 January 2022 at 10.00 am in Conference Room A/B, Cumbria House, Botchergate, Carlisle.