Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Mr J Bell, Mr G Ellis, Dr K Lockney and Mr SF Young.

There were no disclosures of interest on this occasion.

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

(1)       Mr B Wernham will ask the Local Committee to consider the installation of a set of traffic lights at the bottom of Well Lane, Stanwix, Carlisle.

(2)       A petition regarding Traffic on the B6264 will be presented to the Committee.

(3)       There are no statements to be considered at the meeting.

(1)       Mr B Wernham asked the Local Committee to consider the installation of a set of traffic lights at the bottom of Well Lane, Stanwix, Carlisle.

            The local Member for Stanwix Urban explained that various options with regards to safety in the area had previously been investigated and confirmed that highway officers would look at the matter again in light of the fatal accident which had recently taken place.

            The Chair gave the following response:-

            ‘Thank you for bringing this matter to the attention of Carlisle Local Committee.

            Due to the layout and historical nature of this section of Brampton Road it will be referred to officers for an assessment of the junction and consideration of the options available which will need to be considered with regards to local priorities and future funding.

            We do not currently have any background information regarding the recent collision in the vicinity of Well Lane nor causation factors, therefore, we are not able to comment on whether there were any highway factors at this time.’

(2)       Mr R Watson presented a petition of 500+ signatories on behalf of Mrs M Hunt regarding Traffic on the B6264.

            Members were informed that the speed of traffic on the busy, noisy, fast and dangerous road caused tremendous noise, dangerous overtaking, danger to pedestrians and damage to parked cars.

            The Committee was informed that the petitioners felt that following the information gathered there was significant evidence for four dual direction average speed cameras/monitors to be installed and for a weight restriction of 30 tonnage on heavy vehicles to be implemented along the B6264.  There was no intention to try to stop all vehicles using Brampton Road but a request to consider a more balanced use of the road compared to the A7 and the A689; there was an understanding that some vehicles needed access to the town via the B6264 but it was felt that most of the heavy vehicles should be using the intended purpose-built by-pass.

            The Committee noted there had been residents’ petitions in the past to reduce the speed and weight of traffic on the B6264 but nothing had transpired and it was felt that the traffic situation was getting worse. 

            The local Member for Stanwix Urban thanked the petitioners for their detailed information and confirmed that appropriate officers would investigate the matter.

            The Chair gave the following response:-

            ‘Thank you for bringing this to the attention of Carlisle Local Committee.

            This matter will be referred to officers to investigate in conjunction with the police and other interested parties through the CRASH (Casualty Reduction and Safer Highways) Group meetings.  Any resulting options will need to be considered with regards to local priorities and future funding.’

(3)       There are no statements on this occasion.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 7 November 2022 (copy enclosed).

(1)       With reference to minute 49 – Update from Cumbria Constabulary it was highlighted that no responses had been received from Chief Superintendent Hogan.  Members were informed this had been chased up with Cumbria Constabulary and a reply was awaited.

(2)       With reference to minute 52 – 2022/23 Highways Budget/Programme Progress Report the local Member for Dalston and Burgh raised his concerns about the lack of communication regarding the road surface on Cummersdale Road and Gilbert Road, Cummersdale.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed that an officer would contact the local Member direct today.

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 7 November 2022 be confirmed as circulated and thereupon signed by the Chair.

To receive a presentation from the Executive Director – People.

Members received a presentation which set out the responsibilities of the Children and Young People’s Service and noted the open cases and trends in the Carlisle area.

Members raised their concerns at the high figures and asked how this information compared to the national average.  The Senior Manager highlighted that the figures also covered the Eden area and explained some of these were above statistical neighbours due to a number of reasons including an escalation in complex cases over the last few years.

A discussion took place regarding the ‘Other’ open cases in Carlisle and members asked what the timescales were to assess children and whether this included reviews.  Members were informed ‘Other’ was a broad category, which included children with disabilities, and that assessments had various timescales from up to 10 days to 45 days depending on the situation.  It was explained that support was put in place whilst longer assessments took place.

A discussion took place regarding homeless people aged 16-17.  Members were informed that the Authority had a duty of care to provide support, care and accommodation for those young people which was ultimately up to the individual to accept.

The Committee discussed private fostering agencies and asked whether they were scrutinised.  It was explained the Authority had in?house as well as independent foster carers due to the demand for placements.  Members were informed all independent associations were registered with Ofsted and were scrutinised by them.

The Chair of the Children and Young People’s Working Group highlighted the importance of the work they undertook.  Officers were thanked for their support and a question was asked as to whether there were plans for this to continue in the new Cumberland Authority.  The Senior Manager acknowledged the importance of the Group and highlighted the need to ensure there was a continued focus on local communities. 

The Chair thanked the Officer for an informative presentation.

RESOLVED,   that the update be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: Stanwix Urban]

To consider a report by the Interim Monitoring Officer (copy enclosed).

This report requests members to consider their response to this consultation.

(Mr J Mallinson, Leader of Carlisle City Council, took no part in the debate).

The Committee considered a report from the Interim Monitoring Officer which explained that Carlisle City Council had received a petition requesting a Community Governance Review for the Stanwix area of Carlisle.  Members noted that as part of that review the council undertaking the review must consult with any other person or body (including a local authority) which appeared to the Council to have an interest in the review. 

Members were informed that Carlisle City Council had recently written to Cumbria County Council asking for their views on the review and the Committee was asked to consider their response to the consultation.

The Committee held a detailed discussion regarding this matter and the majority of members felt that this issue needed to be considered as part of a wider review of unparished areas in the Carlisle area.  Members highlighted other issues such as whether Carlisle should have a  City Council, similar to the Town Councils for Workington and Whitehaven, which needed to be addressed at the same time as any decision was taken in relation to Stanwix whilst acknowledging this would be a matter for the new Cumberland Council.

During the course of discussion it was suggested that the introduction of parishes in areas which were currently unparished should be considered in the future.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)          members consider the proposals set out in the Community Governance Review and respond to the request from Carlisle City Council for Cumbria County Council’s views on the review;

                          (2)          the responsibility for drafting a response to Carlisle City Council setting out the Council’s response be delegated to the Interim Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Leader of the County Council and Chair of the Local Committee.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report provides an update on Carlisle becoming an age friendly community.

(Becky Graham, Carlisle and Eden Age UK attended for this item of business).

Members considered a report from the Assistant Director – Customer and Community Services which provided a detailed overview of the research carried out as part of the baseline for Carlisle to become an Age Friendly Community.

The Committee noted that 43.9% of the population in Carlisle were over 50 which was higher than the England average. 

A discussion took place regarding issues experienced due to the gaps in public transport provision and the effects this had on the health and wellbeing of individuals.  Members raised concerns regarding the national 9.30 am restriction for free bus travel and whilst acknowledging any changes to the scheme would be at a cost to local authorities suggested that the new Cumberland Authority consider this option.

The Committee noted that to help people remain healthy, active and independent the quality of local housing had to be improved with future proofing new housing to make it accessible and adaptable.  During the course of discussion members raised their concerns regarding access to the local housing association; highlighting the difficulties encountered by tenants trying to access the Contact Centre and felt this matter should be investigated. 

The Committee welcomed the report and whilst it was felt Carlisle Local Committee could look at some of the issues emphasised the need for this to be embedded as part of the new Cumberland Council.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked officers for an excellent report.

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To consider a report by the Assistant Director – 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 Assistant Director – 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.

The Area Manager advised members that an Area Planning Session would take place in February to review the Carlisle Area Plan which had expired at the end of 2022.  Members noted that ‘Becoming an Age Friendly Community’ would form part of the Plan.

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 grants made from the Area Wide Grants Fund (as listed below and summarised in Appendix 2 of the report) be noted:-

                                        (i)        £5,000 to Ican Health & Well Being, towards a One Stop Well Being Centre;

                                        (ii)       £2497.50 to Where Poppies Grow to purchase a portacabin;

                                        (iii)      £2,794 to Harraby Community Centre towards the 60^th Anniversary commemorations;

                                        (iv)      £934 to Parish of Our Lady Perpetual Help towards a replacement water heater for Waterton Hall;

                                        (v)       £1,500 to Well Suited CIC – interview clothing project;

                                        (vi)      £2,500 to Mealbank 108 – Supporting the community with hot meals and warm spots;

                                        (vii)     £3,752 to The Laurie Brewis Trust (Heathlands Project) Better Together;

                                        (viii)    £1,800 to Upperby Community Parish Hall towards a new kitchen in the hall;

                                        (ix)      £1,000 to Carlisle Community Choir towards a choir showcase in Liverpool in March 2023;

                          (3)          a grant of £5,680 to Carlatton & Cumrew Parish Council towards installation of new water supply (as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report) be approved;

                          (4)          the grants made from the Local Committee’s 0-19 Funding (as listed below and summarised in Appendix 4 of the report) be noted:-

                                        (i)        £2,497 to Where Poppies Grow to purchase a porta cabin;

                                        (ii)       £439 to Morton Holiday Scheme towards the February Half-term play scheme;

                                        (iii)      £1,000 to 1^st Longtown Rainbows to support with ongoing costs including room hire;

                                        (iv)      £1,000 to Burgh by Sands Parish Council towards purchasing and installing play equipment to Moorhouse Park;

                                        (v)       £1,000 to Watchtree Nature Reserve towards transport hire for schools to visit the reserve;

                                        (vi)      £1,000 to Parish of Our Lady Perpetual Help towards replacement water heater for Waterton Hall;

                                        (vii)     £500 to North Bank FC towards kit and training costs for U16 and U14 Girls;

                                        (viii)    £564 to Gillford Pathways Charity to develop an unused outdoor space and additional equipment for the successful sensory room;

                                        (ix)      £1,500 to Carlisle Trampoline Club to purchase new foldable end decks and matting for their trampolines;

                                        (x)       £1,000 to Harraby Community Centre towards 60^th Birthday Commemorations for the Centre;

                          (5)          a grant of £7360 be approved to Pause Cumbria which is an intensive programme with a therapeutic, practical, behavioural support using an integrated model (as detailed in Appendix 5 of the report);

                          (6)          the revised programme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

To receive the notes of the Infrastructure Development Plan Working Group meeting held on 6 December 2022 (copy enclosed).

The local Member for Corby and Hayton suggested that the Working Group considered de?trunking of the A69 and trunking of the A689 as well as the proposed cycling 'superhighway' between Newcastle and Carlisle.

It was agreed that the de?trunking and trunking item would be added to a future agenda for the Working Group and the Area Manager would investigate the proposed cycling ‘superhighway’ and report back.

RESOLVED,   that the minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2022 be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: Brampton]

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

This report provides an update on the scheme to implement average speed cameras on the A689 between Linstock roundabout and Brampton roundabout to be funded through the Road Safety; Engineering Safety capital budget allocation.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which provided an update on the scheme to implement average speed cameras on the A689 between Linstock roundabout and Brampton roundabout to be funded through the Road Safety; Engineering Safety Capital budget allocation.

During the course of discussion officers confirmed the scheme would not require a Traffic Regulation Order.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)          the report be noted;

                          (2)          any comments or questions be referred to the Traffic Management Team.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report seeks approval from Carlisle Local Committee to consolidate the Traffic Regulation Orders.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which sought approval to consolidate the Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) (as set out in Appendix 1 of the report).

The Traffic Management Team Leader confirmed the TRO only included existing orders which had been sealed by Cumbria County Council.

RESOLVED,   that The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Carlisle Urban and Rural Area) (Consolidation of Traffic Regulations) Order 2023 (“the Consolidation Order”), be brought into operation, the effect of which will be to consolidate the restrictions and provisions of the Orders as listed in Appendix 1 of the report, without any change of substance.

[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 considered a report by 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 were informed that the 2022/23 Highways Revenue budget was forecasting an overspend of £10,703, the 2022/23 Highways Devolved Capital budget was forecasting an overspend of £122,382 and the 2022/23 Highways Non-Devolved Capital budget was forecasting on budget.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton asked if Cairn Bridge would be included in the 2023/24 Programme.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager explained that it was proposed to include this scheme but this could not be confirmed until the budget allocation for the new Cumberland Council was known.

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

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

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

                          (3)          the Highways Programme progress information (as set out in Appendix 3 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 December 2022 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 (HTWG) held on 7 December 2022 and presented recommendations to the Local Committee for approval.

(1)       Minutes

RESOLVED,   that the minutes be noted.

(2)       2022/23 Flood and Development Management Update

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(3)       Devonshire Street Public Realm Enhancement

RESOLVED,   that the update be noted.

(4)       Reimagining Carlisle Market Square and Greenmarket

RESOLVED,   that the update be noted.

(5)       The Council of the City of Carlisle (Off-Street Parking Places)(Consolidation and Minor Amendment Variation Pay by Telephone) Order 2012 (Variation No.5: Sands Centre Redevelopment) Order 20><

RESOLVED,   that Local Committee consents to Carlisle City Council introducing The Council of the City of Carlisle (Off Street Parking Places) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment Variation – Pay by Telephone) Order 2012 (Variation No. 5: Sands Centre Redevelopment) Order 2022, (“the Order”) (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report).

(6)       20 MPH Cumbria Association of Local Councils Consultation 

The local Member for Corby and Hayton expressed his disappointment at the lack of responses to the consultation and suggested that a pilot be undertaken in the Wetheral Parish Council area who had responded positively.

It was agreed that the Local Area Highways Manager would discuss this matter with the Traffic Manager who was the responsible Officer.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (a)          the responses which have been received on the 20mph Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC) consultation for information and consideration for the implementation of 20mph speed limits in the future be noted;

                          (b)          the consultation is noted for consideration of future policy and steps for the new Authority to take up after the onset of Local Government Reform (LGR) from 1 April 2023;

                          (c)          further investigations be undertaken with parish councils who had expressed the wish not to introduce 20 mph speed limits.

(7)       Kingstown Road, Carlisle – Pedestrian Crossing Assessment

RESOLVED,   that

                          (a)          the report be noted;

                          (b)          further work is undertaken to investigate the feasibility and cost of providing a signalised pedestrian crossing on Kingstown Road, in order that the new Cumberland Authority can take up after the onset of Local Government Reform (LGR) from 1 April 2023;

                          (c)          if possible, a further report be considered at the next meeting of the Working Group.

(8)       The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Carlisle City & District) (Consolidation and Provision of Speed Limits) (No. 9) Order 20><

RESOLVED,   that having considered the representation received during the statutory advertisement and consultation, and having also taken into consideration the matters contained in section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (more specifically referred to in paragraph 7.2 of the report), Carlisle Local Committee agree that the objection is overruled and The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Carlisle City & District) (Consolidation and Provision of Speed Limits) (No. 9) Order 20>< (“the Order”), is brought into operation as advertised.

(9)       Consolidation of Existing Traffic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

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

(a)       Autism

(b)       Children in Care

(c)        Armed Forces.

(1)       Autism

The Committee received a verbal update from the Member Champion for Autism.

Members were informed that further to the last report regarding concerns about additional support for autistic children and adults in hospital Carlisle Healthcare and Carlisle Mencap were working in partnership to provide a free personalised programme to support people with autism and severe learning disabilities.

The Committee was informed that people with autism and severe learning disabilities had a shorter life expectancy and evidence showed that taking simple steps to improve fitness, diet and mental health could help to make a better and quicker recovery following surgery and reduce the risk of cancelled operations.

Members were informed of a case study which highlighted a common theme of how much pleasure people with autism and severe learning disabilities gave to people around them.

The Committee was informed of a theatre group who were performing a play in the Theatre Royal, Newcastle in February this year which consisted of adults with autism and other learning difficulties.  It was felt this was a significant step forward for people with autism and severe learning difficulties and an indication of a growing acceptance of people who were in some ways different.

(b)       Children in Care

Members received a verbal update from the Member Champion for Children in Care.

The Committee was advised that work was being undertaken to revise the Children’s Promise.  The importance of the work undertaken by the Children and Young People’s Working Group was emphasised and the need to ensure this continued in the new Cumberland Council was highlighted.

(c)       Armed Forces

Members were informed the Mayor and Leader of Carlisle City Council together with the Armed Forces Champion had attended a veterans’ Christmas lunch which had proved to be a good source of networking.

The Armed Forces Champion had taken part in a forces link with colleagues in the Eden area to look at mental health issues for veterans and their families.

The Committee was advised there had been no indication as to whether Cumberland Council would take on the Armed Forces Covenant and felt it was important that this was taken forward and was highlighted by a recent Award.

Members were informed that joint work was being undertaken with the Healthlands project to enhance the working area.

The Chair thanked the Member Champions for their updates.

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 Friday 3 March 2023 at 10.00 am in Conference Room A/B, Cumbria House, Botchergate, Carlisle.

RESOLVED,    that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 3 March 2023 at 10.00 am in Conference Room A/B, Cumbria House, Botchergate, Carlisle.