Agenda and minutes

(1)       Mr A Auld, Chief Executive, Carlisle and Eden Citizens Advice Bureau attended the meeting for agenda item 6 – Update from Citizens Advice Bureau (minute 81 refers).

(2)       Mr S Robinson and Mr A Gallagher, Carlisle City Council officers, attended the meeting for agenda item 7 – Borderlands Place Plan – Longtown (minute 82 refers).

An apology for absence was received from Mr J Bell.

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 carry out a safety assessment on the Cavendish Terrace junction and consider any safety measures eg ‘no right turn’ sign or a speed warning indicator sign.

(2)       There are no public statements or petitions to be considered at this meeting.

(1)       Mr B Wernham raised his concerns regarding the speed of traffic on Stanwix Bank and drew attention to a recent road traffic accident which had taken place.  He asked the Local Committee to carry out a safety assessment on the Cavendish Terrace junction and consider any safety measures such as a ‘no right turn’ sign or speed warning indicator sign.  Members were informed that Carlisle Cricket Club had positioned a ‘no right turn’ sign on their land at the entrance to the venue.

            The local Member for Stanwix Urban acknowledged the difficulties regarding the junction and explained that the County Council had previously implemented a number of safety measures as well as the Carlisle Casualty Reduction and Safer Highways Group investigating the matter.  Members were informed a consultation had previously been undertaken which had resulted in representatives from Stanwix School raising concerns because of the potential increase in traffic on Church Street and the surrounding areas of the School.

            The local Member drew attention to the problems with regards to the positioning of signs on Cavendish Terrace due to it being a private unadopted road.

            With reference to the recent collision which had taken place the local Member advised that no action would be considered until further details of the incident were available.

            Mr Wernham asked a supplementary question as to how the matter would be handed over to the relevant Community Panel of the new Cumberland Authority and whether the Chair of the Local Committee would present a plan to the new Authority.

            The Chair thanked Mr Wernham for bringing his concerns regarding the safety of the Cavendish Terrace junction to the attention of the Carlisle Local Committee and gave the following response:-

            “As a responsible authority, the safety of our residents is of utmost importance to us, and we appreciate your efforts in ensuring the same.

            You have suggested a few safety measures, such as ‘no right turn’ sign and speed warning indicators.  While we appreciate your suggestions, as Cavendish Terrace is a private road right turn manoeuvres would mainly be used by residents who are already familiar with the road layout.  Hence, if they have concerns, they are likely to take an alternative route.

            We have only recorded one collision in the last five years involving a vehicle making a right turn manoeuvre out of Cavendish Terrace.  However, we have taken note of the recent collision that you have informed us about on Stanwix Bank and we will look into the details of the incident.

            In order to implement a ‘no right turn’ restriction on Cavendish Terrace we would require a Traffic Regulation Order and an agreement with the landowner and the residents.  Additionally, a suitable alternative route would be necessary from the junction.  The first diversion route traffic could take would be to proceed along Stanwix Bank then using Mulcaster Crescent, Knowe Terrace and Church Street to return southbound, which takes traffic past two entrances to Stanwix Primary School, thus increasing traffic for children walking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 4 January 2023 (copy enclosed).

(1)       With reference to minute 62(2) – Public Participation it was agreed that Mrs Tait be included in the attendance list.

(2)       With reference to minute 72(6) – Carlisle Highways and Transport Working Group – 20 mph Cumbria Association of Local Councils and Consultation the local Member for Corby and Hayton questioned the accuracy of the minute and raised his concerns regarding the lack of communication regarding this matter.

            The Chair confirmed the minute was an accurate record and it was agreed the Local Area Highways Network Manager would contact the Traffic Manager, the responsible Officer, to investigate the matter regarding a suggested pilot scheme to be undertaken in the Wetheral Parish Council and ask that an update be made available direct to the local Member.

RESOLVED,    that with the inclusion of the amendment at (1) above the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 4 January 2023 be confirmed as circulated and thereupon signed by the Chair.

To receive a presentation from Citizens Advice Bureau.

The Committee received a verbal update from Andy Auld, Chief Executive, Carlisle and Eden Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) which detailed the impact of the cost of living crisis. 

The Leader of the Council emphasised the seriousness of the cost of living crisis and explained the involvement of the Local Authority in a national response; highlighting that the County Council had identified £5m from resources to top up this funding. 

The support provided for a number of years from the Local Committee for the Money Advice Contract, delivered through an excellent service from the CAB, was emphasised and the two new authorities were urged to continue this throughout the county.

Members were informed that locally the CAB had provided support for a significant number of people aged 15-104 and recovered £7.5m income whilst highlighting that 52% of clients had long-term health conditions. 

The Committee was advised of the issues experienced by the public because of pre?payment meters noting that energy problems had increased significantly over the last year.

Members were informed of the increased local housing issues and were advised that the CAB was currently focussing on affordable accommodation and the lack of available suitable social housing.  It was hoped that data would be considered by the two new authorities in Cumbria.

The local Member for Dalston and Burgh asked for further information regarding the ‘no fault eviction notices’ which provided more protection for tenants and it was agreed this would be made available direct.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the CAB for their continued invaluable support.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)          the update be noted;

                          (2)          the two new authorities be urged to continue to support CABs throughout the county.

[Electoral Division: Longtown]

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

This report provides an overview of the Place Programme that forms part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which provided an overview of the Place Programme that formed part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, which was aimed at revitalising small market towns across the region through the delivery of key capital projects that would drive economic growth.  Members were advised that Longtown had been selected as the town in the Carlisle district to be included in the Place Programme.

A discussion took place regarding the education and training opportunities and members were informed the sustainability of Longtown depended upon it becoming a place of choice where people wanted to live, work and play across the life?course.  Officers explained that Adult and Community Education (ACE) played a vital role in supporting residents to learn skills to enter, return or progress in work; alongside the economic benefits it reduced loneliness and made people happier, healthier, more confident, capable and resilient.

Members were advised that apprenticeships were a model that could support young adults into training by getting them ready and prepared for the work environment.  It was explained that opportunities already existed in Longtown including the Auction Mart, Amazon and local agricultural businesses and future opportunities had been explored with Newton Rigg College and Riverside Housing.

The Committee noted that the Project was led by Carlisle City Council, working with Prosocial Place and the Community Development Team who had been supporting the community in Longtown to develop a Place Plan, which was required to access the funding.

RESOLVED,   that the contents of the report and the Longtown Place Plan (provided in Appendix A of the report) be endorsed.

[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 Committee received a revised Environment Fund Programme for 2022-23 and was advised that unfinished works would be carried forward into 2023-24.  Members were recommended to approve the revised Programme which involved the removal of the proposed path through Carlisle Cricket Club to be replaced with urgent improvements to the path around Carlisle Castle.

Members were advised that given land ownership and potential flooding issues, the original proposal to link Eden Bridge through Carlisle Cricket Club to the path at Etterby Terrace would not be deliverable within a reasonable timescale and would be added to a list of previously agreed works for delivery in the future.

RESOLVED,   that

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

                          (2)          the grants made from the Committee’s Area Wide Funding as listed below and summarised in Appendix 2 of the report be noted:-

                                        (i)        £350 to Heads Nook Village Hall o/b Pickleball club towards Pickleball Equipment;

                                        (ii)       £3,000 to Effective Communities towards Cranemakers Heritage Information Structures;

                                        (iii)      £1,449 to RAW Arts Carlisle towards exhibition set up and transport;

                                        (iv)      £1,764 to North Cumbria Rescue & Response Team towards various training courses;

                                        (v)       £3,160 to St Margaret Mary Parish Community Centre towards bifold tables;

                                        (vi)      £120 to Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help o/b Carlisle Catholic Archives community group towards history information boards;

                                        (vii)     £2,600 to Friends of Hammonds Pond towards information boards for the park;

                                        (viii)    £1,000 to Carlisle Matters - Harvest Events to run community events in four locations where organisations and residents come together;

                          (3)          the grants made from its 0-19 Funding as listed below and summarised in Appendix 3 of the report be noted:-

                                        (i)        £500 to Stanwix Rural Parish Council towards replacement of swings at Linstock Play Area – toddler, older children and one inclusive swing;

                                        (ii)       £567 to Meerkats Netball Club toward new Junior Playing Kit;

                                        (iii)      £1,000 to Friends of Newtown Primary School towards City Breaks for Year 6 pupils from three primary schools;

                                        (iv)      £885 to You Shall Go to the Ball To Support 50 young people for their School leavers event;

                          (4)          the revised programme for Environment Fund 2022/23 (as detailed in para 4.3 and 4.4 of the report) be agreed;

                          (5)          the recommendations for future Area Planning priorities based on the workshop and review of the Carlisle Area Plan 2019-22 (attached at appendices 5 and 6 of 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 overview of the work of the Carlisle Community Development Team and the Public Health Manager (Carlisle) from September 2022–February 2023.

Members considered a detailed and positive report by the Assistant Director – Customer and Community Services which provided an overview of the work of the Carlisle Community Development Team and the Public Health Manager (Carlisle) from September 2022–February 2023.

The Committee noted the overview of partnership work of the Team, case studies and the summary of community grant activity processed during the period.

The Chair of the Children and Young People’s Working Group expressed concerns regarding the future of the Group within the new Cumberland Council; highlighting gaps which may emerge for children and young people and looked after children during the transition.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Community Development Team for their exemplary and invaluable support to the Committee.  A number of members expressed their personal thanks to individual officers and wished them well for the future.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)          the report be noted;

                          (2)          the Committee’s thanks and appreciation conveyed to the Community Team for their invaluable support be noted.

To receive the notes of the Infrastructure Development Plan Working Group meeting held on 2 February 2023 (copy enclosed).

The local Member for Belle Vue referred to the strategic corridors for the Cycling and Walking Programme and suggested this should include crossing the Waverley Viaduct.  The Chair of the Local Committee confirmed he would raise this matter at a workshop scheduled for 9 March.

RESOLVED,   that the minutes of the meeting of the Infrastructure Delivery Planning Working Group held on 2 February 2023 be noted.

[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 detailed 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 £64, the 2022/23 Highways Devolved Capital budget was forecasting an overspend of £348 and the 2022/23 Highways Non?Devolved Capital budget was forecasting an overspend of £56,037.

The local Member for Botcherby asked for further information regarding the Virgin Media contribution and it was agreed the Local Area Highways Network Manager would provide this direct.

The local Member for Brampton raised a concern regarding the condition of the A6071.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed Connect Network was responsible for this carriageway and agreed to investigate the matter further with the local Member.

The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed all schemes would be completed by 31 March 2023 provided there was no inclement weather.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Local Area Highways Network Manager, her predecessor and all officers for the invaluable support which they had provided to members.

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 8 February 2023 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 8 February 2023 and presented recommendations to the Local Committee for approval.

(1)       Minutes

With reference to minute 33 – Flood and Development Management Update the local Member for Botcherby raised his concerns regarding the lack of communication from the Lead Officer – Flood and Development Management.  The Chair agreed to investigate this matter with the Manager of Flood and Development Management and report back direct.

RESOLVED,   that the minutes be noted.

(2)       2022/23 Flood and Development Management Update

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(3)       Live Labs – Cumbria’s Plastic Roads

The local Member for Corby and Hayton, whilst welcoming the innovative use of plastics, highlighted the widespread concerns regarding microplastics entering the ocean.  It was agreed that the Local Area Highways Network Manager would pass on the concerns to the relevant officer.

RESOLVED,   that the update be noted.

(4)       Pedestrian Crossing on Kingstown Road, Carlisle

RESOLVED,   that the update be noted.

(5)       2022/23 Highways Budget/Programme Progress Report

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (a)     the various Highways Revenue budget allocations and headings (detailed in Appendix 1 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (b)     the various Highways Capital budget allocations and headings (shown in Appendix 2 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (c)     the Highways Devolved Capital Programme information (set out in Appendix 3 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (d)     there are no comments in the appendices to bring to the attention of local members.

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 who informed members that being the Champion had been both interesting and rewarding and felt that help had been provided to a wide variety of children and adults with autism as well as their families.

Mrs Bowditch reflected on her experience which it was felt had been divided into two parts – pre?Covid and post?Covid.  Members were informed that pre?Covid time had been spent talking to groups, Library colleagues, Youth Zone, colleagues in The Lanes shopping centre etc which, it was felt, had been received with interest and enthusiasm.  The Committee noted a number of promises made which included a select autism only opening time at The Lanes, soft play and designated time at the Library and a commitment with the Youth Zone which unfortunately never came to fruition due to the pandemic.

The work undertaken within the Council to ensure that autistic people had support through a buddy system and the establishment of autism passports was also highlighted; the need to ensure the initiatives were constantly reviewed and renewed was emphasised whilst highlighting the reluctance of organisations to engage following Covid.

Members were informed that post Covid advice and support had been given to individuals ranging from 4 to 72 years regarding diagnosis issues, education and personal matters.

Mrs Bowditch emphasised that she felt the creation of the role of Autism Champion by the County Council was a fine example of the Council’s strong commitment to support people with autism within the district and felt this was exemplary.

In conclusion the Member Champion felt that the battle for understanding, acceptance and support for people with autism continued and said it had been an honour and a privilege to have played a small part in that battle.

(b)       Children in Care

Following a detailed update contained in agenda item 9 (Community Development Team Update - minute 84 refers) members received a short verbal update from the Member Champion for Children in Care. 

The Member Champion highlighted achievements and thanks were conveyed to members for their support in enabling this.  The importance of the Children and Young People’s Working Group was emphasised and concerns were re?iterated with regards to its future in the Cumberland Authority.

(c)       Armed Forces

The Committee received a verbal update from the Armed Forces Member Champion informing members that attendance at the veterans lunches continued and provided a valuable source of networking as well as the Healthlands Project to enhance the working area.

The Chair expressed his thanks and appreciation to the current member champions and the late Val Tarbitt for their invaluable work.

To note that this is the last meeting of the Local Committee in the life of Cumbria County Council.

Members noted that this was the last meeting of Carlisle Local Committee in the life of Cumbria County Council.

The Vice-Chair of the Local Committee and Leader of the Council, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Chair for the support and exemplary work undertaken during his term of office.

The Chair thanked all members and officers for their support and wished them well for the future.