To elect a Chair of the Local Committee for the ensuing year.

RESOLVED that C Weber be elected Chair of the Local Committee for the ensuing year.

Mr C Weber thereupon took the Chair.

To elect a Vice Chair of the Local Committee for the ensuing year.

RESOLVED  that Mr J Mallinson be elected Vice Chair of the Local Committee for the ensuing year.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To disclose any personal and prejudicial interests relating to any item on the agenda.

NB   The following is a summary of what constitutes a personal interest and a personal and prejudicial interest.  Please seek advice or refer to the Code of Conduct (paragraph 8) for full definitions.

Personal Interests

You have a personal interest if the issue being discussed in the meeting affects the well-being or finances of you, your family or your close associates more than most other people who live in the Electoral Division affected by the issue.

Personal interests are also things that relate to an interest you must register.

N.B. If the personal interest arises because of your membership of another public body, you only need to declare it if you intend to speak.

A personal interest should be declared as follows:

I have a personal interest in agenda item […] regarding the report on […] because I am […].

Personal and Prejudicial Interests

If you have a personal interest in a matter you will also have a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice your judgement of the public interest.  If you have a personal and prejudicial interest you must withdraw from the meeting room for that item, unless you are there to make representations and the public have the same opportunity to do so

NB You only have a prejudicial interest if the matter

• affects your financial position or that of your family, close associate, employer etc or it
• relates to a regulatory matter

A personal and prejudicial interest should be declared as follows:

I have a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item […] regarding the report on […] because I am […].

Advice on this can be sought from staff in Legal and Democratic Services.  Members are requested to seek advice, wherever possible, before the meeting starts.

Mr H Bradley declared a personal interest in respect of agenda item 9 – Area 0-19 Youth Services Grant Applications - in respect of the application for a grant to the Children’s University (minute 9 refers). 

She also declared a personal interest in respect of agenda item 15 – Forum Grants over 25% - as a member of the Currock House Management Committee (minute 15 refers).  

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

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1972 the Chair had agreed that  consideration be given to an additional report on Lonsdale Street – Carlisle Variation Order No 40 as a matter of urgency given the timescale for a response back to solicitors to avoid possible legal proceedings.

RESOLVED              that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following agenda items:-

Agenda item 22 – Modernisation of the Library Services in Carlisle – Next Steps on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined under Part 1 of Paragraph 4 of the Act - information relating to any consultations or negotiations or contemplated consultations or negotiations in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or minister of the crown and employees of or office holders under the authority

Agenda item 23 – Approval to Undertake Capital Funded Work on Behalf of Cumbria County Council - on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined under Part 1 of Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial affairs of any particular individual

Additional item – Lonsdale Street – Carlisle Variation Order No 40 - on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined under Part 1 of Paragraph 5 of the Act – information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

(1)       There are no public questions or petitions relating to any item on the agenda.

(2)       To receive a petition asking for the bus shelter back at Beverley Rise, Carlisle.

(1)       There were no public questions or deputations to be considered at the meeting.

(2)       The local member for Botcherby presented a petition on behalf of local residents seeking the bus shelter at Beverley Rise to be replaced.  

He also read out a statement from Mr D Simpson who had drawn up the petition and who wanted the bus shelter back for the whole community; for children going to school; and for pensioners going for their pensions etc.,  He made the point that at the moment the bus stop was being used as a car park yet in the highway code 243 it stated “do not stop or park at or near a bus stop”.  

Children from secondary schools were having to go into town and if they got wet while waiting for a bus in the morning were having to sit in cold wet clothes which would surely cause health problems later in life.  Mr Simpson believed that the bus shelter had been there for over forty years and contended that the householders who were complaining about it had known about it when they had purchased their property.   

In addition to his statement the local member for Botcherby also referred to a letter from Mr Simpsons doctor supporting him in lobbying for the return of the bus shelter. 

Having listened to the local member the Chair thanked him for drawing the Local Committee’s attention to the views of local residents on this issue and responded as follows:-

“You may be aware that this matter has been brought to the attention of the Local Committee on two occasions in the past when members have upheld the decision not to replace the shelter.  However I will ask the Highways and Transport Working Group to take a further look at the issue and report back to the Local  Committee in due course.”  

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 22 March 2012 (copy enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 22 March 2012 were confirmed, as circulated, and thereupon signed by the Chair.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report updates members on the current youth services being delivered across Carlisle and District.

Consideration was given to a report by the Corporate Director – Children’s Services updating members on the current youth services being delivered across the Carlisle area.

The Committee was advised that the County Council had recently re-commissioned a range of Youth Services through open tender and procurement arrangements. The services had been designed to ensure that the needs of vulnerable young people were met through the early identification of need. This work would be delivered in conjunction with open access services.

Consultation and stakeholder engagement would be ongoing to ensure that  the service met the needs of young people and their communities.  New arrangements for reporting and contract management would also be in place for the commencement of the new contracts.  Appended to the report was a schedule summarising the commissioned youth services in the Carlisle and District for 2012-13.

In discussing the report members commented that they had hoped to be provided with information which would have helped them to understand the commissioned youth services to be delivered in the area and the costs involved.  It was agreed that this information would be shared with the  Working Group established at the last meeting of the Local Committee which would allow it to develop a clear strategy on the best use of the 0-19 Services budget across the Carlisle area  (minute 129(3)(d) refers).    

RESOLVED  that

(a)               the report be noted;

(b)               the Working Group established at the last meeting of the Local Committee, to comprise the Chair, Vice Chair and Mr T Allison, take on board the comments expressed at the meeting.  

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report outlines requests received for grant funding.

A report by the Chief Executive asked the Local Committee to consider grant applications to the Area 0 – 19 Youth Grants Budget. 

In considering the report members asked that in future their views be sought as soon as the applications had been received.

RESOLVED           that

(a)       £3,720 be awarded to Friends of Rockcliffe from the 0 – 19 Youth Grants budget to enable the delivery of a sports coaching, health and well being activity programme in partnership with Carlisle Sport and Physical Activity Alliance;

(b)       the grant applications from the Cumwhitton Parish Community Partnership to provide new play equipment at the village playground, and from the  Children’s University towards the cost of coordinating and resourcing a project to raise the aspirations of young people from Carlisle who may not have thought about accessing further or higher education, be deferred pending a report back to the Local Committee providing additional information.

To receive a presentation by the Corporate Director – Organisational Development updating the Local Committee on the provision of Broadband.

The Local Committee received a presentation from the Corporate Director – Organisational Development on progress with the Connecting Cumbria project which aimed to deliver improved access to superfast broadband.

The Corporate Director advised of the Objectives for Cumbria namely:-

-          Social and Digital Inclusion for all communities

-          Economic and Business Growth and Inward Investment

-          Public Sector Efficiency and Transformation

-          Leading the Way for the UK

The first three objectives had been set nationally with the 4^th objective decided upon from a Cumbria perspective.  The Strategy to deliver a superfast broadband service across the whole of Cumbria through stimulating inward investment was being developed with a range of stakeholders.  The priority was to stimulate Private Sector Investment, and to use Government funding to support those areas which the market was unable to reach itself.   The Corporate Director advised that currently there were two companies bidding for the contract to deliver superfast broadband in Cumbria and that discussions were progressing well.

Within a national context Cumbria was one of 4 national pilots for rural broadband and would be the first to conclude the procurement process. In 2010 the only planned commercial activity was in Carlisle and Ulverston, however since then plans had been amended and additional announcements  made for several urban areas in Cumbria including Kendal, Penrith, Wigton, Carlisle and Barrow. 

The Corporate Director advised that, whilst the project had been successful in terms of attaining more funding and investment, overall levels of funding would not provide full coverage at superfast broadband speeds throughout the county.

During discussion Members asked a number of detailed questions. The Corporate Director advised that a report was being prepared for the June Cabinet meeting to award the contract for the roll-out of superfast broadband for rural Cumbria.  A more detailed roll-out plan would be developed and consulted on following this through the Summer, working closely with local members and the Member Working Group.  In terms of urban areas, the Corporate Director advised that, based on currently known plans, there were significant parts of Carlisle which would not be covered by superfast broadband.  It was therefore intended to engage with members and communities on the provision of the service from both a domestic and business point of view, working with partners, seeking to secure more private sector investment into the area.

The Chair on behalf of the Local Committee thanked the Corporate Director for his most interesting and informative presentation.   

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budgets as at 31 March 2012  31 March 2012

The Local Committee had before it a report by the Corporate Director – Resources presenting the provisional actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budget as at 31^st March 2012.

RESOLVEDthat the following be noted:-

(a)   the budget allocations for 2011-12 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date;

(b)   the final unspent balances of £433,906, of which £115,386 are  unallocated in the Communities Revenue budgets, as at 31 March 2012;

(c)   the final unspent balances of £19,683 which has all been allocated in the Local Member Capital Schemes budgets as at 31 March 2012.

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

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 31 March 2012.

Consideration was given to a report by the Corporate Director – Resources presenting the provisional actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 31^st March 2012.

During discussion reference was made to the 2011-12 Highways Capital budget and the projected underspend at the end of the financial year.  It was explained that the underspend could partly be accounted for by works which had not been undertaken by Amey in the last few weeks of its contract with the County Council.  A member made the point that the carry forward of Local Committee balances from 2011-12 into 2012-13 would be decided upon by Council at its meeting in June and that it was important for programmes of work the Local Committee had agreed upon but that had not yet been carried out to be shown as a commitment against the 2011-12 Highways Capital budget. 

During the course of discussion the Area Support Manager agreed to provide the local member for Botcherby with a detailed breakdown of expenditure in respect of the schemes at Geltsdale Avenue and Talkin Close. 

RESOLVED  that

(a)       the following be noted:-

(i)         the budget allocations for 2011-12 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date;

(ii)        the Highways Revenue budget is currently projecting an overspend of £15,216 against budget;

(iii)       the Winter Damage Budget is currently projecting an overspend position at the end of the financial year of £16,000.

(b)                           the Highways Capital budget projected underspend of £335,474 against budget be noted and broken down to show the committed expenditure and unallocated balances.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report gives details of the meeting of the Highways and Transportation Working Group held on 27 February 2012 and presents Working Group recommendations to the Local Committee for approval.

A report by the Corporate Director – Organisational Development presented the minutes of a meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 27 February 2012.

(a)       Minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 27 February 2012 be received. 

(b)       Kingstown Broadway (North) – Highways Improvements for Adoption (Appendix 1)

            A report by Carlisle City Council provided details of improvement work to be carried out on Kingstown Broadway (North) to bring it up to adoption standard.  

RESOLVED that the contents of the report by Carlisle City Council be noted.

(c)        Hethersgill Crossroads Safety Concerns (appendix 2)

A report by the Assistant Director – Highways and Transportation advised on the outcome of an investigation into safety concerns at Hethersgill Crossroads following a referral in September 2011 from the Stanwix Rural Neighbourhood Forum.

RESOLVED  that the give way and junction signage at Hethersgill crossroads be improved.

(d)       Proposal to ‘Stop Up’ Footpath – Belah (appendix 3)

            A briefing note by the Assistant Director – Highways and Transportation advised of the outcome of discussions between Riverside and the affected residents with regard to the proposals to Stop Up the footways between 53/53a/53b Parkside and 16 Belah Road.

            RESOLVED that the content of the Briefing paper be noted.

(e)       20mph Speed Limits and Government Limits and Government Relaxations (appendix 4)

A report by the Assistant Director – Highways and Transportation  provided information on 20mph speed limits, having regard to amendments to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 – Sections 64 and 65 entitled: ‘Special Directions’ and ‘Authorisation of Traffic Signs and Special Directions’ both issued by the Department for Transport in October 2011. 

The purpose of the report was to advise Members of the changes that had resulted from the above mentioned documents and implications that might arise for the Local Committee as a result of the changes.

RESOLVED that the amendments and relaxations for 20mph speed limits and zones; the authorised advisory 20mph limit sign for use outside schools; and the cost of technical considerations, as set out in the report by the Assistant Director – Highways and Transportation,  be noted.

(e)       Introduction to Carlisle Parking Strategy (appendix 5)

            A report by the Assistant Director – Highways and Transport advised of the current position regarding Traffic Regulation Orders in Carlisle. The  report drew attention to the need to develop a parking strategy for Carlisle which would aid the County Council in achieving their aims set out in LTP3.  It was proposed that a small task and finish group be set up to develop criteria by which to assess and determine future parking provision in the Carlisle area.

RESOLVED  that the introduction of a Task Group comprising Mr L Fisher, Mr. H. McDevitt and the City Council’s representative on the Highways and Transport Working Group, to develop criteria by which to assess and determine future parking provision in the Carlisle area, also incorporating resident parking permits, be approved.

(f)        Working Group Briefing April  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

[Electoral Divisions: Dalston and Cummersdale; Longtown and Bewcastle]

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

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

Consideration was given to a report by the Chief Executive seeking to commit elements of the Local Member Schemes (LMS) budgets including members  proposals that had been sufficiently investigated and developed to enable the Local Committee to consider spending decisions.

RESOLVED  that the following be approved:-

(a)   a revenue grant of £500 from the Longtown & Bewcastle Division LMS budget to contribute towards the cost of erecting a roadside shelter at Grinsdale Bridge, Beaumont Parish;

(b)   a revenue grant of £529 from the Dalston & Cummersdale Division LMS budget to contribute towards the cost of installing a highways sign to deter overnight parking by HGV’s at Barras Lane, Dalston.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report outlines a request for grant funding from the Carlisle Border Reivers American Football Club.

A report by the Chief Executive outlined a request for grant funding from the Carlisle Border Reivers American Football Club which would enable the club to have appropriate match day equipment in line with the standards for the national league.

RESOLVED              that £635 be awarded to the Carlisle Border Reivers American Football Club from the Area Grants budget towards the cost of professional equipment for match day and training.

[Electoral Divisions: Currock; St Aidans; Stanwix Urban and Yewdale]

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

This report ask the Local Committee to confirm recommendations for funding from Neighbourhood Forums where the recommendation is over 25% of the Forum budget.

Consideration was given to a report by the Chief Executive detailing recommendations for funding from Neighbourhood Forums where the recommendations were over 25% of the Forum budget.

RESOLVED  that the following grant recommendations be approved:-

(a)       Currock Forum – £2,466 to Currock House Community Centre for improvements to the facilities;

(b)       Currock Forum – £3,800 to the Friends of Bishop Harvey Goodwin School towards the sports, positive activities and self esteem raising project;

(c)        Currock Forum – £1,621 to the Cumbria Aiwaki community club development;

(d)       St. Aidans Forum - £3,600 to Greystone Community Centre towards the delivery of the summer playscheme;

(e)       St. Aidans Forum - £3,020 to Greystone Community Centre towards developing a baby sensory course for mums in isolation, teenage parents and loan parents;

(f)         Stanwix Urban Forum - £3,606.42 to the Stanwix Parochial Church Council towards the development of the Stanwix Youth Club;

(g)       Yewdale Forum - £3,000 to Yewdale School PTA to support a range of sports coaching delivery and peer group development;

(h)        Yewdale Forum - £7,852 to Yewdale Community Association towards the cost of improvements to the community centre facilities.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

A schedule of recommendations for local authority governor appointments to schools in Carlisle.   

The Local Committee considered a schedule of recommendations for the appointment of County Council representatives on the governing bodies of county nursery primary and secondary schools.

School                                                           Nomination

Kingmoor Infant                                             Mr C McClellan

                                                                        Fir Tree Dental Practice

                                                                        36 – 38 Currock Road

                                                                        Carlisle

                                                                        CA2 4BB

Newlaithes Infant                                           Ms E Stevenson

56 St James Road Carlisle

Cumbria

CA2 5PD

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Adult and Local Services (copy enclosed).

This report provides an overview of the services delivered in the Carlisle area

 that will be used to develop the key priorities in the Carlisle Area Plan.

A  report by the Corporate Director – Adult and Local Services provided an overview of the services delivered by Adult Social Care in the Carlisle area that would be used to develop the key priorities in the Carlisle Area Plan.

In discussion members acknowledged the hugely important work the service provided and commented that the Area Plan needed to highlight its achievements and make the public aware of  its successes. 

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report seeks to update members on the LTP3 and the next steps in its development and promotion during 2012.

Consideration was given to a report by the Corporate Director – Organisational Development informing of progress with the third Cumbria Local Transport Plan (LTP3) and the next steps in its development and promotion during 2012. A proposed flowchart for LTP3 activities in 2012 was set out in Appendix 1.

In conjunction with this report the Local Committee  considered a further report by the Corporate Director – Organisational Development providing details of the proposed process for the development of the Transport Capital Programme (TCP) in 2013/14 and beyond. The aim was for Members to be fully involved in its development and to provide guidance on how the lists of programmes should be prioritised. A timeline for Member engagement in the process was set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

In considering the reports a member commented that the Local Committee had agreed a prioritised list of transport improvement schemes in September 2011 and that funding was needed to deliver these schemes before new priorities were agreed.  He expressed the view that the process for prioritising transport improvement schemes outlined in the reports would not deliver the Local Committee’s aspirations and should not be supported. 

RESOLVED  that the process for prioritising transport improvement schemes be not supported.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report provide details of the proposed process for the development of the 2013-14 Transport Capital Programme and beyond.

Consideration had been given to this report by the Corporate Director – Organisational Development in conjunction with the report on the LTP3 Update (minute 18 refers).

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To receive the minutes of a joint meeting between the Local Committee and the Carlisle Parish Council Association (copy enclosed). 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the joint meeting between Carlisle Local Committee and the Carlisle Parish Council Association held on 20 March 2012 be received.

To note/discuss the Forward Plan of items for meetings of the Local Committee (copy enclosed).

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

A report by the Assistant Director – Highways and Transportation advised of  ongoing dialogue in relation to an area of highway on Lonsdale Street Carlisle and sought the Local Committee’s views on how to proceed.

RESOLVED that

(a)       the introduction of that part of The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Carlisle Urban and Rural Area) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2001) Variation Order (No. 40) 20><,relating to Lonsdale Street, Carlisle be temporarily suspended as an interim measure to enable further investigations to be made to facilitate a  decision at a future meeting of the Local Committee.

(b)       the signs be bagged as requested in the letter of Bell Park Kerridge dated 4 May 2012, namely:

(i)         place bags over the signs which state that parking is prohibited, or reinstate the signs confirming disc parking is permitted;

(ii)        remove the road markings stating that parking is prohibited;

(iii)       confirm that no action will be taken by traffic wardens in respect of members of the public parking in this area and place suitable signs to that effect.