Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Mr N Hughes.

The Chair of the Committee welcomed Virginia Taylor, the Leader at Eden District Council to the meeting. Ms Taylor’s invitation to Local Committee meetings was on the understanding that the Chair was invited to similar meetings at Eden District Council in order to promote a reciprocal flow of information. These arrangements were in the process of being made.

There were no disclosures of interest made at the meeting.

RESOLVED        that, the press and public not be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any items of business on the Agenda.

There were no questions, petitions or statements at the time of despatch

There were no items of Public Participation for this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 18 November 2019.

Corrections:

Page 14, Minute 49 Presentation, Lynsey Eland – Share a Smile. Add the Share a Smile project to the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership Agenda. This would be added to and removed from the Action Log at this meeting.

Page 15, penultimate paragraph, second last sentence. Remove the last sentence after the word ‘that’ onwards and replace with ‘ Highways officers, in their day to day role, keep the matter under constant review’.

RESOLVED that, the minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2019 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[Electoral Divisions: All]

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

The Area Manager’s report brings together information from across the Community teams including Community Development and Services, Public Health and Waste Prevention. This report provides Local Committee with an update on the work of each area, identified activity against priorities, highlights current issues and provides an overview of the budget position.

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which brought together information from across the community teams including community development and services as well as public health. The report provided an update on the work of each area, identified activity against priorities, highlights current issues and provides an overview of the budget position.

The Area Manager informed members about the Penrith Parking and Movement Study workshop, the event to be held in March 2020 aimed at generating ideas to help reduce loneliness and social isolation in Penrith, the Borderlands Place Programme and provided an update on 11-19 Universal Funding and the 0-19 Strategic Funding proposal for Phunky Foods.

Members were provided with a correction to the resource and value for money implications in the report. Following its November meeting the Local Committee had unallocated resources of £13,110 in its 0-19 Services budget. £10,000 had previously been committed for 0-19 strategic development in both 2018-19 (March 2018) and 2019-20 (March 2019) so there were no additional financial implications for the Local Committee.

A member reported that the Penrith Parking and Movement Study workshop had been excellent and felt positive about the future for the study. She welcomed the event aiming at generating ideas to help reduce loneliness and social isolation in Penrith and hoped there would be good outcomes from the event.

A member wished to have regular sight of the Penrith Health Strategy Action Plan as it developed. Members noted that a workshop would be held following the Citizen’s Advice Carlisle and Eden session held on the impact of rolling out Universal Credit in Eden. A member asked whether it would be possible for the DWP to provide information on the barriers to employment for people with learning disabilities and autism. Members were asked to be kept informed about the place template being developed for the Borderlands Place Programme.

The Chair congratulated the Area Team for their innovative delivery methods in member workshops.

RESOLVED that,

1             Members note the budget allocations for 2019-20 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date.

2             Members note the provisional unallocated resources in the 2019/20 Revenue Discretionary Budgets of £88,835 as at 31 November 2019.

3             Members note the area planning update contained within the report between paragraphs 4.6 and 4.30.

4             Members agree to allocate £10,000 from the Eden 0-19 budget to fund the Phunky Foods pilot project.

[Electoral Divisions: All]

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

This report requests members to determine the distribution of resources among the budget heads within the Draft Highway Maintenance Revenue Budget

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the Draft Eden Highways Revenue Budget 2020/21. The report advised that the County Council’s revenue budget for 2020/21 had not yet been approved by County Council. But, for the purposes of the report, the funding available for the 2020/21 draft highways revenue budget, which was devolved to the Committee was estimated to be the same as 2019/20. Members were requested to determine the distribution of resources among the budget heads within the Draft Highway Maintenance Revenue Budget.

The Local Area Network Manager (Eden) explained that the budget allocation was the same as the previous year and asked members to determine the allocation of the budget to the activities set out in the report.

In supporting the distribution of the budget as set out in the report, a number of members raised that the budget was insufficient to cover the work that needed to be done. One member commented on discussions at the Committee’s Rural Working Group and the appetite from some Parish Councils to become more involved in locally allocating budgets.

The Chair reminded members that negotiations were still underway for additional funding from the corporate centre for Appleby Fair and should this be successful, the budget could be redistributed amongst the activities outlined in the report. He suggested therefore, that the recommendation in the report be agreed in principle until the final budget was confirmed. This was agreed by assent of the Committee.

RESOLVED  that, members agree in principle to the distribution of the devolved Highways Draft Maintenance Revenue Budget for 2020/21 as proposed in paragraph 4.2 of the report

[Electoral Divisions: All]

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

This report sets out the proposed draft programme of works which is anticipated can be delivered through the devolved Highways Capital funding available for 2020/21.   

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructurewhich set out the proposed draft programme of works. It was anticipated that this could be delivered through the devolved Highways Capital funding available for 2020/21. The proposed capital programme allocations were summarised in paragraph 4.4 and detailed in Appendices 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the report.

The Local Area Network Manager (Eden) guided members through the recommended allocations for the devolved Highways Capital funding available for 2020/21 and drew members’ attention to the draft Local Area Transport Improvement Schemes. The focus in 2020/21 was on preventative measures for Eden’s highways assets. He advised that the Glendridding Footway Improvements would likely be funded by the DfT Safer Roads Fund for the A592. The Chairman explained the reasoning behind the DfT funding the A592 improvements.

A member requested that an additional column be added into the allocations table when presented in its final format to the Committee, in order for members to ascertain which allocations had increased or decreased from last year. A number of members emphasized the necessity for estimated costs listed in the Transport Improvement Schemes to be accurate as some schemes may have reduced in size due to their part completion.

In expressing that there was not enough money to cover the amount of work, a member queried whether a review was required of the unclassified minor road network in order to identify if there was any scope for the Council to reduce its local highway network and therefore the need to repair some of those minor roads. The Local Area Network Manager (Eden) advised that this would be a difficult conversation and a last resort and was not necessary at this point. A short discussion took place about preparing in advance before it got to the last resort and members offered to become involved in identifying carriageway for this exercise. The Chair stated that members could put forward ideas for spending the budget more effectively.

A member expressed her concern regarding the safety of the pedestrians using the B6413 and the urgent need for a footway from Lazonby to Lazonby Bridge. A member corrected a scheme identified in the Transport Improvement Scheme as Alba Proteins to be Omega Proteins and highlighted that local businesses and the community were concerned for pedestrians using the road to get to work at the factory. She feared an accident was imminent. The Local Area Network Manager (Eden) reported on the discussions with the factory about funding a footway in the next financial year. The Member asked that in the meantime, officers monitor the situation and if funding became available, the works be completed earlier.

The Chair asked for a meeting with the Local Area Network Manager (Eden) to review the draft Local Area Transport Improvement Schemes before the next meeting of the Committee when the final budget would be presented. He highlighted that a number of schemes had remained on the list for a long time and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

[Electoral Divisions: All]

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

This report presents the Devolved Highways Revenue, Devolved Highways Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget reports combined with programme progress information.

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructurewhich presented the Devolved Highways Revenue, Devolved Highways Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget reports combined with programme progress information as detailed in the appendices attached to the report.

The Local Area Network Manager (Eden) drew members’ attention to the Local Area Transport Improvement Schemes. A request had been made from the Local Member to fund the cost of a new footway/layby at Yanwath School on C3043. He explained the road configuration at the site, the reasons for the request and advised that after discussions with the school and Parish Council, this would be a phased scheme and be partially funded by the school. He highlighted that in previous years, the budget allocated to these schemes had been carried forward but he could not guarantee that this would be possible in the next  financial year.

A discussion took place on the demand for school places at high performing schools and consequently the increased demand for parking provision at the schools. A member asked that consideration be given to parking issues at all schools in Eden in order to obtain an overview of the schools with the greatest parking problems. Additional signage and joint working with PCSOs and traffic enforcement officers to reduce parking problems was suggested. It was agreed that the Children and Young People’s Working Group review this issue and report back to the Committee at a future meeting.

RESOLVED that,

1          Local Committee note the progress information shown in the appendices attached to the report.

2          Local Committee approve the financial contribution of up to £9,000 to enable the construction of a length of footway and layby at Yanwath school.

3          The Children and Young People’s Working Group review parking issues at all schools in Eden in order to obtain an overview of the schools with the greatest parking problems and then report back to a future meeting of the Committee

[Electoral Divisions: All]

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

This report informs members of Eden Local Committee of the Multi-Agency Strategic Coordination Group (MASCG) arrangements that were carried out during the 2019 Appleby New Fair and asks Members to approve the consolidation of the Traffic Regulation Order and the Variation Order.

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructurewhich informed members of the Multi-Agency Strategic Coordination Group (MASCG) arrangements that were carried out during the 2019 Appleby New Fair. Eden Local Committee would be presented with the final revenue budget for 2020 in March for approval. Members were also asked to approve the consolidation of the Traffic Regulation Order and the Variation Order referred to at clause 3.1 of the report, and its amendment to include additional restrictions that were introduced this year on a temporary basis, and which were likely to be needed again to ensure the continued safety of visitors and travellers attending the Fair.

The Local Area Network Manager (Eden) stated that the report referred to costs and budget for 2019/20 not 2018/19 and drew members’ attention to the Appleby New Fair Traffic Management Plan 2019. He guided members through the issues raised in 2019. He advised that encampments on the A685 Brough to Kirkby Stephen was a key issue and talked about the Police’s increased presence in 2019 but they had indicated that this was not sustainable for future years. The Highways team had been reviewing temporary and permanent measures to improve safety. It was estimated the budget would remain the same in 2020 as in 2019.

A member queried what the Gypsy and Traveller community thought of the proposals and had the Romany and Irish Traveller communities been engaged in the Multi Agency Strategic Coordination Group’s (MASCG) proposals. She asked for reassurance that this had occurred. The Traffic Management Officer reported on the Groups involved with MASCG but the member considered that from the Groups listed in the Traffic Management Plan, some groups had not been involved. One member reported on the different groups represented at a meeting he had chaired.

Discussion took place on the methods available and those used for contacting the groups in question. It was highlighted by one member that some groups were reluctant to engage or attend meetings due to the commitment involved or timings/frequency of meetings. Mrs Bell asked that a discussion take place outside of the meeting for her to be informed of the attempts made to contact the Groups not mentioned in the MASCG Traffic Management Plan.

Mr Dew, the Committee’s representative on MASCG reported on his wish to have a more positive approach to the Fair and hoped that all groups and agencies could work together to enhance the event for all. He expressed his concern about the highways issues on the A685 due to encampments, the level of policing in future and he considered that some of the proposed measures were not cost effective. He stated that alternatives were needed so the Gypsies and Travellers had somewhere else to camp. He proposed that a letter be sent to MASCG from the Local Committee, asking it to consider the provision of temporary stopping places, possibly through the purchase of land in, in order to offer a permanent solution on the A685. Additionally  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

[Electoral Divisions: All]

To consider a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

This report raises awareness of the road safety management arrangements and activities that the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership currently has in place.

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructurewhich aimed to raise awareness of the road safety management arrangements and activities that the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership currently had in place.

The Road Safety Co-Ordinator (SAM) provided a report on his role and that of the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership. He explained the main reasons for accidents; these related mainly due to driver behaviour and human error. Rarely was the condition of the road surface to blame for accidents. He stated the actions that were taken to reduce the number of accidents such as engineering improvements and education.

Members were informed about the Casualty Reduction and Safer Highways Group (CRASH). New posts had been created and PC Normal Black was the members’ lead contact at the Police for road safety issues. The membership of the CRASH Group was explained. It was reported that nationally, casualty reduction had plateaued therefore officers were working on updating the resources available to reduce the number of accidents. This included a session for Schools at Rheged which involved the Police, Fire Service and the parents of young people killed in accidents. The Road Safety Co-Ordinator (SAM) explained on how the organisations involved contributed towards the budget which had remained static for a number of years.

Discussion took place on how to add items onto the CRASH Group Agendas and importantly, how the information was feedback to the community and local members. A member talked about the public reporting speeding problems and the need to validate the reports.

Miss Fearon, reported on her attendance at CRASH meetings and considered the Group to be an excellent forum. She explained how items were placed on the Agenda, identifying the Traffic Management Team Leader as the officer to contact for this. The meetings were well attended by all organisations and information came from a wide range of sources.  

The Road Safety Co-Ordinator (SAM) undertook to work with colleagues on a draft a protocol to report back to local members, the outcomes from CRASH meetings.

RESOLVED that,

1             The information in the report be noted.

2             The Road Safety Co-Ordinator (SAM) work with colleagues to draft a protocol to report back to local members, the outcomes from CRASH meetings.

To note the minutes of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership meeting held on 15 November 2019

The minutes of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership meeting held on 15 November 2019 were presented by the Chair of Eden Local Committee.

RESOLVED that, the position be noted.

To receive a verbal update from members on any outside bodies they attend on behalf of Eden Local Committee

Mr Dew gave an update on the following:

1             The MASCG meeting held on 25 November 2019

2             Miller Riches meeting held on 28 November

3             Holehird Trust meeting held on 19 December

Mr Dew advised that a meeting of the Eden Health and Wellbeing Forum had been held on 6 January 2020, where he had mentioned the issue of public participation at its meetings. This had  previously been raised by a member of Eden Local Committee. He reported in the advice he had been given, that Public Participation was not appropriate given the confidential information sometimes discussed at the meetings.

A member asked whether it could be ascertained whether EALC meetings were open to the public. The Area Manager undertook to confirm this with members.

A member raised that multiple organisations reviewed the same health issues and urged that joint working was undertaken on these issues.

To update Members on progress of Actions agreed from previous meetings.

Members reviewed the Action Log.

The Area Manager confirmed that modern day slavery was on the Agenda for the Carlisle and Eden Safety Partnership.

Mr Dew reported that the Reverse Advent Calendar project to give gifts to Care Leavers had been successful. A number of Care Leavers had attended the recent full Council meeting to give their thanks.

A short discussion took place on the Urgent Treatment Centre at Penrith Hospital which had closed a number of times recently. Ms Driver reported on discussions which would be held with a number of organisations to ascertain the reasons for its closure. The Area Manager would identify a Public Health Officer who may attend the meetings.

RESOLVED that,

Removed from the Action Log:

Added to the Action Log

1             Regular updates given on the Penrith Health Strategy Action Plan.

2             Regular updates given on the Place template (Borderlands Place Programme)

3             Extra column added onto the showing allocations which have increased or decreased (Draft Highways Devolved Capital Programme for Eden 2020/21)

4             Children and Young People’s Working Group review parking issues at all schools in Eden in order to obtain an overview of schools with the greatest parking issues (Highways Programme Progress Report 2019/20)

5             Mrs Bell to be informed about what attempts have been made to contact the Groups not mentioned in the MASCG Traffic Management Plan

6             It be ascertained whether EALC meetings are open to the public

7             Public Health officer to possibly attend the meetings about the Urgent Treatment Centre at Penrith Hospital

The next meeting will be held on 10 March 2020 at 10.30am at Fire HQ, Penrith

The next meeting of the Committee would be held on 10 March 2020 Fire HQ, Penrith, Cumbria