Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 74 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Elmbridge Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, KT10 9SD. View directions
Contact: Cheryl Poole, Community Partnership & Committee Officer Elmbridge Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, KT10 9SD
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS
To receive any apologies for absence and notices of substitutions from Borough members under Standing Order 39. Decision: Apologies were received from Councillor Dorothy Mitchell, who was substituted by Councillor Ruth Mitchell. Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillor Dorothy Mitchell, who was substituted by Councillor Ruth Mitchell. In addition apologies were received from John V C Butcher after the meeting. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Monday 19th November 2012 were agreed as a correct record. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.
Notes: · In line with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, declarations may relate to the interest of the member, or the member’s spouse or civil partner, or a person with whom the member is living as husband or wife, or a person with whom the member is living as if they were civil partners and the member is aware they have the interest.
· Members need only disclose interests not currently listed on the Register of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.
· Members must notify the Monitoring Officer of any interests disclosed at the meeting so they may be added to the Register.
· Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest.
Minutes: None. |
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
To receive any Chairman’s announcements. Minutes: The Chairman informed the Committee that Kevin Hurley, the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey had been invited to attend the meeting, but unfortunately had a prior engagement. He will be invited to attend the June meeting.
As Mr Mike Bennison will be stepping down as Chairman at the end of March 2013, this was his final meeting. The Chairman thanked all the officers for their hard work over the last two years and acknowledged the achievements of the Local Committee. He also thanked the other Committee Members for their support and friendship, particularly Mrs Margaret Hicks. |
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PETITIONS & LETTERS OF REPRESENTATION
To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 65 or letters of representation in accordance with the Local Protocol. An officer response will be provided to each petition / letter of representation. Decision: A late petition with 195 signatures was received from the Surrey County Councillor, Mr Ernest Mallett, on behalf of a resident, Mrs Vicki Lane, requesting the installation of effective drains in St Peter’s Rd., West Molesey.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) note the petition ii) agree that a response will be brought to the next meeting of the SCC Local Committee in Elmbridge. Minutes: The Chairman kindly agreed for the Committee to receive a late petition with 195 signatures from the Surrey County Councillor, Mr Ernest Mallett, on behalf of a resident, Mrs Vicki Lane, requesting the installation of effective drains in St Peter’s Rd., West Molesey.
The petition stated ‘We are all fed up with the continual flooding of St Peter’s Road due to there being no effective drains. Vehicles primarily going to the Church Hall, scout Hut and to the Molesey Cemetery, wash the flood water up the doors and windows of our houses and into our gardens and pathways and also make pedestrian access to our houses, the Church Hall, the Scout Hut and the Cemetery, very unpleasant. Please put in some effective drains’.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) note the petition ii) agree that a response will be brought to the next meeting of the SCC Local Committee in Elmbridge by the Highways Area Team Manager. |
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BURWOOD ROAD, HERSHAM (for decision)
To update the Committee on the investigations carried out, together with the conclusions and recommendations, following the presentation of a petition to the Local Committee on November 19th 2012. Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) approve that a feasibility study is carried out to determine, the most appropriate solution, to the petitioner’s requests, subject to the funding for the feasibility being provided by the Divisional Member’s next year’s allocation.
Reason: The feasibility would enable the most appropriate and cost effective proposal to benefit pedestrian safety and encourage walking/cycling by creating a greater confidence and safer environment for more vulnerable users. Minutes: This report was a response to a petition brought to the last meeting requesting the implementation of speed reduction measures along Burwood Road and through Hersham Village. The Highways Area Team Manager, Nick Healey, explained that SCC is about to start a trial of a 20 mph restriction outside a school is in Surrey. A similar trial has already taken place in West Sussex. The result of this trial will form part of the feasibility study. Mrs Margaret Hicks agreed to fund the feasibility study with £5,000 from her Divisional highway budget. A number of Members felt this was a positive report, but were keen to know the timescales and for the possibility of the implementation more widely of a 20 mph speed limit to be explored. Nick Healey explained the results of the feasibility study with its recommendations would be brought back to the Committee in September 2013. If the Divisional Member agrees to fund the work, most of it would be carried out in 2014/15. If the cost exceeds the amount which the Divisional Member has available then the Committee would need to decide whether the scheme was strategically important enough to top up the funding. As regards the 20 mph limit, the officers must abide by the SCC policy.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) approve that a feasibility study is carried out to determine, the most appropriate solution, to the petitioner’s requests, subject to the funding for the feasibility being provided by the Divisional Member’s next year’s allocation.
Reason for decision: The feasibility would enable the most appropriate and cost effective proposal to benefit pedestrian safety and encourage walking/cycling by creating a greater confidence and safer environment for more vulnerable users. |
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LONG DITTON (for decision)
To update the Committee on the investigations carried out, together with the conclusions and recommendations, following the presentation of a petition to the Local Committee on November 19th 2012.
Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) approve that a feasibility study is carried out to determine, the most appropriate solution, to the petitioner’s requests, subject to the funding for the feasibility being provided by the Divisional Member’s next year’s allocation, ii) agree that a letter be written to ask SCC to reconsider its Speed Limit policy, particularly in relation to 20 mph zones outside schools.
Reason: The feasibility study would be carried out to determine the most appropriate solution to reduce vehicular speeds and also benefit pedestrian safety and encourage walking/cycling by creating a safer environment. Minutes: This report was a response to a petition brought to the last meeting requesting the implementation of speed reduction measures in Long Ditton. The Highways Area Team Manager, Nick Healey, explained that the area already has many traffic calming measures in place. The Surrey County Councillor, Mr Peter Hickman, agreed to fund £5,000 required for the feasibility study from his divisional highway budget. Some Members thought that the introduction of the 20 mph limit was one of the solutions and that there could be flexibility within the SCC policy, which Nick Healey agreed to explore. In addition, the Local Committee requested that a letter be written to ask SCC to reconsider its Speed Limit policy, particularly in relation to 20 mph zones outside schools.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) approve that a feasibility study is carried out to determine, the most appropriate solution, to the petitioner’s requests, subject to the funding for the feasibility being provided by the Divisional Member’s next year’s allocation, ii) request that a letter be written from the Local Committee requesting that SCC reconsiders its Speed Limit Policy, particularly in relation to 20 mph zones outside schools.
Reason for decision: The feasibility study would be carried out to determine the most appropriate solution to reduce vehicular speeds and also benefit pedestrian safety and encourage walking/cycling by creating a safer environment. |
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PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
To receive any questions from Surrey County Council electors within the area in accordance with Standing Order 66. Minutes: A question was received from the resident, Mrs Caroline Stevenson. The question and the response are attached to the minutes in Annexe 1. The Community Partnership and Committee Officer agreed to keep the Chairman and Vice Chairman informed of the progress of the response to this question. |
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MEMBER QUESTION TIME
To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47. Minutes: Three Members’ questions were received. The questions with the responses are attached to the minutes in Annexe 1.
Councillor Barry Fairbank asked a supplementary question. He explained that the cutting of the hedgerow had created much annoyance among residents, partly because neither the residents nor the local councillors had been forewarned.
The Highways Area Team Manager accepted that the appearance of the hedgerow had changed suddenly because for a time SCC hadn’t been able to maintain the area to the expected standards, but if it is routine maintenance the service cannot consult with residents as this would delay the work.
The Chairman, Mr Mike Bennison, asked a supplementary question regarding drains which keep flooding, once cleaned.
The Highways Area Team Manager explained the service has the use of a special machine, one week in every eleven to deal with problem gullies in order of priority. In addition the service is already looking at gully requirements for the next Financial year and is looking at increasing its use of this machine. |
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EIKON CHARITY LOCAL PREVENTION FRAMEWORK PROVIDER (for information)
To receive a verbal update from the Director of Youth Work, Ben Harman, at The Eikon Charity on the Youth Consortium’s progress in delivering the Local Prevention Framework Contract in Elmbridge.
Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) note the verbal update Minutes: Ben Harman, the Director of Youth Work, at the Eikon Charity gave an update on the Youth Consortium’s progress in delivering the Local Prevention Framework contract in Elmbridge. As of January 2013 Eikon Charity had worked with 88 young people, which is 80% of its target. There had been many challenges at the beginning of the contract, but since September 2012 there had been more referrals, the delivery had increased and the feedback had been excellent. There had been very good feedback from Hinchley Wood School, where some work had been taking place with pupils. The main area of the Local Prevention Framework proving difficult is the peer mentoring, which would not be achieved by March 2013 so the Charity will continue the work after that date. Mrs Margaret Hicks expressed disappointment that the peer mentoring had not yet taken place and Ben confirmed this should happen from April onwards.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) note the verbal update |
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SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE LOCAL PREVENTION COMMISSIONING 2013-2015 (for decision)
To outline the proposed improvements to the Local Prevention Framework and recommend how the local commissioning resource should be targeted. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) approve the allocation of £23,000 to Personalised Prevention, ii) approve the local needs specification to be considered by providers focusing on the identified needs of Elmbridge and the geographical neighbourhoods prioritised by the Youth Task Group.
Reason: to support the Council’s priority to achieve 100% participation for young people aged 16 to 19 to be in education, training or employment and increase the access of the Local Prevention Framework through the use of a grant based commissioning process. Minutes: Jeremy Crouch, the SCC Service for Young People Contract & Performance Officer introduced the report. He explained that 2012 was the first year for the Local Prevention Framework. The service had listened and learned what improvements could be made.
The new Local Needs Specification had been created from a meeting of the Youth Task Group held in January 2013. An event will take place on March 18 2013 which potential bidders can attend to learn about the process and requirements. Any organisation can apply for a minimum of 25% of the total grant available to carry out this work from September 2013 for two years. Hopefully there will be an increase in the number of applicants this year. Previously, as the process was new not many applications had been received.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) approve the allocation of £23,000 to Personalised Prevention ii) approve the local needs specification to be considered by providers focusing on the identified needs of Elmbridge and the geographical neighbourhoods prioritised by the Youth Task Group.
Reason for decision: to support the Council’s priority to achieve 100% participation for young people aged 16 to 19 to be in education, training or employment and increase the access of the Local Prevention Framework through the use of a grant based commissioning process. |
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EDUCATION: DATA OVERVIEW OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS IN ELMBRIDGE (for information)
To receive a report providing an overview of education performance across the borough of Elmbridge from Early Years to Key Stage 5, for information only. Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) note the contents of the report Minutes: Kerry Randle, the SCC North East Area Education Officer, introduced the report. Chris Byrne, Senior Primary Consultant, Babcock 4S, presented the information for the Primary Sector and Ian Wilson, Principal Secondary Consultant, Babcock 4S, the information for the Secondary Sector. Members asked a number of questions and it was confirmed that the statistics from academies were included, that were no secondary schools in Elmbridge currently in ‘special measures’, but there were recently two primary schools with ‘a notice to improve’, one of which has just moved out of and the other is making good progress in this category. It was also explained that the reason why some figures in the report were ‘suppressed’ was to avoid the possibility of pupil identification, where numbers are very low. In addition it was confirmed that approximately 25% of Elmbridge pupils at KS4 are educated in the independent sector and added that three out of the 4 secondary schools in Elmbridge have excellent VIth Form Colleges, which contributes to the fact that Elmbridge is above the Surrey average at KS5.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) note the contents of the report |
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SURREY FIRE & RESCUE PUBLIC SAFETY ACTION PLAN 2013-16 (for information)
To inform the committee on the items in the next Public Safety Plan Action Plan, covering the period 2013-16.
Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) note the progress to date on items in the Action Plan for 2011-13 ii) provide feedback on proposed Action Plan for 2013-16 iii) consider those items that will be subject of further public consultation at the appropriate time. Minutes: Gavin Watts, SFRS Area Manager, introduced the report. The second action plan in support of the Public Safety Plan is currently under development. This process includes a review of the 2 year action plan for 2011-13 and also the proposals for a 3 year action plan from 2013-16. Gavin Watts pointed out any changes will ensure that current response times are maintained. The Fire Service is also aiming to reduce the availability time required of firefighters, which should help attract more recruits. It has also managed to increase the number of volunteers to over 100.
An improved location for a fire station is currently being sought in Elmbridge, but once there any concrete plans a report would be brought to the Local Committee and also an extended consultation would take place. No changes would occur in Elmbridge before March 2016.
Members raised questions regarding co-location, the use of 4x4 vehicles and the service on the River Thames. Gavin Watts explained any opportunity to co-locate is explored and they are working closely with the Police and Ambulance services. The Surrey F & R Service would only use 4x4s as support vehicles in case of flood or snow not as a replacement for a fire engine as in some areas. The water facility at Walton remains the same. Mr Ian Lake, the Surrey County Councillor, thought not enough emphasis had been put on preventative work in the plan. Gavin Watts explained much preventative work is taking place e.g. Safe Drive Stay Alive, Youth Engagement Scheme (YES), work with SCC Adult & Social Care. Councillor Barry Fairbank asked whether the report on the fatality in Hinchley Wood had been released. Gavin Watts promised to update the Councillor as soon as possible.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) note the progress to date on items in the Action Plan for 2011-13 ii) provide feedback on proposed Action Plan for 2013-16 iii) consider those items that will be subject of further public consultation at the appropriate time. |
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BID TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT FOR CYCLING SAFETY SCHEMES (for decision)
To consider the proposals for an off-road segregated cycling path scheme extending from Walton Bridge through Walton Town Centre and along Terrace Road, subject to the decision of the DfT as to whether to award funding. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) agree that the proposals for the Walton-on-Thames Bridge Links cycle scheme are approved and that residents and businesses will be consulted to inform upon the detailed design prior to construction, should the bid to DfT be successful.
Reason: to reduce road casualties and encourage more cycling and safer cycling and in so doing improving the health of participants and reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Minutes: Item 14 was brought forward to this point on the agenda.
Duncan Knox, the SCC Road Safety Team leader introduced his colleague David Sharpington, Sustainability Programme Team Leader, and also the report. In July 2012 in response to pressure from the Times newspaper and the increase in the number of cycling accidents in the UK, the DfT announced a £15m fund for cycling infrastructure. A bid was submitted for the Walton Bridge Links cycle scheme, the aim of which is to provide cycle paths, to link up the cycle paths being included with the new bridge, which are separate from motor vehicles and pedestrians so improving access to the town centre and reducing casualties.
The DfT will announce whether the bid has been successful in February 2013 and it is also subject to the approval of matched funding by the Cabinet on 26 March 2013.
A number of Members expressed the view that many cyclists need more education regarding cycling. David Sharpington explained the aim is to extend the programme of cycling training, which is now known as ‘Bikeability and is aimed at any age. Duncan Knox added that part of the DRIVESMART initiative is to educate cyclists too.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) agree that the proposals for the Walton-on-Thames Bridge Links cycle scheme are approved and that residents and businesses will be consulted to inform upon the detailed design prior to construction, should the bid to DfT be successful.
Reason for decision: to reduce road casualties and encourage more cycling and safer cycling and in so doing improving the health of participants and reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. |
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HIGHWAYS UPDATE (for decision)
To update the Committee with progress of the 2012-13 Highways programmes funded by the Local Committee and consider the deadline for indicating priorities for the programme of works for 2013-14.
Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman to decide Divisional Programmes for next Financial Year, in the event that individual Divisional Members have not indicated their priorities by 15th March 2013.
Reason: to ensure that next Financial Year’s Divisional Programmes can be finalised in good time to facilitate timely delivery of those programmes. Minutes: The Highways Area Team Manager, Nick Healey, introduced the report. He explained that the current programmes were being delivered and the budgets being spent. He updated the Committee on a number of issues · that the Cabinet Member, Mr John Furey, had not approved the Elmbridge Local Committee’s request to reduce the speed limit in Stoke Road, Cobham to 30 mph. · that the consultation for the Cleves School pedestrian crossing was on going ·
that there were currently concerns over the quality of some
resurfacing, works, which reinforced the view that it is not the
right time of the year to carry out such works Councillor John O’Reilly was pleased that quality issues had been acknowledged.
As Members were concerned that the speed limit reduction request had not been approved, the Highways Area Team Manager suggested it is considered how this matter could be pursued.
He also explained that there has been a good amount of investment in road repairs across the divisions and some of the roads not included are now on the Project Horizon list. If roads are on the Project Horizon list Members can express their view on the order of priority and if not, then they can be considered for funding from the divisional allowances for 2013/14. As Members had now received the draft Project Horizon list, he hoped they were now in a position to make decisions on the schemes they wished to fund from their divisional allowances. He also said no locations for mobility ramps had been received in 2012/13, but he would welcome details so they can be installed next year.
Members discussed the work which has taken place at Station Approach in Weybridge and the ongoing feasibility study.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman to decide Divisional Programmes for next Financial Year, in the event that individual Divisional Members have not indicated their priorities by 15th March 2013.
Reason for decision: to ensure that next Financial Year’s Divisional Programmes can be finalised in good time to facilitate timely delivery of those programmes. |
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2013 PARKING REVIEW (for decision)
To consider the implementation of new waiting and loading restrictions and amendments to existing restrictions, to address safety issues and parking difficulties, and to consider other amendments to traffic regulation orders in Elmbridge.
Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) agree the County Council’s intention to introduce the proposals in Annex 1, subject to the amendment of ID10 where the proposed yellow line will be shortened in both roads to 70 metres from the Bridge Road end, is formally advertised, and subject to statutory consultation, ii) agree the County Council’s intention to introduce the additional schemes a) revoke parking bays in front of 303 Molesey Rd, Hersham and replace with single yellow line b) reduce the school keep clear zig zags in front of Cleve School, Oatlands Ave, Weybridge with single yellow line c) install double yellow lines between Kimberley Ride and Woodside Rd in Little Heath Lane, Cobham is formally advertised, and subject to statutory consultation, iii) if objections are received the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman/Vice Chairman of this committee and the county councillor for the division, decides whether or not they should be acceded to and therefore whether the order should be made, with or without modifications, iv) consideration is given to allocating funding to proceed with the introduction of the parking amendments as part of its budget setting process for 2013/14, v) agree that the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of this committee and the Divisional Member can make minor modifications to proposals mentioned at the meeting.
Reason: to resolve current parking difficulties highlighted within the borough and in so doing improve road safety, assist with access for emergency vehicles, ease congestion and improve access for visitors to local businesses. Minutes: Rikki Hill, the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager, introduced the report and explained there were three additional proposals to the schemes listed in the annexe. · 303 Molesey Rd., Hersham - revoke parking bays and replace with single yellow line · Cleves School, Oatlands Ave., Weybridge – reduce school keep clear and replace with a single yellow line · Little Heath Lane, Cobham - install double yellow lines between Kimberley Ride and Woodside Rd
A number of requests were made for amendments including: · Palace Rd and Wolsey Rd in East Molesey · Extra provision in Molesey Rd to replace the bays being removed · Fleece Rd., Ditton Hill Rd. and Rectory Lane in Long Ditton · New Rd. and Walton Rd in West Molesey · Thames St outside 21-31
The Local Committee resolved to: i) agree the County Council’s intention to introduce the proposals in Annex 1, subject to the amendment of ID10 where the proposed yellow line will be shortened in both roads to 70 metres from the Bridge Road end, is formally advertised, and subject to statutory consultation, ii) agree the County Council’s intention to introduce the additional schemes a) revoke parking bays in front of 303 Molesey Rd, Hersham and replace with single yellow line b) reduce the school keep clear zig zags in front of Cleve School, Oatlands Ave, Weybridge with single yellow line c) install double yellow lines between Kimberley Ride and Woodside Rd in Little Heath Lane, Cobham is formally advertised, and subject to statutory consultation, iii) if objections are received the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman/Vice Chairman of this committee and the county councillor for the division, decides whether or not they should be acceded to and therefore whether the order should be made, with or without modifications, iv) consideration is given to allocating funding to proceed with the introduction of the parking amendments as part of its budget setting process for 2013/14, v) agree that the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of this committee and the Divisional Member can make minor modifications to proposals mentioned at the meeting.
Reason for decision: to resolve current parking difficulties highlighted within the borough and in so doing improve road safety, assist with access for emergency vehicles, ease congestion and improve access for visitors to local businesses. |
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LOCAL COMMITTEE FUNDING (for decision)
To consider applications for member allocation funding and to note the projects funded in 2012/13. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee resolved to: i) agree the items presented for funding from the Local Committee’s 2012/13 revenue funding as set out in section 2 of the report subject to increasing the amount allocated to the Girlguiding Weybridge District for the hall refurbishment to £1500, ii) approve the reallocation of £4,885 capital funding that was returned by Surrey County Council’s Parking Team, as a contribution to the Royal British Legion refurbishment project, iii) note the expenditure previously approved by the Community Partnerships Manager and/or the Community Partnerships Team Leader under delegated authority, as set out in section 3 of the report, iv) note any returned funding and/or adjustments, as set out within the report or at Appendix 1.
Reason: To ensure that the Community Partnerships Team can process the bids in line with the wishes of the Committee. Minutes: Sandra Brown, the Community Partnerships Team Leader, introduced the report. Mr Ian Lake requested that the funding for the hall refurbishment for Girlguiding Weybridge district be increased to £1500.
The Local Committee resolved to: i) agree the items presented for funding from the Local Committee’s 2012/13 revenue funding as set out in section 2 of the report subject to increasing the amount allocated to the Girlguiding Weybridge District for the hall refurbishment to £1500, ii) approve the reallocation of £4,885 capital funding that was returned by Surrey County Council’s Parking Team, as a contribution to the Royal British Legion refurbishment project, iii) note the expenditure previously approved by the Community Partnerships Manager and/or the Community Partnerships Team Leader under delegated authority, as set out in section 3 of the report, iv) note any returned funding and/or adjustments, as set out within the report or at Appendix 1.
Reason for decision: To ensure that the Community Partnerships Team can process the bids in line with the wishes of the Committee.
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