Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 292 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Elmbridge Civic Centre, Elmbridge Borough Council, Esher KT10 9SD
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. Minutes: Apologies were received from Tony Samuels and Councillor Peter Harman. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record. Minutes: The minutes from the meeting held on 2nd September 2013 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: No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests in respect of any item to be considered were received. |
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
To receive any Chairman’s announcements. Minutes: The Chairman informed the meeting that she had arranged for a list of the different services provided by Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council to be added to the front of the agenda to improve the public’s understanding. She also drew everyone’s attention to the website address of the Elmbridge Local Committee, www.surreycc.gov.uk/elmbridge
In addition Margaret Hicks informed the meeting that Walton Bridge had recently won first prize in the major project category of the Highways Magazine Excellence Awards.
Two new Members’ Allocations funding applications were also highlighted. Tony Samuels and Rachael I Lake had given £500 each towards the Walton Festival of Light and Mary Lewis had contributed £12,596 towards a parking area in Coveham Crescent, Cobham. |
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PETITIONS
To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 68. Notice should be given in writing or by e-mail to the Community Partnership and Committee Officer at least 14 days before the meeting. Alternatively, the petition can be submitted on-line through Surrey County Council’s e-petitions website as long as the minimum number of signatures (30) has been reached 14 days before the meeting.
Minutes:
Councillor Jan Fuller joined the meeting.
Four petitions were received.
Details of the petitions are attached as Annex A to the minutes.
PETITION 1 Mr Tony Nockles spoke for three minutes explaining why an unmanned pedestrian crossing was being requested at the top of Cigarette Island Lane. He described how the top of Cigarette Island Lane doubles as a vehicle access road and a pedestrian and cycle crossing and although a Road Safety Audit in 2007 on the proposed Jolly Boatman development recommended the installation of a pedestrian crossing that Surrey County Council had done nothing and was not planning to do anything in the near future. In addition he explained that when construction restarts 50% of the expected 100 vehicles per day using the lane will be HGVs and how the public is currently expected to mingle with the construction traffic which is dangerous and it will not improve once the site is occupied, as it will be a multi-purpose site requiring access by a large variety of vehicles.
He added that the petitioners are requesting that the crossing is installed before construction starts in March 2014, but that it is paid for by the developer not the taxpayer. The petition was initiated by local residents and supported by Molesey Residents Association and Hampton Court Rescue Campaign.
The County Councillor Stuart Selleck and the Borough Councillor Nigel Cooper both spoke in support of the petition. The Chairman confirmed that the officer will provide a response at the next meeting on 24th February 2014 and will meanwhile liaise with Councillors.
PETITION 2 Ms Jenny King, Chairman of Stompond and Links Residents Association spoke for three minutes in support of the petition requesting safety measures in Stompond Lane, Walton. Ms King explained how the bend in the road along with the current 30 mph speed limit and the lack of road markings on Stompond Lane make it difficult for vehicles to safely pass on the bend and presents a number of risks. In 2008 SCC had objected to a planning application on safety grounds at no. 24 Stompond Lane, suggesting that SCC already had concerns about road safety.
Ms King described the accident history in the road and other evidence of recent accidents. She proposed some solutions to the issue and also said other suggestions by SCC traffic engineers would be welcomed.
Ms King said the petitioners did not want to wait until a fatality occurred and the ward Councillors and the SCC Councillor had shown their support for the petition as had the tennis club, based in Stompond Lane.
Member of the Local Committee Councillor Stuart Hawkins expressed his support and also requested that work wasn’t delayed due to the Stompond Lane development.
The Chairman confirmed a response would be brought to the next Local Committee on 24th February 2014.
PETITION 3 Ms Aileen Widdowson spoke in support of the petition requesting the Local Committee to write to Hinchley Wood School. Ms Widdowson explained how Hinchley Wood School ... view the full minutes text for item 45/13 |
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PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
To answer any questions from
residents or businesses within the Elmbridge Borough area in
accordance with Standing Order 69.
Notice should be given in writing or by email to the Community
Partnership and Committee Officer by 12 noon four working days
before the meeting. Minutes: Three public questions were received and the questions and responses are attached as Annex B to the minutes.
Question 1 Mr Mic Sullivan thanked the Committee for the thorough response to his question and asked whether speed cameras or width restrictions could be considered. The County Councillor Rachael I Lake expressed sympathy with Mr Sullivan. Nick Healey, the Area Team Highways Officer, said a width restriction could be feasible, but if it was wide enough to allow HGVs through then it would not be sufficiently narrow to reduce the speed of other vehicles. As regards the safety cameras, the Government criteria for their use, which has been adopted by SCC, means that they are primarily installed in locations where there have been fatalities or serious injury casualties. Nick Healey also pointed out that any investigation into the traffic speed on Rydens Road must not prejudice the on – going Weylands planning application. Rachael I Lake suggested that Community Speedwatch could be considered and it was agreed that an investigation into speeding in Rydens Road, taking cyclists into consideration too, would be undertaken as part of the feasibility study of a Pedestrian Crossing for Rydens Road, which is already scheduled to take place in the next financial year.
Question 2 Mr David Bellchamber asked as a supplementary question as to what further funding, recovered from the party that caused damage to the footbridge, may be available for further improvements for pedestrians crossing this stretch of road. Nick Healey explained that any further measures would have to be funded by the Local Committee. The Chairman, Margaret Hicks confirmed that the review of the facilities for pedestrians crossing this stretch of road would come to the Local Committee meeting scheduled for June 16th 2014. County Councillor Mary Lewis thanked Mr Bellchamber for his interest and said that most residents agreed that the crossing points had improved the situation.
Question 3 Mr Mark Sugden thanked the Local Committee for the reply to his question and asked as a supplementary for the cost of a dropped kerb and tactile paving to be confirmed. Nick Healey apologised for the discrepancy and explained that an average price for a pair of dropped kerbs is £700, but with tactile paving it could vary between £1,000 and £2,000. He also explained that any Member can allocate some of their divisional allocation to fund dropped kerbs, if they wished.
Margaret Hicks added that she had already decided to discuss addressing the need to improve facilities with more mobility ramps and possible funding sources at the next informal Local Committee meeting. County Councillor Mike Bennison said he did agree with the Chairman, but all of his allocation was committed for 2014/15 and would consider it for the following year. |
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MEMBER QUESTION TIME
To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47. Minutes: No Member questions were received at the meeting. |
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PETITIONS RELATING TO HIGHWAYS SERVICE BRIEFING NOTE (for information)
This briefing note explains how the SCC Highways Service responds to petitions received relating to its service. Additional documents: Minutes: Nick Healey introduced the briefing note, which he had written in order to clarify why some projects, proposed through petitions and supported and endorsed by the Local Committee, take a long time to be realised.
County Councillor Ernest Mallett questioned whether zebra crossings are still installed by SCC. Nick Healey explained it depends on a number of variables including the ambient speed of the traffic and the visibility at the particular location. |
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BURWOOD ROAD, HERSHAM FEASIBILITY STUDY (for decision)
The report considers the various safety measures identified by the feasibility study which was commissioned in response to a petition submitted to the Local Committee. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee resolved to agree to:
(i) authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Divisional Member to undertake the necessary legal procedures to introduce a one way system in Faulkner’s Road, together with appropriate public consultation.
(ii) should funding be identified for the implementation of a new Zebra Crossing in Burwood Road, authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Divisional Member to undertake the necessary legal procedures to introduce the said Zebra Crossing, together with appropriate public consultation.
(iii) consider sites for additional children in area warning signs approaching the mini roundabout from Molesey Rd to Burwood Rd.
Reason for decision: to facilitate the implementation of the measures identified by the feasibility study, in the event that funding is identified and to reduce safety concerns of the local community.
Minutes: Nick Healey (Area Highways Team Manager) introduced the report and explained the detail was in Annex A, the actual feasibility study. The Divisional Member, Margaret Hicks, had funded the feasibility study and had made £5,000 available this financial year, to implement improvements to the school warning signs and the remainder of the proposed safety measures, apart from the Zebra crossing, could be funded and implemented in the next financial year.
The Committee’s comments included how both Councillors and petitioners thought it was a very good report, that CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding may be available after April 2014 to assist with the funding of the zebra crossing and Margaret Hicks being thanked for the use of her allocation towards the implementation of the measures. It was requested that additional children crossing signs on Molesey Rd before the roundabout were installed and that the position of the VAS (Vehicle Activated Signs) is discussed with residents to maximise the benefit. In addition concerns were expressed that residents may not support the proposed one way system in Faulkner’s Rd.
Nick Healey said he would look into possible locations for additional children crossing signs in Molesey Rd and would carry out the consultation in Faulkner’s Rd.
An additional recommendation to consider sites for additional children in area warning signs approaching the mini roundabout from Molesey Rd to Burwood Rd was proposed by the Chairman, Margaret Hicks, and seconded by Mike Bennison.
The Local Committee resolved to agree to:
(i) authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Divisional Member to undertake the necessary legal procedures to introduce a one way system in Faulkner’s Road, together with appropriate public consultation.
(ii) should funding be identified for the implementation of a new Zebra Crossing in Burwood Road, authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Divisional Member to undertake the necessary legal procedures to introduce the said Zebra Crossing, together with appropriate public consultation.
(iii) consider sites for additional children in area warning signs approaching the mini roundabout from Molesey Rd to Burwood Rd.
Reason for decision: to facilitate the implementation of the measures identified by the feasibility study, in the event that funding is identified and to reduce safety concerns of the local community.
Stuart Selleck left the meeting. |
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STOKE ROAD, COBHAM - AN UPDATE ON THE FEASIBILITY STUDY (for information)
This report updates the Local Committee on the completed feasibility study and the further work taking place in order to explore how a speed limit reduction could be implemented in Stoke Road, Cobham from 40mph to 30mph, between Tilt Common and Blundel Lane. Additional documents: Minutes: Nick Healey introduced the report. He explained that a meeting had been convened in October 2013, chaired by the Divisional Member, Mary Lewis, and attended by the Cabinet Member, the Ward Member, officers and representatives of the local community to discuss the feasibility study. The outcome was that the favoured option was ‘Traffic Islands’, but the study had only looked at introducing new islands not at modifying the existing ones.
Mary Lewis expressed her frustration at the length of time the work had taken, considering the original petition had been received in 2009, and also at the fact that the feasibility study had not looked at what the residents had requested. She added that the Police and Crime Commissioner, who had attended a recent meeting in Cobham, said he would support the Police with any changes. Mary Lewis also requested that the Local Committee write to the Cabinet Member, John Furey, to ensure that as part of the new Speed Limit policy, the implementation of any changes to speed limits is made easier.
The Borough Councillor Dorothy Mitchell understood the frustration and remembered that a number of years ago when Stoke Rd was being resurfaced and the pavement added, additional islands were considered. However due to residents’ access requirements installation can be difficult and cause extra problems. A reduction in the speed limit would be the easiest and most straight forward solution.
The report with the results of the completed feasibility study will be brought to the Local Committee meeting scheduled for 16th June 2014.
The Local Committee will write to John Furey requesting that the process for making changes to speed limits is simplified and hence quicker, as part of the new Speed Limit policy, which is currently been created. |
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HIGHWAYS UPDATE (for decision)
This report summarises progress with the Local Committee’s programme of Highways works for the Financial Year 2013-14 and also asks Members to identify their Divisional Programmes for 2014-15.
Decision: The Local Committee resolved to agree to:
(i) authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, to decide Divisional Programmes for next Financial Year, in the event that individual Divisional Members have not indicated their priorities by 31st December 2013 (paragraph 2.13 refers)
(ii) authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and relevant Divisional Member(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.
Reason for decision: to enable the 2014-15 Highways programmes funded by the Local Committee to be decided in good time to facilitate timely delivery of those programmes. Minutes: Nick Healey (Area Highways Team Manager) introduced the report. He explained that he had hoped to have circulated prior to the meeting the list of priced options for the Divisional Members to consider before indicating their priorities for 2014/15. However he intends for Members to receive these before the end of November and he would like them to indicate their priorities by Christmas 2013. He hopes that Divisional Members will share their proposals with Borough colleagues.
Councillor Dorothy Mitchell and Councillor Jan Fuller left the meeting.
The Local Committee resolved to agree to:
(i) authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, to decide Divisional Programmes for next Financial Year, in the event that individual Divisional Members have not indicated their priorities by 31st December 2013 (paragraph 2.13 refers)
(ii) authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and relevant Divisional Member(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.
Reason for decision: to enable the 2014-15 Highways programmes funded by the Local Committee to be decided in good time to facilitate timely delivery of those programmes.
Councillor David Archer left the meeting. |
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SUPERFAST BROADBAND IN SURREY (Agenda Item only - for information)
There will be a presentation by Katie Brennan from Superfast Surrey on the roll out of the programme and the benefits for both residents and businesses. Minutes: Katie Brennan from Superfast Surrey gave a powerpoint presentation. The presentation is attached as Annex C to the minutes.
Katie explained that over a number of years many areas had been excluded from the commercial rollouts by BT and Virgin. In Elmbridge this particularly applies to Oxshott.
Councillor Jan Fuller rejoined the meeting.
SCC has invested £20 million in bringing fibre based infrastructure to more than 84,000 homes and businesses. It is a complex infrastructure programme which is due to be completed in 2014, however sometimes BT may have to change their planned timescales when unforeseen engineering challenges occur.
Once fibre is enabled to a postcode, residents and businesses, who wish to take up a fibre service, need to contact an internet service provider and will probably have to pay a connection charge and the cost per month may be more than they pay for their current service.
In addition to the infrastructure roll-out the team is working to understand what the barriers are to residents accessing the internet. Of the 1.2 million residents in Surrey, approximately 80,000 have never been on-line.
County Councillor Christian Mahne asked as to whether the infrastructure which is being rolled out can be upgraded in future or whether we will be the ‘poor relation’ in future and about upload speeds.
Katie explained that the infrastructure being used in this rollout is just the same as in that being installed as part of the Openreach commercial rollout. The work being carried out will ensure Surrey residents will have access to proposed new technologies. The programme contract guarantees to provide 94% of homes and businesses in the roll-out with Committed Information Rates download speeds of 15mbps or more, but the upload speed will depend on the internet service provider.
Councillor John O’Reilly questioned whether it was a good use of taxpayer’s money. Katie explained that research from the World Bank shows that the GDP is increased by an improvement in broadband coverage. Indications are that in the Superfast Surrey deployment area the take up after the rollout of the fibre based service will be higher than the national average of 10%.
The Chairman thanked Katie for her presentation.
Borough Councillor Nigel Cooper and County Councillor Rachael I Lake left the meeting. |
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TRADING STANDARDS IN ELMBRIDGE UPDATE (for information)
A report to provide an update on Surrey Trading Standards work affecting Elmbridge Borough in 2013, including any changes.
Minutes: Andy Pollard (SCC Trading Standards Business Advice & Partnership Manager) introduced the report. He spoke about the diverse responsibilities of the Trading Standards service. They work closely with Elmbridge Borough Council giving business advice and the advice line is now available 5 days per week. Recently he gave a presentation at the Elmbridge Business Network with the aim that the information can be cascaded down to other businesses. In addition he has been working closely with Elmbridge BC officers on the Enterprise Elmbridge project.
In order to generate income the Trading Standards Service promotes the Primary Authority partnership to businesses which offers them better protection from prosecution.
The service also works closely with Environmental Health at Elmbridge Borough Council promoting the Eat Out Eat Well Award.
In addition he made reference to the fact that Citizens Advice is the agency which now provides consumer advice.
Members raised issues about a resident who had been told not to expect any feedback, which the officer could not understand and was disappointed to hear, and also about avoiding rogue traders, whose names are not normally published until they are prosecuted. The officer explained they always provide residents with advice which should prevent them from becoming victims to rogue traders.
The Local Committee agreed to note:
(i) the content of the report and provide feedback to help us enhance our understanding of, and response to, local needs and issues. |
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THE ROLE OF THE POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER (Agenda item only - for information)
The Elmbridge Neighbourhood Inspector, David Hollingsworth will explain the role of the Police Community Support Officers in Surrey Police. Minutes: The Chairman decided to take the presentation from Elmbridge Borough Inspector, David Hollingsworth before Item 14.
Inspector Hollingsworth explained that the PCSOs have been in existence for 11 years and they were introduced to provide a high visible presence and to bridge the gap between the community and the Police. There was a feeling that issues were getting missed and they were introduced to resolve this. In Surrey the PCSOs support the Police Constables and are involved in non-warranted work. They carry out house to house enquiries, attend meetings and collect local intelligence. PCSOs have a unique place in the community attending panel meetings and keeping the community informed. They have a wide range of powers including demanding names and addresses, confiscating tobacco, drugs and alcohol, directing traffic and carrying out truancy patrols.
Members expressed concerns about PCSOs making inappropriate comments about highways and asked about current reviews taking place in Surrey Police. Inspector Hollingsworth explained that he does regularly update PCSOs on what they should and should not say to the public. As regards the reviews he said that the Neighbourhood teams had just undergone a review. It is not complete but does support the change of PCSOs into PCs and does support visible policing. The changes will take place from June 2014 and more details on the numbers involved will be available from January 2014.
The Inspector is retiring in December 2013 and the Chairman took the opportunity to thank him very being such a loyal officer to Elmbridge, for the professionalism of the officers under him and for his honesty and generosity with his time. He will be missed but not forgotten. |
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LOCAL COMMITTEE and MEMBERS' ALLOCATION FUNDING UPDATE (for information)
This report provides an update on the projects that have been funded by the Local Committee and Members’ Allocation funding since May 2013 to date. Additional documents: Minutes: The Local Committee agreed to note:
(i) the amounts that have been spent from the Members’ Allocation and Local Committee capital budgets, as set out in Annex 1 of the report. |
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