Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 1 MBVenue: Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF
Contact: Nicola Morris, Community Partnership & Committee Officer Surrey County Council, Community Partnership Team, Epsom Town Hall (2nd floor), Epsom, KT18 5BY
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APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE LOCAL COMMITTEE FOR 2014/15
To note the appointment by Council of County Councillor Eber Kington as Chairman and County Councillor John Beckett as Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee for the current municipal year.
Minutes: The appointment by Council of Eber Kington as Chairman and John Beckett as Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee for the current municipal yearwas noted.
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APPOINTMENT OF BOROUGH COUNCIL MEMBERS
Under the County Council's Constitution (Part 4. Standing Orders, Part 3 40 (f)) no substitutes are permitted for district/borough council co-opted members of local committees, unless a local committee agrees otherwise at its first meeting following the Council’s annual meeting and in relation to all meetings in the following year, upon which named substitutes will be appointed to the Local Committee on the nomination of the relevant district/borough council.
The Local Committee is therefore asked to decide whether it wishes to co-opt substitutes in the municipal year 2014/15.
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has nominated 5 Borough Councillors and 5 substitutes to serve on the Local Committee for the municipal year 2014-2015. David McNulty, Chief Executive, has now confirmed these appointments as follows, subject to the agreement by the Committee to permit substitutes: Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Appointed Members [5] Cllr Paul Ardern-Jones [Stamford] Cllr Michael Arthur [Ewell] Cllr Neil Dallen [Town] Cllr Colin Taylor [Stamford] Cllr Mike Teasdale [Stoneleigh]
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Substitutes Cllr Ian Booker [Town] Cllr Pamela Bradley [Stoneleigh] Cllr Julie Morris [College] Cllr Humphrey Reynolds [Ewell] Cllr Jean Steer [West Ewell]
Decision: That the Local Committee [Epsom & Ewell] agreed
To co-opt substitutes for Borough Council members for the municipal year 2014/15.
Minutes: Resolved:
That, Borough Council members be co-opted as substitutes for the municipal year 2014/15.
The Local Committee noted that at the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s first meeting of this municipal year, 5 Borough Councillors and 5 substitutes were appointed to serve on the Local Committee for the municipal year 2014-2015, the substitute members being appointed subject to the decision above:
Appointed Members [5]
Cllr Paul Ardern-Jones [Stamford] Cllr Michael Arthur [Ewell] Cllr Neil Dallen [Town] Cllr Colin Taylor [Stamford] Cllr Mike Teasdale [Stoneleigh]
Substitutes [5]
Cllr Ian Booker [Town] Cllr Pamela Bradley [Stoneleigh] Cllr Julie Morris [College] Cllr Humphrey Reynolds [Ewell] Cllr Jean Steer [West Ewell] |
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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. Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Ardern-Jones, following the Committees decision to accept substitutes for this municipal year, Cllr Jean Steer joined the Committee as substitute. |
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WRITTEN PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS
To answer any questions or receive a statement from any member of the public who lives, works or studies in the Surrey County Council area in accordance with Standing Order 69. Notice should be given in writing or by e-mail to the Community Partnership & Committee Officer at least by noon four working days before the meeting. Minutes: There were no public questions or statements. |
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ADJOURNMENT
For the Committee to consider adjourning for up to half an hour to receive questions from members of the public. Minutes: 14 members of the public were present. 3 informal questions were asked (including one asked under Item 11) and answers were provided at the meeting or will be sent in writing at a later date. |
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PETITIONS
To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 68. Minutes: There were no petitions. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record. Minutes: Confirmed 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: There were no declarations of interest. |
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MEMBER QUESTION TIME
To receive any written questions from Members under Standing Order 47. Notice should be given in writing to the Community Partnership & Committee officer by 12.00 noon four working days before the meeting. Minutes: 15 questions were received, the questions and answers are set out in Annex A.
The following supplementary questions were asked:
Question 2: Members felt that Plan E was unlikely to have any significant impact on the crossing point and asked whether the work could take place sooner. The Area Highways Team Manager replied that further investigation to see if the appropriate planning permission is in place, would be required. It was agreed that if planning permission is not in place this would be sought and that the loading restrictions previously agreed that had lapsed would be included in the next parking review. The Committee were made aware that the cost of constructing the crossover would probably have to be from its budget.
Question 3: Members requested that action is taken to prevent drivers from parking on the areas of verge that have not been hardened.
Question 11: Neil Dallen stated that shop keepers had previously been informed by the County Council that shops could use the parking bays for loading and unloading and that the “no return within 2 hours” restrictions did not apply. The Area Highways Team Manager agreed to clarify the restrictions and update the Committee after the meeting.
Question 12: The Area Highways Team Manager agreed to see whether it would be possible for notifications that go to divisional members to be sent to all county members so that they can alert divisional colleagues. It would not be possible for members to be consulted before the notices are published due to the number of requests processed. The Area Highways Team Manager would provide a briefing on the process for the informal Local Committee on 16 July which would include details of key contacts.
Question 13: The Community Partnership & Committee Officer would follow up with the appropriate officers whether the information promised at the last Task Group meeting was ready to be sent to members. Noted that if the scheme is funded and proceeds the Committee will have to agree statutory notices which will have to follow the usual statutory consultation process.
Question 15: The Chairman agreed to raise at his regular liaison meetings with the Borough whether it would be possible for the Borough to clean bollards and road signs when they are carrying out other street cleaning operations in the area.
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PARKING IN HIGH STREET EWELL
In March 2014 Committee approved the removal of the parking bays in High Street, Ewell on an experimental basis. In response to representations from the local business community an alternative scheme is suggested, also on an experimental basis. Additional documents: Decision: That the Local Committee [Epsom & Ewell] agreed [by 7 votes FOR to 2 AGAINST]
To implement Option B in the report on an experimental basis, including waiting restrictions during peak hours and time limited parking off-peak, as detailed in Table 1 and authorise the Area Team Manager to modify the experimental Traffic Regulation order to facilitate this alternative scheme.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest:None
Officers attending:Nick Healey, Area Highways Team Manager, Alan Flaherty, Engineer
Petitions, Public Questions/ Statements: A representative of a business in the village reported that he had monitored the use of the parking spaces during a working day and there had been 45 cars using the spaces between 11.30am and the end of the day, so it would appear that they are being used for the purpose for which they are intended and not for long term parking. He also felt that by using the spaces shoppers were being made better aware of other businesses in the vicinity.
A resident reported that he felt that the congestion problems are caused by the lights in Spring Street and not by the parking bays. He felt that it is important to retain the bank to maintain the economic wellbeing of the High Street and the parking spaces are key to allowing residents to make visits to the bank.
There was no indication of any further public questions or statements so the Committee moved to debate the options presented in the report.
Member discussion – key points
The Area Highways Team Manager clarified that during the 18 month experimental period, the first 6 months is usually used to gather opinions, following that the Committee will have a year to either make the order permanent or agree to remove it. If no decision is made within 18 months, the situation will revert to that which was there previously, before the order was made.
Members reported that the road was uneven where the work had taken place to remove the mini roundabout. It was noted that the road is due to be resurfaced shortly and these defects will be removed at that time.
Some members were concerned that it could be difficult to enforce a 30 minute parking restriction and others felt that the parking bays should be removed to allow the free flow of traffic, in particular buses, at all times to help to improve the air quality in the area. However, others felt that it was important not to do anything which may damage traders.
Noted that the no waiting restrictions proposed had been agreed with the traders and are proposed to start at 3.00pm when the traffic increases as pupils leave schools in the area.
Resolved:[by 7 votes FOR to 2 AGAINST]
To implement Option B in the report on an experimental basis, including waiting restrictions during peak hours and time limited parking off-peak, as detailed in Table 1 and authorise the Area Team Manager to modify the experimental Traffic Regulation order to facilitate this alternative scheme.
Reasons for decision: With effective enforcement, this should result in reduced congestion during peak hours whilst providing short term parking for customers and businesses in the High Street in the off-peak period and therefore meet the key objective of improving air quality in Ewell Village. |
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This report summarises progress with the Local Committee’s programme of Highways works for the current Financial Year 2014-15. Members are encouraged to start considering the strategy and priorities for next Financial Year. Additional documents: Decision: That the Local Committee [Epsom & Ewell] agreed to:
(i) continue to keep the two pedestrian crossing improvement schemes at the Spread Eagle and at the junction of South Street with Ashley Avenue on hold pending the outcome of the Plan E Major Scheme bid; (ii) authorise the Area Team Manager to advertise Traffic Regulation Orders for a No-Entry and waiting restrictions near the entrance to the new Tesco store in Ruxley Lane, and to consider any objections in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Divisional Member; (iii)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. (iv)consider the strategy for allocation of the Committee’s 2015/16 highways budget at its September meeting and agree the programme of works in December 2014. Minutes: Declarations of Interest:None
Officers attending:Nick Healey, Area Highways Team Manager, Alan Flaherty, Engineer
Petitions, Public Questions/ Statements: A local resident queried the success of the new drain installed in the vicinity of Ashmore Insurance to drain the pavement as it appeared to be too high. The Area Highways Manager agreed to review the work.
There was no indication of any further public questions or statements so the Committee moved to debate the report.
Member discussion – key points
Noted in paragraph 1.3 “2013-14” should read “2014-15”
Members were keen to progress the proposed work to the traffic signals at the Spring Street junction in Ewell as soon as possible. The Area Highways Manager advised that it would be advisable to wait for drainage and resurfacing work to be completed to avoid the sensors being damaged. Members felt that if the work was inexpensive it should be done despite the risks and the Chairman asked to be put in touch with the relevant officer in traffic signals.
It was noted that initial tests on the skid resistant surfacing in Ruxley Lane had indicated that it was not performing satisfactorily although it was not dangerous. This is a new type of surfacing which has the potential to be longer lasting and better value for money than the conventional anti skid surface and therefore the test would be repeated to see if the performance improves. If not, redress will be sought from the contractor. The Area Highways Team Manager undertook to check on progress and report back to the divisional member.
Noted the recent issues associated with the proposed surfacing of Willows Path. The divisional member indicated that she would be considering alternative solutions possibly funded from her members allocation.
In relation to the proposed safety improvements at the Tesco store on Ruxley Lane there was a query on how delivery lorries will safely get in and out of the site. The Area Highways Manager indicated that the situation will be kept under review and officers will work with Tesco to ensure an effective solution.
Noted, that Ardrossan Gardens and Stoneleigh Park Road will be included in the 2014/15 Operation Horizon Programme. The work has been delayed for further assessment but should be completed in this financial year.
The divisional member queried whether Nightingale Drive and Jasmin Road which are marked as complete in the programme had been surfaced. Officers agreed to check.
Officers agreed to investigate an area of Christ Church Mount where the road crosses a bridge that drains the common and where flooding has occurred to see who is responsible for the drainage channel if the divisional member supplies further details of the issue.
The divisional member was unhappy with the proposal for footway work in Chessington Road as she felt that some of this footway was in good condition having been surfaced fairly recently and that there were more heavily used footpaths in her division that are in a worse condition. She queried how the condition is ... view the full minutes text for item 11/14 |
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ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT FROM SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The purpose of this report is to update the Local Committee on the progress that Services for Young People have made towards participation for all young people in Epsom & Ewell in post-16 education, training and employment during 2013-14. This is the overarching goal of Services for Young People and our strategy to achieve it is set out in ‘The young people’s employability plan 2012-17’.
In particular this Local Committee report focuses on the contribution of our different commissions to this goal and how they have performed during the year. Please note that the majority of detailed performance information is provided in the annexes to this report.
Next steps have also been included to set out how we will keep the Local Committee informed about developments and our progress during the year ahead.
Additional documents: Minutes: Declarations of Interest:None
Officers attending:Jeremy Crouch, Lead Youth Officer East Surrey, Richard Leary, YSS Team Manager
Petitions, Public Questions/ Statements: None.
Member discussion – key points
Members queried why the number of young people who are unknown had not reduced significantly. The YSS Team Manager reported that the numbers are very small and it is therefore difficult to make a big improvement. There is a team who track young people from year 11 to their next choice by contacting them directly and also through education providers. However, there is always a small number who leave the area or don’t want to engage and it is more difficult to track those in private education.
Noted, that the agreed performance shown is that which was submitted by the provider as part of their bid. The managing agent is being asked to address areas where they are underperforming, but some of this can be attributed to problems with under reporting, staff shortages and the relocation of one of the centres.
Noted, that it had proved difficult to fill the youth centre manager role at the Edge Youth Centre with a suitable candidate, which may be in part due to the cost of housing in the area relative to other areas of the Country. It was suggested that perhaps a housing association could be asked to consider offering a property in the area for rent.
Noted, that officers are considering potential venues in the Longmead area for a Youth Centre to replace the Yo-Yo. In the meantime workers are being recruited to work in this area linked to the Focus Youth Centre.
The Committee noted the progress Services for Young People has made during 2013/14 to increase participation for young people in education, training or employment, as set out in the report. |
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CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: LOCAL RE-COMMISSIONING FOR 2015 - 2020
Services for Young People (SYP) currently operates nine commissions which contribute towards the overall goal of full participation in education, training or employment with training for young people to age 19 and to age 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). These commissions are delivered through in-house services and external providers, where contracts were let generally for a 3 year period, all expiring in 2015.
This paper explores increased delegation of decision-making in relation to local ‘Early Help’ for young people, within the context of re-commissioning for 2015 to 2020.
Additional documents: Decision: That the Local Committee [Epsom & Ewell] agreed:
(i) to support increased delegation of decision-making to include the current Centre Based Youth Work so that it can be re-commissioned alongside the current Local Prevention Framework; (ii) that, if possible, local priorities for the newly delegated commissions within Services for Young People will be decided by the Epsom & Ewell Local Committee, informed by the work of the constituted Youth Task Group and after appropriate training for members.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest:None
Officers attending:Jeremy Crouch, Lead Youth Officer East Surrey, Richard Leary, YSS Team Manager
Petitions, Public Questions/ Statements: None.
Member discussion – key points
It is hoped that by changing the way services are commissioned that it may be possible to secure additional funding from other sources and also to provide income from trading services.
Noted, that as the Committee had not previously been able to participate in the commissioning process as a result of a conflict of interest arising from the Borough Council bidding for services, they would receive appropriate training and support if there was to be a role for them in the process this time.
Resolved:
(i) to support increased delegation of decision-making to include the current Centre Based Youth Work so that it can be re-commissioned alongside the current Local Prevention Framework;
(ii) that, if possible, local priorities for the newly delegated commissions within Services for Young People will be decided by the Epsom & Ewell Local Committee, informed by the work of the constituted Youth Task Group and after appropriate training for members.
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To appoint Members to represent the Local Committee on the bodies listed for the municipal year 2014/2015 and to appoint members to the Youth and On Street Parking Task Groups of the Local Committee.
Additional documents: Decision: That the Local Committee [Epsom & Ewell] agreed to:
(i) make the following appointments from the Local Committee for 2014/15 municipal year:
a) Community Safety Partnership - John Beckett b)Youth Task Group - County Councillors Jan Mason and Tina Mountain and Borough Councillors Neil Dallen and Lucie Dallen. c) On Street Parking Task Group - County Councillors Eber Kington, John Beckett substitute Stella Lallement, Borough Councillors Neil Dallen, Colin Taylor substitute Michael Arthur d)Major Schemes (Epsom & Ewell) Task Group – County Councillors Stella Lallement, Jan Mason and Tina Mountain, Borough Councillors – Michael Arthur, Neil Dallen and John Beckett (ii)Note the requirement that Members appointed to outside bodies should update the Local Committee on the group/service they are appointed to/represent on a six monthly basis or as appropriate.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest:None
Officers attending:None
Petitions, Public Questions/ Statements: None.
Member discussion – key points
None
Resolvedto:
(i) make the following appointments from the Local Committee for 2014/15 municipal year:
a) Community Safety Partnership - John Beckett b)Youth Task Group - County Councillors Jan Mason and Tina Mountain and Borough Councillors Neil Dallen and Lucie Dallen. c) On Street Parking Task Group - County Councillors Eber Kington, John Beckett, substitute Stella Lallement, Borough Councillors Neil Dallen, Colin Taylor, substitute Michael Arthur d)Major Schemes (Epsom & Ewell) Task Group – County Councillors Stella Lallement, Jan Mason and Tina Mountain, Borough Councillors – Michael Arthur, Neil Dallen and John Beckett
(ii)Note the requirement that Members appointed to outside bodies should update the Local Committee on the group/service they are appointed to/represent on a six monthly basis or as appropriate.
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COMMUNITY SAFETY FUNDING
The Local Committee has a delegated budget of £3,294 for general community safety purposes which it has, in the past, allocated to the Community Safety Partnership in Epsom and Ewell.
The Committee is asked to confirm that it wishes to transfer its budget of £3,294 to the Epsom and Ewell Community Safety Partnership and to delegate authority to the Community Partnership Manager to oversee the expenditure of this budget.
Decision: That the Local Committee [Epsom & Ewell] agreed to confirm that it wishes to transfer its budget of £3,294 to the Epsom and Ewell Community Safety Partnership and to delegate authority to the Community Partnership Manager to oversee expenditure of this budget.
Minutes: Declarations of Interest:None
Officers attending:None
Petitions, Public Questions/ Statements: None.
Member discussion – key points
None
Resolved:
That the Local Committee wishes to transfer its budget of £3,294 to the Epsom and Ewell Community Safety Partnership and to delegate authority to the Community Partnership Manager to oversee expenditure of this budget.
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DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Minutes: Monday 15 September 2014, 7.00pm Epsom Town Hall |