Ribble Valley 31st May 2006 A meet
Transcription
Ribble Valley 31st May 2006 A meet
To: All Members of the Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley Tel (01772) 533431 Fax (01772) 533465 E-mail mike.neville@css.lancscc.gov.uk Your ref Our ref Date DS/MN 22nd May 2006 Dear Councillor Lancashire Local - Ribble Valley 31st May 2006 A meeting of Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley will be held at 6.00pm on the 31st May 2006 in the Parish Room at St Wilfrids RC Church, 44 Derby Road, Longridge. A copy of the Agenda for the meeting is enclosed. Members are asked to consider whether they need to disclose any personal or prejudicial interests in matters appearing on the Agenda. Yours faithfully Alan Gregory Director of Administration Lancashire County Council _________________________________________________________________________ Mike Neville, Secretary to the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley, Lancashire Local Team, Democratic Services Group, Office of the Chief Executive, Lancashire County Council PO Box 78, County Hall, Preston, PR1 8XJ Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley Wednesday 31st May 2006 at 6.00pm, in the Parish Room at St Wilfrid’s RC Church, 44 Derby Road, Longridge. Agenda Part 1 (Open to Press and Public) No. Item 1. Disclosure of Personal and Prejudicial Interests Members are asked to consider any Personal/Prejudicial Interests they may have to disclose to the meeting in relation to matters under consideration on the Agenda. 2. Minutes of the Meeting held on the 26th April 2006 (Copy enclosed) 3. Written Answers Report – Highways Issues (Report attached) Discharge of delegated powers 4. Engagement of Young People in the Lancashire Local Committees (Report attached) 5. Small Grants to Registered Voluntary Youth Groups and Project Grants to Young People (Report attached) 6. 2006/07 Local Safety Scheme Programme (Report attached) Other issues for consideration 7. Environment Directorate, Lancashire County Council Overview of Services and engagement with Lancashire Local (Report attached) 8. A671 Clitheroe Road, Chatburn (Report attached) 9. Environmental Projects (Report attached) 10. Subsidised Bus Services In Ribble Valley (Report attached) -2No Item 11. Urgent Business An item of urgent business may only be considered under this heading where, by reason of special circumstances to be recorded in the Minutes, the Chair of the meeting is of the opinion that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency. Wherever possible, the Secretary should be given advance warning of any Member’s intention to raise a matter under this heading 12. Date of Next Meeting The next scheduled meeting of the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley will be held at 6.00pm on the 19th July 2006 at a venue to be arranged in Whalley. Alan Gregory Director of Administration County Hall Preston Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley Meeting held at 5pm on the 26th April 2006 in Room 1 at the Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Sixth Form Centre, York Street, Clitheroe. Minutes Present: Lancashire County Council County Councillor A Atkinson County Councillor C Holtom County Councillor J S Sutcliffe County Councillor Mrs M Wilson Ribble Valley Borough Council Councillor F E Dyson Councillor J B Hill Councillor M Ranson Councillor R J Thompson Appointment of Chair 1. Resolved: That County Councillor C Holtom is appointed Chair of the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley. Appointment of Deputy Chair 2. Resolved: That Councillor F E Dyson is appointed Deputy Chair of the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley. Membership and Constitution Mr Neville, Secretary to the Lancashire Local, presented a report on the Membership and Constitution of the Local. It was noted that certain functions had been delegated for decision while in other areas the Local would be consulted and be able to shape and influence County Council services at local level. It was suggested that the Constitution as presented did not accord with the way that Ribble Valley Borough Council was organised by referring to Area Committees which the Borough council did not have. Mr Hughes from the County Council’s Democratic Services Group noted that the reference to Area Committees was an error and that the Constitution would be amended accordingly. It was further reported that the Constitution reflected the fact that the County Council’s powers were vested by law primarily in the Cabinet whereas in Ribble Valley legal powers were vested in the Full Council, albeit most were delegated to committees. It was noted that 1 for this reason the rules governing ‘executive’ decision making in the Constitution applied to County Council functions only, as the Borough Council had elected not to operate executive arrangements under the Local Government Act 2000. With regard to Traffic Regulation Orders it was noted that in future where objections had been received the Local would consider whether or not the Order should be made and would also be able to suggest priority sites where consideration should be given to introducing future Orders. 3. Resolved: – The Lancashire Local agreed 1. That the Membership be noted. 2. That subject to the amendment outlined above the Constitution of the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley be noted. Programme of Meetings for 2006/07 Mr Neville, Secretary to the Lancashire Local, presented a report on a framework for future meetings of the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley for 2006/07. 4. Resolved: The Lancashire Local Ribble Valley agreed: i) a programme of meetings for 2006/07 as set out below 31st May 2006 19th July 2006 4th October 2006 22nd November 2006 31st January 2007 21st March 2007 ii) that all future meetings should start at 6.00pm. iii) that meetings would be held at venues in Clitheroe, Longridge and Whalley on a rotational basis. Disclosure of Personal or Prejudicial Interests Councillor Ranson declared a personal interest in respect of item 9 on the agenda as the VISP scheme was located within his Ward. Public Participation In accordance with Standing Order 26 in the Constitution the Chair invited members of the audience to comment on items appearing on the agenda and the following points were raised. 2 • With regard to venues for future meetings Whalley Village Hall would only be available during the Sumner and the availability of the Methodist Hall may be limited as it was well used. • Clarification was requested regarding how the work of the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley dovetail with the work of the Local Strategic Partnership. Mr Everett the County Council’s District Partnership Officer for Ribble Valley reported that the Local could be seen as the local government arm of the LSP. • Concern was expressed that the Lancashire Local had not been adequately publicised. Mr McAdam from the County Council’s Corporate Communications Group informed the meeting that the initial meeting of the Local had been publicised by a press release. Future meetings would be publicised in VISION and the local media. • How would the public be able to bring items forward for consideration at future meetings of the Lancashire Local? The Chair informed the meeting that issues could be raised with members of the Lancashire Local who would then be able to bring issues to the Local for consideration if appropriate. Developing a Parish and Town Council Protocol Mr Everett the County Council’s District Partnership Officer for Ribble Valley, presented a report on the development of a protocol to ensure that Parish and Town Councils were able to engage effectively with the Local. In considering the proposal it was suggested that a protocol should first be circulated to members of the Local before all Parish and Town Councils are consulted. Any comments could then be reported to the Borough Council’s Parish and Town Council Liaison Committee. 5. Resolved: The Lancashire Local agreed: i) That a draft protocol be prepared and circulated initially to members of the Local for comment before being circulated to all Parish and Town Councils in Ribble Valley for consideration. ii) That the views of the Parish and Town Councils be referred to the Borough Council’s Parish and Town Council Liaison Committee. iii) That a report on the proposed protocol be presented to the July meeting of the Local. 3 Overview of Highway issues in Ribble Valley Mr Cook, Area Manager East from the County Council’s Environment Directorate, gave an oral report on the County Council’s responsibilities with regard to highways together with an update regarding the termination of the Lancashire Highways Partnership on the 30th June 2006. Concern was expressed in connection with delays in the implementation of schemes in the past. The Chair invited members of the local to indicate one particular issue where they would wish to receive an update and the following points were raised. • What are the traffic management arrangements for the proposed 6 month bridge strengthening works on Main Street, Bolton-by-Bowland in order to minimise the impact on the local community and tourism? • What measures are being taken to mitigate the effects of vehicle overrunning on the footways in Clitheroe Town Centre and Moor Lane? • How long is the experimental prohibition of right turn movement at the A59 / Pendle Road / Clitheroe Road Junction due to continue and what are the prospects for the construction of a new roundabout? • What is the latest position on the proposed speed restrictions on Elker Lane and Old Langho Road near Brockhall Village? • The need for a pedestrian crossing or other measures to be taken to improve the safety of children crossing Whalley Road, Simonstone in the vicinity of Simonstone CE Primary School. • When will the amber warning lights (flashers) for Grindleton Primary School, Grindleton be installed? • What is the latest position regarding traffic calming measures / 20mph speed limits in Worston Village? • Report of a defective road surface on the A59 Sawley Brow at the junction with Sawley Road, the need for maintenance on many of the Borough’s country lanes and the condition of the A671 Chatburn Road / Quarry LinkRoad roundabout. 6. Resolved: That the Area Manager East be requested to investigate the issues specified above and present a report to the next meeting of the Local. Executive Key Decisions Proposed prohibition of loading on Lincoln Way, Clitheroe. Mr Cook, Area Manager East from the County Council’s Environment Directorate presented a report on the proposed prohibition of Loading along lengths of Lincoln Way at Clitheroe. 4 It was reported that following public consultation an objection had been received from the Freight Transport Association concerning the effect of the proposed prohibition on commercial activity along this route. Mr Cook, informed the meeting that the current problem on Lincoln Way derived from large numbers of motorists flouting the existing prohibition of waiting, particularly when events are held at the Clitheroe Auction Mart on Wednesday evenings and Sundays. It was further reported that there was a specific issue relating to Blue Badge holders parking their vehicles along Lincoln Way as these were exempt from the existing prohibition of waiting for a limited period. While not the cause of the problem, HGV's visiting the Salthill Industrial Estate were occasionally prevented from gaining access due to the parking and as a result loading had taken place from the highway. The Local noted that the proposed prohibition of loading would assist in the removal of parked vehicles along Lincoln Way, thereby enabling HGVs to gain access to premises located on the Industrial Estate. 7. Resolved: After considering all the circumstances the Local agreed that the Order should be made to prohibit loading at any time, along both sides of Lincoln Way, Clitheroe, from its junction with the A671 Pimlico Link Road for a distance of 785 metres in a south-westerly direction. Local Safety Scheme Ref No 3.151 West Bradford VISP Scheme Mr Cook, Area Manager East from the County Council’s Environment Directorate, presented a report on the introduction of ‘gateway’ type signs and several sets of red bar markings on the carriageway on the Waddington Road, Clitheroe Road and Grindleton Road approaches to West Bradford. Plan No HC15243/01 showing the proposal was available for inspection at the meeting. In considering the report the Local noted the representations made by West Bradford Parish Council and a local resident during the public consultation period. It was also noted that the Borough Council had indicated its support for the proposed scheme. 8. Resolved: That the VISP scheme for West Bradford as specified in the report and shown on Plan No HC15243/01 be approved. Executive Non-Key Decisions There were no Non Executive Key decisions on the agenda. 5 Other issues for Consideration Developing a Future Business Plan Mr Everett, the County Council’s District Partnership Officer for Ribble Valley presented a report on the suggested development of a Future Business Plan for the Local with regard to the “shaping and influencing” role as set out in Part C of the Constitution. 9. Resolved: The Lancashire Local agreed: 1. to the production of a Future Business Plan as set out in the report; 2. that the following areas be identified as priorities for the ‘shaping and influencing’ role of the Local • • • • • 3. Waste Management Traffic Regulation Orders, Speed Limits and Safety Cameras Public Transport Adult Social Services Youth Service that the District Partnership Officer for Ribble Valley co-ordinate the production of a proposed Future Business Plan for consideration at a future meeting. Local Grants Scheme Mr Everett, the County Council’s District Partnership Officer for Ribble Valley, presented a report on the proposed process for applications to be made for Local Grants from the Lancashire Local. In considering the report it was noted that the first year of operation would be considered a pilot pending a full evaluation at the end of the financial year 2006/7. 10. Resolved: That the report be noted. Subsidised Bus Services Mr D Wilson, Area Manager from the County Council’s Environment Directorate Bus Services Section, presented a report on the proposed withdrawal of three services in Ribble Valley which did not meet the guidelines for provision of non commercial bus services. It was further reported that the County Council were consulting on a draft policy in relation to non statutory home to school transport with comments being requested by the 12th May 2006 and were in the process of reviewing subsidised bus services around Clitheroe which in some cases this would create improved services such as Service 280 Preston-Skipton-Clitheroe 6 which would change from a two hourly service to an hourly service Monday to Saturday. The use of the criteria relating to cost/revenue ratio in isolation was queried as it was felt that other criteria should also be used, for example a green audit. Mr Wilson informed the meeting that there was no single approach for dealing with bus services, particularly in rural areas, where a mixture of subsidised services and other methods, such as dial a ride, may be more appropriate. County Councillor Atkinson informed the meeting that he had recently been contacted by a Youth and Community Worker regarding the impact that the withdrawal of a bus services would have on youth provision based at Bowland High School. Concern was expressed regarding the lack of consultation prior to the withdrawal of the service. In response Mr Wilson reported that the County Council’s Head of Passenger Transport was investigating the possibility of alternative sources of funding which would allow the service to continue. 11. Resolved: The Lancashire Local agreed: 1. that consideration of the proposed withdrawal of the three non commercial services as set out in the report be deferred to the next meeting to allow further investigation of the impact of such withdrawals. 2. that details of the County Council’s draft policy regarding non statutory home to school transport be circulated to all Parish and Town Councils in Ribble Valley so that any comments can be forwarded to the County Council before the 12th May 2006 deadline. Date for Next Meeting 12. Resolved: That the next meeting of the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley be held at 6pm on the 31st May 2006 at a venue to be arranged in Longridge. Alan Gregory, Director of Administration Lancashire County Council 7 Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley Meeting to be held on 31st May 2006 Part l - Item No. 3 Written Answers Report – Highways Issues (Appendix ‘A’ refers) Contact for further information: Brian Cook, 01772 534664, Lancashire County Council, Environment Directorate Executive Summary At the Lancashire Local - Ribble Valley held on the 26th April 2006, a number of highways related questions were raised by Members. Each of the issues raised has now been investigated and responses are set out in the attached Appendix. Decision Required The Local are asked to note the report. Background At the last meeting of Lancashire Local - Ribble Valley the Chair invited each member to raise one particular highway issue for investigation and requested that a report on the latest position be presented to the subsequent meeting. As requested each issue has been investigated and individual responses to the points raised are attached as Appendix ‘A’. Consultations N/A. Advice N/A. Alternative options to be considered N/A. Implications: e.g. Financial, Legal, Personnel, Human Rights, Crime and Disorder or Other -2This item has the following implications: N/A. Any representations made to the Secretary to the Lancashire Local prior to the issue being considered in accordance with the Public Notice of Forward Plans Name: Organisation: Comments: N/A. Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 List of Background Papers Paper Date Nil. Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate N/A. Contact/Council/Tel No Lancashire Local Ribble Valley - 31 May 2006 Appendix ‘A’ Responses to questions raised at the Local on 26th April 2006 Ref Member Question Answer 1 Cllr Mrs Wilson What are the traffic management arrangements for the proposed 6 month bridge strengthening works on Main Street, Bolton-byBowland in order to minimise the impact on the local community and tourism? To minimise the impact on the local community and tourism it is proposed that: The works will be started in September 2006, to lessen the disruption to visitors to the village and residents during the busy summer months and to enable completion before the onset of winter. The works will be programmed to be completed in as short a time as feasible. This will involve closing Main Street, at the bridge, during excavation, concreting and resurfacing stages of the work. Barring any unforeseen problems it is anticipated that the closure will be no longer than 4 to 5 weeks duration. This will require some weekend working. A signed traffic diversion for traffic, via the A59 will be in place during the closure. Pedestrian traffic across Skirden Beck will be maintained by the erection of a temporary footbridge, downstream of the arch bridge. This footbridge will be erected during the week prior to the road closure. Alternate one way traffic across the bridge, controlled by traffic signals, will be in operation during this stage. The same traffic management will be in place during the week following the road closure, to allow the footbridge to be taken down safely. Special arrangements are being made for transporting of children to school. Discussions are taking place to investigate the possibility of providing a temporary car park on the Copy Nook side of the bridge. These proposals were discussed at a Public Meeting, arranged by the Parish Council held on Thursday 4 May 2006. 2 Cllr Sutcliffe What measures are being taken to mitigate the effects of vehicle overrunning on the footways in Clitheroe Town Centre and Moor Lane? Moor Lane is a major concern with persistent damage by delivery vehicles to the small element paved footway on the west side. A Traffic Regulation Order for prohibition of waiting and loading, limited waiting, loading bays, a disabled parking space and revocation order has recently been advertised to help alleviate the problem. Subject to confirmation of the order, discussions with RVBC (Conservation Area), and available funding, it is hoped to carry out footway and carriageway resurfacing works this financial year. Referral of the TRO to Lancashire Local Ribble Valley for a decision seems likely but further advice is awaited. Discussions with RVBC will also include similar recurring, but less extensive footway damages on Castle Street and Market Place but it is very unlikely that any permanent works will be carried out this financial year due to the current budgetary constraints. Ref Member Question Answer 3 Cllr Atkinson How long is the experimental prohibition of right turn movement at the A59 / Pendle Road / Clitheroe Road Junction due to continue and what are the prospects for the construction of a new roundabout? This was a Highways Agency (central government) order and will (presumably) run until the revised junction works and interactive signs are implemented. This is a scheme carried forward from last year and is in the Local Safety Schemes programme for this year. Awaiting amended plans from design engineers for the LSS but scheme to make the right turn ban permanent and install interactive signs should be completed later this year. The roundabout proposal is not currently being considered in lieu of the LSS. 4 Cllr Holtom What is the latest position on the proposed speed restrictions on Elker Lane and Old Langho Road near Brockhall Village? The initial consultation has taken place and we await authorisation to advertise. 5 Cllr Hill The need for a pedestrian crossing or other measures to be taken to improve the safety of children crossing Whalley Road, Simonstone in the vicinity of Simonstone CE Primary School. This site has been looked at for a possible crossing, and no suitable location has been identified. Investigations indicate there are not enough “crossers” to justify a crossing. 6 Cllr Ranson When will the amber warning lights (flashers) for Grindleton Primary School, Grindleton be installed? The works have been ordered and we await United Utilities to install the electricity supply. 7 Cllr Thompson What is the latest position regarding traffic calming measures / 20mph speed limits in Worston Village? There is no justification for a 20mph speed limit at this location. We have asked for the verge to be trimmed and foliage removed. 8 Cllr Dyson Report of a defective road surface on the A59 Sawley Brow at the junction with Sawley Road, the need for maintenance on many of the Borough’s country lanes and the condition of the A671 Chatburn Road / Quarry Link Road roundabout. Progressive deterioration of the proprietary surfacing course laid in September 1997 has occurred. Some patching has been carried out and more needs to be done. The whole length requires resurfacing but is dependent on other principal road priorities and available funding. On the A671 Chatburn Road / Quarry Link Road roundabout, there is a small area deterioration near some surface boxes which has been made safe and is being monitored. Lancashire Local - Ribble Valley Meeting to be held on 31st May 2006 Part I - Item No. 4 Electoral Division affected: ALL Engagement of Young People in the Lancashire Local Committees Contact for further information: John Goffee, (01772) 531162, Lancashire County Council, Directorate for Children and Young People Executive Summary At the Cabinet Meeting on the 26th January 2006 it was agreed that the Lancashire Locals would be given delegated powers by the County Council to: 1) determine, in consultation with young people, the nature and extent of expenditure on the Youth and Community Service within the existing resources and statutory framework; 2) establish mechanisms for engaging with young people e.g. special meetings to discuss the allocation of local grants and to debate local youth issues generally. This report considers how young people could engage in the Lancashire Locals decision making process. Decision Required The Lancashire Local Ribble Valley are requested to: i) note the proposed statutory framework and proposals for changes in the provision of Youth and Community Services ii) comment on the possible methods of engaging with young people in the decision making processes of Lancashire Local. Background Lancashire County Council have demonstrated their firm commitment to involving young people in their democratic processes and have used the existing Lancashire and District Youth Council structures as their primary mechanism for consulting and engaging with young people across the County, including at a locality level. The success of this model of engagement has been recognised as a national model of -2good practice following the recent award of Beacon Council Status to the County Council for Positive Youth Engagement (in the community and democratic process). During the pilot phase young people have been involved in some of the work of the four Lancashire Locals. In Hyndburn the Lancashire Local and the Borough Council contributed to the funding of a recreational project, after a survey was undertaken with young people which identified a lack of recreational facilities in the Baxenden area. In Rossendale and South Ribble, surveys were also undertaken with young people and the information collected was used to develop the reports presented to subsequent meetings to advise and inform both Locals about youth issues and provision in those localities. The government’s recently published Youth Matters: Next Steps document sets out the anticipated new statutory framework for the development of services for young people which will become a statutory requirement under the Education Bill 2006 for which Royal Assent is expected in November 2006. The Youth Matters framework will require local authorities to work together to develop arrangements for the provision of services which improve outcomes for young people. This will encompass the existing statutory requirements expected from both the County Council’s Youth and Community Service and the Connexions Service and in order to maximise impact, it is proposed that these two services will be merging within the current financial year to form a new service which will deliver key aspects of the Youth Matters agenda. Youth Matters clearly recognises the importance of empowering young people through involving them in local decisions about what is needed in their communities, and states that "we will only achieve lasting and positive change for young people if we place them at the centre of our policies and services". It is therefore crucial that in the future each Lancashire Local develop mechanisms to ensure it can effectively consult with young people on local issues that affect them. Young people themselves are expected under the government proposals to have a legitimate mechanism through which they can raise issues over which they feel the e Locals have influence and impact. There are a number of methods that could be considered by the Lancashire Locals which will ensure that the views of young people in localities are considered and that they can be involved in the Lancashire Locals' decision making processes: • • • • Provide opportunities for young people, through special meetings, to raise issues and present reports to Lancashire Locals on issues they consider to be of importance in their locality; Consult young people on the issues that the Lancashire Locals address that impact on young people; Receive regular progress reports from local District Youth Councils on the activities and issues that they are engaged on; Receive recommendations from young people through the District Youth Councils regarding the allocation of grant funding for voluntary sector youth organisations delegated to the Lancashire Locals. -3This will enable Lancashire Locals to support young people’s issues in the wider arena, particularly with local partnership arrangements, including the District and County Councils. This has the potential to lead to innovative partnerships between Lancashire Locals and young people with the aim of addressing particularly acute neighbourhood issues. To develop this, it would seem appropriate to build on existing models of best practice and develop sustainability through linking Lancashire Locals with local District Youth Councils supported by the County Council in order to build mechanisms through which the Locals can engage with young people and which will enable young people to raise issues for consideration . In the light of Youth Matters and the changing organisational shape of services for young people, it is important to ensure that young people are kept at the heart of planning processes. Throughout this period, the County and the District Youth Councils will be effectively supported to ensure that the voice of young people is heard and their views are taken into account. As the detail of the new statutory framework emerges and takes shape, a further report will be provided on arrangements to ensure ongoing positive youth engagement and impact on the Lancashire Locals. Consultations N/A Advice N/A Alternative options to be considered N/A Implications: e.g. Financial, Legal, Personnel, Human Rights, Crime and Disorder or Other This item has the following implications: N/A Any representations made to the Secretary of the Lancashire Local Committee prior to the issue being considered in accordance with the Public Notice of Forward Plans Name: Nil. Organisation: Comments: -4Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 List of Background Papers Paper Date Contact/Council/Tel No Cabinet Agenda and Minutes 26th January 2006 M Neville Lancashire County Council, Democratic Services 01772 533431. Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate N/A Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley Meeting to be held on 31st May 2006 Part I - Item No. 5 Electoral Division affected: All Small Grants to Registered Voluntary Youth Groups and Project Grants to Young People (Appendices 'A', 'B' and 'C' refer) Contact for further information: John Goffee, (01772) 531162, Lancashire County Council, Directorate for Children and Young People Executive Summary This report sets out the new arrangements for the allocation of small grants to registered youth groups and for approving project grants to young people through Lancashire Locals which was previously with the District Youth and Community Service and Connexions Advisory Committees (DYCSCACs). Government proposals for a revised Youth Offer (Youth Matters Green Paper 2005; Youth Matters: Next Steps 2006) include arrangements for engaging young people in decisions about facilities for them and providing them with more choice and influence over provision. The Lancashire Local is invited to consider using the local Youth Council as the consultative body for the allocation of small grants to registered individual groups or units, or to young people's development projects. Decision Required The Lancashire Local Ribble Valley is requested to note the new arrangements and to consider the proposal to engage young people locally in the decision-making process for the allocation of small grants to registered voluntary groups/units and for young people's development projects. Background Lancashire County Council has allocated £35,018 in this financial year to be distributed across the County to support: • • individual groups or units not supported through County Headquarters grants; development projects for individual young people. Examples of small grants awarded previously have included the purchase of equipment and materials, environmental improvement, expeditions and creative arts -2and media projects, as well as capital grants for the improvement or new build of youth centres, community centres and village halls. The terms of reference for the allocation of grants are outlined in Appendix 'A' and a breakdown of the local allocation of grants in 2005/06 is included as Appendix 'B'. Voluntary youth organisations could apply for a grant provided they met the criteria and followed the guidelines currently used by Lancashire County Council as outlined in Appendix 'C'. The allocation of these grants has previously been undertaken by a young people's group (usually the Youth Council) and the DYCSCACs have signed them off. The DYCSCACs have recently been discontinued and some of the decisions previously taken by these committees, including the approval of small grants to youth organisations, have passed to the Lancashire Locals. The recent Youth Matters Green Paper and Next Steps recommendations outline the government’s plans for a new statutory framework for the development of services for young people. This will require local authorities to work together to develop arrangements for the provision of a ‘Youth Offer’ which will encompass four key strands – Provision of Positive Activities (places to go and things to do); Intensive Personalised Support (for those in need or at risk); Independent Information, Advice and Guidance; and Opportunities for Young People to make a Positive Contribution (including volunteering). A key theme will be the requirement to involve young people in decision-making processes. It is anticipated that the Youth Matters framework will become a statutory requirement under the Education Bill 2006 for which Royal Assent is expected in November 2006. Lancashire County Council is committed to involving young people in decisionmaking and has recently been awarded Beacon Council status for the positive engagement of young people in the democratic process and their communities. It would therefore seem appropriate to build on this success and develop the existing processes by giving the responsibility to District Youth Councils to make recommendations about the allocation of this grant money to the Lancashire Locals. These grants can be made under Section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000, which states that “Every local authority are to have power to do anything which they consider is likely to achieve any one or more of the following objects: • • • the promotion or improvement of the economic well-being of their area, the promotion or improvement of the social well-being of their area, and the promotion or improvement of the environmental well-being of their area.” Section 2 (4)(b) of the 2000 Act includes a specific power to give financial assistance to any person under the well-being provisions. Consultations N/A -3- Advice Please see above. Alternative options to be considered N/A Implications: e.g. Financial, Legal, Personnel, Human Rights, Crime and Disorder or Other This item has the following implications: N/A Any representations made to the Secretary of the Lancashire Local Committee prior to the issue being considered in accordance with the Public Notice of Forward Plans Name: Organisation: Comments: Nil. Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 List of Background Papers Paper Date Contact/Council/Tel No Grants to Registered Voluntary Youth Organisations December 2003 John Goffee/Lancashire County Council/01772 531162 Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate N/A APPENDIX 'A' Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley 31st May 2006 TERMS OF REFERENCE GRANTS TO REGISTERED VOLUNTARY YOUTH ORGANISATIONS The following grants are available to voluntary youth organisations registered with the Youth and Community Service, subject to resources being available, and further information on each is included in the pack: • Grants awarded by the District Youth and Community Service and Connexions Advisory Committee (DYCSCAC) to individual groups or units: Purchase of equipment and materials; Provision of training; Administration; Rent of premises; Transport costs; Special projects; Refurbishment. • Grants awarded by DYCSCACs for young people's development projects: Environmental improvement; Expeditions; Youth Forum initiatives; Creative arts and media projects; Creation of local facilities; Young mothers groups; • Grants to young people attending short courses or events. • International grants for youth groups travelling abroad. • Training grants for adult leaders, workers and volunteers. • Capital Grants for the improvement or new build of youth centres, community centres and village halls. APPENDIX 'B' Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley 31st May 2006 SMALL GRANTS TO REGISTERED VOLUNTARY GROUPS AND PROJECT GRANTS TO YOUNG PEOPLE BREAKDOWN OF ALLOCATION 2005/06 District: Ribble Valley District Allocation: £2,987 Grant Organisation st Amount Purpose 1 1 Pendle Scout Group £350 Camping equipment 2 Hodder Youth Group £300 Camping and hiking venture 3 Whalley Guides and Scouts £440 Camping and outdoor equipment 4 Clitheroe & District Explorer Scout Young Leaders £200 Training equipment for leaders 5 RV netball Team £400 New kit and equipment 6 RV Youth Theatre £500 Towards a new PC 7 RV Youth Council £797 Dance mats and meeting equipment h:\general\pdf conversion kit\rachel\ribble valley\item 5 app b.doc APPENDIX 'C' Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley 31st May 2006 GUIDELINES ON THE ALLOCATION OF GRANTS TO VOLUNTARY YOUTH GROUPS AND FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS BY YOUNG PEOPLE 1. Eligibility (a) Any unit or group of any voluntary youth organisation which has been accepted for registration by the relevant District Youth and Community Office may apply for a grant from the District Youth and Community Service and Connexions Advisory Committee provided that a majority of young people who are in membership or users of the group are within the age range 11-19 years; for young people in urgent social need or experiencing oppression the age range is extended to include those aged 19-25 years. This includes the individual units of voluntary organisations who are in receipt of grant at a County level. (b) Any individual young person or group of young people whether registered with the District Youth and Community Service or not may apply for a grant to support a developmental project, the age range restrictions being as in 1(a) above. 2. Purpose (a) Registered group (1(a) above) may apply for grants for the following purposes provided that the purpose to which any grant may be applied supports the Core Business of the Youth and Community Service: • • • • • • • • • Purchase of equipment; Provision of training; Administration (maximum £50.00); Rent of premises (other than school facilities); Purchase of materials; Transport cost; Special projects; Refurbishment; Any other purpose acceptable to the District Youth and Community Service and Connexions Advisory Committee. -2- (b) Grants for Developmental Projects (1(b) above) may be used for a variety of purposes examples of which include: • • • • • • • Environmental improvement; Expeditions (excluding Duke of Edinburgh's Award assessed expeditions but including practice expeditions); Youth Forum initiatives; Creative arts and media projects; Surveys; Creation of local facilities; Young mothers' groups. (c) Priority will be given to applications which support the theme for the year selected by the Lancashire Youth and Community Service Advisory Committee. (d) Grants from District Youth and Community Service and Connexions Advisory Committees are NOT available to individual young people seeking support to enable them to attend short courses or events, including international events, not sponsored by Lancashire County Council. (e) Grants for individual or group international events are available from the Lancashire Youth and Community Service Advisory Committee. Application should be made on Form YCS 34 for individual grants and on an un-numbered form obtainable from the International Sub-Committee of LYCSAC for group international events. (f) Grants for whatever purpose will not normally be made to cover the full costs specified in the application and District Youth and Community Service and Connexions Advisory Committees may elect to place cash limitations on grants. 3. Procedures a) Application forms may be obtained from the District Youth and Community Service Office; Form YCS 66 should be used for group applications and Form YCS 67 for Developmental Projects applications. b) Applications to cover expenditure made retrospectively will not be considered. c) Completed application forms should be submitted to the District Youth and Community Office. d) All applications will be considered by DYCSCAC (or a Sub-Committee thereof) at the meeting following the receipt of the applications. e) The District Team Manager will inform applicants of the success (or otherwise) of their applications as soon as possible after the decision of -3- the DYCSCAC is known and will issue an appropriate cheque to each successful applicant. f) Successful applicants should submit proof of expenditure to the District Team Manager as soon as possible after expenditure has been made. Such proof must reflect the purpose for which the grant was made. Financial records will be maintained by the District Team Manager which will be open for inspection by the County Treasurer. g) DYCSCACs may not spend in excess of their budget allocation. Any funds remaining unspent by 31 January may be re-allocated by the Head of Community. Lancashire Local - Ribble Valley Meeting to be held on 31 May 2006 Part I - Item No. 6 Electoral Divisions affected: Clitheroe and Ribble Valley North East. 2006/07 Local Safety Schemes Programme (Appendix ‘A’ refers) Contact for further information: Mark Hornby, 01772 534698, Lancashire County Council Environment Directorate Executive Summary A report on the Local Safety Schemes Programme for the financial year 2006/07 outlining details of the criteria for inclusion and a recommended priority order for implementation. Decision Required That the Lancashire Local approve work proceeding on the schemes listed at Appendix ‘A’ in Categories 1, 2 and 3 and in the priority order shown. Background In March 2000 the Government set road casualty reduction targets for 2010 as follows: • • • 40% reduction in people killed or seriously injured (KSI); 50% reduction in children killed or seriously injured (KSI); 10% reduction in slightly injured casualties. The County Council is committed to meeting these targets as one of the key objectives of the Local Transport Plan. It also has a statutory duty under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to carry out studies into road traffic accidents and take appropriate measures to prevent such accidents. The County Council's Safety Engineering Group is part of the Environment Directorate and one of the group's key objectives is the reduction of traffic collisions that cause injuries or deaths by means of specifically targeted engineering measures. The police provide detailed records of all traffic accidents resulting in injury or fatality and this information is constantly monitored and analysed by accident investigation -2staff. The analysis identifies locations on the road network with the highest concentration of accidents which then form the basis of an annual programme of in-depth investigations. The studies look at trends, causes and contributory factors of accidents and recommend engineering measures to specifically target the factors identified. Measures such as improvements to signs and road markings, junction modifications, new pedestrian crossing facilities, traffic calming schemes and 20mph zones could be considered depending on the type of accidents that have been occurring. The resulting schemes go into an annual Local Safety Schemes Programme which is compiled by the Safety Engineering Group. The group then carries out the management of the programme and implementation of the individual schemes. The County Council currently has around £1 million to spend on Local Safety Schemes each year across the whole of Lancashire. This typically funds construction of between 25 and 30 individual schemes, although the cost of schemes can vary enormously depending on the type of engineering measures. With such limited resources it is vitally important that the money is spent where it is needed most, ie where there is a proven injury accident problem that can be tackled with engineering measures. Some districts will therefore receive more funding for schemes than others depending on where the identified accident problems are located. Eighty-five schemes were submitted and assessed for possible inclusion in the 2006/07 Local Safety Schemes Programme. In each case a design concept has been agreed with the Traffic Police and the relevant Local Authority in each District at the regularly held Traffic Liaison meetings. The list includes schemes carried over from the previous year's programme that have not progressed sufficiently to receive authorisation for construction, together with new schemes developed in conjunction with the District Councils and the County Council's traffic engineers. The proposed schemes are always assessed purely in terms of the potential reduction in personal injury accidents at each location. For each scheme a calculation is made based on the most recent five year accident data of how many accidents are 'scheme related' and could potentially be avoided. Then the ratio of accident cost savings versus construction cost is worked out on a first year rate of return basis and the schemes ranked accordingly. Schemes with the highest rate of return qualify for entry into the Local Safety Schemes Programme up to the limit of the available financial resources, thus ensuring that the greatest casualty savings are achieved with the money spent. The Local Safety Schemes Programme typically contains schemes to the value of around three financial year’s budgets. This is because schemes can take up to three years from inception to completion due to the design, audit and consultation procedures that are required. When schemes are completed new scheme concepts are added to the programme each year and begin the implementation process. In order to give a total programme value of £3.2m the cut-off threshold for inclusion in the 2006/07 Local Safety Schemes Programme is a predicted first year rate of return of 200% or above. This has resulted in a programme of 74 schemes, the equivalent of three years schemes for the whole of Lancashire. The actual allocation -3for Local Safety Schemes from this year's Capital Programme is £1.15m including design costs, so approximately one third of the schemes in the programme will be constructed during the 2006/07 financial year. It should be noted that some schemes carried over from last year's programme have a first year rate of return below the 200% cut off. This will be due to an increase in the scheme cost from the original estimate or a reduction in the number of accidents over the more recent five year assessment period. Although these schemes now have a reduced value of accident saving potential, detailed design or public consultation work is already sufficiently advanced to merit their inclusion within the programme. There are 2 schemes with a total value of £94,000 in Ribble Valley included in the programme and these are listed at Appendix ‘A’. Schemes are normally sub-divided into three categories, as follows: Category 1 – Schemes carried over from 2005/06 with design work and public consultation already well advanced. These schemes are therefore ongoing and are likely to be constructed during 2006/07. Category 2 – Schemes that do not require extensive design and consultation and could potentially be constructed later in 2006/07 or in 2007/08. Category 3 – New schemes that require substantial design and consultation work that can be started but could not be constructed before 2007/08 at the earliest. There are currently no Category 3 schemes in Ribble Valley. Schemes within each category are listed in order with priority given to those with the greatest casualty saving potential (highest first year rate of return). It is recommended that this priority order of schemes be approved. Lancashire Locals will be kept up to date with progress on the schemes in the programme. In the event of any objections to a scheme being received during the public consultation process a separate report will be presented to the Local for consideration. Consultations N/A. Advice As per the recommendation for the reasons set out in the report now presented. Alternative options to be considered N/A. -4Implications: e.g. Financial, Legal, Personnel, Human Rights, Crime and Disorder or Other This item has the following implications: Financial The schemes contained within the programme would be funded up to a maximum of £1.15m from the allocation for Local Safety Schemes contained in the Transport Capital Programme for 2006/07. Crime and Disorder The Programme is intended to improve road safety. Any representations made to the Secretary to the Lancashire Local prior to the issue being considered in accordance with the Public Notice of Forward Plans Name: Organisation: Comments: N/A. Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 List of Background Papers Paper Date Nil. Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate N/A. Contact/Council/Tel No Appendix ‘A’ st Lancashire Local Ribble Valley 31 May 2006 2006/07 Local Safety Schemes Programme Ref No: Accidents Accidents FYRR Cost: 1 May 00- Scheme % 30 Apr 05 Related Location: Description of works: A59 / Pendle Road junction, Clitheroe Revised junction layout and interactive signs 54000 18 13 327 A682 Gisburn Road / Burnley Road Improvements to signs and road markings 31 22 747 Category 1 3.154 Category 2 3.155 Category 3 No schemes 40000 Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley Meeting to be held on 31st May 2006 Part I - Item No. 7 Electoral Divisions affected: None Environment Directorate, Lancashire County Council Overview of Services and engagement with Lancashire Local Contact for further information: Graham Harding/David Roscoe/Stuart Benson, (01772) 534100, Lancashire County Council, Environment Directorate Executive Summary This report contains details of Environment Directorate devolved service areas and suggested methods of engaging effectively with Lancashire Local Ribble Valley. The Local is requested to give consideration to which of the shaping and influencing issues that it would like to concentrate on over the coming months. Decision Required The Lancashire Local is asked to: 1. express its views on the various service areas presented in the report and identify any particular priorities for future consideration, and 2. request the County Council’s Environment Directorate officers to work in conjunction with the District Partnership Officer for Ribble Valley co-ordinating the future Business Plan for the year 2006/7. Background History The County Council’s Environment Directorate has played a very active role in the introduction of the pilot Lancashire Local Committees in South Ribble, West Lancashire, Hyndburn and Rossendale. Lancashire Locals have been able to influence the County Council’s decision-making process in a number of service areas, including: -2• Local subsidised bus service provision in all areas Proposals to withdraw and amend some services have been reconsidered by the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development as a direct result of the comments raised by Lancashire Locals. • Local Traffic problems in the Appley Lane North area, Appley Bridge, West Lancashire Local residents in attendance at the Lancashire Local - West Lancashire requested that a decision to introduce waiting restrictions be reconsidered. The Environment Directorate has since undertaken a review of the problems drawn to its attention in that locality. • Local Transport Plan Each pilot Local has been engaged in the production of the Lancashire Local Transport Plan. Views have been requested and, where possible, changes have been incorporated • Local Traffic Management issues Lancashire Local - Hyndburn has actively pursued the inclusion of traffic management schemes within the Borough e.g. Brittannia Crossroads. Requests to have schemes included in the County Council’s work programme have been heard and considered by the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development. What Now The list of devolved service areas, approved by the County Council in February 2006 and those relevant to the Environment Directorate, are identified in the report on the Constitution and Membership which was noted at the last meeting of the Local on 26th April 2006. The list of devolved services is significant and will need to be carefully co-ordinated to enable the Directorate to respond effectively to Lancashire Locals. It is hoped that the delegated and shaping/influencing functions can be spread as evenly as is practical throughout the year wherever possible to make the process as easy to manage as possible. Work is already underway in balancing what is a significant additional workload within existing resources. It is proposed that officers be requested to continue to liaise with District Partnership Officers to produce an effective and realistic plan of work, ensuring that the Local and the Directorate can realistically engage fully. Set out below is the list of Delegated and Shaping & Influencing functions that relate to the Environment Directorate and suggestions as to how the Local and the Directorate can best engage: Decision Making -3Highways Budget Allocation To exercise discretion for the provision of highway authority functions (except winter maintenance) within an annual countywide allocation (currently £150,000 pa) to be apportioned to each Lancashire Local in accordance with road lengths in their area. Details of highway authority functions and how the annual countywide allocation is to be apportioned will be the subject of a report to a future meeting when the Local will be requested to give consideration as to how the allocation is to be spent. Street lighting special maintenance schemes. To determine the priority of street lighting special maintenance schemes within the County Council’s allocated budget. A report will be presented to each Lancashire Local Committee on an annual basis starting in January 2007. This will identify a number of Street Lighting Special Maintenance schemes within the Borough. It is highly likely that the number of schemes will cost more than current budgets allow and the Local will be asked to identify its priorities, whilst having regard to the professional views of County Council officers. This has already worked successfully during the pilot in West Lancashire. Local Safety Schemes - - To determine the priority of local safety schemes including walking and cycling proposals where there is more than one such scheme for the Borough in an approved programme. To determine specific schemes where objections or representations have been received. Currently, the Local Safety Schemes Programme is approved, on an annual basis (usually in around April each year), by the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development. Full details of how the Programme is drawn up and how the Local can best engage in prioritising the programme is set out elsewhere in the agenda. Where schemes have been agreed within the Programme and consultation has taken place, proposals where objections or representations have been received that cannot be resolved by officers, will be determined by the Local. Crime reduction street lighting schemes - To determine the priority of crime reduction street lighting schemes where there is more than one such scheme in the Borough in the approved programme. On an annual basis (usually in June), the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development will consider and approve a programme of Crime -4Reduction Street Lighting Schemes following submissions by Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. Each Lancashire Local will subsequently be requested to prioritise the schemes identified within that District. Retaining Walls Strengthening Programmes To determine the priority of retaining wall strengthening schemes where there is more than one such scheme in the Borough, in the approved Strengthening Programme. It is anticipated that where a number of schemes exist within a District, the Lancashire Local will be requested to approve a priority list identified by the County Council. Members will be advised when it is known when the next Programme will be approved. Pavement Cafes - To approve applications for licences for pavement cafes. Each Lancashire Local will be invited to consider applications for licences as and when they arise. Residents parking schemes Each Lancashire Local will be requested to determine specific residents parking schemes only in cases where objections or representations have been received to the proposals. Traffic Regulation Orders Each Lancashire Local will be requested to approve the making of Traffic Regulation Orders only in cases where objections or representations have been received following statutory advertisement of the proposals. School Crossing Patrols The Local will be requested to review and determine the continuation of a School Crossing Patrol when the current Patrol Officer leaves the service. Car parking The Lancashire Locals for Lancaster and Preston will be charged with determining the priority of highway measures to be carried out from any surplus income generated from on-street parking. The amount of any surplus will only be known around May following the approval of accounts. It is suggested that in order to give adequate lead-in time it is proposed that reports be presented to Locals during the autumn asking them to give consideration as to how the income could be spent. Pedestrian Schemes -5- To determine the priority for pedestrian schemes where there is more than one in an approved programme for the district. To approve specific proposals where objections or representations have been received. The County Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development has given consideration and approval to a programme of pedestrian schemes on the 6th March 2006 and where there is more than one scheme within a particular district, the Lancashire Local will be requested to determine the priority order in which it would, with local knowledge and expertise, wish to be constructed first, whilst having regard to County-wide criteria. In those cases where objections or representations have been received following consultations on specific schemes, the Local will be asked to determine whether the proposal should be constructed. Bus Shelters The Lancashire Local in each district will determine the locations of bus shelters within the County Council’s responsibility (e.g. on Quality Bus Routes). 20mph Zones - To determine the priority of 20mph zones where there is more than one scheme in the approved programme for the district. To approve the making of schemes for such zones where objections or representations have been received. Currently, the 20mph Zones Programme is approved, on an annual basis, by the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development. Full details of how the Programme is drawn up and how the Local can best engage in prioritising the programme will be presented at the next meeting. Where schemes have been agreed within the Programme and consultation has taken place, proposals where objections or representations have been received that cannot be resolved by officers, will be determined by the Local. Waste / Recycling Where there are proposals for a new or replacement Household Waste Recycling Centre the Lancashire Local will be asked to determine its location, where it serves a single District Council area and more than one viable site option has been identified. Shaping/Influencing To consider and express views on matters relating to the exercise of Highway Authority Functions within the Ribble Valley area, including performance monitoring, contributing to policy development and assisting in the development of Best Practice. To consider and express views for changes in highway policies and standards. -6- Local Transport Plan The County Council will report annually during September/October to each Lancashire Local on progress in implementing the Local Transport Plan. The Lancashire Locals will also be asked to consider and express views on all matters in relation to the LTP, especially social inclusion matters as and when they arise. Highway special maintenance schemes Each Lancashire Local will be invited to consider and express views on locations where it is considered that resurfacing or reconstruction of carriageways and/or footways should be included in future programmes of work. A report will be presented at the next meeting that gives an explanation of the County Council’s responsibilities in relation to general Highway Maintenance. Safety Cameras Lancashire Locals will be invited to comment on proposals for ‘community concern’ sites put forward by the local Community Safety Partnership and the locations for proposed fixed camera sites. However, the Government is currently reviewing its guidance in relation to Safety Cameras and it is intended that information will be shared at the appropriate time in the form of a detailed report. The Local’s role can then be determined in the light of the new guidance. Street Scene Each Lancashire Local will be asked to consider and express views around rationalising the street scene, including road signs, road markings, street furniture, lighting, seats, bins, street cleaning, fly posting, graffiti etc, and in particular to influence proposals for traffic management/signing schemes. Proposals will be brought forward on an ongoing basis and in response to specific requests from the Local. Traffic Regulation Orders and 20mph Zones Each Lancashire Local may make suggestions for future Traffic Regulation Orders at any time and it is proposed that each requests be logged and dealt with as part of existing work programmes. Updates on the progress of all suggestions from a variety of sources will be made on a regular basis. IT Public Enquiry Manager (PEM) System To consider reports on the IT Public Enquiry Manager system (e.g. highway defect faults) and express views on changes and/or improvements. It is suggested that each Local receive a report on an annual basis setting out the number and nature of enquiries received over the previous year. Public Transport -7Lancashire Locals will be asked to consider and express views on local bus networks and proposed changes in provision (subject to statutory timescales) as and when they arise. Currently, the County Council is having to make significant budgetary savings in subsidised services in the region of £2.3M of which £1M of savings have already been made. Detailed reports setting out proposed changes or withdrawals of County Council supported services and the criteria for the support of such services will be presented to each Lancashire Local on an ongoing basis. The Directorate is also keen to facilitate closer joint working between the County and the Borough Council on sharing information and marketing in respect of public transport. We will also facilitate effective joint liaison arrangements linking the Borough Council’s regeneration initiatives to improving access to public transport as well as seeking the Locals views on local community transport needs. It is hoped to be able to present reports on these areas of public transport provision to each Local on an annual basis. However, where there have been significant changes in the network of services provided commercially, this, together with any action that the County Council has been able to take, will be reported retrospectively. School Travel Plans Each Lancashire Local will be requested to review, on an annual basis, the progress of schools developing Travel Plans and monitoring progress on their implementation. Members are requested to encourage local schools to pursue such plans. Further details will be presented to the Local in the near future in the form of a detailed report. Environmental Projects The Constitution of the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley provides the following in respect of Environmental Projects: To consider and express views on • The promotion of initiatives to improve the environment of the Borough, under the Green Partnership Awards. • Opportunities for removing derelict, underused and neglected land and to consider projects that might be supported under the Small Sites Reclamation Programme within Reclamation and Management of Derelict Land in Lancashire (REMADE). • Proposals for the after-use of major land reclamation schemes under the Reclamation and Management of Derelict Land initiative, managed by the North West Regional Development Agency. A report detailing how the Local can become engaged appears elsewhere on the agenda. Waste / Recycling -8It is proposed to present a detailed report to each Lancashire Local on recycling performance in its area. The Local will be asked to consider and make recommendations as to how services and performance could be improved. Countryside Service It is proposed to present a detailed report to each Lancashire Local on an annual basis covering the following aspects to the Countryside Service: - Future Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan The Public Rights of Way Network The County Council’s Countryside and Recreation Policy The Local will be invited to comment as appropriate. Consultations N/A. Advice N/A. Alternative options to be considered Nil. Implications: e.g. Financial, Legal, Personnel, Human Rights, Crime and Disorder or Other This item has the following implications: N/A. Any representations made to the Secretary to the Lancashire Local prior to the issue being considered in accordance with the Public Notice of Forward Plans Name: Organisation: N/A. Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 List of Background Papers Comments: -9Paper Date Nil. Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate N/A. Contact/Council/Tel No Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley Meeting to be held on the 31st May 2006 Part I - Item No. 8 Electoral Division affected: Ribble Valley North East A671 Clitheroe Road, Chatburn Appendices ‘A’ and ‘B’ refer Contact for further information: Mike Neville, 01772 533431, Lancashire County Council, Office of the Chief Executive. Executive Summary Consideration of requests for measures to reduce vehicle speeds along a length of the A671 Clitheroe Road at Chatburn. Decision Required The Lancashire Local Ribble Valley is asked to consider the representations received and indicate whether or not it would wish to receive at a future meeting a detailed report on the possibility of implementing measures to reduce vehicle speeds on the A671 Clitheroe Road at Chatburn. Background Since the first meeting of the Lancashire local Ribble Valley in April two letters have been received regarding the number of speed related accidents along a length of the A671 Clitheroe Road on the approach to Chatburn Village. The first letter from the Chairman of Chatburn Parish Council calls for the County Council as highway authority to give “serious consideration to this accident blackspot before fatalities to other motorists or pedestrians occur”. A copy of the letter is attached as Appendix ‘A’. The second letter received is from a resident of Rydal Place and requests the Local to “seriously and urgently consider ways of reducing the speed of traffic at Rydal place and Bellman”. A copy of the letter and enclosures is attached as Appendix ‘B’. A copy of the second letter has also been sent to the Chair of the Lancashire Local and the local member, County Councillor Atkinson, both of whom have been consulted and are of the view that the issue should be drawn to the attention of the Local in accordance with Standing Order 19 of the Constitution. Consultations -2- County Councillor C Holtom and County Councillor A Atkinson have been consulted on the issue and agree that it should be brought before the Local. Advice N/A Alternative options to be considered N/A Implications: e.g. Financial, Legal, Personnel, Human Rights, Crime and Disorder or Other This item has the following implications: N/A Any representations made to the Secretary to the Lancashire Local prior to the issue being considered in accordance with the Public Notice of Forward Plans Name: Organisation: Comments: N/A Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 List of Background Papers Paper Date Contact/Council/Tel No Letter dated from Chairman of Chatburn Parish Council. 28th April 2006 Mike Neville Lancashire County Council 01772 533431 Letter from resident on Clitheroe Road, Chatburn. 2nd May 2006 Mike Neville Lancashire County Council 01772 533431 Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate N/A Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley Meeting to be held on 31st May 2006 Part I - Item No. 9 Electoral Divisions affected: Longridge with Bowland, Clitheroe and Ribble Valley North East. Environmental Projects (Appendices ‘A’ and ‘B’ refer) Contact for further information: Ian Welsby 01772 531448 Lancashire County Council Environment Directorate Executive Summary This report sets out a brief outline to each of the environmental grant funding schemes along with how these can interact with the Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley, by - The promotion of initiatives to improve the environment of the Borough, under the Green Partnership Awards (GPA). - Creating opportunities for removing derelict, underused and neglected land and to consider projects that might be supported under the Lancashire Small Sites Reclamation Programme (LSSRP) within Reclamation and Management of Derelict Land in Lancashire (REMADE). - Proposals for the after-use of major land reclamation schemes under the REMADE initiative, funded by the North West Regional Development Agency (NWRDA). Decision Required The Local, in noting the report, is asked to promote and encourage groups and organisations within Ribble Valley to make applications under GPA and LSSRP, and contribute at the consultation stage on schemes put forward under the REMADE programme. Background The County Council’s Environment Directorate has been using environmental grants very successfully over the last 10 years in directing resources to implement environmental enhancement schemes. Much of the resource that goes into these schemes has been generated from external sources and is delivered in partnership with organisations from the public and private sector. -2- It is important that the Local is aware of the history, existing relationships and priorities of our funding partners, in relation to the following schemes: • • • Green Partnership Awards (GPA) – This Grant scheme for Environmental Action in Lancashire now incorporates the Lancashire Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) and allows a combined improved resource scheme for new Countywide Environmental Improvement schemes Lancashire Small Sites Reclamation Programme (LSSRP) Reclamation and Management of Derelict Land in Lancashire (REMADE) (Detailed information on grant criteria, advice on applications, and contacts for any further information is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/env_planning. For each of the above environmental improvement programmes, this report sets out a brief resume of the parameters, current agreements which are in place, and the Environment Directorate’s developing relationship with the Lancashire Locals across the County. Green Partnership Awards (GPA) Scheme Resume Grants of around £500 are available to support community organisations with their own local environmental projects. This is a very broad scheme in its outlook and includes strands for waste minimisation, sustainability, biodiversity, community training/development and environmental art. Each of the 12 Districts will be allocated approximately £5.8K per annum for environmental schemes. Scheme Parameters and Agreements in Place The scheme is funded by the County Council, the 12 District Councils, Environment Agency, and United Utilities. The Environment Directorate oversees the administration as an “in kind” contribution to this fund. An integral part of the decision making process (for which the partnership has received national recognition) is that each applicant/group gets a relevant nominated lead officer, who provides specialist advice if needed. This officer is the most appropriately experienced officer nominated from any of the partner organisations and makes the decisions on the project following consultation with other partners. There is no long list of projects in the programme, the schemes are submitted and appraised on a rolling basis. Again the partnership has been recognised for the speed in which it can turn submissions around. Details of a project that has most recently received a grant from GPA are set out at Appendix ‘A’. -3Relationship with Lancashire Locals The critical issue for Lancashire Locals is to be aware of the resources available, and the parameters in which the existing partnership arrangements operate. Members of the Local are ideally located to be in a position to act as advocates for the scheme, promoting and encouraging groups and organisations to make applications from within the Borough whose schemes fit the entry criteria. Further information on the GPA, criteria and application process is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/grants/GPA Lancashire Small Sites Reclamation Programme (LSSRP) Scheme Resume This scheme is linked to the Regional Economic Strategy, and the NWDA’s push to significantly reduce the area of derelict, underused and neglected land in the North West. The end result of any project can be broad, and includes such after uses as wildlife areas, community spaces, cycle ways, bridleways and tree planting. The County Council was approached by the NWDA to manage LSSRP in April 2002 as it recognised the expertise that exists within the Environmental Projects Team in the Environment Directorate. Within the broad planning base of the team there are specialists on funding, planning, land reclamation, urban design, and contract management. It is critical to the scheme’s success that these skills, when matched with funding, provide a one-stop service for community organisations wishing to carry out local environmental improvement projects. Scheme Parameters and Agreements in Place This is effectively the community strand of land reclamation. Any application for funding has to be appraised against criteria set by the NWDA which link to government economic targets, including hectares of land reclaimed, number of training days developed, and jobs created. Priority areas have been established by the NWDA, which un-surprisingly relate to those areas of the county where the greatest concentrations of derelict land exist, principally East Lancashire, Preston, the coast and estuaries. Decisions are made on individual schemes after a nominated Project Officer has appraised the project and the decision is agreed with the Projects Team Leader. In April 2006 LSSRP was amalgamated into the REMADE programme. There is £130k of funding available across the County for 2006/07. Details of those projects that have most recently received a grant from LSSRP are set out at Appendix ‘B’. -4- Relationship with Lancashire Locals As with the GPA programme, it is important that members of Lancashire Locals are aware of the resources available from the LSSRP. Members of the Local should be in a position to act as advocates for the scheme and encourage groups and organisations from their areas to make applications, or have early discussions with the projects team. Members are encouraged to promote the LSSRP within the criteria, full details of which are set out at www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/grants/GPA Reclamation And Management Of Derelict Land (REMADE) Scheme Resume The REMADE in Lancashire scheme is also linked to the NWDA’s Regional Economic Strategy and is intended to address the problem of larger areas of derelict, under-used and neglected (DUN) land, by reclaiming such land for ‘soft’ end uses like sports and recreation areas, nature reserves, footpath, cycleways and food growing. The County Council set up the scheme at the invitation of the NWDA and has established a five-person team to develop and manage the £21.6 million programme over the next seven years. An analysis of all the DUN land in Lancashire was undertaken following a detailed survey in 2000 and sites were selected for inclusion in the programme on the basis of their contribution to regeneration objectives and the NWDA’s strategic priorities. Sites within Lancashire have already been identified and agreed with the NWDA. However, should Members feel that there are other sites/locations within the Borough that do not meet the DUN land criteria, but may be eligible for consideration under LSSRP, the Local may be minded to draw these to the attention of the County Council for further exploration. The programme was endorsed by the sub-regional partnerships and approved by the NWDA prior to an initial three-year funding commitment being made. Scheme Parameters and Agreements in Place REMADE is a programme to reclaim larger tracts of DUN land and operates in the NWDA’s priority areas of the East Lancashire Regional Park, the ELEVATE housing renewal pathfinder area, the City Region Development area, followed by the coast and strategic regional investment sites. The main output of the scheme is the reclamation of over 300 hectares of DUN land over the life of the scheme. REMADE is a planned long-term programme, the principles of which are set out in the REMADE Business Plan, November 2003. Details of the programme and individual projects are approved by the NWDA through an annual Performance Plan process. Typically there will be between five and ten projects implemented each year. £2.5 million of funding is expected for the County Council in 2006/07. It is not -5an open grant scheme, however, the team will consider the merits of any sites put forward for potential inclusion in the programme in future years. The design element of the Great Harwood to Burnley disused railway (the central section of the overall scheme falls within Ribble Valley to the south of Read and Simonstone) is programmed for later this year, details of this scheme will be included in a future report. Relationship with Lancashire Locals Lancashire Locals need to be aware of the REMADE programme and the significant level of resources being invested. Members of the Committee should be in a position to act as advocates for projects and provide input at the consultation stages of scheme design. Schemes will be brought forward to the Local for comments and views at the appropriate design stage. Consultations N/A. Advice N/A. Alternative options to be considered N/A. Implications: e.g. Financial, Legal, Personnel, Human Rights, Crime and Disorder or Other This item has the following implications: The schemes are undertaken within the financial resources available. Any representations made to the Secretary to the Lancashire Local prior to the issue being considered in accordance with the Public Notice of Forward Plans Name: N/A. Organisation: Comments: -6Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 List of Background Papers Paper Date Contact/Council/Tel No REMADE Business Plan and Year 3 Performance Report November 2003 Ian Welsby/Lancashire County Council/01772 531448 Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate N/A. Appendix ‘A Lancashire Local Ribble Valley 31st May 2006 Green Partnership Awards District: Ribble Valley Period: February 2006 – March 2006 Applicant Group: Lancashire and Westmorland Hedge Laying Association Project Name: Hedge Laying Competition for Bowland Project Description: The project will facilitate the laying of a hawthorn hedge along farm boundaries using the traditional style of Lancashire and Westmorland. Part of the project is aimed at enabling members of the public to look at the history of hedge laying and try out the technique for themselves under the guidance of a professional hedge layer. Location/Grid Reference: 379100, 446700 Expected Completion Date: April 2006 GPA Contribution: £500 Lancashire Local Ribble Valley 31st May 2006 Appendix ‘B’ Projects in Ribble Valley District that have received funding from Lancashire Small Sites Reclamation Programme since January 2006. Project Name Group Name John Smiths Longridge Playing Fields, Partnership Longridge Action Group Brungerley Park Refurbishment Scheme, Clitheroe Ribble Valley Borough Council Project Description Eastings Northings The project was to provide the young people of Longridge with a venue for outdoor activities. A sculpture, nature and orienteering map (using local cartographer), 12 orienteering posts (made through artist workshops with 12 youth groups) and nature trail were implemented and dangerous stone blocks were removed to improve site safety. New playing fields signage and heritage interpretation panels mounted on Ribble Valley quarried stone with detail designed and carved by local craftsmen with the help of local children were included at the site. 5,000 park information leaflets were produced and the main entrance to the park was also landscaped. Contribution £9,500 This project was to carry out a significant improvement scheme in Brungerley Park in order to widen its user base. The key components of the scheme were to improve the entrances to create a more welcoming atmosphere, repair and alter footpaths to improve accessibility and major arboricultural work to remove self seeded trees, open up the tree canopy and present a lighter, less intimidating environment. The public toilets at the entrance to the park were refurbished and a sculpture trail was redeveloped through local artists and schools. Viewing areas were created through vegetation clearance and signage and interpretation were introduced to create a formal link with Clitheroe’s town trails. Wildlife are being encouraged through changes to the maintenance regime of grassed areas to create a more natural environment. Contribution £10,000 360912 437951 374200 442800 Lancashire Local – Ribble Valley Meeting to be held on 31st May 2006 Part I- Item No. 10 Electoral Divisions affected: Ribble Valley North East, Ribble Valley South West, Longridge with Bowland and Clitheroe. Subsidised Bus Services in Ribble Valley (Appendix ‘A’ refers) Contact for further information: Tony Moreton, 01772 530714, Lancashire County Council, Environment Directorate Executive Summary This report details public passenger transport services provided in Ribble Valley under subsidy from the County Council. Decision Required The Lancashire Local is asked to provide any additional comments for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development on 6th June 2006 in the light of any changes to the policy with regard to non-statutory home to school transport. Background At the meeting on the 26th April 2006 the Lancashire Local Ribble Valley considered a report on detailed subsidised bus services operating in Ribble Valley that failed to meet the County Council’s guidelines for the provision of non-commercial bus services. The services outlined in the report were as follows: • 655 Ramsgreave Lammack Road – Osbaldeston St Mary’s RC Primary School and Balderstone CE Primary School • 672 Dinckley – Brockhall – Billington St Augustines RCHS/Langho St Leonards CEPS/Langho St Mary’s RCPS • 855 Wilpshire Bulls Head – Langho St Leonards/Billington St Augustines RC High School The Local agreed to defer consideration of the proposed withdrawal of these services in order to allow further investigation of the impact of such withdrawals. -2- The report also referred to an ongoing consultation on the County Council’s draft policy regarding non statutory home to school transport. In accordance with the decision of the Local details of the draft policy were subsequently circulated to all Parish and Town Councils in Ribble Valley so that any comments could be forwarded to the County Council before the 12th May 2006 deadline. With regard to the proposed withdrawal of the three services mentioned above the environment Directors comments are as follows. The proposed service reductions amount to a reduction in costs of £47,000 per annum against a total spend in public bus services operating within Ribble Valley of £850,000 per annum. When making his decision on these school bus services, the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development will have regard to the results of the consultation on generally not providing financial support for dedicated school bus services conveying non-statutory children that do not meet at least 40% of their cost from fare box revenue, number of passengers travelling, the age of the children concerned, the alternative services available and whether the schools concerned have travel plans. From a wider perspective, the network of public transport services in Ribble Valley is provided by a mixture of commercial services, subsidised local bus services, demand responsive transport, Dial-a-ride community transport and community cars. The subsidised bus services and demand responsive transport services are listed at Appendix ‘A’ with a brief summary of the service they provide. In addition, there are 50 contracts provided for children who qualify for free home to school transport by virtue of the distance children live from their nearest school. These services are also available for fare paying passengers where spare capacity exists. Ribble Valley Community Transport operates two vehicles on behalf of the County Council and provide accessible services for people who have difficulty using public transport. Accessible transport services, such as dial-a-ride, are targeted at people who have difficulty getting on or off buses and are particularly important to older people. The number of elderly people in the country is rising, and over one-fifth have difficulty getting to, or then using, public transport. This has meant that the current demand for accessible transport services is considerable and is rising. Since 2005, the County Council has provided financial support of £25,000 to Ribble Valley Community Transport to provide dial-a-ride services. Financial support is also given to the Ribble Valley Community Car scheme, which operates a door to door service using volunteer drivers who use their own cars to transport users. Together, during 2005/06, the community transport sector carried almost 7,000 passenger trips in Ribble Valley. -3Consultations Details of the services proposed for withdrawal have been sent to those County Councillors whose Electoral Divisions are affected, together with relevant Parish Councils, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Headteachers of the schools involved and the Executive Director for Children and Young People. Advice Any comments concerning the Contracts mentioned in the report on the services proposed for withdrawal will be made available to the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development prior to the Decision Making Session on 6 June 2006. Alternative options to be considered N/A. Implications: Financial The annual savings would assist in ensuring the support of public transport is achieved within the agreed cash limit. Any representations made to the Directorate prior to the issue being considered in accordance with the Public Notice of Forward Plans Name: N/A. Organisation: Comments: Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 List of Background Papers Paper Date Nil. Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate N/A. Contact/Council/Tel No Appendix ‘A’ Lancashire Local Ribble Valley 31st May 2006 Subsidised Local Bus and Demand Responsive Services Operating Within Ribble Valley Contract 03/009 Service 5/5A : Clitheroe – Longridge This service operates Monday to Saturday daytime providing a two-hourly link between Clitheroe and Longridge via Hurst Green and Ribchester. Combined with Service 3 (03/106), from Blackburn, Ribchester to Longridge is served on an hourly basis. Contract 03/105 Service 4 : Preston - Longridge – Chipping This service operates Thursday, Friday & Saturday providing a two-hourly evening link between Preston and Chipping via Whittingham & Longridge. Contract 03/040 Services C2/C3/C4/C5/C6 : Clitheroe Town Services Service C2 operates Monday to Saturday daytime providing a two-hourly link between Clitheroe and Grindleton via Chatburn. Service C3 operates Monday to Saturday daytime off peak providing a two-hourly link between Clitheroe and Downham via Chatburn. Combined Services C2 & C3 provide an hourly service between Clitheroe and Chatburn. Services C4/C6 operate Monday to Saturday daytime two journeys per hour between Clitheroe and Peel Park with each service taking a slightly different route. Services C5/C15 operates Monday to Saturday daytime providing an hourly link between Clitheroe and Waddington & West Bradford. Contract 03/106 Service 3 : Blackburn - Longridge This service operates Monday to Saturday daytime providing a two-hourly link between Blackburn and Longridge via Ribchester. Combined with Service 5/5A, from Blackburn, Ribchester to Longridge is served on an hourly basis. Also combined with Service 43 (03/221) Blackburn to Dinckley, Salesbury to Blackburn also receives an hourly service. Contract 03/111 Service C1/C11 : Clitheroe - Low Moor Circular This service operates Monday to Saturday daytime running every twenty minutes between Low Moor and Clitheroe Town Centre. Contract 03/221 Services 42/43 : Blackburn - Wilpshire - Brockhall Dinckley Service 43 operates Monday to Saturday daytime providing a two-hourly link between Blackburn, Brockhall & Dinckley. Combined with Service 3 (03/106), Blackburn to Longridge, Salesbury to Blackburn also receives an hourly service. Service 42 operates four journeys Monday to Saturday daytime off-peak between Wilpshire Durham Road and Blackburn. Contract 03/227 Services 21/23/26/27 : Clitheroe - Burnley These services operates Monday to Saturday evening and all day Sunday & Bank Holidays providing an hourly link between Clitheroe and Burnley via Whalley, Read and Padiham. Contract 03/228 Service 225 : Clitheroe - Blackburn This service operates Monday to Saturday evening and all day Sunday & Bank Holidays providing an hourly link between Clitheroe and Blackburn via Whalley and Langho. Contract 03/280 Service 280 : Preston - Clitheroe - Skipton This service operates Monday to Saturday daytime providing a two-hourly link between Preston, Clitheroe and Skipton via Mellor Brook, Whalley, Gisburn and Barnoldswick. Contract 03/281 Service 280 : Preston - Clitheroe - Chatburn Circular This service operates four journeys Sunday & Bank Holidays daytime between Preston and Clitheroe then looping the villages of Waddington, West Bradford, Grindleton, Sawley and Chatburn. Contract 03/399 Service B10/B12 : Bowland Transit Service B10 operates Daily daytime between Clitheroe and Slaidburn, via Newton & Dunsop Bridge with certain journeys extending through to Settle. Service B12 operates Summer Thursdays between Clitheroe and Garstang via Chipping. Contract 23/004 Service 4 : Preston - Longridge - Chipping This service in partnership with Stagecoach in Lancashire operates Monday to Saturday daytime providing an hourly link between Preston and Chipping via Royal Preston Hospital, Whittingham & Longridge. Contract 23/034 Service 13 : Mellor Brook - Mellor This service operates Monday to Saturday daytime providing a two-hourly extension onto Blackburn Transport's commercial service between Blackburn and Mellor. Clitheroe Local Bus Services were outlined in the report of 26 April 2006