Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under Note 6.

The Democratic Services Officer drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out on the Agenda.

Apology for absence was received from Glen Chipp (Strategic Director for Service Delivery).

Members who have an interest to declare are asked to:

a)  State the Item Number in which they have the interest

b)  The nature of the interest

c)  Whether the interest is personal, or personal and prejudicial

Any Member who is unsure about the above should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer prior to the meeting in order to expedite matters at the meeting itself.

There were none.

There were none.  The Chair used this opportunity to inform the meeting that the Panel agreed to have the ‘Community Safety Plan: Water Safety’ immediately after the agenda item 7 ‘Minutes of the last meeting’.   

David Redgewell wishes to address the Panel about the Community Safety and Public Transport.

David Redgewell addressed the Panel about the service reduction plan for bus services (document ‘Forthcoming changes to local bus services in Bath and North East Somerset – January 2011’ is available on the minute book at Democratic Services).  He asked for this to be urgently reviewed.  David Redgewell also highlighted the importance of Government funding for electric buses and stated that there was a danger for losing out on this funding if the steps were not taken.  David Redgewell concluded his statement by informing the Panel about the meeting between the Police and bus services providers regarding Anti Social Behaviour on buses and the urgency of getting on with the Bath package.

The Chair said that the credit for the initiative for transport safety should also go to the Community Safety team in the Council and that the other issues were within the remit of the Enterprise and Economic Development O&S Panel.

The Chair thanked David Redgewell for his statement.

Councillor Roger Symonds (Combe Down Ward Councillor) read out a statement regarding the recent severe weather.  He said that the Council managed to keep main roads free and gritting was done very well.  However, there were some suggestions and criticism from local residents.  One resident asked if the footpath in Ralph Allen could be gritted; another resident commented that in other European countries grass cutting machinery had been used to grit pavements in winter; two groups of local people in Combe Down gritted their roads and one resident bought his own grit salt; Council should provide more grit bins or deliver bags of grit to local people; no grit bins in Foxhill; in Wilmington none of the roads in or out of the village were gritted where 10 of the residents are over 60; and that the bus companies should contribute towards gritting.  Councillor Symonds concluded his statement by asking the Council to issue gritting instructions to local people on how much to use and how to disperse it.

Councillor Gerrish responded that the Council had been very good with gritting during the severe weather.  All Local Authorities had been supplied enough grit from the Government to meet the demand.  If the grit was provided to all people then the Council would not be able to supply the grit to the further network.  Council’s contractors had the responsibility to fill empty grit bins.  If grit bins are empty, people should contact Council Connect.  Although the contribution from bus companies was not an unreasonable request people should be aware that bus companies were also threatened with all sorts of cuts.

Matthew Smith also responded by saying that weather extremes were becoming more common and the expectations of the public seem to be in the increase but that this was at a time of public sector financial restraint.  As our response was evolving over time and Members had not formally had the chance to agree Council policy on this, he suggested for the Panel to have an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

To confirm the minutes of the above meeting as a correct record.

RESOLVED that minutes of the above meeting be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Matthew Smith introduced the report.

The Panel asked the following questions and made the following points:

The Chair asked about the effect that the new crematorium built in Shepton Mallet would have on Bath and North East Somerset area.

Matthew Smith replied that the catchment area for Bath crematorium includes Shepton Mallet, and that the new facility could affect demand.

Councillor Hedges asked about the staff views on these cuts.

Matthew Smith responded that although the morale was not at its highest level, the staff’s attitude was very good as a result of investing in personal development and allowing staff more freedom to decide how they do their work.

Councillor Wood asked about the vacant position for Head of Parking Services and the future structure of the Parking Enforcement team.

Matthew Smith replied that the intention was to change the structure of Parking Services and also to recruit more staff for that service to improve performance and productivity.

Councillor Symonds asked if there would be a reduction in waste trucks in near future.

Matthew Smith responded that anticipated savings would be from reduced mileage (and the number of vehicles) collecting the domestic refuse.  The service also anticipated an increase in amounts of food waste collected. 

The Chair asked about the intention to charge for toilet usage in the Avon Street coach park.

Matthew Smith responded that the Panel had previously agreed to this proposal but that the facilities would need to be improved first and that this would be carried out together with the Property Services.  If all goes to plan toilets should be improved and charges made March-April.

The Chair said that, following the work of the Cleansing Task and Finish Group, there was still a need to carry out promotional and education work as planned.

Matthew Smith responded that the work on public involvement was in progress and that the Cleansing Task and Finish Group need to be long term campaign.

The Chair suggested that an update on the Cleansing Task and Finish Group be on the agenda for March meeting.

It was RESOLVED to:

1)  Note the Environmental Service Action Plan and pass the comments to the Corporate Performance and Resources O&S Panel; and

2)  Have an update on the Cleansing Task and Finish Group for March meeting (to be confirmed).

David Lawrence introduced the report and also the statement of purpose for Tourism, Leisure and Culture Service.

The Panel asked the following questions and made the following comments:

David Lawrence said that there would be no intention to close any of the libraries due to the Council’s responsibility to provide those services.

Councillor Wood asked about the volunteers participations in library services.

David Lawrence replied that the volunteers would be involved in library services but not to replace professionals.

Councillor Symonds said that David Lawrence’s services had been fantastic income generator and that he would not support any cuts in services.  He expressed his concern about the events and festivals in Bath.

David Lawrence replied that the city had the highest volume of visitors for the past two years.  The aim of the Council was that the visitors leave Bath with the feeling to come back again and also to encourage them to spend.

Councillor Jackson asked about the improvements of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock libraries.

David Lawrence replied that there were severe damages due to flooding on those buildings.  The buildings would soon be upgraded and the stock would be replenished.  There were no plans to close those two libraries or to increase charges.

It was RESOLVED to:

1)  Note the report and pass the comments to the Corporate Performance and Resources O&S Panel;

2)  Recommend that no cuts or closures of libraries should take place; and

3)  Recommend to build on use of volunteers for libraries.

The Panel will have the opportunity to consider the Community Safety aspect of the Policy and Partnerships Service Action Plan.

David Trethewey introduced the report.

The Panel asked the following questions and made the following comments:

Councillor Symonds said that the Community Safety had been a success in Bath and North East Somerset area.  He also said that the Anti Social Behaviour team had been a real leap forward and that he was glad that there were no severe cuts for this service.

The Chair agreed with the comments from Councillor Symonds.  She also said that the Council would want an increase in volunteering and asked how we would be able to co-ordinate it.

David Trethewey replied that the part of the solution was to use more intelligently the resources that we already have and also listen to what the community asks for.

It was RESOLVED to note the report and to pass the comments to the Corporate Performance and Resources O&S Panel.

The report invites the Panel to hear from Avon  Fire and Rescue on the work they do to raise awareness on Water Safety and to reduce the risk, which will generate an open question and answer session.

The Chair invited Dennis McCann (Bath and North East Somerset, Avon Fire and Rescue Service Unitary Manager) to give a presentation on Water Safety.

Denis McCann highlighted the following points in his presentation:

• The river and other open water is a valuable asset for Bath and North East Somerset from the visual amenity however there are some risks attached to any open water, and tragically a number of water related incidents each year.
• The Fire and Rescue Service do not have a statutory duty, nor do they receive government funding to provide the water rescue measures conducted in Avon – the capability is provided to deal with community risk and is another example of Avon Fire and Rescue investing in the safety of the community.
• Thankfully water related deaths are not an everyday occurrence in the area, but there is a low level of incidents that is continuing to cause concern.
• The impact on the families who lost their loved ones is incalculable – and Dennis McCann offered his condolences to anyone who has lost loved ones in similar circumstances.
• The issue of the management of open water falls to a number of agencies and individuals – but water related incidents directly impacts many more services.
• Last year Avon Fire and Rescue were directly involved with 11 incidents involving injury in water in Bath and North East Somerset, and a very small proportion of those will tragically result in deaths.
• What is the impact of river and open water related incidents?
• What Avon Fire and Rescue are doing about it?
  • Recognising this as a community safety issue and work proactively with the partners in raising awareness of the issue.
  • Work with the Community Safety Team and other partners such as the Police.
  • Poster and media campaign during the summer months of 2010.
  • Avon Fire and Rescue paid to place adverts in the resilience manual being sent to homes and businesses by the council.
  • During 2011 to start to deliver a program into schools based on water safety and basic emergency resuscitation.
  • During 2011 to repeat the awareness campaign during the summer months where recreational swimming is more attractive due to improved weather.
  • Avon Fire and Rescue will continue to look for opportunity and methods to raise awareness and to reduce risk, whilst keeping a balance on the positive aspects and benefit the river, canal and other open water in Bath and North East Somerset.

Dennis McCann asked that the Council continue to offer what support they can in helping us reduce the number of water related incidents.

A full copy of the presentation is available on the minute book in Democratic Services.

The Panel asked the following questions and made the following points:

Councillor Gordon said that he is the Council’s representative for Fire Authority and this issue had been discussed.  He asked what equipment had been used for water rescue.

Dennis McCann responded that every frontline pump had life jackets and specialist inflatable equipment.  He also said  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

The Council has been taking a holistic approach to improving the local public realm by taking steps to minimise the amount of litter that is deposited upon the streets of Bath and North East Somerset.  Significant investment has been made to improve and update cleansing operations, in accordance with the recommendations of the Bath City Liaison Forum’s Task & Finish group, and by procuring new equipment and updating working practices to make the operation fit for purpose across the authority.  An educational campaign was launched in August 2010 to make the public aware of the enforcement consequences of creating litter, which emphasised individuals’ personal responsibility to dispose of litter responsibly.  This campaign is now being supported by a new enforcement regime, through the issuing of fixed penalty notices (FPN’s) to bring about behavioural change amongst both the public and local businesses.  This briefing paper provides an update to the Panel on the work that has been completed to date and proposals for the future.

Cathryn Humphries introduced the report.

The Panel asked the following questions and made the following comments:

Councillor Hedges expressed his concern that the PCSOs’ involvement in the litter enforcement might distract them from their regular duties.  He also asked if the dog fouling falls within the litter enforcement.

Cathryn Humphries replied that the Council receives a lot of useful information from the PCSOs about littering.  She also said that dog fouling falls within litter enforcement with a Fixed Penalty of £50.

Councillor Symonds asked if information from the police and others about dog fouling would be passed to dog wardens.

Cathryn Humphries replied that the information would be passed to dog wardens who have close working relationship with the PCSOs.

The Chair asked whether dog wardens could issue the fines and if there was the age restrictions for litter fines.

Cathryn Humphries replied that dog wardens could issue fines.  Litter fines would not be issued to young people under 17 but a letter would be sent to their parents and school.

The Chair asked if any other people could report the litter on streets and how much of the coverage litter enforcement would have.

Cathryn Humphries replied that the Council welcomes any information from the public about the unauthorised litter disposal, whether via Council Connect or email.  She also said that the litter enforcement applies for the whole Bath and North East Somerset although the city centre has the most of littering problems.

The Panel suggested that the information about dog fouling should be publicised and that the subject should be discussed at PACT meetings.

It was RESOLVED to note the report and for officers to take on board comments and suggestions made by the Panel.

The Panel are asked to consider an update on bus services.

Adrian Clarke introduced the report.

The Chair invited Lin Patterson to read out her statement.

Lin Patterson highlighted two issues on her statement.  The first was on the revival of a Public Transport Liaison Panel (PTLP).  Lin Patterson thanked the Panel for the support and asked if the PTLP would be adequately resourced and also the frequency of meetings for that Panel.  The second issue was the need for Council support for one of the buses taken off in May in north east Bath.  She asked if a 40 minute service was considered acceptable and whether the other bus routes in Bath would also be reduced.

A full copy of the statement from Lin Patterson is available on the minute book in Democratic Services.

The Panel asked the following questions and made the following comments:

Councillor Symonds said that the Halcrow review should come to this Panel in near future.  He supported the request from the speaker that the bus waiting time should be 30 minutes and not 40.  Councillor Symonds welcomed the update from officers but he also wanted to see the following: level of complaints, punctuality and real time information.  He also suggested that the bus shelter at the Grand Parade should be replaced.

Councillor Gerrish responded that there were 2 sources of funding for real time information on different routes.  He also said that local equivalent to Oyster Card would be available soon.

The Chair said the concern was that the Oyster Card would not be accepted by all bus operators.

Adrian Clarke responded there were a number of bus operators in the area.  Oyster Card was very popular in London but only because there was one operator there.

It was RESOLVED to note the update and to suggest that the bus shelter at the Grand Parade be replaced.

Councillor Charles Gerrish informed the Panel that first meeting of the Public Transport Liaison Panel (PTLP) would be happening soon.  The frequency of the meetings was yet to be decided.

Councillor Vic Pritchard informed the Panel about the Taxi Marshal scheme and added that the number of people using taxis proves the need for this scheme to continue.  He also updated the Panel about the CCTV operational room move from Guildhall to Lewis House.  Councillor Pritchard expressed his concern about the CCTV cameras installed at Tesco in Keynsham.  He felt that the CCTV should be concentrated on town and city centres rather than across the whole area.

This report presents the latest future workplan for this Panel. The Panel are asked to review and note this work programme.

It was RESOLVED to note the workplan with the following additions:

• Winter Maintenance Policies and Procedures for March meeting
• Cleansing Task and Finish Group update for March meeting
• Fire and Rescue Services report for one of the future meetings