Agenda and draft minutes

There were none.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

David Redgewell,South West Transport Network/Bus Users South West, made a statement regarding transport issues. A copy of the statement is attached to these minutes.

Mary Upton, Shoscombe Parish Council, made a statement regarding solutions to the issue of increasing traffic accidents and incidents in Shoscombe and environs. A copy of the statement is attached to these minutes.

Questions

Councillor Hale asked if people would slow down if 20mph signs were put in place. Mary Upton replied that there needs to be a multi-pronged approach and that 20mph signs would help along with enforcement.

Councillor Butters asked if there was a discrepancy between reported and unreported accidents, Mary Upton replied that there was a discrepancy as many everyday things are not reported to the police and if 20mph zones were mandatory, more would be reported.

Jenny John, South Stoke Parish Council made a statement regarding 20mph zones.

Questions

Councillor Hale asked if the Parish Council had visited the trading estate in the area and spoken to the drivers regarding speed. Jenny John stated that she would suggest this again. Paul Garrod, Traffic Management and Network Manager stated that an engineer would meet with the Parish clerk.

The Cabinet Member will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the update provided.

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment – Councillor Mark Shelford reported on the following:

·  Thanks to officers for work and support.

·  The Subway (Widcombe ward) would be finished in time for the half marathon (17^th March). He apologised to Councillor Gilchrist who reported that he had only heard of this in the last hour.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Neighbourhoods – Councillor Bob Goodman reported on the following:

·  Thanks to officers for work and support especially the officers working on the Clean Air Zone which was approved by the Cabinet on 5^th March 2019.

·  Waste collections are improving.

·  Litter enforcement – 3GS started last week and are concentrating on education as well as enforcement. Cameras have been fitted in some vehicles.

·  Keynsham Leisure Centre improvements are progressing well.

Questions from the Panel

Councillor Bull asked if park and ride hours would still be extended even though cars are not included in the Clean Air Zone plans. Councillor Goodman replied that he is discussing this with the Government and hoping that the extension will still go ahead.

Councillor Samuel asked what the plan was if DEFRA did not provide all of the financial assistance requested. Councillor Goodman replied that he fully expected that all of the finance would be provided and that dialogue would be taking place in the next 4-6 weeks.

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Customer Services – Councillor Karen Warrington reported on the following:

·  Thanks to officers for work and support.

·  Regarding digital projects – the new Council website has been demonstrated recently and is being rolled out in a modular way. ‘Fix My Street’ was demonstrated at Parish Liaison. The Cabinet Member asked Councillors to encourage use of this App.

·  Regarding branch libraries – Saltford and Weston have converted and are doing well. There are plans to transition Moorland Road, Radstock and Paulton. There are two new libraries in Bishop Sutton and Timsbury and conversations in Peasedown St John, Southside and Mulberry School are being considered.

·  Regarding the mobile library, a new vehicle will be delivered at the end of April which will be more reliable and fuel efficient. There will also be on board IT equipment and possibly and awning.

Questions from the Panel

Councillor Butters asked if Freshford and Wellow schools could be included on the mobile library route. The Cabinet Member stated that routes can be considered and schools can ask to be included.

Councillor Turner asked about elderly and lonely people being helped by the service. The Cabinet Member confirmed that a holistic approach is planned which will include everyone.

Councillor Samuel asked if the Police Enquiry Office would stay in Lewis House if the One Stop Shop and Library integration goes ahead in the future. The Cabinet Member explained that the Police would stay at Lewis House as the One Stop Shop footprint is reduced due to reduced need

Councillor Hale asked if the mobile library could carry food vouchers. The Cabinet Member stated that she  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

A report is attached on Consultation, Community Engagement and Communications.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Community Regeneration – Councillor Paul Myers introduced the report.

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

Councillor Turner asked about Foxhill community researchers, the Cabinet Member explained that they had had training in community engagement. He underlined the importance of establishing a relationship with residents and building trust. He explained that there had been central Government funding for the community researchers in Foxhill but that this may not be available for other projects.

Councillor Samuel mentioned the comments from the workshops (appended to the report) and how they showed low levels of trust in what the Council is doing and a lack of understanding on when the Council are due to consult or not. He stated that suggestions were welcome and that this was a big task for the next administration. He stated that it was important not to use the ‘usual suspects’. Councillor Myers stated that he was not suggesting a citizens panel, it would be independent people to give feedback to officers.

Councillor Anketell Jones stated that this sounds worthwhile and a charter would give the residents confidence but care should be taken to not put too much bureaucracy into a role that ward councillors would usually carry out. Councillor Myers explained that it would be like the Parish Charter in that we would always try to work within the spirit of the Charter rather than it being overly bureaucratic. There is a cost of conflict in our community and it would be amazing to work out solutions together.

Councillor Bull stated that he welcomed this as a potentially innovative and positive way forward.

An update report on Transport Strategy is attached.

Chris Major, Group Manager for Transport and Parking introduced the report.

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

Councillor Evans asked if there were figures on alternatives that parents were using to get children to school. The officer stated that he would send the figures at a later date, he agreed that some parents were finding other ways to get their children to school, some become bus users.

Councillor Butters asked if the safe route to school in Shoscombe could be looked at again. The officer stated that changes were being made where possible.

A report on Review of the Department for Transport’s Research

into 20mph Speed Limits is attached.

Paul Garrod, Traffic Management and Network Manager introduced the report.

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

Councillor Butters stated that he was glad to hear that advisory 20mph zone schemes are being considered. The officer explained that advisory schemes are allowed outside of schools but generally advisory limits are not enforceable. He agreed with Councillor Butters statement that South Stoke could go direct for a mandatory limit.

Councillor Hale asked how engineers decide on a need to spend money on a 20mph zone and do they consider KSI figures. The Cabinet Member, Councillor Shelford explained that there has to be a balanced decision taking into account a number of factors, also there must be maintenance packages.

Councillor Bull stated that there is a motion going to Council this week on Climate Change and such things may help to get people walking and cycling.

Councillor Anketell Jones explained that Lansdown Road has been brought down to a 30mph limit but that it looks like a highway so it is difficult. He asked if changing the look/nature of a road could be taken into account. The officer stated that research shows that this is effective and it is possible but expensive.

Councillor Samuel explained the example of France where speeding reduction measures have been successful as they have been backed up by other measures.  Councillor Evans added that France do charge for motorways.