Agenda item

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

The Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Martin Veal addressed the Panel.

He informed them that free roof treatments to remove gull nests are soon to be on offer as one of many measures being taken by the Council to deter the gull problem in the area. Birds of prey will also be used as an additional way of deterring gulls from nesting in areas where they see the predators.

The work is part of a series of trial measures to deter gulls from settling in the city as part of an innovative 18 month project that was approved by the Cabinet last month as part of the Council’s new Gull Strategy.

He said that the unauthorised occupancy of the Newbridge Park & Ride had been brought to a conclusion.

He wished to thank all involved in the production of the Guide to Busking & Street Performance in Bath.

He explained that the Council has been running an approved traders scheme since January 2007 and that it has now merged its scheme with other local authority schemes under the Buy With Confidence logo.  He added that the Council is committed to ensuring the traders on this scheme treat all people fairly, and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, disability, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

He said that work regarding the Water Space Study is underway and will focus on the River Avon and Kennet and Avon Canal (Deep Lock to Limpley Stoke Viaduct). He informed the Panel that the Council is working in partnership with the Environment Agency, the Canal and Rivers Trust and Wessex Water to develop an evidence base, undertake public and stakeholder consultation and identify opportunities to deliver enhancements to these waterways and adjoining land.

He stated that the study is due to be completed by March 2017 and that public consultation on the emerging Water Space Study will take place as part of the Bristol to Bath Festival of Nature 2016 (10 - 25 June).

Councillor Dine Romero asked what the Council were doing with regard to identifying riparian rights along its waterways.

Councillor Veal replied that these were sometimes difficult to ascertain, but that they would do their upmost to identify them.

Councillor Dine Romero asked who would clear the large branches currently in situe on Pultney Weir.

Councillor Veal replied that Avon Fire & Rescue could advise on this matter.

Councillor Anthony Clarke, Cabinet Member for Transport addressed the Panel.

He stated that the project to upgrade the canal towpath has commenced and works are expected to last for up to 18 weeks, with a scheduled completion of Friday 15th July 2016. He said that the project is being undertaken in partnership between the Canal & River Trust and Bath & North East Somerset Council and is being funded predominantly via the Department for Transport’s, City Cycle Ambition Fund 2.

He informed the Panel that a further one year contract for the Freight Consolidation Service had been agreed and would incorporate the Council using the service more and deliveries to Keynsham.

Councillor Lin Patterson commented that she was pleased to see the planned improvement works for the canal towpath. She asked if signage relating to pedestrian safety would be put in place as part of these works.

Councillor Clarke replied that the Canal & River Trust is responsible for the towpath, but that he was personally committed to putting adequate signage in place.

Councillor Neil Butters said that he was aware that some residents had concerns over the likely increased traffic flow that the new development in Foxhill will create. He asked if Curo still had plans to develop a cable car system.

Councillor Clarke replied that no direct approach had been made to the Council but that the idea of a cable car still remains on Curo’s agenda. He added that he was not against the issue being explored but that there was an issue relating to the loss of amenity for residents

Councillor Butters asked if he could give some thought to putting in place a roundabout at the top of Entry Hill.

Councillor Clarke replied that there are important issues to be addressed along North Road and that a significant increase in traffic flow is to be expected. He added that he was not aware of any current discussions relating to the proposed roundabout.

The Chairman thanked both of the Cabinet Members for their updates.