North Area Panel Minutes 14th February 2007

NORTH AREA PANEL


Meeting held 14th February, 2007, at Wharncliffe Side Community Centre, Brightholmlee Lane

PRESENT:		Councillors Trevor Bagshaw (Chair), David Baker, Alison Brelsford, Martin Brelsford, Martin Davis, Alan Hooper, Graham Oxley and Vickie Priestley.

		Representatives of Panel Partners:-
		Pam Horner	-	South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive
		Elise Gilwhite	-	Sheffield Primary Care Trust
		Katherine Temington	-	Sheffield Futures
		Councillor Jack Clarkson	-	Stocksbridge Town Council
		Councillor Jonathan Jones	-	Ecclesfield Parish Council
		Councillor Vic Bowden	-	Sheffield City Council
		Claire Davis		Sheffield Futures
		Katherine Temington		Sheffield Futures

		City Council Officers:-
		John Charlton	-	Lead Manager
		Matthew Rush	-	Area Action Officer
		Mike Shaw	-	Street Force
		Angela Prime	-	Street Force
		Jason Dietsch	-	Committee Secretariat

		Approximately 15 members of the public, including representatives of Panel Partners attended the meeting.

………………..

					Action
1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE FROM MEMBERS OF THE PANEL
	Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kathleen Chadwick and Patricia Fox. The Chair, Councillor Trevor Bagshaw, informed Members that the Area Coordinator, Anne Blantern was absent due to ill health and Members asked that their best wishes be passed to Anne.

2.	PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
	Bus Services
	A question was raised concerning the division of contracts for day time and evening/weekend bus services for Stocksbridge and its impact upon bus users. Pam Horner, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, stated that daytime services were operated commercially and without subsidy, by First, South Yorkshire, whilst evening and weekend operations received a subsidy from the Passenger Transport Executive. Following submission of prices to operate the evening services the contract to maintain the late evening and night and Sunday service was awarded to Stagecoach. The Passenger Transport Executive was obliged to accept the lowest price for delivery of a contract under legislation and to ensure best value for public funding.
	Concern was expressed that people living in the Upper Don area of the City paid a significantly higher cost for bus services than people elsewhere in the City and that if bus usage were to decrease as a result this would run counter to the Council's pledge to reduce traffic congestion. It was considered that a quality contract might give the Council greater control over the operators of bus services.
	Responding to the points raised, Pam Horner stated that operators were not permitted under the primary legislation to collaborate on provision of through ticketing for day time and evening services. However, Travelmaster tickets were available for multi modal, multi operator journeys across South Yorkshire. The Executive was currently investigating a number of different ways to deliver the Bus Strategy, one option being Quality Contracts which were similar to the franchising arrangements presently operating in London with all bus services operating under contract to Transport For London. The recently launched Quality Partnership Scheme for buses in North Sheffield was the first in the country to be developed. The Executive and the City Council worked in partnership with the operators and the agreement stipulated reliability requirements for services, vehicles used and frequencies in return for development of infrastructure and provision of improved facilities to improve bus journey times and make them more efficient. The Partnership had taken approximately two years to develop.
	A member of the public commented that the service, operated by Stagecoach (Service 57) did not run to the advertised schedule and the advertised schedule was not the same as the original timetable. Pam Horner stated that she had been in contact with Stagecoach who had assured her that duty boards for drivers had been altered to reflect the requirements of the timetable and she undertook to contact Stagecoach in relation to this issue again.
	It was requested that bus times be more widely advertised and Pam Horner responded that the Passenger Transport Executive had a number of merchandising outlets in Stocksbridge in which timetables could be distributed. It was also possible that contact could also be made with Stocksbridge Town Council in relation to the bus services.
	It was suggested that the local press be used to advertise timetable changes and Pam Horner undertook to encourage advertising, locally using leaflets and, if possible, in the local press. She also suggested that the text messaging service be used by passengers for up to date/real time information and, although retrospective advertising could not be carried out for any future service changes, this would be considered.				Pam Horner

	Sight Lines - Moor Hall Lane
	A member of the public referred to a petition submitted to the Council's highways team in relation to inadequate sight lines at the base of Moor Hall Lane, containing 160 signatures.
	The questioner also reported that during a recent emergency incident, the Ambulance Service had found it difficult to locate the scene of the emergency. This had been reported to Street Force and signs had been erected. However, this had not been done correctly and the Panel were requested to investigate the matter further. It was also reported that signage was not consistent with postal address.				Mike Shaw

	Ewden Village
	Concern was expressed at the condition of areas of the Ewden Valley. Francis Tivey, on behalf of the Bolsterstone Community Group, submitted documents, including correspondence with local residents and photographic evidence in relation to the environmental condition of the Valley. The submission also outlined proposals and suggested remedies to problems such as litter, burnt out cars, which had not been completely removed and the incomplete replacement of fencing. It was also reported that a litter-picking event had been held to clean up part of the area.
	Councillor Trevor Bagshaw reported that a meeting of the Rural Villages Forum had been held on 5th February, 2007, and that, at that meeting, the possibility of funding a project relating to the Ewden Valley through the Rural Target Fund was discussed. Fay Green of the North Area Regeneration Partnership was to address Stocksbridge Town Council and the local community in relation to this issue.
	John Charlton, Lead Manager, stated that there were a number of landowners in the Valley and a need to determine who was responsible for particular areas of land prior to areas being cleaned up or burnt out cars removed.
	It was considered that a Management Plan would be required in relation to maintenance, recreation and development for the Valley.

	Junction of Hallwood Road and Bracken Hill, Burncross
	A member of the public reported flooding and drainage difficulties on Hallwood Road partly resulting from the development known as Hallwood Rise and stated that he had deployed sand bags around his property to divert water. There was also concern that the volume of water was causing flooding across Hallwood Road and that this might turn to ice in certain weather conditions.
	Councillor Trevor Bagshaw reported that there were already discussions between residents of Hallwood Rise and the developers in relation to the watercourse and City Council Officers had also been made aware.
	John Charlton responded that he would request that the matter be investigated. Councillor Trevor Bagshaw expressed concern in relation to planning applications considered by the Council's Planning and Highways Boards that there was an assumption that technical solutions could be found to drainage problems. John Charlton undertook to consult with the Head of Planning, Les Sturch and the Council’s Land Drainage Officer and he added that the increasing number of hard surfaces including the conversion of front gardens to hardened driveways increased surface run off into the main drainage system.				John Charlton, Les Sturch and Peter Berry

3.	SHEFFIELD IN BLOOM 2007
	The Panel received a presentation from Angela Prime, Street Force, concerning Sheffield in Bloom 2007, in relation to which there were four areas of competition, namely the Lord Mayor's Awards, Yorkshire in Bloom, Britain in Bloom and the Entente Florale. For Yorkshire in Bloom, anyone in the local area could enter under relevant categories and the Local Authority could enter City Centre and City wide routes and in 2007 Sheffield would enter the City wide route.
	The local entry process was outlined and the Council would be able to offer advice, support and timely services including promotional support.
	One of the judging criteria was community involvement and other criteria included improvement of environmental quality, the quality of displays, permanent landscaping and sustainable development.
	Angela Prime outlined the success of the City in 2006 which included 7 entries from the North Panel Area, Bradfield (bronze), Bolsterstone (silver and the Yorkshire Water special environmental award), Chapeltown (achievement), Grenoside (silver), Oughtibridge (silver gilt), Stannington (silver) and Stocksbridge (silver).
	A member of the public reported that a group in Wharncliffe Side were proposing to enter the competition and a meeting in relation to the entry would be held on 6th March, 2007, at Wharncliffe Side school.
	A number of questions were asked and comments raised and responses were made as follows:-

	· In relation to insurance, advice had been sought from the Council's Legal Services and so long as people participating in the In Bloom Competition were to abide by the guidance instructions and safety guidance issued by Street Force, they would be covered by the Council's insurance. This had been confirmed with the Parish and Town Council.

	· In relation to financial support from the Area Panel to groups wishing to participate in the In Bloom Competition, a small budget had been set aside by the Panel to support new entrants to the competition and the Chair, Councillor Trevor Bagshaw stated that the Panel would be pleased to receive such requests for funding but that these needed to be made by the end of February, 2007. Angela Prime added that the entry pack for In Bloom also detailed other sources of financial support.

	The Chair, on behalf of the Panel, thanked Angela Prime for her presentation.

4.	THE RURAL VILLAGES YOUTH WORK PROJECT
	The Panel were addressed by Claire Davis and Katherine Temington, Sheffield Futures, who were both employed in the Wharncliffe Side area as part of the Rural Villages Youth Work Project. The Panel were informed that approximately 20 young people attended the Youth Project in the Wharncliffe Side area, however a particular problem was the lack of volunteers to help expand activities as part of the Project.
	Partnership working was being undertaken with Activity Sheffield. The Rural Villages Youth Work Project also covered other areas such as Bradfield, Stannington and Oughtibridge.
	Councillor Trevor Bagshaw stated that Sheffield Futures were contractually required to recruit, train and support volunteers and the Project still required a number of volunteers, who could also assist youth workers by allowing them time to develop and submit bids for further funding.
	Advertising in relation to volunteers had been undertaken locally and resources for youth work were also being built up.
	The Chair thanked Sheffield Futures for their presentation.

5.	PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS
	Councillor Graham Oxley commented that Ecclesfield Parish Council had written to the Area Co-ordinator in relation to the condition of highways, such as the presence of potholes. A letter was sent to the Council's Highways Service in March, 2006, in relation to problems associated with the construction of signs and sign poles in the pavement, which obstructed access for disabled people using wheelchairs or scooters and he referred particularly to The Common - Royal Bank of Scotland to Morrisons/Mill Lane and Nether Lane. No response had been received in relation to this letter.				Mike Shaw
	Councillor Trevor Bagshaw stated that this issue had been raised at a previous public meeting of the Area Panel and was documented in the minutes of the meeting held on 13th December, 2006, in relation to Ecclesfield Road, where it was reported that the matter had been investigated and there was considered to be sufficient clearance for wheelchairs on the pavement.
	John Charlton stated that Street Force needed to be made aware of specific problem areas on the highway and explained that there was an inspection process and, if an individual report was made, the Service undertook to investigate this within reasonable timescales, depending on the nature of the report, and remedy a defect in the highway if it was considered to be necessary.
	Councillor Martin Brelsford asked a question in relation to the consistency of planning policy particularly in relation to proposed developments on green belt and in relation to sufficient planning for drainage to prevent flooding in developments such as the proposed housing development on the former Corus site.
	Councillor Trevor Bagshaw proposed that the Head of Planning or his representative be invited to a meeting concerning planning matters and changes to proposals and consultation in relation to the Sheffield Development Framework. This would be likely to take place between Members and Officers during March, 2007.
	Councillor Martin Brelsford stated that, although gritting had taken place during recent snow falls and main routes were successfully kept open there were some areas in Stocksbridge which were not kept clear including routes used by buses such as Shay House Lane.
	In response, John Charlton stated that the snowfall had been well forecast to commence during the late afternoon of Friday 9 February 2007 and a bed of salt had been laid in advance on the precautionary salting network which comprised 60% of the highways in the City, followed by ploughing if required on the more exposed routes. The City Centre remained clear and there was not traffic gridlock and arterial routes were also successfully cleared. He referred to particular problems in the West of the City due to the volume of snow. All available resources were deployed on the precautionary network in an effort to keep them clear and in any event it was not felt to be the best use of public funds to clear snow from highways not included on the precautionary salting network as a rapid thaw was forecast for the following day, which cleared the snow very effectively from almost all roads. The Council had issued a press statement warning of potential traffic disruption and it was unfortunate that parts of the Radio Sheffield broadcasts if heard in isolation during the late afternoon on Friday 9th February, stating that there was rain in the City Centre, but no snow, had given the impression to some listeners that the problems on the roads wouldn’t be as severe as the weather forecasts suggested.
	Councillor Alan Hooper stated that, generally in Ecclesfield, the condition of highways was an issue of concern and particularly the presence of potholes. He also commented that the stretch of the A61 from Grenoside to the turning for Burncross was in poor condition and that highway drainage was ineffective.
	The work being undertaken on Lound Side, at the brow of the hill to improve the highway condition was noted.
	It was agreed to request Street Force to investigate the issue of signs blocking the access for disabled people on pavements in relation to Ecclesfield/The Common.

6.	COMMUNITY SAFETY AND THE RURAL VILLAGE FORUM
	Councillor Trevor Bagshaw stated that a meeting would be held on 28th February, 2007, at the Community Centre, Wharncliffe Side, starting at 9.30 a.m. in relation to the priorities for the North Area Panel for the next year and the action planning process and it was hoped that representatives of community organisations would be able to attend and input into the identification of priorities for the area.
	In relation to community safety, Councillor Bagshaw stated that in 2006/07 the Panel had highlighted themes of community safety and youth provision and a Community Safety Forum had been established in High Green. In the last 18 months a similar Forum had been established in Ecclesfield/Grenoside and a Forum was being developed in Stocksbridge.
	The Rural Villages Forum was to consider the adoption of a formal constitution at its next meeting, so that external funding might be accessed. Councillor Bagshaw also stated that he wished for Parish Councils and community organisations to be fully briefed in relation to this development.
	In specific relation to community safety, South Yorkshire Police had offered to hold a Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) in Stocksbridge to discuss local concerns and to allocate specific resources, including representatives of contributing agencies. There was a standing item in relation to community safety on the agendas of the Rural Villages Forum.
	Councillor Jack Clarkson, Stocksbridge Town Council, expressed concern that local groups, for example the local TARA or the Community Forum should have a voice at NAG meetings and that local residents should also have input. Councillor Martin Brelsford suggested that there should be public participation in meetings relating to community safety and Councillor Trevor Bagshaw responded that the community safety meetings in Stocksbridge would allow opportunity for Councillors to invite members of the public to raise concerns, which could then be reported to NAG meetings, at which both City Councillors and Town Councillors would be represented.
	Councillor Alison Brelsford stated that there were initial concerns that there would not be elected member representation on the NAGs and Community Safety Forums and Councillor Trevor Bagshaw clarified that the NAGs were chaired by a Police Inspector for the Safer Neighbourhood Area and also included representatives of agencies and partners who could address concerns in relation to community safety. He also noted that elected members would have input into the future use of Section 30 Dispersal Orders that had affected the North area.

7.	MINUTES
	The consideration of the minutes of the meeting held on 13th December, 2006, was deferred.

8.	DATE OF NEXT MEETING
	It was noted that the next meeting of the Area Panel would be held on Wednesday, 14th March, 2007, starting at 6.30 p.m. in Grenoside at a venue to be confirmed.

How useful is this page?

[ Comment On This Page? ]

Browsealoud |