North Area Panel Minutes 19th November 2003

	NORTH AREA PANEL


	Meeting held 19th November, 2003 at Bradfield Village Hall, Low Bradfield

			PRESENT:			Councillors David Baker (Chair), Maureen Brelsford, Victoria Bowden, Kathleen Chadwick, Martin Davis and Arthur Dunworth.

			Also in Attendance:-
			Councillor Diane Leek				-	Lord Mayor

			Representatives of Panel Partners:-
			Alan Hooper				-	Ecclesfield Parish Council
			Kath Granger
			Norman Garrett
			John Bailey				-	Bradfield Parish Council
			Mavis Butler
			Malcolm Glover
			Ruth Labedz
			Ruth Saffrey				-	Sheffield West Primary Care Trust
			Inspector Jack Clarkson				-	South Yorkshire Police

			City Council Officers:-
			John Charlton				-	North Area Lead Manager
			Graham Boadhurst				-	Street Force
			David Hargate				-	Parks Woodlands and Countryside
			Simon Dorē
			Melvyn Riley
			Jill Missen
			Megan Byrne				-	Neighbourhoods Directorate
			Kevin Seaman				-	Sheffield Futures
			Tony Crellin				-	Stocksbridge Futures Partnership
			Graham Silverwood
			Alex Prince				-	Sheffield Chamber of Commerce
			Lee Stevenson				-	Yorkshire Rural Community Council
			Lisa Casey				-	Community Safety Officer
			Matthew Teale				-	SCC Regeneration and Partnerships
			Anne Blantern				-	North Area Co-ordinator
			Jane Harrison				-	North Area Support Officer
			Vicki Savage				-	Partnership Development Officer
			Sarah Thomson				-	Committee Secretariat

			44 members of the public attended the meeting.
		……………

1.		APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
		There were no apologies for absence.

2.		MINUTES
		The Panel received and approved the minutes of the meeting held on 15th October, 2003 and arising from consideration of the Action Checklist from the meeting it was noted that (a) the open day in relation to Wortley Road Traffic Calming Scheme had been held at the Parish Community Hall and not the PACES Centre as previously recorded (b) a number of Members had not been notified of the invitation to visit the Wortley Road site until after the event had taken place on 10th November at 3.00 pm and the Chair had written to Councillor Tim Rippon expressing his annoyance on the matter and was awaiting a response (c) Parish Councillor, Alan Hooper had received a response in relation to the removal of a private fence obstructing the footpath at Queensgate (d) the High Green Community Forum had held their first meeting on Monday 10th November, 2003 and had elected a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer (e) the Area Co-ordinator had written to British Telecom in relation to the removal of three payphones in the North Area in response and she had been informed that BT were considering the removal of an additional four payphones adding that they were satisfied that the removal of the payphones would not be to the detriment of the residents in the immediate area.
		John Charlton referred to Smithy Bridge at Low Bradfield and stated that a structural assessment of the bridge had taken place in addition to a number of additional inspections which had been carried out over the past 7 months and which highlighted no further deterioration. He also reported that load testing had been carried out on the bridge and indicated that it was proposed to strengthen the bridge prior to March 2004, adding that the improvement scheme was in the design process in order to implement measures to strengthen the bridge, although if the bridge failed to meet the inspection criteria he anticipated that a weight restriction would be placed on the bridge to ensure it remained safe.
		Councillor Arthur Dunworth requested that if the bridge was to be closed due to deterioration could the Area Co-ordinator ensure that consultation would be carried out with residents and users of the bridge in order to agree a way forward.
		A local resident suggested that Mr Charlton inspect the parapet of the bridge during daylight as in his view, the parapet was particularly worn and required remedial repair work
		The Panel noted the issues now raised.

3.		PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
		The following questions were raised by members of the public and responses were provided as follows:-

		The Chair introduced Inspector Jack Clarkson.

		Q.			Councillor Arthur Dunworth referred to a letter received from a local resident in relation to motor-cycle and youth nuisance on a section of road situated off Riggs Low Road and Riggs High Road. He reported that Inspector Clarkson was attending the meeting in order to answer questions concerning this issue although he was not the case officer for the investigation. A local resident circulated a map and expressed his concerns in relation to the use of the area now reported which he stated was unsafe for the use of motor vehicles due to loose rock and debris. He reported that he had witnessed approximately 20 motor bikes, many without number plates using the area as a scramble track and added that he did not feel that the area could be categorised as a road and sought assistance from the Panel to review the classification of the road which he considered should be reclassified as a footpath.

		R.			Inspector Clarkson stated that the case officer had been in contact with the Highways Agency in relation to the area reported and added that there were no Traffic Regulation Orders on these adopted roads and he believed that the roads had narrowed over a number of years. Inspector Clarkson also stated that organised motor cycle groups were now utilising the area as a scramble track and added that on Sunday 22nd November, 2003, an officer from South Yorkshire Police would be meeting with the event organiser to mediate with them and establish a way forward. He had arranged to contact the Highways Agency to apply for a Traffic Regulation Order and added that South Yorkshire Police would be working in conjunction with Sheffield City Council in order to implement new signage and establish new areas which could be safely utilised by the motor cyclists.

		Q.			A local resident expressed concerns with regards to the possible classification of the road and enquired that if the road was to be categorised as a footpath how would those farmers who used the road to access their fields be affected.

		R.			Councillor Arthur Dunworth believed that there were a whole network of these ‘white roads’ across the Country and believed that South Yorkshire Police should undergo a review of these roads to safeguard farmers and regular users.

					Trevor Bagshaw, Chair of the Local Access Forum, addressed the Panel. He believed that under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the local Council were required to review Public Rights of Way and produce an improvement plan to phase in over the next few years.

		Q.			A local resident referred to a discussion held at a previous Panel meeting in relation to Oughtibridge Lane and expressed concerns by stating that Oughtibridge Lane was categorised as a Country Lane yet traffic along the Lane was inevitably increasing on a daily basis due to the new housing developments at Oughtibridge and Middlewood. He believed that the dangers on this road were self evident because of its configuration and that a number of factors posed potential dangers to pedestrians as drivers were unable to see pedestrians clearly on this stretch of road. He enquired as to whether the Panel could provide funding to improve the matter now raised.

		R.			John Charlton enquired as to whether the questioner had submitted a formal request to the City Council in order for the scheme to be assessed and prioritised.

		Councillor Martin Davis enquired as to whether the questioner wished the road to be used as an orbital road or to remain as a country lane.

		The Chair agreed that the way forward would be to await the receipt of a formal letter from the questioner followed by consultation with local residents following which the Panel would readdress the issue at a future Panel meeting.

		Q.			A local resident enquired as to whether the Panel could provide funding to assist with the draining of the playing field located on Loxley Road. The questioner also referred to access to the woods via a dirt path at the top of Phillips Road, Loxley and added that the path was created through regular use and enquired as to whether the Panel could provide funding to place shingles on the path in order to make it more hard-standing.

		R.			The Chair reported that the Panel may already have details of the footpath scheme proposed at Philips Road and stated that funding may be available through the small highways schemes.
					David Hargate stated that funding for the drainage of the playing field could be obtained if the field would be of benefit to local Sports Clubs.

		Q.			The questioner believed that a football team did previously use the playing field but were no longer able to do so. The questioner also stated that he was campaigning to retain the bus service no. 66, which operated on Tuesdays and Fridays from Bradfield to Hillsborough, as the number of residents using the service had declined. He believed that the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive were to reduce the service to Fridays only due to the lack of demand.

		R.			The Chair stated that he would investigate the issues now raised and report back to a future meeting of the Panel.
					Councillor Maureen Brelsford referred to a similar problem which had occurred in Stocksbridge and reported that Stocksbridge Parish Council had undertaken a publicity drive mainly due to the fact that a number of people were simply not aware that the bus service existed.

4.		INVESTMENT IN PARKS IN THE NORTH AREA
		David Hargate, gave a presentation on Investments in Parks in the North Area and referred to Improvement Projects, Grounds Maintenance Resources and Maintenance Regimes, Area Action Plans and the Ranger Service.
		He informed the Panel of a number of Projects taking place in Mortomley Park and Thorncliffe Recreation Ground, Sycamore Park, Ecclesfield Park, Rundle Road playground in Stocksbridge, Burncross open space, Foxfield Spring Wood, Wadsley Park Village and Various open spaces around Oughtibridge where funding had been allocated for improvements to the areas and he also referred to a number of open spaces which were priority projects but which had not received funding for improvements including Stannington Park, Chapeltown Park, Grenoside Park, Clock Tower Gardens Stocksbridge and Oxley Park, Stocksbridge.
		Mr Hargate referred to the management and maintenance arrangements for the North Area adding that during 2000/01 a number of staff were transferred from Street Force to Parks Woodlands and Countryside Services. He informed members of the Panel that the Service now had a dedicated team of staff who were responsible for 12 sites on a rotating programme adding that 3 staff together with an additional gardener during the Summer months were responsible for the maintenance of the North Area.
		He also added that the Teams operated seasonal working arrangements working additional hours during the Summer and recouping those additional hours worked by way of time off during the Winter months.
		Mr Hargate referred to the Area Action Plans being developed for each Area which would provide a strategic approach to the planning and delivery of management and regeneration activity across the service and included all categories of green spaces defined in the Parks Woodlands and Countryside Site Categorisation Strategy that the Service manages. He anticipated that each Area Plan would be available to the Area Panels in March 2004 with a report presented to Scrutiny Board during April 2004. Each plan would be revised annually and changed when opportunities arose to improve management of sites, regeneration and delivery of the service.
		Simon Dorē, continued the presentation on the Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Ranger Service and gave details on the Service Structure and site locations adding that the North Area Ranger Team were based at Concord Park. He provided details on the Key Areas of work carried out by the Ranger Service including; the provision of support to Community Groups, the provision of practical projects for people and wildlife, the provision of education and interpretation, monitoring and patrolling green spaces, the provision of fun activities and events and the provision of healthy activities.
		Mr Dorē reported that the Ranger Service deployed 2 full time Ranger staff in the North Area with 2 Intermediate Labour Market placements and 4 unpaid volunteers.
,		He reported on work which had taken place in the North Area Panel area during 2002/2003 which included support for 3 community groups, in addition to 450 educational visits for children, 34 workdays with the community, 15 volunteers working in the area and 90 days staff time on practical work.
		Mr Dorē concluded his presentation by informing members of the Panel of future plans for the Ranger Service which included; building on existing partnerships and successful projects, to secure resources to continue and expand the services work and regenerate green spaces, to develop closer ties with local schools to increase educational events, to continue a programme of maintenance and improvement in Ewden Valley, to continue to support local community groups and encourage more to start and work in partnership with other agencies for the benefit of the area.
		He added that the Northern Ranger Service Team could be contacted on tel: 0114 2403578.
		Following the presentation the following questions were asked and responses given:-

		Q.		A local resident enquired as to whether the City Council had altered their dog waste receptacles as she reported that a group of youths had been extracting dog waste from the bins and vandalising the Church and local School with the contents. She also asked if it would be possible for the receptacles to be modified along the lines of a post box in order to eliminate any extraction of the waste deposited.

		R.		David Hargate reported that he was not aware of any such products available as the receptacles had to be easily accessible in order for Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Services to empty them.

		Q.		It was reported by a local resident, that a similar problem had occurred approximately a year ago where the solution was to vary the emptying times of the receptacles.

		R.		Mr Hargate indicated that varying the waste collection times may be a possible solution and he would investigate the issue now raised.

		Q.		Mr Trevor Bagshaw, enquired as to whether David Hargate could provide copies of the North Area Parks plan.

		R.		It was agreed that the Area Co-ordinator would forward the plans to Mr Bagshaw.

		Q.		A local resident enquired as to the perceived location of the Skateboard facility proposed for the land located behind Stocksbridge Leisure Centre near Oxley Park, Stocksbridge.

		R.		Jill Missen stated that the location of the park had yet to be determined. Councillor Maureen Brelsford added that there were ongoing discussions as to the location of the proposed Skateboard park.
				The Panel thanked the Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Services for their contribution.

5.		AREA CO-ORDINATORS REPORT
		It was agreed that the Area Co-ordinator would defer her report to 17th December, 2003, meeting of the Panel.

6.		PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS
		Councillor Maureen Brelsford referred to the number of telephone calls she had received over the bonfire period in relation to the number of fire works being set off in the area and added that Stocksbridge Town Council had sent a proposal to the City Council requesting that they examined regulations in relation to the licensing and selling of fireworks over the forthcoming year as she believed that the problem was escalating.
		The Chair informed members of the Panel of the new legislation to be implemented in relation to the licensing of firework establishments and stated that he would be anxious to see the effects of this.

7.		DATE OF NEXT MEETING
		It was noted that the next meeting of the Panel would be held on Wednesday, 17th December, 2003 at 4.00 p.m., at Wharncliffe Side Community Centre, Wharncliffe Side.



8.		NORTH AREA REGENERATION PARTNERSHIP (NARP)
		The Chair welcomed and introduced the Lord Mayor, Councillor Diane Leek, to the meeting and stated that the Lord Mayor would officially launch NARP following a joint presentation by the Chair and Miss Vicki Savage who would provide an outline of the work of NARP.
		The Chair added that the Partner organisations had been provided with identity badges and requested that the Panel view the various displays which had been situated around the room and which explained the various work undertaken by the partner organisations.
		He explained that NARP was established in order to bring together regeneration work across the North area and to support the development of a regeneration action plan for the future in order to facilitate “economic enabling in North Sheffield” and provided details of the Partner Organisations who were Sheffield City Council, Bradfield Parish Council, Ecclesfield Parish Council, Stocksbridge Town Council, Business Link South Yorkshire, Stocksbridge Futures Partnership, South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Community Representatives, Business representatives (including Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Business in the community).
		He added that the aims and objectives of NARP were to (a) enable, and improve access to, the economic and social benefits of regeneration funding for all communities across ‘the North’ area (b) link with, and provide a strategic overview of, the various regeneration programmes in ‘the North’ area (c) develop a local action plan for ‘the North’ area, to assist in informing and integrating regeneration activity; and (d) bid for funds to tackle social exclusion and economic regeneration, ensuring they are accessible to grassroots groups.
		Vicki Savage, continued the presentation and provided details of the area covered by NARP, which included the Parish Councils of Ecclesfield, Stocksbridge and Bradfield. She reported on the existing work undertaken by the Partner organisations and the role of NARP within the North Area.
		She concluded the presentation by explaining the way forward for NARP by means of preparing an action plan in order to address the North Area priorities and creating a series of packages/solutions which would make the most of the funding available and the support to make sure grass root groups could access the funding with a program of integrated service delivery. The ultimate goal was to enhance the social and economic environment of ‘the North’ area.
		Following the presentation the following questions were asked and responses given:-

		Q.		A local resident enquired as to whether the Chapeltown Swimming Pool would be able to obtain funding for improvements.

		R.		The Chair believed that this was the type of project that could attract funding.

		Q.		A local resident enquired as to whether Yorkshire Forward had progressed the application for Objective 1 funding to develop the Smithy Wood site situated close to Junction 34.

		R.		Miss Savage stated that she was unaware of progression with this project although she would investigate the issue now raised and report back to a future meeting of NARP.

		Q.		A local resident enquired as to how members of the community could gain a position on the Partnership Board.

		R.		Miss Savage stated that during the first six months allocation to the Board would be by means of nomination and appointment. Once the Board was fully established and running, NARP anticipated moving to an election system.

		The Lord Mayor then thanked the Panel and NARP for inviting her to the meeting and officially launched the North Area Regeneration Partnership.

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