Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, in particular, Mr. David Gairn who had come to give a presentation about the work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.

She also introduced Mrs Margaret Carney, Chief Executive, Mr. Peter Moore, Director of Environmental and Technical Services and Mr. Jerry McConkey, Network Manager who had come to speak and answer questions about the Council’s Winter Service Policy, with particular reference to the difficulties and problems encountered during the adverse weather conditions at the end of December 2010.

The Chair indicated that in order to give Committee Members and members of the public an opportunity for full debate and discussion, the Agenda item dealing with the Winter Service Policy would be considered at the end of the meeting (Minute No. 61 refers).

Apologies for absence were received from Parish Councillor Gaskin, who was recovering from a recent operation. 

The Chair welcomed Parish Councillor John Jones, who would be substituting for Parish Councillor Gaskin until he was well enough to resume his position on the Area Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee’s best wishes for a full and speedy recovery be conveyed to Parish Councillor Gaskin.

Members and Officers are requested to give notice of any personal or prejudicial interest and the nature of that interest, relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the relevant Code of Conduct

The following declarations of interest were received:

Minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2010.

These items are for general discussion.  Anybody attending the meeting is welcome to speak (subject to the Chair’s discretion)

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2010 be confirmed as a correct record.

A period of 20 minutes (or longer at the discretion of the Chair) will be set aside for a Public Forum.

Members of the public can ask questions, raise matters, or present petitions on issues that are relevant to Sefton Council.  The person asking a question will be allowed one supplementary question.

A question form indicating the person’s name and address must be completed and submitted to the Committee Administrator as soon as possible and by no later than 15 minutes before the meeting starts i.e. before 6.45 p.m. or by 3.00 p.m. for faxed (0151 934 2034) or on-line submissions http://forms.sefton.gov.uk/openforumquestion/

Question forms can be obtained from the Committee Administrator prior to the meeting.

(If the questioner does not attend the meeting or nominate a representative to attend (at the discretion of the Chair), the question will not be read out, but a written response will be forwarded to the questioner).

If a response to a question cannot be provided at the meeting, the Neighbourhoods Division will contact the relevant department for a formal response and the resident will be contacted directly in writing

During the Public Forum, the following questions/comments/petitions were submitted:

Report of the Neighbourhood Inspector

Update on crime statistics and area interventions since the last meeting

These items are for consultation or information of interest to the local community.  Anybody attending the meeting is welcome to speak (subject to the Chair’s discretion)

Inspector Jim Atherton, Neighbourhood Inspector, introduced PCSO Denise Moreland who had been given a permanent position on the Formby dedicated neighbourhood policing team. He indicated that Denise had joined the team on 8 November 2010, replacing PCSO Mark Wolfarth; that she was an experienced PCSO having previously been working in the Crosby Neighbourhood; that she would be working alongside Constable Mike James in Harington Ward and had already been out and about on both foot and pedal cycle patrol in the area. Denise stated that she was enjoying her work in Harington Ward and being the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community.

Inspector Atherton reported on crime incidents and crime prevention during the Christmas and New Year period:

·         Despite the appalling weather conditions on the weekend of 17-20 December there had been a 100% staff turnout at Formby Police Station.

·         Driving conditions were extremely difficult during and after this period and the Southport to Liverpool night train broke down due to an electrical fault on 17 December, so it had been ‘all hands to the pump’ to get people home.  The police land rover had proven to be extremely useful at this time.

·         There had been 8 thefts from motor vehicles – 4 of which had been committed by one male perpetrator who had taken satellite navigation units (sat navs) and had been arrested at the scene.  The other 4 thefts had been of vehicle number plates.  Inspector Atherton explained that vehicle number plates were usually stolen to attach to other vehicles, concealing the vehicle’s true identity whilst a crime was being committed. Vehicle number plates were usually fitted with conventional flat headed or Phillips screws and were therefore easily removed and Inspector Atherton advised that car owners should consult their vehicle manufacturers and consider the use of non-return screws to secure their number plates which could not be removed using screwdrivers or other implements.  Formby Police Station would provide non-return screws free of charge on request.

·         There had also been reports of criminal damage to vehicles – mainly damaged wing mirrors – although some of this could have been linked to the icy conditions.

·         Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) surveillance cameras had recently been used to good effect in apprehending three males who had stolen a BMW car from Barkfield Lane on the night of 5 January 2011. Inspector Atherton explained that APNR was a mass surveillance method that used optical character recognition on images to read the license plates on vehicles.

·         Formby Parish Council had helped with the funding of bicycle marking kits resulting in 100 kits being purchased for Formby and Freshfield.

·         Homewatch were offering Smartwater kits at the reduced price of £15 instead of £55. Inspector Atherton explained that Smartwater was a ‘forensic fingerprint’ solution/spray that was used to mark (and trace) property and place offenders at the scene of a crime.  Each bottle had a unique mix of harmless chemicals that gave it its unique forensic fingerprint with a fluorescent dye that glowed yellow/green  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

Presentation by Mr. David Gairn, Volunteer Presenter, RNLI

These are formal decisions to be taken by the Members of the Council.  Only in exceptional cases will the Chair allow contributions from the public (Advisory Group Members may speak but not vote)

Mr. David Gairn, volunteer presenter for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) gave a presentation on the history and work of the RNLI, with particular reference to the Liverpool Bay.

Mr. Gairn’s presentation included the following interesting facts and figures:

• The role of the volunteer RNLI presenter was to visit schools, youth clubs and other organisations to impart the beach safety message.

• Adults and children using lilos, rubber rings dinghies in the sea at Formby and Ainsdale Beaches kept the local lifeboat service particularly busy during the summer months.

Lifeboats History

• 1776 - the first lifeboat in UK was set up in Formby!
• 1824 - RNLI formed
• 1886 the ‘Mexico’ disaster had occurred off the Liverpool Bay and had led to lifeboats being launched from Southport, St Anne’s and Lytham.  Unfortunately, due to the atrocious weather condtions, the boats from Southport and St Anne’s had been lost in the rescue attempt. Thankfully the crew from Lytham had survived the rescue and had been successful in saving lives of people travelling on the ship.
• 1969 – the first female crew member
• 139,0000 lives had been saved since the RNLI had started

Lifeboats Nationally

• 239 Lifeboat Stations         
• 330 Lifeboats
• 4 Hover craft
• 40,000 Volunteers of whom 4500 are crew members, of whom 360 (8%) are  women

Saving Lives in 2009

• 9,154 lifeboats were launched.    25 launches each day.
• 8,567 people were rescued (including 1024 children); and 22 people (including 2 children) people were rescued each day 
• Floods  Lifeboats were used during the Cockermouth floods with more than 200 people having been rescued.

Lifeguards

• 150 Lifeguard units round the UK /ROI coast
• 11,588  incidents (6862 involving children) attended by lifeguards

Liverpool Bay

• 12 Lifeboat stations from Barrow to Beaumaris
• 22 boats

Costs:

Following his presentation Mr Gairn answered questions from the Committee Members and members of the public.

RESOLVED:

That Mr. Gairn be thanked for his extremely interesting and informative presentation and that he be sent a letter of thanks by the Chair.

Report of the Planning and Economic Development Director

Further to Minute No. 39 of 30 September 2010, the Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director advising of the receipt of objections to the proposed “No Waiting At Any Time" parking restrictions at the junction of Fountain’s Way and Abbey Close Formby.

The Committee heard representations from local residents objecting to the proposed parking restrictions for reasons detailed in Appendix C of the report

The report indicated that the Emergency Services had agreed to the introduction of the proposed parking restrictions and the Committee did not feel it could overrule the advice of the emergency services.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       the objections to the "At Any Time" waiting restrictions be overruled;

(2)       the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders to introduce “No Waiting at Any Time” parking restrictions at the junction of Fountains Way and Abbey Close, shown on the Plan at Annex A and set out in the schedule at Annex B, be progressed as originally advertised;

(3)       the objectors be advised accordingly; and

(4)       the necessary legal procedures, including those of public consultation and advertising the Council's intention to implement the Orders be approved.

Report of the Planning and Economic Development Director

The Committee considered the Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director seeking approval for a Traffic Regulation Order on Victoria Way, Formby, the effect of which would be to restrict waiting and loading on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays through the summer months.

It was proposed to introduce an individual order for the road incorporating all existing restrictions.

RESOLVED: That

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive

The Committee considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive advising of two new applications received from Formby residents to become members of the Woodland Monitoring Group.

The report indicated that the two applications from Mrs. Alison Cruickshank and Mr. Michael Walsh had been considered by the Councillors prior to the meeting.

RESOLVED: That

Quarterly Report of the Woodland Monitoring Group January 2011

The Committee considered the quarterly report of the Woodland Monitoring Group.

Mr. David Adams Chair of the Monitoring Group presented the report, which reported positively that the majority of the work in the woodlands followed carefully that set out in the Woodland Plan.  Concern was expressed, however, regarding the alleged felling of two apparently healthy mature trees on Formby Golf Club and the difficulties experienced by the group in gaining access to the Golf Club which was privately owned.

The Woodland Monitoring Group requested support from the Area Committee in approaching the Golf Club about its concerns.

Parish Councillor Thornton also expressed his own support for the Group which he stated needed the backing of the Area Committee in obtaining responses from outside organisations such as the Mersey Forest and Formby Golf Club.

RESOLVED: That

Report of the Neighbourhoods and Investment Programmes Director

Update on Area Committee budget resources available

Further to Minute No. 40 of 30 September 2010, the Committee considered the report of the Neighbourhoods and Investment Programmes Director advising that the balance of its budget available for allocation during 2010/2011, including amounts set aside for litterbins and street signs was £19,690.00 and providing an update on the progress of those items previously agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the balance of the Area Committee’s budget, £19,690.00 available for allocation during 2010/2011 be noted.

Report of the Environmental and Technical Services Director

The Committee considered the report of the Environmental and Technical Services Director on the proposed protocol for dealing with grass and verge parking and protection.

The report indicated that there were many reported instances of parking on grass verges which had had detrimental effects on the environment and the safety of the highway user. Therefore, in consultation with the Cabinet Member - Technical Services, it had been decided to establish a formal policy to allow for the systematic appraisal of each identified location and enable officers to consider all requests in a fair and equitable manner.

Attached as Appendix A to the report was a flowchart to guide  officers in dealing with grass verge problems on a case by case basis.

RESOLVED: That

Presentation and response to public questions by the Network Manager

Mrs Margaret Carney, Chief Executive, made a statement on the recent severe winter weather problems.  Mrs. Carney indicated that she was genuinely sorry that the Council had not achieved better outcomes during the recent adverse weather, despite extensive gritting operations; that she fully understood the frustration and anger of local residents; that the Council would learn lessons from its recent experience; and that a full review would be undertaken, which would take on board comments and suggestions by the public and which would be publicly available.

Mr. Peter Moore, Environmental and Technical Services Director and Mr. Jerry McConkey, Assistant Director, Technical Services, gave a presentation to the Area Committee on the Council's gritting operations during the recent severe winter weather.  Mr. McConkey also circulated "Frequently Asked Questions" and answers relating to the gritting service.

Mrs. Carney, Mr. Moore and Mr. McConkey then answered questions and responded to comments from Committee Members and members of the public including Mr. Brady, Chair of Formby Business Partnership; and Formby Village traders - Mr Rob Powell, of Brough’s Butchers and Mr. Alan Cassidy, proprietor of the fruit and vegetable shop. Mrs. Carney agreed to meet Mr. Powell and Mr. Cassidy outside the meeting to discuss problems specific to them.

RESOLVED: That

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 17 March 2011, at the Formby Professional Development Centre, Park Road, Formby, commencing at 7:00 p.m.

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting be held at 7.00 p.m. on Thursday 17 March 2011, at the Formby Professional Development Centre, Park Road, Formby.