Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hardy and Moncur.

No declarations of interest were received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 7 November, 2013.

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 9 November 2012 be confirmed as a correct record.

During the Public Forum the following questions were submitted:

Mrs.J.Merity commented that the construction of the footbridge over the canal near the Tesco store, Litherland had now been further delayed. She went on to complain about the quality of the lighting and the condition of the paving near the footbridge. She asked whether the Council could undertake some works to remedy the problems in the short term.

RESOLVED:

That the Neighbour Co-ordinator be asked to investigate Mrs.Merity’s complaint.

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).

There are no items in Part B.

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).

Inspector Atherton reported that, in Litherland Ward, compared to the same period last year:  overall crime was down by 23 incidents; violent crime was up by 1 incident; robbery was down 2 incidents; burglary from the home was down by 6 incidents; theft of a motor vehicle was up by 5 incidents; theft from a motor vehicle remained the same; criminal damage was down by 23 incidents; and anti-social behaviour was down by 3 incidents.

In Ford Ward, compared to the same period last year:  overall crime was down by 16 incidents; violent crime was down by 2 incidents; robbery was down 3 incidents; burglary from the home was up by 8 incidents; theft of a motor vehicle was down by 2 incidents; theft from a motor vehicle was up by 8 incidents; criminal damage was down by 2 incidents; and anti-social behaviour was down by 34 incidents.

Inspector Atherton commented that: there was an emerging trend of motorbikes and off-road vehicles being stolen; the Section 30 in place in Litherland was working well; the Police had some ‘Smartwater’ which they were distributing to vunerable residents; 2 criminal anti-social behaviour orders (CRASBO) had been issued, and were working effectively; the trend of canabis production, which was a force-wide issue, was moving from large-scale operations to small-scale, which meant it was more difficult to investigate.

RESOLVED: That

(1)            the Police be thanked for their presentation; and

(2)            Inspector Simon Thompson be thanked for his sterling work within the community.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Built Environment which provided information regarding the delays and revised date of installation of the proposed ‘at grade’ Litherland bridge, in accordance with the requirements of the planning consent for the development of the Tesco Store, Hawthorne Road.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Built Environment which sought the progression of a Traffic Regulation Order, the effect of which would introduce a 20mph speed limit in the Litherland and Ford Area.

The Committee expressed their concern that the 20mph speed limit did not include the area around the Linacre Bridge, Litherland as there were three schools in the area’s vicinity. Currently, and under the new proposals, there was a 20mph zone outside one school, but a 30mph zone outside the other two schools. The Committee noted that this area was due to be included in phase 2 of the introduction of 20mph zones, but was concerned there was no definate start date for phase 2.

RESOLVED: That

(1)             all existing Speed Limit Traffic Regulation Orders, as detailed within the report, be revoked;

(2)             a Traffic Regulation Order introducing a 20 mph speed limit within the Litherland and Ford Area, be approved;

(3)             the necessary legal procedures, including the Council’s intention to implement the Orders, be approved; the progression of the traffic calming measures as consulted on and described in this report, subject to Cabinet Member-Transportation approval of the 2013/14 Merseyside Local Sustainable Transport Programme, be approved; and

(4)             the Director of Built Environment be requested to investigate the possibilty of extending the 20mph zone to include the area around Linacre Bridge, Litherland.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Built Environment that sought approval for the progression of a Traffic Regulation Order, the effect of which would provide a disabled resident with a parking place directly outside their place of residence.

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

RESOLVED: That

(1)            all existing Traffic Regulation Orders in Kent Avenue, Litherland, as detailed within the report, be revoked;

(2)            the Traffic Regulation Order  to create a Disabled Persons Parking Place outside 49 Kent Avenue, Litherland, as detailed within the report and incorporating all the existing restrictions on the road, be approved; and

(3)            the necessary legal procedures, including those of public consultation and advertising the Council’s intention to implement the Order, be approved.

Report of the Director of Corporate Commissioning

Update on area management issues resolved since the last meeting

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Corporate Commissioning that provided an update on area management activities that had taken place in Litherland and Ford Wards since the last Area Committee meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

Further to Minute No.34 of the meeting of 7 November 2012, the Committee considered the report of the Director of Corporate Commissioning that provided information on available resources for the Committee and progress on those items approved at previous meetings.

RESOLVED:

That the current financial position and progress to date on items previously agreed within the report be noted.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 20 March 2013, at Goddard Hall, Stanley Road, Bootle commencing at 6:30pm

In accordance with the agreed programme of meetings for this Area Committee, the next meeting will be held on 20 March 2013, Goddard Hall, Stanley Road, Bootle commencing at 6.30 p.m.