Agenda and minutes

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 25^th June 2014 having been circulated were signed as a correct record.

            Arising from the Minutes, Councillor C Loftus requested an update on Halton Station Road and it was agreed that an emailed response would be provided. It was noted that the Frodsham Swing Bridge would reopen this month and the traffic lights would become operational again. The issues highlighted previously at Halton Station Road would continue to be monitored.  

            The Board considered the Minutes of the meetings of the Executive Board relevant to the Environment and Urban Renewal Policy and Performance Board.

            Arising from the Minutes, under Minute No EXB11, the Board discussed the provision of single person homeless accommodation in the Borough during the past few years, the demand for such provision at the YMCA, Runcorn and requested additional information on the existing demand for this type of supported housing scheme in the Borough.

            RESOLVED: That the Minutes be received.

            The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Policy and Resources, which detailed the first quarter performance management report for 2014/15 on progress against service objectives/milestones and performance targets, and provided information relating to key developments and emerging issues that had arisen in relation to:-

·         Development and Investment Services;

·         Highways and Transportation, Logistics and Development Services;

·         Waste and Environment Improvement and Open Space Services; and

·         Housing Strategy.

            Further information was requested on Page 28, the Leisure Management Contract, which was £41,000 over budget profile. It was agreed that this information would be emailed to Members.

            RESOLVED: That the Board receives the first quarter management report.

            The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, which advised that a petition had been received signed by 43 residents of Somerville Road, Widnes requesting the Council create a play or sports area in the locality. It was noted that there were three existing play areas within one mile of Somerville Road and a multi games sports area as follows:

·         Ditton Community Centre within 500 metres;

·         Milton Road, within 700 metres;

·         Green Park over 700 metres; and

·         Royal Avenue multi games sports area.

            Members were advised that the Council had adequate resources to maintain its current sites but it would be unable to resource additional facilities without additional revenue.

            RESOLVED: That the petitioner be advised that having considered this proposal, it is recommended that Officers within the Council’s external funding team are requested to explore any potential funding opportunities which might be available to progress this initiative.

            At a previous meeting of the Board held on 26^th March 2014, it was resolved to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order to implement ‘At Any Time’ waiting restrictions on both sides of Cronton Lane, Widnes, extending from its junction with Lunts Heath Road/Birchfield Road to Hill View. The formal consultation on the proposed Order had been undertaken and two objections had been received from residents of properties fronting the affected area. Details of both objections were outlined in the report.

            It was noted that Ward Councillors for Farnworth had been consulted and supported the recommended actions. Cheshire Police had also been consulted and had raised no objections to the proposal.

            RESOLVED: That the Board supports the Council’s intention to introduce an Order to implement ‘At Any Time’ waiting restrictions on part of Cronton Lane, Widnes as set out in Appendix B and that the report be considered by Executive Board.

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Policy and Resources, which detailed objections that had been received following public consultation on a proposed Traffic Regulation Order to introduce ‘At Any Time’ waiting restrictions on part of Hill Top Road, Preston on the Hill, Preston Brook, and to put forward an amendment to the original proposal.

            During the formal consultation process eight individual objections had been received, together with objections from Warrington Anglers Association and Preston Brook Parish Council, details of which were outlined in the report.

            Waiting restrictions in the area were initially requested by Cheshire Police some years ago, and one head-on collision occurred in 2011 when a vehicle entering Hill Top Road collided with another which was on the wrong side of the road, when passing cars parked on the south side of the carriageway in Hill Top Road.  However, there were a number of factors which combined to justify the need for a waiting restriction along this length of road:

·         the introduction of two new access points to adjacent developments off Hill Top Road and the need to maintain adequate visibility levels for vehicles accessing them taking into account the curvature of the road;

·         the width of the carriageway along this length of road (5.7m) which resulted in vehicles having to cross to the other side of the road if there were vehicles parked on one side; and

·         the need to ensure the junction of Hill Top Road and Chester Road could operate safely and efficiently.

            Having considered the various objections, it was believed that most of the benefits of introducing waiting restrictions could be achieved whilst leaving space on the south side of Hill Top Road between Chester Road and Waterside for parking and the revised proposal outlined in Appendix ‘B’ reflected this option.  The parking space provided would serve the needs of local residents.

            RESOLVED: That the Board supports the Council’s intention to introduce an Order to implement ‘At Any Time’ waiting restrictions on Hill Top Road, Preston on the Hill, Preston Brook as set out in Appendix B and that the Executive Board be recommended to support its implementation.