Meeting documents

Rebecca Robson, Senior Officer, Women’s Community Matters attended for agenda item 6 – Barrow Women’s Community Matters (minute 19 refers).

An apology for absence was received from Mr B Shirley.

Members are invited to disclose any disclosable pecuniary interest they have in any item on the agenda which comprises

1          Details of any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for profit or gain.

2          Details of any payment or provision of any other financial benefit (other than from the authority) made or provided within the relevant period in respect of any expenses incurred by you in carrying out duties as a member, or towards your election expenses.  (This includes any payment or financial benefit from a trade union within the meaning of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

3          Details of any contract which is made between you (or a body in which you have a beneficial interest) and the authority

            (a)    Under which goods or services are to be provided or works are to be executed; and

            (b)    Which has not been fully discharged.

4          Details of any beneficial interest in land which is within the area of the authority. 

5          Details of any licence (alone or jointly with others) to occupy land in the area of the authority for a month or longer.

6          Details of any tenancy where (to your knowledge)

            (a)    The landlord is the authority; and

            (b)    The tenant is a body in which you have a beneficial interest.

7          Details of any beneficial interest in securities of a body where

            (a)    That body (to your knowledge) has a place of business or land in the area of the authority; and

            (b)    Either –

(i)            The total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body; or

                     (ii)        If that share capital of that body is of more than one class, the total nominal value of the shares of any one class in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest exceeds one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that class.

In addition, you must also disclose other non-pecuniary interests set out in the Code of Conduct where these have not already been registered.

Note

A "disclosable pecuniary interest" is an interest of a councillor or their partner (which means spouse or civil partner, a person with whom they are living as husband or wife, or a person with whom they are living as if they are civil partners).

Mrs A Burns declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 6 – Barrow Women’s Community Matters (minute 19 refers) as she was a Trustee of Women’s Community Matters.

RESOLVED,    that the press and public be not excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item of business.

(1)       Mr Alexander made the following statement regarding the Safer Streets Initiative at Askam Village School:-

            I found the whole experiment to be flawed at this site from the start.

The legal site notices left on lampposts on Lots Road states section 3 being exemptions to the order for motor vehicles, 3(e) it does not state to whom the contract is binding to only that it’s "for school transport purposes", a parent/guardian fits this criteria in transporting a child to school with a verbal contract to do so, similar to a taxi or bus, section 3(f) states similar but with no need for a contract, "for the conveyance of persons, goods or burden to or from premises situated within or accessible only from the zone" that would again apply to any parent/guardian as the school is only accessible from within the zone.  I also noticed that in section 3(g) with regards to disability access it clearly states that access is for "pupils attending St Patrick’s Primary School within the zone" of course it should be Askam Village School, this clerical error should have been picked up before the notice was served.

On the first day of the order no signs were in place to direct traffic with regards of the road being a cycle and pedestrian zone; only a temporary red road closed sign and a County Council employee stood by it.  I found this to be discriminatory as in fact the road was and is not a closed road only an ETRO cycle and pedestrian zone with exemptions; also Alexander Place which was effectively made the diversion had a lit up sign fall down at a speed bump/road narrowing measure due to corrosion and this should have been picked up before the ETRO.

The signs eventually went up and were placed in different locations to the stated zone, the new road junction sign is about 40ft away from the junction and Duke Street signage is closer to the junction than stated originally by about 30ft, as the zone does not include the whole of the designated parking on Lots Road, also no days are mentioned for the zone only times.

Police officers later took the place of the County Council employees that held the temporary road closed signs, even with the correct signage in place and of course the road was never closed but only a pedestrian and cycle zone with exceptions; an elderly resident from the pensioners bungalows at Whinfeld Place was forcibly prevented from parking in the designated parking area by a police officer even though he met the exemptions and was parking before the stated zone.  This continued for about a month before they abandoned falsely stopping road users with exemptions, however the temporary road closed signs carried on being placed at the junctions by the school employees and a local councillor sometimes at the Duke Street junction blocking the crossing island walkway.  Cars and heavy goods have been seen to illegally enter this junction from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 11 May 2022 (copy enclosed).

With reference to minute 10 – Barrow Area Planning Report regarding the footpaths around Cows Tarn Lane the local Member for Walney North was advised that the work to clear the vegetation on the link path between the two main footpaths would begin imminently.

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting held on 11 May 2022 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive a presentation from Barrow Women’s Community Matters (copy enclosed).

The Committee received a presentation from Barrow Women’s Community Matters which gave an overview of the services which they provided, the number of people they supported together with details of the impact and recovery of the current pandemic.

Members were informed that service delivery last year cost just less than £1m and it was hoped that more sustainable funding would be available in the future to meet the increasing demands. 

The Committee, whilst acknowledging the financial pressures, welcomed the changes and developments within the Organisation which included an increase in resources, improved processes, increase in contact options, bespoke digital recording system, increase in activities and increased partnership working.

A discussion took place regarding the effects of the cost of living crisis and members were informed that future planning was being undertaken, it was anticipated that the Service would provide pre?prepared meals to help reduce utility costs for individuals.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, expressed their thanks and appreciation for the invaluable work undertaken in the community by Barrow Women’s Community Matters.

To receive a presentation from the Executive Director – People (copy enclosed).

Members received a detailed presentation on domestic abuse which provided an update on background, data and current activity.

The Committee was informed of the impact abuse had on children, noting the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 imposed a duty in relation to victims of domestic abuse which included children.

Members were informed that approximately 45% of Children’s Social Care open cases featured domestic abuse; an independent scrutineer was commissioned to evaluate and recommend improvements for Children’s Services responses to domestic abuse to develop and strengthen practice around this, with support social workers obtaining a better understanding around this matter.  Officers explained risk assessments were being reviewed with safety planning which linked in with the approach and exploration of patterns of abuse were part of the training undertaken.

The Committee noted that data for Barrow showed domestic abuse in families where children were living had increased year on year and it was suggested that the increase over the last three years may be due to the pandemic.

A discussion took place regarding the data received for domestic abuse in each area, highlighting the strong correlation with deprivation.  It was agreed that data regarding domestic abuse contacts into hubs for each electoral division would be circulated to members.

Members were informed that a review was being undertaken as to how Multi Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH) received and triaged referrals to ensure this was an effective mechanism.

A discussion took place regarding early help and members were informed that whilst additional funding was required for this partners had recognised the need to work together to reduce referrals to the hubs.

The Committee received an update on the other workstreams which included a review of personal, social, and health education support, CEASE Programme, review of Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences, Operation Encompass and Therapeutic Support. 

A discussion took place regarding an increase in domestic abuse.  Officers explained that awareness had been heightened which had seen an increase in referrals, whilst highlighting that there was also a likely increase in incidence of domestic abuse linked with the wider social economic situation as well as other contributory factors such as mental health and addictions.

The Committee raised their concerns regarding the increase in domestic abuse and the effects this had on the limited resources available.  Officers acknowledged the concerns raised and explained that as part of the review of the Victims Bill additional funding might be available with regards to community support for domestic abuse.

The Chair thanked the Officer for the presentation.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report seeks approval from the Barrow Local Committee to agree the proposed Traffic Schemes presented in this report as part of the Annual Package of Measures (APM) budget for 2022/23.

Members considered a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which sought approval from the Barrow Local Committee to agree the proposed Traffic Schemes as part of the Annual Package of Measures (APM) budget for 2022/23.

The Committee noted the proposals included:-

·                Town Centre - Crellin Street, Fell Street and Preston Street Parking Review Variation Order 45

·                North Scale - Traffic Management Measure

·                Ulverston Road, Dalton, Barrow - 40 and 30mph Speed Limit

·                Speed Review in Barrow & Furness Area

·                Askam Primary School Safety Measures

·                Ireleth St Peter’s Primary School - Ireleth Road, Barrow - School Safety Measure

·                St Paul’s C of E Junior School, Hawcoat Lane - School Safety Measure

·                Cliffe Lane & Quarry Brow, Barrow-in-Furness - Traffic Management Measure

·                Lindal-in-Furness- 20mph Speed Limit

·                Red Oak Avenue - Parking Restriction.

A detailed discussion took place regarding the priority list and a number of concerns were raised regarding the criteria used to determine their inclusion on the programme. 

Members acknowledged that the schemes regarding the Town Centre - Crellin Street, Fell Street and Preston Street Parking Review Variation Order 45 and North Scale - Traffic Management Measure had been considered by the Barrow Highways Sub?Group.  It was agreed that all future proposed schemes should be considered initially by the Sub?Group.

The Committee discussed the need to address 20mph speed limits in residential areas.  Members raised their concerns at the national view that this was self?enforced and not enforceable by the Police.  Members drew attention to a communication with the Chief Constable who had stated that Police would enforce 20mph if speeding was persistent in a particular area.

RESOLVED,     that the specific schemes to be delivered as part of the Annual Package of Measures (APM) budget for 2022/23 (as shown above and detailed in Appendix 1 of the report) be approved.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting held on 8 June 2022.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which gave details of the discussion and recommendations of the Highways Advisory Sub-Group (HASG) for the Barrow area which met on 8 June 2022.

(1)       Minutes

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting held on 8 June 2022 be noted.

(2)       Review of Traffic Regulation 2020/21 Variation Order No 42 Proposal

RESOLVED,    that, having taken into consideration the matters contained in Section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (which are more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of the report to HASG), agree that The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Barrow-in-Furness) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2001) Variation Order (No. 42) 20><, be brought into operation as advertised, EXCEPT for the following:

(i)             the proposed "No Waiting at Any Time" restrictions on Biggar Village, Rawlinson Street, Calder Green, Warwick Street, Rear Ramsden Street and Hardy Street, Barrow-in-Furness be omitted from the made Order.

(3)       School Streets Initiative – Askam Village School, Experimental Traffic Regulation Order

RESOLVED,    that

                           (a)         having taken into consideration the matters contained in Section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of the report to HASG), and having also taken into account the representations which were received during the 6 month statutory objection/consultation period, agree that The County of Cumbria (Askam Village School, Askam, Barrow in Furness) (Pedestrian and Cycle Zone) Experimental Order 2021 not be made permanent for Askam Primary School on Lots Road, Askam in Furness;

                           (b)         agree to some improvements to signs and lines being carried out to highlight the presence of the School, especially if the Experimental Order is withdrawn, as former traffic volumes return to Lots Road at school times.

[Electoral Divisions: Hindpool]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).,

This report sets out the responses received to the statutory consultation and advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order.

The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which detailed the responses received to the statutory consultation and advertising of the traffic regulation order, The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Barrow-in-Furness) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2001) Variation Order (No. 44) 20><, (referred to at paragraph 3.1 of the report) ("the Order") which proposed restrictions for Duke Street and Buccleuch Street in Barrow as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme.

During the course of discussion the Chair advised all Shadow Authority Councillors to discuss any issues with the current County Councillor and informed members that training on HIAMS would be provided in the future.

RESOLVED,     that having taken into consideration the matters contained in Section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of the report), the County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Barrow-in-Furness) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2001) Variation Order (No. 44) 20><, be brought into operation as advertised.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

This report provides Local Committee with an update on its work and agreed activity since the last meeting of the Committee.  It also includes a financial statement in support of the work of the Local Committee for Members’ information.

The Committee considered a detailed report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which brought together information from across the Community teams including Community Development, Archives and libraries, and provides an update on work and agreed activity since the last meeting of the Committee.

Members were informed that the Barrow Town Deal Community Hubs and Earnse Bay continued to be a major area of work.  It was explained that actions were underway to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan which would outline the key milestones, project expenditure, outputs and outcomes which the project would be held accountable to meeting, and would provide a baseline to determine the impact of this work.

Members noted that following the decision at Local Committee regarding the allocation of the 2022-23 Environment Fund work had been undertaken to identify potential sites for the planting for pollinators scheme and the Local Committee would be kept updated.

The Committee received a positive update regarding Children and Families Partnership.  Members were informed that the Group had been refocussed and met monthly with constructive discussions taking place with health partners to develop a pro?active forward plan.

A discussion took place regarding the referral process which had been identified using existing agency support alongside any additional financial support to ensure that families or individuals received the right support and looked at the root cause of the issues and prevention going forward.  Members were informed that to date £54,000 had been allocated to provide support for the 191 referrals which had been received.

Members were also informed of the ‘Make a Change’ project which was a pilot initiative in the town centre.  It was explained this engaged with young people over a 12 month period to listen, learn, understand and provide activities to encourage them to become involved and influence future town centre activities and developments that met their needs.

The Committee was informed this was being led by Cumbria County Council and delivered in partnership with Barrow Full, Barrow Raiders, Barrow AFC, Horizon Music and supported by various youth providers.  It was explained the partnership was supported by Barrow BID, Barrow Police, Cumbria Fire & Rescue and Barrow Borough Council.

Members received a detailed and positive update on the Love Barrow Families (LBF) – Brisbane Park Satellite Hub.  The Committee was informed that in order to support LBF to set up and develop a satellite hub there was a request for £25k start-up costs which comprised £15k from 0-19 Service Grants and £10k from Community budgets.  It was explained this was subject to the licence being agreed by Cumbria County Council and LBF and completion of all service and maintenance checks.

The Local Area Manager explained that the project met the Council Plan priorities and local priorities in ensuring children were kept safe and that families emotional and physical wellbeing was supported.  Barrow Local Committee was, therefore, asked to consider £15,000 funding from its 0-19 Services grants and £10,000 from Community grants for Love Barrow  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

There were no updates from members serving on outside bodies on this occasion.

The next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 16 September 2022 at 10.30 am in the Community Room, Nan Tait Centre, Barrow?in?Furness, LA14 1LG.

RESOLVED,    that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 16 September 2022 at 10.30 am in the Community Room, Nan Tait Centre, Barrow?in?Furness, LA14 1LG.