Meeting documents

Apologies for absence were received from Dr S Haraldsen, Mrs E Mallinson and Mr R Watson.

There were no disclosures of interest on this occasion.

RESOLVED,    that the press and public be not excluded from the meeting for any items of business on this occasion.

(1)       Ms C Quinlan will present a petition regarding Safer Pedestrian Crossings on Kingstown Road, Carlisle.

(2)       To receive a presentation from Mr G Allan regarding Speed Restriction Signs at Beaumont.

(1)       Catherine Quinlan presented a petition and letter of support from Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School regarding the provision of a safer pedestrian crossing on Kingstown Road, Carlisle between the Moorville Road end and Bannatyne’s Gym. 

            The petitioners felt that the current traffic islands next to the Gosling Bridge and just before Bannatyne’s Gym were not adequate for the volume of traffic now on Kingstown Road and the volume of pedestrians, especially during peak school run times.  It was felt the traffic islands were not big enough to accommodate more than one buggy or mobility scooter which left others stranded mid?way through the crossing.

            Members’ attention was drawn to the new housing estate at Tarraby View which was now home to many families whose children attended Kingmoor School as well as those from existing houses.  It was felt important to have a safe crossing to school for children and other local residents and that the Council were well aware of the increase in traffic given the installation of traffic lights coming from the junction at Windsor Way to allow for additional cars. 

            The petitioners felt that with the Council and national government encouraging more people to ‘go green’ and use their cars less it seemed logical, therefore, to provide safe crossing points which, in turn, would promote more walking and cycling to school. 

            Mrs Quinlan asked that any traffic surveys be undertaken during school term time.

            The local Member for Belah supported the petition and asked that this be incorporated into the existing system.

            The Chair thanked Mrs Quinlan for her petition and gave the following response:-

            ‘This matter will be referred to officers to assess Kingstown Road for local road conditions, traffic levels and pedestrian demands.  This will enable consideration of appropriate solutions for improvements and recommendations for taking them forward if suitable.  Following assessment officers will prepare a report for the Highways and Transport Working Group to discuss the outcome and as necessary any requirement for funding of improvements to then be considered by Local Committee at a future meeting.

(2)       George Allan gave a presentation regarding Speed Restriction Signs at Beaumont. 

            The Committee was informed of the problems which included concealed entrances, increased farm traffic, size and frequency, narrow lane (100m) and no pavement, 7,000 Hadrian’s Wall walkers and no traffic speed restrictions.  The accident areas were highlighted together with the safety indicators or near misses which included audible emergency stops by farm equipment, school bus and milk tankers, evident visible skid marks on the road, Hadrian’s Wall walkers seen jumping back into side entrances to avoid fast moving traffic and residents being involved in near misses.

            In conclusion Mr Allan asked why Beaumont did not have a 30 mph speed limit and felt that three speed limit signs were required for the village together with two ‘slow down’ signs to highlight a concealed entrance and accident area.

            The local Member for Dalston and Burgh fully supported the matter and highlighted the problems caused due  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 25 May 2022 (copy enclosed).

With reference to minute 12(3) - A69 Warwick Bridge and Corby Hill the local Member for Corby and Hayton informed the Committee that a representative from National Highways had not attended the last meeting of the Highways Working Group but gave members an update from a meeting which he had attended with them.

With reference to minute 12(4) – Implementing 20 mph Speed Limits or Zones the local Member for Corby and Hayton asked that the consultation with parish councils on this matter be undertaken as soon as possible.

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 25 May 2022 be confirmed as circulated and thereupon signed by the Chair.

To receive a presentation (copy enclosed).

The Committee received a presentation regarding the Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Programme which was ran by the British Libraries and offered free support for emergent and new and established businesses specialising in three main areas of advice and support.

Members were informed that there would be two centres based in Barrow and Carlisle libraries and each would have their own BIPC advisor on site.  Officers explained that the aim was to be a conduit to all the quality support and advice, offer a ‘catch all’ approach and a chance to engage a new audience through the Library Service and host events, share good practice, signpost and feed into other providers.

The Committee noted the extended offer would be to host webinars through a stand-alone site, build a team of ‘Experts in Residence’ and widen the platform for partners to deliver.  It was agreed that details of the website would be circulated to members.

A discussion took place regarding remote access to information and it was confirmed that due to costs physical use of databases would have to take place in a library and would not be available remotely.

The local Member for Belle Vue asked if a Community Interest Company (CIC) in her Division would be eligible to access the service.  The BIPC Programme Manager confirmed that all CICs and small businesses were welcome to access the service.

The Chair thanked the BIPC Programme Manager for the update.

To receive a presentation (copy enclosed).

Members received a presentation regarding the new Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy whose aim was to co?ordinate the resources available from people and organisations who had interests in flooding to maximise a reduction in local flood risk, promote a wider understanding and awareness of flooding in Cumbria and to explain how everyone could play a part in reducing flood risk.

The Committee noted the increased digitalisation and highlighted the importance of other forms of communication for those groups of people who were disenfranchised from this.

Members discussed the proposal of communities being encouraged to find solutions to flooding, highlighting that action taken could have consequences in other areas, and asked what control would there be over potential solutions put forward.  The Manager of Flood and Development Management confirmed that individual cases would be considered separately with approval for works being ultimately agreed by the Authority.

The local Member for Botcherby drew attention to the community preparedness and resilience and asked what works were being undertaken with regards to back?up water.  The Manager of Flood and Development Manager confirmed that where a concern was perceived this would be investigated to cover that risk; confirming that currently there were no problems.  During the course of discussion it was confirmed that the document was live and any future areas of concern would be taken into consideration.

The local Member for Dalston and Burgh raised a concern regarding funding for riverbank erosion in Beaumont.  The Manager of Flood and Development Management confirmed that a number of avenues were being pursued to secure funding for this issue.

The local Member for Harraby North raised concerns regarding running water at two locations in his Division and asked how they could be addressed.  The Manager of Flood and Development Management confirmed that the Authority would investigate the land drainage aspect but the landowner was also responsible.

The Chair thanked the Officer for the update.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report provides an update on its agreed activity, a financial statement in support of these activities and requests decisions on a range of issues.

Members received a report from the Acting Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which provided members with recommendations and matters to note relating to budget commitments, grant allocations from the recommendations of its Strategic Grants Panel and other relevant matters relating to area planning.

The local Member for the Castle Division, whilst agreeing with the funding of £3,000 to Castle Carrock and Geltsdale Parish Council towards the purchase of a field in the village to create a community field suggested that investigations be made with a view to dedicating this land as a Village Green.  During the course of discussion there was also a suggestion that another option would be for the current owner of the field to include a covenant when they sold the land.  It was agreed that the Community Development Officer would investigate this further.

The local Member for Belah raised his concerns at the allocation of £5,000 to Pride in North Cumbria due to safeguarding concerns which had been raised.  It was agreed that the Area Manager would investigate the matter and update all members on the situation.

A discussion took place regarding the unallocated COMF funds and the Committee asked that all the funding was allocated.  It was agreed that the Area Manager would provide a further update at the next meeting of the Local Committee. 

RESOLVED,     that

                            (1)       the commitments made and the remaining balances within delegated budgets and the grants (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report) be noted;

                            (2)       the grants made from the Area Wide Grants Fund (as listed below and summarised in Appendix 2 of the report) be noted:-

                                        (i)      £1,000 to Carlisle & District Model Engineering Society towards new storage shed at Hammonds Pond;

                                        (ii)     £2,360 to Brampton 2 Zero towards research project start?up costs to support surveys in the area;

                                        (iii)    £5,000 to Multi Cultural Cumbria towards a Culture Bazaar 2022;

                                        (iv)    £1,000 to Prism Arts towards a symposium at the University of Cumbria;

                            (3)       a grant of £7,000 to Samaritans towards refurbishment of headquarters building (as described in Appendix 3 of the report) be agreed;

                            (4)       grants made from its 0-19 Funding (as listed below and summarised in Appendix 4 of the report) be noted:-

                                        (i)      £3,000 to Castle Carrock and Geltsdale Parish Council towards purchasing a field in the village to create a community field;

                                        (ii)     £3,200 to Nazarene Church Belle Vue towards youth summer and holiday provision;

                                        (iii)    £5,000 toMorton Manor Boxing Club towards funding young people who are on a referral system;

                                        (iv)    £2,000 to Wetheral Cricket Club towards purchase of a closed netting for practice aimed at younger players aged 12?19;

                            (5)       the grants made from its 0-19 Carlisle Holidays and Activity Partnership (CHAP) Funding (as listed below and summarised in Appendix 5 of the report) be noted:-

                                        (i)      £5,000 to The Rock Project towards Summer holiday provision within the areas of Upperby, Currock and Harraby South;

                                        (ii)     £4,540 Carlisle  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

To receive the notes of the Infrastructure Development Plan Working Group meeting held on 29 June 2022 (copy enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting of the Infrastructure Delivery Planning Working Group held on 29 June 2020 were noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report presents the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital Budget finance reports, combined with the highways programme progress information.

The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which detailed the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports, combined with the highways programme progress information.

Members were informed that the allocated Highways Revenue budget for 2021/22 was £1,438,010, the allocated Devolved Highways Capital budget for 2021/22 was £2,465,000 plus £355,000 underspend from 2020/21and the Non-Devolved Highways Capital budget for 2021/22 was £1,809,000.

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (1)          the various Highways Revenue budget allocations and headings (as shown in Appendix 1 of the report);

                          (2)          the various Highways Capital budget allocations and headings (as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report);

                          (3)          the Highways programme progress information (as set out in Appendices 4 and 5 of the report);

                          (4)          2021/22 Revenue underspend of -£143,998 which is primarily from the Carriageway and Drainage Maintenance budget;

                          (5)          2021/22 Devolved Capital Underspend of -£343,704 which is primarily from:-

                                        (i)      £198,000 contribution from Virgin Media to be delivered in 22/23;

                                        (ii)     £38,217 undelivered schemes to be delivered in 2022/23;

                                        (iii)    £15,923 underspend from HCSI Footways;

                                        (iv)    £37,595 underspend from HCSI Carriageways;

                          (6)          2021/22 Non-Devolved Capital Underspend of -£7,242.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report presents the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports, combined with the highways programme progress information, as detailed in the attached appendices.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which detailed the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports, combined with the highways programme progress information.

Members noted that the allocated Highways Revenue budget for 2022/23 was £1,835,320 (£1,438,010, an inflationary increase of £53,312, additional £200,000 of pothole funding, plus £143,998 underspend from 2021/22), the allocated Devolved Highways Capital budget for 2022/23 was £2,808,704 (£2,465,000 plus £343,704 underspend from 2021/22) and the Non-Devolved Highways Capital budget for 2022/23 was £1,809,000.

The Committee discussed the budget underspends and the Local Area Highways Network Manager explained that whilst last year’s underspend was approximately 10% due to the Local Government Reorganisation works would be scheduled to try and ensure the whole budget was allocated for 2022/23.

A discussion took place regarding maintenance of gullies and the Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed that works were scheduled for four days of the week with one day allocated to undertake reactive work.

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (1)          the various Highways Revenue budget allocations and headings (as shown in Appendix 1 of the report);

                          (2)          the various Highways Capital budget allocations and headings (as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report);

                          (3)          the Highways programme progress information (as set out in Appendix 3 of the report).

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report provides details of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 15 June 2022 and presents recommendations for the Local Committee to consider.  

Members considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which gave details of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group (HTWG) held on 15 June 2022 and presented recommendations to the Local Committee for approval.

(1)       Minutes

RESOLVED,   that the minutes be noted.

(2)       2021/22 Flood and Development Management Update

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(3)       Carlisle City Council (Off Street Parking Places) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment Variation – Pay by Telephone) Order 2012 (Variation No. 1: Addition of Car Parks) Order 2022

RESOLVED,   that the Local Committee consents to Carlisle City Council introducing The Council of the City of Carlisle (Off Street Parking Places) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment Variation - Pay by Telephone) Order 2012 (Variation No.1: Addition of Car Parks) Order 2022 (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report to the HTWG).

(4)       Carlisle Traffic Management Team Traffic Regulation Orders 2022/23

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(5)       2022/23 Highways Budget/Programme Progress Report

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (a)          the various Highways Revenue budget allocations and headings (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (b)          the various Highways Capital budget allocations and headings (detailed in Appendix 2 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (c)          the Highways Devolved Capital Programme information (detailed in Appendix 3 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (d)          there are no comments in the Appendices to bring to the attention of Local Members.  Any significant comments, changes and/or amendments will be highlighted here in subsequent and future reports to the HTWG.

To receive verbal updates from Carlisle Member Champions as follows:-

(a)       Autism

(b)       Children in Care

(c)        Armed Forces.

(1)       Autism

The Committee received a verbal update from the Champion for Autism.

Members noted that the intention of the Champion was to raise awareness of Autism amongst communities and to develop an understanding of how different organisations could support autistic people to be as integrated into society as possible.

The Committee was informed that pre Covid, Mrs Bowditch had visited Carlisle Library where it had been agreed that the Service would introduce specific times for Autistic children to attend.  It was explained that funding for a soft play area, which was unable to go ahead due to COVID, was now part of the new plans for the Library.

Members were informed that discussions had taken place with young people at Carlisle Youth Zone to better inform them about Autism. 

The Committee noted that pre-COVID following a visit made to The Lanes shopping centre it had been agreed that the management would look at designating a specific time for autistic adults and parents with autistic children to shop but this had not taken place due to the pandemic.

Members noted that due to the pandemic a range of contacts had been made via e-mail offering help and support as necessary.

The Member Champion explained to the Committee that she felt the role had been successful but suggested that in future a neurodiversity champion be considered.

(2)       Children in Care

The Committee received an update from the Champion for Children in Care.  Members were informed that work was currently being undertaken to ensure all children in care were included in the holiday activities in the Carlisle area.

(3)       Armed Forces

Members received an update from the Armed Forces Champion.

The Committee was informed that mental health support was being provided to veterans with a programme underway in the Carlisle and Penrith area to work collaboratively with various agencies to provide support to ex?service personnel.

Members were informed that Carlisle City Council had introduced a "Space to Talk" programme with the NHS and Carlisle Churches which provided a drop?in place in the city centre every Friday and sign?posted ex Armed Forces personnel to appropriate services.  It was explained that this service had increased and the County Council were also proposing to set up a similar group.  During the course of discussion it was suggested that the City and County Council work together and establish one Group.

The Committee noted that the successful monthly Veterans Lunch was still taking place.

Members were informed that the County and City councils had taken part in the Armed Forces Week.

The Chair thanked the member champions for their updates.

The current Forward Plan of business for future meetings of the Local Committee was noted.

To note that the next meeting of Carlisle Local Committee will be held on Monday 12 September 2022 at 10.00 am in the Bowman Lounge, Harraby Community Centre, Edgehill Road, Carlisle, CA1 3SN.

RESOLVED,    that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Monday 12 September 2022 at 10.00 am in the Bowman Lounge, Harraby Community Centre, Edgehill Road, Carlisle, CA1 3SN.