Agenda and minutes

Mr. David Young, Head of Transport Integration, SYPTE, gave a presentation on the Bus Strategy 2006 - 2011.

Members were informed that the Strategy had to be set in the context of the Local Transport Plan and linked to other Council objectives and goals.  The challenge was to retain existing customers, attract back those who had left the market and open up new markets i.e. employment sites.

Reference was made to trends in bus passenger journeys and deregulation and the end of low fares in the mid 1980’s.  Comparative costs of bus fares and car costs were given.  It was pointed out, however, that tram and train use was rising, and that car ownership continued to increase.  Also South Yorkshire’s population was expected to rise with a greater need to travel.

The key was to make the bus an attractive offer and to focus on what the bus was good at.  However this depended on achieving growth centred on what customers wanted within financial constraints.

Information was given in respect of a strategy for accessibility and proposed key actions.  Three delivery options were explained:- voluntary partnerships; statutory partnerships, and formal Quality Contracts.

Members raised the following issues and Mr. Young provided responses:-

How to engage with the operators?

Facilities and ticketing schemes for pensioners and disabled

Standard and reliability of the vehicles

Services in rural areas

Resolved:-  That Mr. Young be thanked for his presentation.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to consider the response to the consultation.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the Council’s proposed response to the SYPTA’s consultation on the Bus Strategy for South Yorkshire 2006-2011.

Reference was made to the trends in key indicators and the continuing decline in patronage, reliability, punctuality, coverage and passenger satisfaction.  Also highlighted was the fact that car ownership continued to increase and the cost of using a bus was growing faster than motoring costs.

The draft bus strategy included a strategy to achieve growth and developing the key role of the bus in providing access and helping to address social exclusion.

The proposed response to the questionnaire attached to the draft Strategy was appended to the covering report.

Members referred to:-

bus provision in rural areas

how to build up confidence in bus services, particularly in rural areas

Quality contracts

Monitoring of operators performance

Real time passenger information

Resolved:-  That the response to the consultation, as outlined in the report submitted, be agreed, and the consultation questionnaire and responses be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to report items on the agenda of the Regional Transport Forum – 6^th April, 2005.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to matters discussed at the Regional Transport Forum on 6^th April.

Particular reference was made to the following items on the agenda of that meeting which had an impact on Rotherham:-

• Regional Spatial Strategy – timetable tensions in aligning the next Local Transport Plan
• Regional Transport Priorities – Supertram extension, Waverley Link Road and A57 improvement
• East Coast Mainline Franchise – a ‘7 plus 3’ year franchise had recently been awarded to GNER
• The Northern Way – formation of a Transport Compact between the 3 northern regions.  Reference was made to the channels available for representation of local councils.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to report receipt of a petition.

Further to Minute No. 97 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services held on 18^th October, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the receipt of a petition containing seventy nine signatures from local residents requesting traffic calming on Melton Green, West Melton.

Members were informed that traffic calming was considered in the Wath Sector assessment and it was noted that traffic calming on Melton Green was identified as a joint third priority scheme.  Reference was made to previously agreed criteria and that only schemes with the highest score being carried out.

It was suggested that the feasibility of introducing of a one-way system be investigated.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the lead petitioner be informed that currently the Council does not have any plans to traffic calm Melton Green.

(2)  That consideration be given to the feasibility of introducing a one-way system and a report be submitted to a future meeting.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to consider a danger reduction scheme.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, informing Members of a proposal to provide a number of footway buildouts and a minor junction realignment to assist pedestrians to cross Kimberworth Road, Bradgate Lane and Psalters Lane, Kimberworth.

The proposals were illustrated on Drawing No. 126/5E1/A.

Funding for the scheme would be available from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2005/2006.

It was noted that the proposed scheme incorporated pedestrian dropped kerbs to allow people who were mobility impaired to cross the road with greater ease.

Details of the proposed consultations were set out in the report.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the necessary consultations be undertaken regarding the proposed scheme.

(2)  That authority be given for the detailed design to be carried out and, subject to no objections being received, the scheme be implemented.

(3)  That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2005/2006.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to consider the provision of footway and pedestrian dropped kerbs.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, informing Members of a proposal to provide a short length of footway to assist pedestrians to access a number of bus stops on Cortworth Lane, Wentworth.

The proposals, including the provision of a short section of footway and dropped kerbs, were illustrated on Drawing No.  126.13

Funding for the scheme would be met from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2005/2006.

Members asked that consideration be given to maintenance issues in respect of the state of footways adjacent to proposed improvement schemes such as this, and that any works be carried out at the same time.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the necessary consultations be undertaken regarding the proposed scheme.

(2)  That authority be given for the detailed design to be carried out and, subject to no objections being received, the scheme be implemented.

(3)  That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2005/2006.

(4)  That the issue of continuing to ensure maintenance works are integrated with improvement schemes be noted.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to report the minutes of a meeting with Wales Parish Council held to discuss road safety issues in Wales.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the minutes of a meeting held on 22^nd March, 2005, on site with Wales Parish Council to discuss road safety issues in Wales.

Members were advised that it was proposed to investigate the issues raised at the meeting.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the minutes of the site meeting be noted.

(2)  That investigations be undertaken into the issues raised where appropriate.

LTP Delivery Manager to report.

-         to seek approval to purchase software system.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the LTP Delivery Manager, seeking approval to the purchase of a Performance Monitoring Control System for Local Transport Plan schemes.

It was reported that market research into available ready made packages had shown that none fitted the requirements of the Service.

Reference was made to the involvement of officers from Sheffield City Council and Rotherham, together with ECL Systems, to develop a system for recording, collating, grouping and reports of LTP scheme information to facilitate analysis etc., and it was pointed out that the ECL system was the closest to the needs of the Service.

A detailed estimated cost of the scheme, together with annual costs for maintenance, was set out in the report submitted.  Funding was available from the LTP Capital Programme for 2005/2006.

It was pointed out that the purchase and implementation of this system would assist in improving the quality of future Annual Progress Report submissions and helping with, for example, CPA and securing funding.

Consideration was therefore given to the request to waive the provisions of Standing Order 35(1) to enable a contract to be placed for the purchase of a Performance Monitoring Control System from ECL Systems in accordance with Standing Order 43(5)(c).

It was confirmed that the Heads of Legal Services and Financial Services were satisfied with the proposal.

Resolved:-  (1)  That in accordance with Standing Order 35(1), approval be given for the contract for the purchase and installation of ECL Systems Performance Monitoring Control System to be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order 43(5)(c) for the reasons stated in the report submitted.

(2)  That the purchase be funded from the Local Transport Plan Capital Programme for 2005/2006 and maintenance charges be funded from future Local Transport Plan programmes.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following item in order to note the progress of schemes.)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the LTP Delivery Manager, detailing the progress of all integrated transport schemes started since 1^st April, 2003.

The appendix to the report set out schemes funded from the 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 financial years and listed schemes completed, schemes issues/in progress and schemes with Cabinet Member approval but not yet issued for construction.

Reference was also made to two major schemes provisionally accepted by the DfT – the A631 West Bawtry Road Improvement and the A57 M1 Junction 31 to Todwick Crossroads Improvement.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress made on schemes in the 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 financial years be noted.

(2)  That the report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel.

(3)  That a monthly report be submitted to this meeting about progress on the A57 scheme.

Network Regulation Engineer to report.

-         to consider how to deliver the requirements of sections of the Act.

Further to Minute No. 146 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services held on 20^th December, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Regulation Engineer, relating to proposed changes to the staffing establishment to deliver the requirements of parts 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Reference was made to enhanced duties and increased responsibilities of existing staff.  It was pointed out that the revisions would align the service with community involvement and it was proposed that there would be a small budget allocation for minor supplementary works.

It was pointed out that the Head of Streetpride had already been appointed Traffic Manager.  However, this was a temporary measure to comply with the legislation until a permanent appointment was made.

Appendices to the report illustrated the existing and the proposed staffing establishment.

An explanation was given of how the proposed changes would be funded.  Reference was made to the timetable for implementation of part 2.

Resolved:-  That the proposed changes to the staffing establishment, as outlined in the report and shown on Appendix B, be approved.

Head of Streetpride to report.

-         to report the response times for 2004/2005.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Streetpride, relating to the continuing improvement in the timeliness in dealing with requests for service during the financial year 2004/2005.

It was pointed out that the overall success rate in meeting target response times had risen from 94.4% in 2003/2004 to 97.6% in 2004/2005.

Members’ attention was drawn to five services not fully meeting targets for the quarter January to March 2005 as follows:-

• Request for a vehicle access crossing
• Streetlight out
• Dangerous defect in carriageway
• Removal of fly tipping
• Removal of dog mess

The significant contribution of the service to the Council’s Sustainability and Safer Rotherham agendas was highlighted.

Members referred to the need to clean road signs and ensure that they were not obscured by trees.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That Streetpride continue to monitor performance response times and report to the Cabinet Member quarterly.

Trees and Woodlands Officer to report.

-         to update Members following receipt of a petition from local residents.

Further to Minute No. 110 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services held on 8^th November, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Trees and Woodlands Officer, relating to the results of a survey of roadside trees in a short cul de sac off Rookery Road, Swinton, that had been carried out following receipt of a petition signed by local residents.

It was reported that further consultation had taken place with residents about the proposed felling of the roadside trees.

Reference was made in the report to the significant permanent loss of visual amenity.  The issues of lack of replanting opportunities and the slow decline of the overall stock of roadside trees were highlighted.

Resolved:-  (1)  That Streetpride Service carry out the removal of 14 roadside trees, pruning of two others and reinstatement of footpaths following notification of these works to local residents.

(2)  That a further report be presented to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member outlining the resources available to maintain the Borough’s roadside trees.

Design Consultancy Manager to report.

-         for information.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Design Consultancy Manager, relating to the contract for the construction of a single storey building on the vacant site next to the Edward DunnBuilding, Tickhill Road, Maltby to provide Sure Start with facilities, offices and a café.

A breakdown of project costs and funding was set out in the report.

It was noted that possession of the site by the contractor took place on 11^th April, 2005 with a 29 weeks construction period.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

-         to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Parish Liaison held on 29^th March, 2005.

The Head of Planning and Transportation updated Members on the following:-

Whiston Conservation Area – the traditional red telephone kiosk:- it was reported that contact had been made with BT who would try to accommodate the retention of the red kiosk.

A631 - Stone mile posts:-  it was reported that although these were not listed they could be retained.

Advertisement signs in the highway:-  it was reported that photographic evidence had been obtained and prosecutions would follow.

Members asked the Head of Planning and Transportation to investigate the installation of bollards at old Grafton Bridge to prevent vehicles being parked in that location.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

-         to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Transport Liaison Group held on 30^th March, 2005.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

-         to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Local Development Framework Steering Group held on 1^st April, 2005.

Reference was made to transport issues in respect of the Pathfinder and new developments, and also to the take up of the Travel Master scheme.

It was confirmed that this was being monitored although there was currently no data available.

Resolved:-  (1) That the minutes be received.

(2)  That a report on the take up of the Travel Master scheme be submitted to a future meeting.

-         to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Tourism Forum held on 5^th April, 2005.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

-         to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the Town Centre Management Group held on 11^th April, 2005.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

-         to receive the minutes.

The following report was submitted:-

Tourism Panel

25th April, 2005

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to consider a scheme of phased works.

Further to Minute No.  221 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services held on 22nd December, 2003, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to an opportunity to secure funding to complete the first element of the Waverley Link Road at its northern junction with the A630 Sheffield Parkway.

It was reported that because of the timescales it was necessary to phase the works to enable that which could be delivered without involving statutory procedures to begin work as soon as possible.

Members were informed that following public consultation in winter 2004/2005 the Annex E submission, (the Business Case), to the DfT aimed at securing government support and funding, was nearing completion.  The assessment and option appraisal of the whole Waverley Link was already supported by Objective 1 from Priority 6 funds.  It was pointed out that as the Highways Agency’s/Government’s views on improvements to the nearby M1 and J33 have become clearer it had become apparent that the funding earmarked for transport improvements in P6 was in danger of not being spent unless schemes could be found which helped deliver Objective 1 outputs and complied with the critical timescales of the Objective 1 programme.

It was also reported that because of planning permissions in the vicinity it was apparent that the northern end of the Waverley Link Road was required to be improved irrespective of the provision of the full Waverly Link Road (i.e. access on and off the Parkway at Europa Link). 

The full scheme had been split into a number of elements and Schemes 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 (which did not required planning permission and utilise land already within existing highway limits) could be designed and delivered in time to take full advantage of Objective 1 funding.  These parts of the scheme would be supported because of the strategic nature of the sites and the transport bottleneck they helped to unblock.  The proposals were illustrated on Drawing No. 00372/HD/1 appended to the report. 

Members’ attention was drawn to the details of the cost, financing of and risks associated with the scheme and it was noted that no significant contribution was required from the Local Transport Plan.

Resolved:-  (1)  That support be given to the scheme, illustrated on Drawing No. 00373/HD/1, to improve the B6533/A630 Junction and its inclusion in the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan be endorsed.

(2)  That authorisation be given for the detailed design to be worked up.

(3)  That the scheme be delivered in two stages to maximise funding opportunities.

(4)  That a Registration of Interest Form and Business Case be prepared and submitted to the Objective 1 Programme Directorate.

(5)  That authorisation be given to acquire any land by agreement, if not, to use the Council’s compulsory purchase powers.

(6)  That authority be given to seek planning permission if required to progress the scheme.

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

-           3^rd Annual Building More Houses Conference – Land and Sustainability – London – 18^th May, 2005

Resolved:-  (1)  That the conference be not attended.

-           APSE Northern Region Seminar 2005 and Northern Region AGM – From Contractor to Flexible Friend – ‘The Future for Direct Services and Direct Labour’ – 2^nd and 3^rd June, 2005 – Liverpool

Resolved:-  (2)  That the attendance of Councillors P. Burke and D. Hall be approved.

-           ICWM – 14^th – 17^th June, 2005 – Torbay

Resolved:-  (3)  That the attendance of Councillors R. S. Russell and S. Walker (or substitute) be approved.

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under the paragraphs, indicated below, of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972:-

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those Paragraphs, indicated below, of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Construction Co-ordinator/Economic Strategy Officer to report.

-                  to inform Members of change in location of the project and to request carry over.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 of the Act – grants/expenditure)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Construction Co-ordinator, relating to the changes in the location for the delivery of construction training by the Academy of Construction Trades (ACT).

Consideration was also requested that the CERB contribution, originally approved in 2004, be available in 2005/2006.

Members were advised that the project had moved from Mangham House to premises on Hellaby Hall Industrial Estate adjacent to Met (UK) Ltd, which would consolidate and expand the potential for economic growth.  The new premises would also offer a substantial increase in capacity to more than 100 students.

It was pointed out that the allocation of CERB money was subject to the receipt of a satisfactory organisational review.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the change in the location of the project from Mangham House, Rotherham to Hellaby Industrial Estate be noted.

(2)  That approval of £40,000 Capital and £10,000 Revenue be maintained for the 2005/2006 financial year on completion of a satisfactory organisation review.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 of the Act – grants and expenditure)

Partership Officer/Economic Strategy Officer to report.

-         to consider a request for capital funding towards refurbishment of new premises.
(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 of the Act – grants/expenditure)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Funding Officer, relating to an application to CERB by ‘Get Sorted’ seeking match funding of £34,060 capital to continue and complete refurbishment work at the former Wellington Boot public house to create a Music Academy, catering for children and young people of school age excluded from mainstream education.  It was reported that the funding would enable the project to move towards becoming a Social Enterprise.

Reference was made to the low scoring of this project and its lack of demonstrable economic outputs.  Concerns with the period of the lease of the premises were also highlighted.

Members noted the value of this project and the demise of the community element of this budget.

Members confirmed that this budget was to fund projects with an economic focus and that the current scoring process should remain in place.

Resolved:-  That the request for CERB funding be rejected on the grounds that:-

(i)  the project is not of significant economic focus as highlighted by the scoring process.

(ii)  there were risks associated with the lease of the building.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 of the Act – grants and expenditure)

Economic Strategy Officer to report.

-         to provide information regarding expenditure and output achievements during 2004/2005.
(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 of the Act – grants/expenditure)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Officer, detailing the estimated expenditure and achievements during 2004/2005 against the economic element of CERB.

Appendix 1 – individual project activity:-

Particular reference was made to the success of the Clifton ParkMuseum and its contribution to the tourism strategy and economic regeneration.  The number of jobs created and the amount of external funding obtained were noted.

Appendix 2:– which highlighted seven projects requiring carryover into 2005/2006

Details of the full budget, money available for new projects, amount levered in from funding bodies and the private sector, together with outputs, were set out in the appendix.

It was noted that many projects preferred to maximise external funding first before tapping in to the CERB.

The financial profile of individual projects funded through CERB for 2004 to 2006 was also reported.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That approval be given to the total outturn figure of £302,825 (£186,897 capital and £115,946 Revenue).

(3)  That carryover be approved for the seven projects highlighted in Appendix 2 totalling £310,471 (£305,471 Capital and £5,000 revenue).

(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 of the Act – grants and expenditure)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Research and Database Co-ordinator to report.

-         to report the full activity of the RiDO Business Development Team for the period April 2004 to March 2005.
(Exempt under Paragraphs 1 and 8 of the Act -  staffing/expenditure)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Business Development Manager, relating to the activity of the RiDO Business Development Team for the period April 2004 to March 2005.

The following main activities and results for the period were highlighted:-

• Budgets 2004/2005 – breakdown of funding sources

• Key performance indicators 2003/2004 and 2004/2005:-  increased number of enquiries;  number of company start ups and expanding;  projected income from conferences and events; business incubation centres; Buy Local; Job Match

• Achievements:-  at Dinnington; use of incubation ‘pods’; assistance to new start ups; New York Riverside; PR and marketing

• Priorities for 2005/2006:-  Moorgate Crofts, Brampton, Brookfields Park, Dinnington, Vector 31, AMP;  Employability and Job Match;  Town Centre Renaissance; Customer First and Beacon Council

Members raised the following issues:-

• The closing down of Action Teams in certain areas
• Percentage of local people being employed in local jobs and the skills/training job match

Officers were commended on the well presented report.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report on the activity of the Business Development Team for the period April 2004 to March, 2005 be noted.

(2)  That the Business Development Team continue to monitor performance and activity and report to the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services every six months.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 1 and 8 of the Act – staffing and expenditure)

Finance and Accountacy Manager to report.

-                  to report on the performance against budget.

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – expenditure)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Finance and Accountancy Manager, relating to the performance against budget of the Economic and Development Services Programme Area for the period April 2004 to March 2005.

It was pointed out that the Programme Area was likely to achieve a balanced outturn against its total net revenue budget.

Members’ attention was drawn to the following Issues:-

• Number of outstanding invoices relating to capital transactions not yet processed by RBT
• RiDO:-  overspend relating to costs incurred by the commercial properties budget and a reduction in the property portfolio
• Planning & Transportation:-  underspend relating to issues re:  additional income from increased planning applications and the Land Charges account
• Asset Management:-  underspend relating to  increased income and cost savings on educational premises and the unresolved issue in relation to the full recovery of costs for the Corporate Transport Unit
• Streetpride:-  cost pressures due to winter maintenance
• Business Unit:-  cost pressures relating to uncertainties re:  RBT procurement savings
• Vacancy Factor

Resolved:-  (1)  That the anticipated outturn position for the Economic and Development Services Programme Area Budget as at March 2005 be noted.

(2)  That the report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – expenditure)

-         to note the report.

Consideration was given to a report of a Stage 3 Complaint Panel held on 4^th April, 2005.

Resolved:-  That the report be received.

(Exempt under Paragraph 7 of the Act – report related to the affairs of person(s) other than the Local Authority)

-         to note the report.

Consideration was given to a report of a Stage 3 Complaint Panel held on 7^th April, 2005.

Resolved:-  That the report be received.

(Exempt under Paragraph 7 of the Act – report related to the affairs of person(s) other than the Local Authority)