Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman introduced those present and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 16^th July, 2009 were agreed as a correct record, subject to an amendment to Minute No. 32(c) to amend the flooding problem on Worksop Road from No. 26 to No. 22.

Phil Gill, Green Spaces Manager, gave a presentation on the draft Green Spaces Strategy and the need for a partnership approach..

The presentation drew specific attention to:-

·              Why a Strategy was needed.

·              Consultation.

·              The Strategy’s Vision.

·              The Strategy’s Aims.

·              Green Space Grades.

·              Provisional Hierarchy for Local Sites.

·              Provisional Hierarchy for Neighbourhood Sites.

·              Provisional Hierarchy for Borough Sites.

·              Site Ownership, Management and Maintenance.

·              Capital Investment.

·              Revenue Budgets.

·              Expenditure Comparison.

·              Objectives 1 – 8.

·              The Coalition Programme for Government.

A discussion and a question and answer session ensued and the following issues were raised and subsequently clarified:-

-                 Whether the Green Spaces Strategy also covered playing pitches as well as recreational and play areas.

-                 Difficulty in establishing ownership for some green spaces.

-                 Realistic balance of meeting housing targets and maintaining green spaces.

-                 Need to retain and maintain green belt areas around Rotherham.

-                 Need to identify some sites in the Local Development Framework as green space, such as the Muddies at Maltby.

-                 Inclusion of woodland areas in the Green Spaces Strategy.

-                 Review of the Green Space By-Laws in respect of cyclists and horse riders and appropriate liaison with relevant groups.

Agreed:-  That Phil Gill be thanked for his informative presentation.

Further to Minute No. M32 of the joint meeting of the Cabinet Members for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation and Streetpride, consideration was given to the agreement that Parish Councils could purchase their own salt bins on highways within the parished areas subject to appropriate conditions.

Discussion ensued on the possibility of an agreement being entered into with the Council for them to refill salt bins should salt be purchased.

The Strategic Director agreed to seek further information about the cost of the salt bins, locations and whether it was possible for an agreement to be entered into.

Resolved:-  That further information be provided to Parish Councils regarding Parish owned salt bins in due course.

(a)    Reduction of Speed Limits.

         (Submitted by Ravenfield Parish Council)

         Presentation by Highway Engineers.

Ian Ashmore, Principal Traffic Officer, gave a presentation on the review of speed limits to Class A and B roads by the Local Highway Authority.

The presentation drew specific attention to:-

·              Background and Aims of the Guidance issued by Government in 2006.

·              South Yorkshire Speed Management Strategy.

·              Carrying out the Review.

·              The Results for Rotherham.

·              The Audit Process.

·              Implementing the Changes.

Ian Ashmore also provided further information on the seven speed limit areas which were to be reduced.  These were:-

Ian Ashmore also provided further information on the seven speed limit areas which are proposed to be reduced, subject to the statutory consultation process.  These are:-

¨            A618 Pleasley Road, Whiston – From a 40 mph to 30 mph.

¨            A631 Tickhill Road, Maltby – Extension of the 30 mph into the 40 mph.

¨            A6023 Wath Road, Manvers – From Derestricted to 40 mph.

¨            B6089 Stubbin Road, Rawmarsh – From Derestricted 60 mph to 40 mph.

¨            B6098 Bolton Road, Manvers – From Derestricted to 50 mph and 40 mph in two sections.

¨            B6410 Worrygoose Lane, Whiston - From Derestricted to 40 mph.

¨            B6059 Red Hill, Kiveton Park – From a 40mph to 30mph

One area also proposed to be  changed is Fishpond Lane, Braithwell, which is to change the boundary of the 30 mph sign to a more appropriate place.

Other areas that were recommended for change, which were not agreed to when independently audited were:-

¨            Sections of the A629 Upper Wortley Road from Thorpe Hesley down to where changes to 30 mph.

¨            A6021 Broom Road, Wickersley from Brecks down to the Rugby Club.

A discussion and a question and answer session ensued and the following issues were raised and subsequently clarified:-

-                 Recommended speed limits should be adhered to and it should be the Police’s responsibility to enforce, particularly on areas such as the A6021 Broom Road, Wickersley.

-                 Increased use of permanent speed cameras, such as those undertaking average speed checks.

-                 Whether the review would be extended to include Class C and unclassified roads.

-                 Speed limits outside schools.

Agreed:-  That Ian Ashmore be thanked for his informative presentation.

(a)     A representative from Woodsetts Parish Council asked for an update on the flooding situation on the Worksop Road (aka the Bullring), especially in respect of No. 22 who had contacted Kevin Barron, M.P.

         Andy Roddis from Streetpride had indicated that the problems were created because the drainage system could not take any increased flows.

         The Strategic Director confirmed that he would investigate the situation and respond in writing to the Parish Council direct.

(b)     A representative from Brinsworth Parish Council referred to the recent Parish Boundary Review and asked why the Parish Council had not been informed that a further survey was to be undertaken by the Borough Council when one had been undertaken by the Parish.

         The Strategic Director confirmed that he would investigate the situation and asked that the relevant officer respond in writing to the Parish Council direct.

Councillor Smith thanked the Parish Councils’ representatives for their attendance and closed the meeting at 7.35 p.m.