Agenda and minutes

Emma Hill, Customer Service Standards Co-ordinator, to report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Customer Service Standards Co-ordinator, detailing performance statistics for Quarter 3 -  October to December 2009, against the Customer First Charter and suggesting recommendations for improvement where necessary.

Reference was made to:-

-                      efforts to establish a more comprehensive monitoring system across all Services in the Directorate

-                      reporting of compliments as well as complaints

-                      100% of complaints responded to within the 3 day timescale

-                      number of complaints dealt with within the timescale

-                      increase in number of complaints received as a result of the winter weather and disruption to services

-                      investigations into better communication with the public

-                      keeping Ward Councillors and Area Assembly Officers informed

-                      bringing e-case work into the Customer Charter

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report be noted.

David Phillips, Principal Highway Engineer, to report.

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Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, detailing Year 2 schemes proposed by 2010 Rotherham Ltd to provide environmental improvements under the Decent Homes Initiative, and seeking approval to proceed with the works, in as far as they will affect the public highway. 

It was reported that since the writing of the submitted report the scheme re:  Simmonite Road, Kimberworth Park – Proposed verge hardening, had been withdrawn.

Attention was drawn to the risks and uncertainties and it was pointed out that the cost and practicalities of this work would not be determined until more detailed design work had been undertaken.  It was also pointed out that if utility diversion costs proved to be excessive for any particular scheme, then 2010 Rotherham Ltd may elect not to provide funding.

It was stressed that in instances where the work would provide off street parking Streetpride could not fund works to the areas of footway in between drives.  Concern was expressed that this “pepper-potting” had lead to the appearance of some previous schemes presenting a poor image.  It was emphasised that consultation should take place with the respective Heads of Service at the inception of any proposed scheme in order to identify responsibilities and funding.

In respect of the proposals for Bradstone Road, East Herringthorpe, illustrated on Appendix B to the submitted report, suggestions were put forward which would allow for access to, and use of, former garage sites for off-street parking.

Resolved:-  (1)  That subject to:-

a) scheme funding being made available by 2010 Rotherham Ltd;

b) there being no objections raised through further consultations with residents that cannot be overcome through minor modifications through the 2010 consultation process,

the following works be implemented:-

Gray Avenue, Swallownest - Proposed verge hardening

Byrley Road, Kimberworth Park – Proposed verge hardening

Scrooby Place, Greasbrough - Proposed verge hardening

(2)  That further discussion takes places with the Chair of the Area Assembly in respect of the scheme proposed at Bradstone Road, East Herringthorpe.

(3)  That a meeting be arranged between the Cabinet Members for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, Streetpride and Housing and Neighbourhoods, together with appropriate Heads of Service, to discuss the issue of patching between driveways, where this is required to regularise the appearance of the footway.

Tom Finnegan-Smith, Acting Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to inform Cabinet Members of the outcome of the ‘free after 3’ parking initiative and to introduce this permanently together with further free parking on Saturdays introduced on an experimental basis for 12 months subject to funding.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Acting Transportation Unit Manager, informing the Cabinet Members of a review of the ‘Free after 3’ parking initiative.  It was pointed out that the main purposed of this initiative was to encourage more shoppers into the town centre and aid regeneration.

The results of a survey of town centre traders in respect of the free parking on Saturdays were also reported.  It was pointed out although this initiative had only been operating for a short time those surveyed suggested trade and footfall had increased.

Consideration was therefore given to:-

-                      continuing the ‘Free after 3 ‘ initiative

-                      the introduction of further free parking on Saturdays for on street parking and in Council owned car parks on an experimental basis for 12 months

It was pointed out however that both initiatives would be subject to funding being identified.  It was reported that it was hoped that the loss of car parking income could be offset by the LAA reward grant and the decision regarding this was expected mid March 2010.

Resolved:-  That, subject to securing the necessary funding, the following parking incentives be approved:-

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 (1)  the current experimental Traffic Regulation Order be made permanent, and the free parking after 3pm on weekdays on street and in Council owned car parks continue for a further 12 months, with further monitoring and review after that 12 months period.

(2)  the objection from Stagecoach (East Midlands) be not acceded to and they be informed of this decision.

(3)  an experimental traffic order be introduced, effective from the 3rd April, 2010, for a period not exceeding 12 months, with the effect that parking be without charge on street and in Council owned car parks on Saturdays.

(4)  the Assistant Chief Executive for Legal and Democratic Services be requested to make the appropriate traffic regulation orders.

(5)  these orders be reviewed and a further report be submitted before the expiration of 12 months.