Agenda and minutes

Councillor Dickinson welcomed everyone to the meeting.  On behalf of the Group Councillor Dickinson thanked the previous Chair, Councillor Hoyle, for all of her work. 

Members of the Group had attended a tour of the One Stop Shop prior to the meeting.  The tour had been useful to see the facilities provided for customers with disabilities. 

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors R Russell, R Snape, Ivy Carroll, Susan Richmond, John Lechemere and Alan Capstick. 

Members of the Liaison Group are reminded of their responsibility to declare any personal interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct.  If the personal interest is a prejudicial interest, then the individual Member should not participate in a discussion on the matter and must withdraw from the room and not seek to influence a decision on the matter.

No interests were declared.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Disability Liaison Group held on 3 April 2006 (enclosed)

The minutes of the meeting of the Disability Liaison Group held on 3 April 2006 were confirmed as a correct record.

Jamie Carson, Head of Leisure and Cultural Services, reported that he had received a letter from the Disability Forum relating to Disability Awareness Day.  A response had been sent to the Forum explaining that the Day would be going ahead in 2007 and that a meeting to determine the way forward would be held in the next few weeks.  Jamie would contact all of the community groups to invite them. 

A representative from Streetscene, Neighbourhoods and Environmental Directorate will lead a discussion regarding waste collection and recycling containers. 

The Chair welcomed Duncan Nicholson, Senior Waste Management Officer, to the meeting.  Duncan gave some background information about the alternate weekly collection scheme.

Members of the Group raised the issue of litter due to recycling and rubbish falling out of the collection vehicle, waste items and the sacks themselves being blown away.  Duncan advised that measures were being taken to mitigate this, including plastic weighted woven sacks that wouldn’t blow away.  The design of the collection vehicles meant that the compaction action when the rubbish was being loaded rubbish could fall out. 

In response to a query it was clarified that if a fridge were dumped steps would be taken to find the owner.  Any charge to remove it would be the responsibility of the owner. 

The Group considered the issue of emptied recycling receptacles being left on the pavement and causing obstructions.  The way forward would be to have a senior member of staff on each crew to ensure that emptied receptacles did not cause an obstruction. 

It was noted that there were developments in the pipeline relating to home composting, including additional support, information and publicity.  The Group supported this.

The Group discussed bins that were over full and, therefore, not emptied.  In these cases there was a need to call out the Neighbourhood Wardens to get the bins emptied and cleared away. 

The Group thanked Duncan for his attendance. 

A schedule is enclosed listing issues that have been considered at past meetings of the Liaison Group and summarising the action that has either been taken by Officers or is proposed to be instigated on matters in respect of:

Pavements, Dropped Kerbs, Road Crossings, General Highway Issues, Parking and Other Issues.

Pavements

Overhanging bushes on Southport Road.  This item had been completed and would be deleted from the schedule. 

Dropped Kerbs

New Issue.  A dropped kerb was needed between the Police Station and the Town Hall, on the corner by the Town Hall staff car park. 

General Highways Issues

It was noted that the telephone number to report any defects on the highway was 0845 0530011. 

New Issue.  On Harpers Lane there are some potholes requiring attention, on the left as you drove up the hill.

Trees obscuring lighting on Park Road.  Alan and Judy had inspected the trees in question, but further cutting back was required. 

Parking

Other Issues

Toilets within Chorley Library.  Cindy reported that the views of the Group had been passed on to the County Librarian.  At the present time no funding was available for the provision of toilets.  It was AGREED that a letter be sent from the Chair, on behalf of the Group, to stress the views of the Group on this issue. 

Obstruction caused by A-Boards.  Elaine reported that this issue would be considered further after the transfer of the highways department to Lancashire County Council.  There had been discussions on this issue at Town Centre Forum.  It was AGREED that Judy be invited to attend the next Town Centre Forum to highlight the problems. 

Concessionary bus travel.  It was clarified that within the Borough there would be free bus travel for people over 60 and disabled people.  Where trips went through another Borough half fare would be charged.  It was queried what the arrangements would be after 2007.  This would be reported to the next meeting. 

Facilities at Chorley Railway Station.  The manager at Chorley Railway Station would be contacted for an update. 

Problems with the lighting at Chorley Interchange.  It was noted that the lighting was an anti-drugs initiative. 

Fosterfields.  It was noted that, without introducing himself, an officer had come in to count the number of people using the facility.  This would be investigated.  It was agreed that officers should introduce themselves and explain their activities.

The Group discussed the lack of disabled access at Chorley Registry Office.  It was understood that there were proposals to build a new registry office.  An update on this would be presented to the next meeting. 

It was noted that there would be a presentation on the Astley Park project at the next meeting.  

The Group discussed the need for a new Lead officer from the Borough Council.  Officers from the Policy and Performance Directorate would be invited to the next meeting of the Group.  

• 15 November
• 28 February
• 18 April

15 November 2006.