Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Minutes of the last meeting are attached to be agreed as a correct record.

Resolved: that the minutes be approved as a correct record.

The LCC Cabinet Member (Highways and Transport) is in attendance and will be giving a strategic update on his portfolio followed by a short open forum session. We kindly ask that questions are based on strategic themes.

An opportunity for more complex and specific questions to be asked was given and these have been presented to the Cabinet Member for a written response. A copy of the questions received is enclosed.

County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport attended to provide a strategic update.

Rail Station ticket office closures across the County were an unpopular proposal, and consultations were ongoing,

In terms of road planning, the County Council contributed to the Transport for the North Strategic Road Review. The aim was to identify and highlight improvements. The desire was to enable further development to promote active travel such as walking and cycling.  

Potholes were an understood issue, but there was a comprehensive biannual survey that assessed the roads which directed resources appropriately.

The ‘Love Clean Streets’ app was highlighted and recommended to members to report issues, however, issues had to be reported at the site to ensure an accurate report and location of the issue.

The method of road repair used by the County Council was no longer loose chipping and tar due to the number of complaints received and evidenced ineffectiveness.

It was highlighted that the utility companies had the power to attend and work on the roads, then retroactively inform the council of the work completed. This was usually in the cases of emergency maintenance such as a leaking gas or water pipe. There was said to be positive communication between the County Council and the utility companies in relation to planned works.

At the request of members, it was agreed that there would be further and more frequent communication, contact and attendance by the Cabinet Member in relation to town centre issues and concerns.

Frustrations were expressed in relation to a local road adjacent to a school with a 40mph limit instead of 20mph. with the explanation given that the entrance to the school was on a side street. There was significant support for a 20mph limit to be installed by Members, the MP, and residents on the street.

The County Council did not want to make any overstretched statements or promises, but it was highlighted that highways was highly technical and regulated and those that would be able to provide the information were the officers within the County Council.

Issues with parking was often due to irresponsible behaviour. Partnerships between highways, the police and affected parties such as schools were the best method of resolving issues and providing solutions.

The Chair thanked County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick for attending the meeting, and it was resolved: that the update be noted.

The Director of Governance has offered to provide training for Parish Councils on Register of Interests and Code of Conduct and would like to gauge interest in this training.

The Director of Governance has offered to provide training for Parish Councils on Register of Interests and Code of Conduct and would like to gauge interest in this training.

Members responded positively and indicated that they would make contact to arrange the training.

In order to allow members of the Liaison and members of the public to raise issues of local concern, a period of 20 minutes has been set aside.

A member of the public may speak for no more than 3 minutes.  Members of the public are not required to give notice of the issue they intend to raise, although it is expected in the case of service issues that the appropriate mechanisms for resolving the issue have been explored. 

Where a question is raised which cannot be answered at the meeting, a record will be kept by officers supporting the meeting and it will be responded to via the appropriate mechanism.

There were no questions.

A schedule setting out deadlines for items to be requested on the agenda for the Chorley Liaison and dates for future meetings is enclosed. 

A suggestion was raised for an officer to speak and present in relation to sport, recreation and well being in the borough.