Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

Please note the information requested at the last meeting was emailed out as one pack of information in August. 

The information can be accessed here: https://democracy.chorley.gov.uk/documents/b11742/Information%20requested%20at%20the%20meeting%2016th-Jul-2014%2018.30%20Chorley%203%20Tier%20Liaison.pdf?T=9

The minutes were confirmed as a correct record. 

The feedback received about the first meeting was as follows:

“The meeting worked well. I am quite happy with the changes”.

“As it was my first 3 Tier Liaison (or any of its predecessors), I've nothing really to compare it against.  As for the meeting itself, I thought it worked quite well. I think the Parish Representatives were given enough time to speak if they wished and the same for Councillors”. 

“I was quite with the way the meeting ran and at present would not have any thoughts about changes”.

“Generally I thought the meeting worked well. What was apparent is that it will need strong chairmanship in order to keep a good time discipline. I am a little concerned about the public questions element in which any matters can apparently be raised. I think it would be preferable if any public questions could be restricted or related to agenda items.  I can understand the objective of trying to raise the level of the meeting to a more ‘strategic’ view than the previous parish liaison meetings but I think it needs to be appreciated that those of us at parish level are not always aware of all the issues associated with a particular policy or proposal and therefore can only have a limited input to the debate”.

The meeting noted the feedback received. 

Terry Dickenson, Wheelton Parish Council, commented that he was pleased with the meeting as it involved all three tiers of local government. 

The Chair highlighted the importance of each tier requesting items for the agenda and to ensure that information flowed between all tiers.  To this end email addresses had been requested for all Town and Parish Councillors, from the clerks, to widen the distribution for the monthly electronic bulletin, intheboro. 

It was AGREED it would be useful for feedback to be requested after each meeting for the first year as the meeting was evolving. 

In order to allow members of the Forum 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 Forum, a record will be kept by officers supporting the Forum and it will be responded to via the appropriate mechanism.

Terry Dickenson, Wheelton Parish Council, advised a response had been received from Parkwise.  An offer had been made for an out of hours visit, although this would cost a fee.  June Molyneaux, Adlington Town Council, advised a similar response had been received.  Malcolm Allen, Heapey Parish Council, noted that there were enforcement issues within the Town Centre and suggested that the Chorley Council off street parking enforcement officers also took on street parking enforcement in the Town Centre.  Laura Lennox, Astley Village Parish Council, and Steve Perry, Withnell Parish Council, highlighted parking issues in their areas.

County Councillor John Fillis, LCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, advised that Parkwise officers had visited Wheelton during the day, but had not seen evidence of issues.  Out of hours enforcement was not carried out across Lancashire, but would carry a charge if this was undertaken.  It was AGREED that County Councillor Fillis meet with Terry Dickenson to discuss this further.  It was suggested that any issues with dangerous parking be raised at the local PACT meeting or with PCSO’s. 

Laura Lennox, Astley Village Parish Council, advised that Town and Parish Council’s were not listed as partners on Chorley Council’s website.  Gary Hall, Chorley Council Chief Executive, advised he was aware of the issue and was dealing with it. 

Terry Dickenson, Wheelton Parish Council, requested an update on the My Parish project.  It was AGREED that an update be circulated following the meeting.  It was noted that there was reporting functionality associated with My Parish which could be helpful for Parishes to record service requests in relation to their assets.  

June Molyneaux, Adlington Town Council, highlighted the aspiration for more trains to stop at Adlington station.  Currently, one train an hour stopped and there was a wish to have two stop per hour.  County Councillor Fillis explained that the tender for the provision of train services from 2016 was currently being developed.  There was a need for authorities across the north to work together to get the best possible service from the railways going forward. 

Marel Urry, Hoghton Parish Council, queried whether dog waste could be disposed of in litter bins.  Simon Clark, Head of Health Environment and Neighbourhoods, advised that the regulations relating to this had changed a few years ago so that dog waste could be disposed of in a litter bin.  The Council had replaced the dog bins it owned with larger litter bins.  If a Parish Council wanted to have dog bins which they owned replaced with litter bins they were advised to contact the Council on 01257 515151 or email contact@chorley.gov.uk 

Laura Lennox, Astley Village Parish Council, thanked Chorley Council for the replacement of a litterbin and the inclusion of a cigarette stubber on the top.  This had had a positive impact on the litter from cigarettes in the area.  

Malcolm Allen, Heapey Parish Council, highlighted concerns about the roadworks on Market Street, Chorley potentially affecting the Christmas trade for shops in the town centre.  County Councillor Fillis  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.12

A document showing the projected intakes to reception is enclosed.  This was emailed out in August. 

Please note an officer from this LCC service will not be present for this item, but a note will be made of any questions raised at the meeting and responses will be sent out after the meeting. 

The Chair introduced the item which had been requested at the previous meeting. 

The projected intakes to reception 2015, 2016 and 2017 were enclosed with the agenda.  It was noted that this was a complex issue. 

Alistair Bradley, Chorley Town, noted that overall there was sufficient provision, but that in certain places there was a lack of provision.  This included the high schools. 

Bev Murray, Chorley South Division, advised there was a meeting for County Councillors on Friday to discuss this.  Gary Hall, Chorley Council Chief Executive, advised that the Central Lancashire Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Committee were also undertaking a piece of work on this issue. 

It was AGREED that a future agenda item be presented once plans were in place on how to take this issue forward. 

A guide on the LCC Traffic Asset Management Plan is enclosed, along with the Plan itself. 

This sets out the County Council's investment strategy in respect of maintenance of its transport assets for the period 2015-2030 and defines  investment priorities for maintenance during the life of the plan. 

County Councillor Fillis (Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport) will present this item. 

County Councillor Fillis, LCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented this item.

The Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP)was the county council's approved Plan and investment strategy that identified the key strategic priorities of LCC as highway authority during the period 2015-2030.

The Plan was a fundamental change from tackling, 'worst first' to one aligned to the Department for Transport's philosophy that, 'prevention is better than cure'.  It recommended that resources were used to reduce key maintenance backlogs through preventative methods.

It set out the principles and approach that the county council would use to determine the priorities for allocating capital resources to highways and transport assets.

The analysis indicated that the county council required approximately £35m per annum to maintain all its transport assets at their 2013 levels.  The direct allocation likely to be received from central government, via the Department for Transport was £25m per annum.  This funding shortfall provided a real challenge to do more, or even the same, with less.

In the last few years there had been a number of severe weather events (long, very cold winters and flood events) which had had an impact on the network and accelerated the deterioration of assets.

Preventative intervention works were proposed to reduce maintenance backlogs.  Such works involved treatments that were generally carried out at an earlier critical stage in an asset's life-cycle and were usually less expensive and less intrusive.

Key maintenance backlogs would be reduced over a ten to fifteen year period, the effect of which will be that the level of available funding broadly matched the amount needed to maintain all our assets.

The aim was that all roads would be of a good standard in five years.  It was noted that residents didn’t like the excess chippings which occurred after surface dressing.  These chippings were part of the process and any excess were swept away and gutters cleared.  The most important part of the process was that the road had been sealed with tar, and the chippings were used to protect the tar.  Graham Ashworth, Heath Charnock Parish Council, advised that, long term, the best method was where the chippings were fully immersed.  CC Fillis AGREED to investigate this with officers. 

Steve Perry, Withnell Parish Council, thanked CC Fillis for the explanation. 

Kim Snape, Chorley Rural East Division, queried progress on replacing white lines when roads had been dressed. CC Fillis advised that the white line team were catching up.  The focus was that the job was done right the first time. 

Ann Woodhouse, Cuerden Parish Council, advised there were issues on Shady Lane, Cuerden, where Lancaster Lane required some maintenance in terms of road widening and kerbs.  There were also issues with highway grass cutting.  CC Fillis AGREED to look into these issues. 

The Chair thanked CC Fillis for presenting the item. 

Spice and the Young Foundation are working with Lancashire County Council and Chorley Council to introduce Time Credits to Lancashire. Time Credits are a way of enabling local people to make a difference in their communities and local public services. The scheme in Lancashire was launched in September in Chorley, and has a broad health and social care focus.

Time credits are a way of thanking people for the time that they give to their local community. If a person gives 1 hour of time to a community organization, they earn 1 time credit that can be spent on a range of activities in the local area for example, an adult learning course, a museum visit, a physiotherapy session or a show at the local theatre.

As well as recognizing the value of individual contribution, Time Credits strengthens and builds communities by engaging those who may not normally get very involved in their local area. The scheme encourages people to be involved in different ways and it helps to build local networks, by linking community groups, organizations and individuals.

Further information can be found here: http://chorley.gov.uk/Pages/AtoZ/Lancashire-Time-Credits.aspx

Angela Barrago, Locality Facilitator, Chorley will give a short presentation (10 minutes). 

Angela Barrago, Locality Facilitator, Chorley gave a short presentation which can be accessed here: https://democracy.chorley.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=732&MId=3965&Ver=4

Spice and the Young Foundation were working with Lancashire County Council and Chorley Council to introduce Time Credits to Lancashire. Time Credits were a way of enabling local people to make a difference in their communities and local public services. The scheme in Lancashire was launched in September 2013 in Chorley, and had a broad health and social care focus.

Time credits were a way of thanking people for the time that they gave to their local community.  If a person gave one hour of time to a community organization, they earned one time credit that could be spent on a range of activities in the local area for example, an adult learning course, a museum visit, a physiotherapy session or a show at the local theatre.

As well as recognizing the value of individual contributions, Time Credits strengthened and built communities by engaging those who might not normally get very involved in their local area.  The scheme encouraged people to be involved in different ways and it helped to build local networks, by linking community groups, organizations and individuals.

Terry Dickenson, Wheelton Parish Council, queried how many young people were involved.  Angela AGREED to forward this information to Terry. 

It was AGREED that an article about Time Credits be placed in the next edition of intheboro. 

MarelUrry, Hoghton Parish Council, suggested that leaflets be placed in the mobile libraries. 

Jamie Carson suggested that the representatives from Town and Parish Councils discuss Time Credits within their areas, see how they could help to embed them and suggest projects which could get involved.  This was AGREED with feedback to be received at a future meeting. 

Further information can be found here: http://chorley.gov.uk/Pages/AtoZ/Lancashire-Time-Credits.aspx.  Angela can be contacted by email angela.barrago@chorley.gov.uk or on 01257 515902. 

An update from Lancashire County Council is enclosed. 

Section 38 is a highways adoption agreement.  Under section 38 of the Highways Act 1980, a local highway authority can enter into a legal agreement with a developer to adopt a highway provided the highway has been constructed to a specified standard and to the satisfaction of the local highway authority.

County Councillor Fillis (Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport) will present this item.

Information from Chorley Council:

Chorley Council has established/appointed the role of Development Implementation Co-ordinator effective July 2014 which will primarily be responsible for co-ordinating the delivery of S106 planning obligation, responsibility for the administration and management of the Community Infrastructure Levy notices and collection and working with developers and partners to ensure a proper and effective adoption program can take place in a timely manner.

County Councillor Fillis (Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport) presented this item.

An update from Lancashire County Council was enclosed with the agenda on Section 38 agreements (a highways adoption agreement).  Under Section 38 of the Highways Act 1980, a local highway authority could enter into a legal agreement with a developer to adopt a highway provided the highway had been constructed to a specified standard and to the satisfaction of the local highway authority.

CC Fillis advised that there had previously issues with developers ceasing to trade following the completion of estates.  In addition, LCC had no powers to force developers to bring estates to adoption.  The outstanding estates were being worked on and resolved over time. 

The Chair advised that, following an Overview and Scrutiny Inquiry into the adoptions process Chorley Council had established the role of Development Implementation Co-ordinator (effective July 2014) which would primarily be responsible for co-ordinating the delivery of Section 106 planning obligation, responsibility for the administration and management of the Community Infrastructure Levy notices and collection and working with developers and partners to ensure a proper and effective adoption program could take place in a timely manner. 

Kim Snape, Chorley Rural East Division, noted the issues faced at Owsten Court, near Horwich where LCC had noted that delays in adoptions were due to Bolton not adopting roads.  She advised that there had been a breakdown in communication as, in fact, the roads in Bolton were already adopted.  CC Fillis AGREED to chase the adoptions of these roads.

It was noted that there were other estates in the Borough which weren’t adopted, and these were now being worked through, but would take time.  The key point was for each partner to engage to bring these to conclusion.

In response to a question, Jamie Carson advised that it was not possible for Chorley Council to delay planning applications, in lieu of adoptions issues, as the developer could take the Council to court for non-determination.  This would mean that planning applications would not be determined at local level. 

It was AGREED that this agenda item be revisited in 12 months time.  

Gritting and snow in rural areas and a better system for reporting.  The suggestion for a service improvement is for the County Councillors to have details of the on-call highways officer so that they can report any out of hours issues.  The Parishes could then report their issues to their respective County Councillor.

Response from Lancashire County Council:

We expect that a 2014/15 version will be produced soon but it will not change dramatically from the attached document.

Response from Chorley Council:

The Council works closely with LCC but all our gritting is on Council owned land, mainly car parks.

The Council will, however, assist LCC and work together with them during periods of severe winter weather.

Malcolm Allen, Heapey Parish Council, advised that the request related to gritting and snow in rural areas and a better system for reporting.  The suggestion had been a service improvement for the County Councillors to have details of the on-call highways officer so that they can report any out of hours issues.  The Parishes could then report their issues to their respective County Councillor.

CC Fillis AGREED to look into this proposition, although he noted that not all County Councillors would necessarily agree to this. 

Kim Snape, Chorley Rural East Division, noted that out of hours calls were directed to the Police, but that the response in these circumstances from the Police was lacking.  CC Fillis AGREED to take this up with the Police.  Laura Lennox, Astley Village, suggested CC Fillis approach the Police and Crime Commissioner.  

Gary Hall, Chief Executive Chorley Council, noted that with resources decreasing there would be a need to think creatively for a solution to this. 

Are the Borough Council or Lancashire County Council providing any, or budgeting for, or hoping to restore, any funding for the refurbishment of Village Halls or Community Buildings, especially in deprived rural areas, in the 2015/2016 financial years?

Response from Lancashire County Council:

Local Member Grant:

Each County Councillor has a budget of £2,000 per year to award under the Local Member Grants scheme.  They can award funding to groups that benefit residents from within their electoral division.  This funding is available for a wide variety of projects and can include simple refurbishments to buildings where there is benefit to community groups.  Unfortunately Parish or Town Councils are not eligible to apply for these grants as they are statutory in nature, however, local community groups or organisations are able to submit applications.  This scheme is open all year round for applications and decisions are normally available within a few weeks, it is anticipated that the scheme will be open for applications in 2015/16.

Local Initiative Fund:

In addition to the Local Member Grants Scheme we also have the Local Initiative Fund (LIF).  The LIF scheme, is a more targeted way of providing medium-sized grants to voluntary, community and faith sector groups that carry out important work to help communities across Lancashire.  Third sector groups/organisations in Lancashire can apply for grants between £1,000 to £5,000 to support three of the council's priorities which are:

·                Improved outcomes for families (total family)

·                Skills and employment

·                Providing activities and programmes for young people aged 12 – 19 (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities)

Grants for refurbishment work have been granted under this scheme in the past whereby the overall project aims to support one of the above three priorities.  Please note this scheme is not currently open for applications as the round has already taken place this year, there may be a round in a couple of the districts later on in the year.  It is anticipated that the scheme will be open for applications in 2015/16.

Further information on these schemes can be found on our website http://new.lancashire.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/grants-and-funding.aspx or parish and town councils are welcome to contact the Grants Team on 01772 530818 to discuss further.

Lancashire County Council Champion Funding:

Lancashire County Council has a number of County Councillor Champions, including a Parish Champion.  Each Champion is allocated a sum of £10,000 per annum for use at their discretion to finance their activities including the payment of a grant or loan to individuals and outside bodies and organisations within the scope of their remit.  More information can be found at:

http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/?siteid=6472&pageid=38603#anchor188213

Response from Chorley Council:

The Council is not aware of anything that is as specific and unique as this request.

Harold Heaton, Charnock Richard Parish Council, advised that the request related to a specific project in Charnock Richard and was linked to funding for the refurbishment of Village Halls or Community Buildings, especially in deprived rural areas. 

Jamie Carson, Director of Public Protection, Streetscene and Communities Chorley Council, noted that a meeting was scheduled for Friday to discuss how the Council could move this project forward. 

Clarification of the interpretation of Policy HS3: Private Residential Garden Development of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 - 2026 by the LPA as planning applications which, on the face of it, appear contrary to Policy HS3, have been approved by the LPA.

Response from Chorley Council:

A response is enclosed with the agenda pack. 

There was no representative from Eccleston Parish Council at the meeting.  The request related to the interpretation of Policy HS3: Private Residential Garden Development of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 - 2026 by the LPA as planning applications which, on the face of it, appear contrary to Policy HS3, have been approved by the LPA.

Jamie Carson, Director of Public Protection, Streetscene and Communities Chorley Council, noted that a detailed response to this had been enclosed with the agenda, but commented that the Policy needed to be considered in the wider context of the Local Plan. 

A schedule setting out the deadlines for items to be requested on the agenda for the Chorley 3 Tier Liaison is enclosed. 

The Chair advised that the next meeting would be held on 21 January 2015 and requested that any agenda items be requested via Ruth Rimmington on ruth.rimmington@chorley.gov.uk by Friday, 12 December. 

Future potential agenda items were the public health agenda, the Public Service Reform Board and budget consultations. 

Steve Perry, Withnell Parish Council, raised an item in relation to planning applications where the required notice did not appear to have been displayed, at the property and in the surrounding areas. 

John Pigott, Bretherton Parish Council, supported this.

Jamie Carson, Director of Public Protection, Streetscene and Communities Chorley Council, AGREED to investigate this. 

This document details agreed actions and responses from Lancashire County Council and Chorley Council.