Agenda item

Recommendation

Executive Cabinet Response

1. That when the revised Lancashire County Council (LCC) criteria is applied to subsidised services operating in Chorley and appear to be detrimental, any issues or concerns will be referred to full Council requesting approval to lobby LCC to minimise the impact in Chorley.

Agreed. Executive Cabinet anticipate the revised criteria is likely to be applied as part of LCCs budget planning from 2016/17 and beyond.

2. Should LCC take forward the ‘Parish Partnership Offer’ it is recommended that LCC consult and work with Cumbria County Council to explore how a Community Wheels type scheme could be undertaken and fully funded by LCC in Lancashire.

Agreed. It is currently unclear whether this offer will be pursued by LCC.  However, should this proposal from LCC be taken forward, the Executive Cabinet or its representative will notify LCC and encourage them to engage with Cumbria CC.

3. That Chorley Council contact Cumbria County Council to gather more information on their approach to recruiting volunteer drivers and to work with LCC and parishes to implement best practice in Chorley.

Agreed.

4. That the ‘Parish Partnership Offer’ (should it be progressed by LCC in the future) and the recruitment of volunteer drivers should be included as projects in the Rural Communities Action Plan and monitored accordingly.

Agreed.

5. That Chorley Council write to Lancashire County Council and all relevant operators to progress any issues raised by the parishes that have not already been covered as part of this review.

Agreed. Public Transport Issues can be included as a discussion item at a future Parish Liaison meeting.

6. To explore the offer from Stagecoach to meet on a regular basis to develop better working relations and improve communications and include Lancashire County Council Representatives.

Agreed.

7. That upon completion of the West Coast Strategic Studies process (expected April 2016) the Council will seek an update from, and continue to lobby Lancashire County Council and Network Rail on the establishment of a railway station in Coppull.

Agreed.

8. That Chorley Council follows up Northern Rail’s Commitment to looking at the lighting at Adlington station and if necessary also follow up the delivery of the Customer Information Screens if installation does not take place in Summer 2015.

Agreed.

9. Once the Council is aware of the new franchise holder (from February 2016), the Executive Cabinet to continue to lobby and raise the current rail issues, in particular to include additional rail services to Manchester Airport from Adlington from December 2016.

Agreed.

10. That consideration is given to including railway station enhancements and other public transport infrastructure across the borough in the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) 123 list revisions and be monitored by the Council to ensure funding is allocated and commitments are fulfilled.

Agreed. The CIL 123 list is to be

reviewed shortly.

11. That any conditions made through the Buckshaw Village S106 agreement regarding the up-grading and re-opening of Alker Lane Bridge which will improve access to Buckshaw Railway Station from Astley Village is followed up by the Council to ensure commitments are fulfilled.

Agreed.

12. That the Future Governance Viability Working Group notes the contents of the report on the benefits and potential areas of focus for a Combined Transport Authority for Lancashire in order to improve public transport for Chorley residents and the Council to use the findings to influence any future discussions regarding the establishment of a Combined Authority and its role in transport provision.

Agreed. A report to November Council is expected on the formation of a Combined Authority for Lancashire, part of which will include a Combined Transport Authority.

13. That Lancashire County Council reconsiders the displaying of bus timetables at all bus stops and shelters across the borough and explores the possibilities of funding this service by the use of advertising by local companies.

Agreed. Executive Cabinet or its representative will inform LCC and encourage them to consider this recommendation.

14. That Lancashire County Council in conjunction with the operators explores better ways of communicating increased bus fares to its customers.

Agreed. Executive Cabinet or its representative will inform LCC and encourage them to consider this recommendation.

15. To highlight to the Executive Cabinet the importance of considering all public transport needs for its residents when undertaking all relevant Council projects. For example, the provision of bicycle racks and storage units and positioning of bus stops as part of the Market Walk development proposals.

Agreed.