Agenda item

An update on the current position of the LCC transformation is enclosed.

The Chair welcomed Victoria Willett, Performance and Partnerships Manager of Chorley Council who provided a transformation update on work being undertaken to protecting vital community services otherwise at risk of closure or reduction as a result of Lancashire County Council (LCC) budget cuts. This included support for a number of bus routes serving residents across the borough until April 201 and three libraries; Coppull, Eccleston and Adlington until April 2018.

The funding would allow for a transitional period during which, Chorley Council will work with community stakeholders including Town and Parish Councils, community groups and local residents to consider the options available and develop sustainable solutions for future service provision. A key element of this work will be exploring possible funding models including income generation and consideration of Town and Council Parish precepts.

Chorley Council Community Development Officers from the Health and wellbeing team were now actively working with local groups to understand the needs of the community and offer assistance with any potential community asset transfer process.

Representatives from Parish and Town Councils had met with the Executive Leader and the Chief Executive in a meeting held in December to discuss ways of working together to sustain services for the local communities, this included consideration of parish precepts.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been drafted to be agreed with LCC that sets out the operating approach, expectations and supporting governance structures between Chorley Council, Lancashire County Council and community stakeholders for the duration of the transition period until April 2018.

Parish representatives from Euxton and Clayton-le-Woods asked if the Council could help them to obtain the running costs for the libraries in their areas. This information would help them to better prepare, should LCC decide to close additional library resources across the borough. County Councillor Steve Holgate said that he would try to progress these requests with the County Council.

Chorley Council continued to work closely with LCC and local bus operators to investigate and understand future options to ensure a cost effective service that meets the needs of local residents. The Council had now received the relevant data and information from LCC and the Bus Operators that would be used to analyse usage and demand along the routes. This analysis would be used to inform potential options for the future of these routes post April 2017. As part of this work, consideration will also be given to community transport schemes. This information was vital to the Parish Councils when setting their parish precepts.

Councillor Matt Lynch reported that the 109A bus service was no longer stopping at Buckshaw Parkway due to parked cars blocking the access road. This was an enforcement issue but as the road was un-adopted it presented additional problems that could not easily be resolved. The Council would look at trying to resolve this situation by working in partnership with LCC.

AGREED –

1.     That the analysis of usage and demand on bus services be provided to Parish and Town Council when finished.

2.     That the running costs of Clayton-le-Woods and Euxton libraries be requested of Lancashire County Council