Agenda and draft minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Cramlington, Bedlington and Seaton Valley Local Area Committee held on 17 February 2021, as circulated, be agreed as a true record and were signed by the Chair.

This report sets out the details of the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) programme for 2021-22 and the draft Highway Maintenance Investment in U and C Roads and Footways programme for 2021-22 for consideration and comment by the Local Area Council, prior to final approval of the programme.

P Jones, Service Director – Local Services provided a comprehensive introduction to the report advising that the Local Transport Plan (LTP) of just over £19m had been developed following dialogue with Town and Parish Councils along with Local Ward Members.  The proposed expenditure across the four key areas was as set out in the report and the highlights brought to the Members attention.

In response to a question regarding some cycle routes not completed through previous funding by Sustrans in Bedlington and if they could be completed under this scheme, Members were advised that the £3m funding identified in the budget for 2021/22 was to support the delivery of the Council’s proposed Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) which were focussed on the 12 main towns to support modal shift for short journeys to encourage more people to cycle or walk rather than use cars.  It was also hoped to attract further funding and S106 monies.  If the routes in question were key school travel routes then they should have been identified within the draft LCWIPs, which were going to be consulted upon shortly, and this would give Members the opportunity to comment on the proposed plans before they were finalised. 

Councillor Swinburn queried the detail in the traffic management section where it stated ‘Doxford Place’ as this had been part of last year’s LTP and he had previously tried to chase this up with officers with no success. His request for next year’s LTP was in relation to Southfield Gardens.  Advice from N Snowdon that the feasibility study for Doxford Place had been funded by Councillor Swinburn but the work had not been included in the LTP for the previous year. Councillor Swinburn advised that this was not his understanding and it was agreed this would be investigated and a reply provided to Councillor Swinburn.

Councillor Dungworth stated that whilst she had been pleased to see the scheme regarding pedestrian safety and the speed reduction between Blyth and Seaton Sluice included along with the scheme at Holywell, there was nothing in the plan for Double Row at Seaton Delaval.  This was a very dangerous junction with a large increase in housing having been developed in the area along with the high levels of industrial traffic and proximity to the school. Monies should have been requested for improvements through S106 agreements when the houses were being developed.  Seaton Valley Parish Council had included this in their priorities as it was a travel to school route.  It was also stated that Councillor Richards had included this in her priorities. It was agreed that Officers would meet to discuss this with Councillor Dungworth to gain an understanding of the situation.

It was clarified that any scheme which had been funded by Members Local Schemes was not included within the LTP.   In relation to the micro surfacing of estate roads and the number of complaints received from residents it was confirmed that mailshots were carried out to affected residents however if Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday,15 February 2021 at 4.00 p.m.

The next meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 17 March 2021.