Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dunbar and Lee. 

Minutes of the meeting of the Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Valley Local Area Committee held on 21 June 2023 as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Valley Local Area Committee held on Wednesday, 21 June 2023 as circulated, be confirmed as a true record and be signed by the Chair.

Unless already entered in the Council’s Register of Members’ interests, members are required?where a matter arises at a meeting;

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1. Which?directly relates to?Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (‘DPI’) as set out in Appendix B, Table 1 of the Code of Conduct, to disclose the interest, not participate in any discussion or vote and not to remain in room. Where members have a DPI or if the matter concerns an executive function and is being considered by a Cabinet Member with a DPI they must notify the Monitoring Officer and arrange for somebody else to deal with the matter.

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2. Which?directly relates to?the financial interest or well being of a Other Registrable Interest as set out in Appendix B, Table 2 of the Code of Conduct to disclose the interest and only speak on the matter if members of the public are also allowed to speak at the meeting but otherwise must not take part in any discussion? or vote on the matter and must not remain the room.

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3. Which?directly relates to?their financial interest or well-being? (and is not? DPI) or the financial well being of a relative or close associate, to declare the interest and members may only speak on the matter if members of the public are also allowed to speak. Otherwise, the member must not take part in discussion or vote on the matter and must leave the room.

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4. Which?affects?the financial well-being of the member, a relative or close associate or a body included under the Other Registrable Interests column in Table 2, to disclose the interest and apply the test set out at paragraph 9 of Appendix B before deciding whether they may remain in the meeting.

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5. Where Members have or a Cabinet Member has an Other Registerable Interest or Non Registerable Interest in a matter being considered in exercise of their executive function, they must notify the Monitoring Officer and arrange for somebody else to deal with it.

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NB Any member needing clarification must contact?monitoringofficer@northumberland.gov.uk. ?Members are referred to the Code of Conduct which contains the matters above in full.?Please refer to the guidance on disclosures at the rear of this agenda letter.

Councillor Flux requested for transparency; it be noted that he was appointed as an Outside Body to Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project.

To reply to any questions received from members of the public, which may be received in writing in advance of the meeting or asked at the meeting.  Questions can be asked about issues for which the Council has a responsibility.  If questions are received in advance of meetings it will increase the likelihood of an answer being provided at the meeting. (Public question times take place on a bimonthly basis at Local Area Committee meetings: in January, March, May, July, September and November each year.)

As agreed by the County Council in February 2012, the management of local public question times is at the discretion of the Chair of the committee.

Please note however that a question may possibly be rejected if it requires the disclosure of any categories of confidential or exempt information, namely information:

1.    relating to any individual;

2.    which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual;

3.    relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person;

4.    relating to any labour relations matters/negotiations;

5.    restricted to legal proceedings;

6.    about enforcement/enacting legal orders;

7.    relating to the prevention, investigation of prosecution of crime.

And/or:

·       is defamatory, frivolous or offensive;

·       it is substantially the same as a question which has been put at a meeting of this or another County Council committee in the past six months;

·       the request repeats an identical or very similar question from the same person;

·       the cost of providing an answer is disproportionate;

·       it is being separately addressed through the Council's complaints process;

·       it is not about a matter for which the Council has a responsibility or which affects the county;

·       it relates to planning, licensing and/or other regulatory applications;

·       it is a question that town/parish councils would normally be expected to raise through other channels.

If the Chair is of the opinion that a question is one which, for whatever reason, cannot properly be asked in an area meeting, he/she will disallow it and inform the resident of his/her decision.

Copies of any written answers (without individuals' personal contact details) will be provided for members after the meeting and also be publicly available.

Democratic Services will confirm the status of the progress on any previously requested written answers and follow up any related actions requested by the Local Area Committee.

Adam Hogg, West Bedlington Town Council referred to the meeting in March 2022 regarding Bedlington town centre, where he had raised the issue of not being informed of updates by Advance and NCC on town projects. He had been assured by the Cabinet Member “that regular updates would be provided to West Bedlington Town Council in future.”  No updates or any communication had been received regarding any works.

The Chair offered his apologies for this but could not comment and would ask the Cabinet Member for information to be provided.

Mr Hogg also referred to the Avonline re-instatement works and queried why work had been undertaken in Morpeth to replace paths etc, to a good standard when Bedlington had been carried out to a poorer standard.

Mr Hogg was informed that the utility company replaced the paths, and it was not NCC’s responsibility. However, Streetworks would check the standard of work carried out.  It was also pointed out that the replacement of paths carried out by the utility company could have been co-ordinated with works carried out by the Council.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

This item is to:

a.    Receive any new petitions: to receive any new petitions.  The lead petitioner is entitled to briefly introduce their petition by providing a statement in writing, and a response to any petitions received will then be organised for a future meeting;

b.    Consider reports on petitions previously received: No report to consider.

c.     Receive any updates on petitions for which a report was previously considered: No updates to consider.

No petitions had been received; there were no reports or updates to consider.

To provide an overview of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Northumberland local response, including details of the new model of service provision.

Lucy Smith, Domestic Abuse Trainer, explained her role within NCC and provided an overview of Domestic Abuse and the Northumberland local response, including details of the new model of service provision. 

The main key points included: 

• In April 2021, the bill for domestic abuse act became law, providing additional protection. 
• Statistics for women and men being murdered had remained the same for years. 
• The Act recognised children in their own right 
• Statutory definition for coercive control, isolation etc had to be personally connected to the victim. 
• Protection measures had been extended to include coercive control. 
• Under Clare’s Law, people had the right to ask for information. 
• A new offence of non-fatal strangulation was now a stand-alone offence. 
• Police now had powers to issue an order to a person causing harm. 
• Perpetrators were no longer allowed to cross examine victims. 
• A pilot scheme run by Northumbria Police was the mandatory use of a polygraph for offenders entering into a new relationship. 
• Victims seeking refuge had various housing options. 
• A multi-agency Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board developed and managed strategies through integrated services within Northumberland. 
• The Strategic Domestic Abuse Board carried out domestic abuse assessments and strategies. 
• Domestic Abuse analyst looked at local statistics. 
• A Domestic Abuse summit had been held in October 2022. 
• Training was available on Learning Together. 
• As well as working for the Council, she also provided bespoke training as part of her role within the Council. 
• Domestic Abuse services for young people included NDAS, Cygnus and Acorns. 

In response to members’ questions, the following information was given: 

• The polygraph was mandatory and part of the sentence. 
• Emergency housing and support would be given to victims. 
• Work had been carried out with the LGBT community to ensure appropriate training, using case studies. 
• Posters were available with information on where to get help from domestic abuse. An Action Plan Group looked at how they could help older people in Northumberland. 
• NDAS and Harbour offered support for recovery for long term and historical abuse. 
• Training was offered to taxi drivers, pubs, etc, but was usually done via a specialist training service. 
• She would take back the question of whether the Council could do more to help domestic abuse victims across different sectors. 

In discussing issues, it was stated that the Council’s Communications Team could provide more promotion on the signs of domestic abuse, linking up with the service to advertise where to get help and the suggestion of a Lip Balm being handed out to women containing a mobile help number, or potentially contact details on beer mats. 

The officer was thanked for her presentation. 

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

To receive a presentation from Claire Gascoigne - Senior Youth Development Coordinator about future plans and the benefits of the Community Chest.

Claire Gascoigne - Senior Youth Development Coordinator provided information on plans and the benefits of the Community Chest. 

The presentation included: 

• The centre had been running for 33 years with the offer of good resources. 
• Activities included a junior drop in, cooking, graffiti art, controlled martial arts, Duke of Edinburgh Awards and summer activity schemes. 
• Services offered were sexual health scheme/signposting; Outreach Centre in partnership with Cramlington Town Council. 
• Continual staff development to focus on individual issues and recruitment of volunteers, helpers and workshops.   

(Councillor Ezhilchelvan left the meeting at 7:01 pm) 

Members commented on the excellent provision the centre provided which was a model for other youth projects. The life chances offered and diversional activities for young people additional needs. 

Ms Gascoigne was thanked for her presentation. 

RESOLVED that the information be noted. 

(Councillor Ezhilchelvan returned to the meeting at 7:04 pm).

The report requests the Local Area Committee’s nomination for the Northumberland Local Bus Board.  The Cabinet report and Appendix 2 related to the terms of reference are also attached for information.

Neil Easton, Public Transport Manager referred to the report which requested the Local Area Committee’s nomination for the Northumberland Local Bus Board. The Cabinet report and Appendix 2 related to the terms of reference for information. 

The North East Joint Transport Committee had agreed to make an Enhanced Bus Partnership resulting in funding of £163 million for the region. 

The Enhanced Bus Partnership incorporated a package of regional and local bus schemes including a prescribed detailed infrastructure; new ticketing products to enable cheaper, simpler multi-modal fares.  Improved reliability and connectivity to rural areas. 

The Local Bus Board would not be a decision making body but would seek to improve working arrangements of bus services in Northumberland. 

In response to members’ questions, the following information was provided: 

• The Local Bus Board would make recommendations to the Leader in his role as Northumberland's representative on the North East Joint Transport Committee. 
• Once funding was received, the Council would begin to deliver a range of schemes to improve bus patronage, modal share, performance and customer satisfaction. 

A member welcomed the local bus scheme as bus services in the Seaton Valley areas were not connected and she hoped that the Local Bus Board would make a difference. 

Mr Easton explained that the DfT (Department for Transport) wanted local accountability.  Tyne & Wear had already established a Local Bus Board and this had been expanded out to Northumberland and Durham. 

Discussion took place regarding the amount of buses available in the Cramlington area, pinch point areas and average waiting times. 

Mr Easton stated that the Leader shared the views and would not go ahead without local support. 

He explained that the £2 day ticket had been superseded by the £5 Northumberland unlimited travel.  The Tyne & Wear 2 zone was £6.50 for a day ticket for multi modal transport. 

In response to a comment regarding pinch points in Bedlington, Mr Easton stated that from the study, there did not appear to be any pinch points in Bedlington, but there were time limited pinch points at school pick-ups and drop offs. The Systra Pinch Point survey would be forwarded to the Democratic Services Officer to circulate to members of the local area committee in due course. 

Some members were sceptical about the scheme and foresaw problems in the future. 

Mr Easton shared these concerns but pointed out that services would be subject to the usual tendering process and not direct contracts.  In addition, the North of Tyne Mayor had the power to franchise. 

Councillor Flux proposed that Councillor Swinburn be appointed as the Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Valley representative on the Northumberland Local Bus Board.  This was seconded by Councillor Daley and agreed by all members of the local area committee. 

RESOLVED that Councillor Swinburn be appointed to represent Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Valley Local Area Committee on the Northumberland Local Bus Board.

To receive a verbal update from the Area Managers from Technical Services and Neighbourhood Services in attendance about any key recent, ongoing and/or future planned Local Services work for the attention of members of the Local Area Committee, who will also then have the opportunity to raise issues with the Area Managers.

The Area Managers have principal responsibility for highway services and environmental services, such as refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance, within the geographic boundaries of the Local Area Committee.

Russell Mason, Highways Delivery Manager, provided the following updates: 

All Highways Inspectors and maintenance crews continued to work inspecting, fixing carriageway defects, making repairs, and making safe category one defects across the Southeast area.  

The gully emptier was fully deployed dealing with reported issues and cyclic maintenance. 

Larger Tarmac Patching had been carried out in the following locations; 

• Ringwood Drive, Cramlington 
• Atley Way, Cramlington (Plaster Patches) 
• Dudley Lane, Cramlington O/S Learning Village 
• Front Street West, Bedlington 
• Front Street East, Bedlington 
• Hall Close, Cramlington Cycle Way 
• Crow Hall Lane, Cramlington 
• Waverly Drive, Bedlington 
• Elsdon Avenue, S. Delaval 
• Millbank Road, Bedlington 
• St. Michaels Ave (footway), New Hartley 
• Stead Lane to Spine Road 

• Holywell A192 
• Village Road, Cramlington 

Drainage Improvements: 

• A192 Plessey Checks 
• Cornwell Crescent, Bedlington 
• Burnside View, Seghill 
• Fontburn Road, Seaton Delaval  
• St Michael Avenue, New Hartley (cleansing) 
• The Brambles, New Hartley (cleansing) 
• Astley Road, Seaton Delaval (cleansing) 

Micro surfacing prep – Micro surfacing prep has been carried out at  

• Chesterhill, Cramlington 
• Trevelyan Avenue, Bedlington  

The micro surfacing contractor was programmed to start in late August/Early September. All residents would receive a letter prior to work starting.  

LTP - Carriageway Resurfacing 

LTP Carriageway Resurfacing schemes have been carried out in the following locations; 

• A1172 – Cramlington – Completed in June 

Other Completed Work   

• St Michaels avenue, New Hartley – installation of kerb line as part of Northern Line works. 
• Bristol Street, New Hartley – Safety scheme, civils completed in June, Road Marking was programmed to be completed alongside resurfacing works in September.  
• Crow Hall Lane, road marking and signage scheme – signs now installed, road markings were programmed to be completed W/C 24th July under nightshift full road closure. 
• Klondyke – civils preparation work currently ongoing prior to resurfacing works.  

Upcoming Resurfacing  

• Northumbrian Road – 14/08/23 for 6 nights – 20:00 to 06:00 
• B1505 Klondyke – 21/08/23 for 6 nights – 20:00 to 06:00 
• A190 Seaton Sluice – 29/08/23 for 4 nights – 20:00 to 06:00 

Other Upcoming work. 

• Schalksmuhle Road, Bedlington- Bollards (safety scheme) -Monday 

• Bishops Meadow, Bedlington- Bollards (safety scheme) -Tue,Wed 
• A192 Seaton Delaval- Guardrail repair.  

In response to members’ questions, Mr Mason provided the following information: 

• There was nothing in the current LTP for the A192 at Holywell 
• A first-time fix was currently being trialled for plaster patching 
• He would report back on the entrance to the cycleway at Seven Oaks Park and the footpath on Dudley Lane/CLV/Monkside 

Tony Gribbin, Neighbourhood Services Area Manager gave the following updates: 

Bereavement Services 

• Bereavement Services was running very well.  
• The Muslim burial ground was fully prepared. 
   

Waste Service 

• Residual, recycling, and bulky waste collection services continued to perform well. 
• A review of routes took place recently – this resulted in a change of collection day for 4070 households. 

• The second week of the revised collection rounds was going well. 
• Some customers had presented bins late or forgotten the day change. The team was working to address those with individual customers. 
• All 4070 households were located in the South  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

Members are asked to confirm if they wish to remain as appointees to the outside bodies which were agreed by the Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Valley Local Area Council on 18 May 2022 as follows:-

Members considered a list of appointments to outside bodies for 2023/24. 

RESOLVED that the following list of appointments be confirmed: 

To note the latest version of agreed items for future Local Area Committee meetings (any suggestions for new agenda items will require confirmation by the Chairman of Council after the meeting).

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted.

The next meeting of the Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Valley Local Area Committee is Wednesday 23 August 2023.  (Planning only).

The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 23 August. (Planning only).

To consider such other business, as in the opinion of the Chair, should, by reason of special circumstances, be considered as a matter of urgency.

Members were urged to check the Members’ Local Improvement Schemes and informed of a drop in event at Manor Walks regarding the Northumberland Line.