Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Daley, Ezhichelvan and Taylor.

Councillors Flux and Scott informed the Chair that they would need to leave the meeting early. 

Minutes of the meeting of the Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Valley Local Area Council held on 21 July 2021 as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Local Area Council held on Wednesday, 21 July 2021, as circulated, be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair. 

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

To reply to any questions received from members of the public which have been submitted in writing in advance of the meeting. Questions can be asked about issues for which the Council has a responsibility. (Public question times take place on a bimonthly basis at Local Area Council 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 Council.

The following questions had been received from Adam Hogg:- 

1.             With regard to the Local Transport Plan Programme, NCC had paid for the micro resurfacing of Choppington Road in Bedlington to the sum of £80,000.  Why was it that this had not been paid by Miller Homes, who are currently building a large estate north of the Chesters, and as part of their works, they are disrupting the road surface to provide services into the new estate and a new entrance. 

Further to the point of the resurfacing of Choppington Road, he asked why the micro resurfacing seemed to be in poor condition to drive on and felt very uneven, which had been carried out by a private company and the A192 from Morpeth to Hepscott Park which had been done in house by NCC, seemed to be fine and done to a good standard. 

Mr Carle responded that he would raise the first part of the questions with the Planning and Infrastructure Team as the Area Office Team delivered works on the ground using a procured subcontractor. 

With reference to the second part of the question – micro asphalt was an excellent cost-effective way of resurfacing a road that was not predominantly of sound construction.  The process sealed the surface and improved the surface texture against the ingress of water.  When initially laid, it had a red hue and was quite open textured.  Once the surface had been driven on over a period of 3 – 6 months, the surface tightened, and the desired surface finished was achieved.  As with any product used, a guarantee of the product would be put in place and any defects would be addressed in the maintenance period by the sub-contractor. 

2.             NCC were undertaking meetings at County Hall without public attending and during the day time due to Covid risks, however when the Government message seems to be “lets get everything back to normal”, will NCC be recommencing meetings which includes the LAC more public in both venues and time or is NCC taking careful approach unlike the Government of waiting and seeing what happens with Covid ? 

The Chair responded that the Authority had been guided by the Corporate Health and Safety Manager on direct involvement at meetings.  There had been some recent discussion about having the LACs in public venues but since the pandemic there had been an issue with, access, parking and IT availability. 

It was the intention as soon as possible, to have meetings in the various areas, but this needed to be done in a safe way.

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;

A petition has been received by Seghill Clean Team regarding fly-tipping in Seghill.

(b)  Consider reports on petitions previously received: No reports.

(c) Receive any updates on petitions for which a report was previously   considered: any updates will be verbally reported at the meeting.

This item was to: 

a) Receive any new petitions: 

A petition had been received from the Seghill Clean Team regarding fly-tipping in Seghill.  A report would be prepared for the November meeting. 

b) Consider reports on petitions previously received: None to consider. 

c) To consider updates on petitions previously considered:  There were none to consider. 

RESOLVED that the information be noted. 

An Inspector will be in attendance to give an overview and answer questions about policing and any community safety matters in the Cramlington, Bedlington and Seaton Valley area.

Inspector John Caisley was in attendance to give an overview and answer questions about policing and community safety matters in the Cramlington and Bedlington command areas which he was responsible for.  The main problems in the area included: 

• Levels of crime had returned pre-Covid, as the levels through lockdown had lowered through restrictions. 
• Complaints about youth disorder and speeding vehicles on primary routes. 
• Demand on the police was extremely high, especially at weekends. 
• A process was in place to risk assess various issues, there had been issues with the 101 system. 
• Measures were in place to improve the system to manage levels of calls. 

• Issues that concerned members of the public 

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

• Speeding at the A192 at Hartford – this was now a designated site for the speed van, which would be sited at peak times and different times and would continue into the future. 

• Bedlington area – had the same level of crime levels.   
• Dashcam footage and the quality of CCTV – CCTV was valuable to protect the town’s assets and provided the police with evidence of crimes.  Dash cam was also useful as it helped with the actual scene of an accident. 
• Speed of traffic in Seaton Sluice – the Neighbourhood Team had their own speed measuring devices which were deployed.  Feedback had not been given to residents in the past, but they would be informed of outcomes in the future. 
• Fire and Support units also provided support when not deployed. 
• Damaged cars in Elsdon Avenue and Tillmouth Avenue, Hollywell – if these were not on the list for the speed camera, they would be fed in.  

• The comment regarding the approach into Seghill from Seaton Delaval and the speed limits were taken on board.  The data requested regarding ASB would be chased up with colleagues. 
• Difficulties with reporting incidents via the 101-phone line.   The reporting of incidents was quicker done online.  It would be helpful to get the message out that reporting online was quicker.  The Police and Crime Commissioner was aware of issues with the methods of contacting the police. 

RESOLVED – that the information be noted. 

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 Council, 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 Council.

Members received the following updates and explanation of the impact of Covid-19 on front line services from Tony Gribbin, Neighbourhood Services Area Manager:  

Grounds Maintenance  

• Staff in all sections had continued to deliver high profile services despite the continued challenges of COVID and revised working practices had been necessary. 

• Covid continued to be challenging and processes and procedures continued to be reviewed to deliver services as before lockdown.  
• Assisted bulky waste collections was currently being reviewed with a view to reinstating the service.  

Bereavement services (SE)  

• Cremation service numbers per day had declined to near normal numbers.  
• Burial service numbers hadn’t fluctuated too much from previous years.  
•  

  Grass Cutting 

• Grass cutting remained on target to achieve the required number of cuts in all areas but was weather dependent.  
• There had been some challenging periods this year due to near perfect growing conditions, with a spell of very warm then wet conditions. Teams had recovered well and standards on target. 
• Teams were currently on cut 10 in Bedlington, cut 15 in Seaton Valley and cut 11 in Cramlington.  
•  

  Street Sweeping  

• Usual areas were being worked on but leaf hotspots would be started in a couple of months.  
• Any issues should be brought to the team’s attention.  

  Winter Works  

• Winter works schedules were being collated and a number of walkabouts had been taken to help this process.    
• Routine annual maintenance commitments would continue but early requests from members were welcomed on areas members considered required attention over the winter. 

Weed Trial  

• The glyphosate alternative weed trial was coming to an end shortly, it was planned to apply one more treatment of the alternatives and record the results.  A report on the results of the trial would be produced around November and shared with members.  
• It had been particularly challenging this season and the second treatments across areas had commenced. 

Waste Services 

• Other than a few minor vehicle breakdowns, staffing shortages and covid restrictions, Residual, Recycling and Garden waste collection services were all operating well.   

• The collection rounds and resources in the south east were being reviewed due to the current housing developments.  Teams would continue to review existing collection rounds in order to cope with ongoing housing growth as well as continued growth in take up of the garden waste service.  
• Bottle recycling facilities continued to be well used and additional collections were being targeted in those areas showing high usage.  
• Demand for bulky waste collections remained high, extra slots had been created.  
• Domestic waste tonnages remained higher than pre-lockdown, operational adjustments had been made to cope with the demand, but the situation remained a significant challenge for the service.  

Members asked a number of questions including: 

• Was there a facility for removing leaves from grassed areas in front of houses, particularly social housing ? 
• Could the bottle banks at Seaton Sluice car park be re-sited elsewhere to relieve pressure as the car park was one of the smallest and busiest in the village ? 
• Missed edging in 4 estates in Cramlington,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

Thereport provides an update on progress with the delivery of the approved Local Transport Plan programme for 2021/22. 

David Laux, Head of Technical Services introduced the report which covered the Local Transport Plan (LTP) programme agreed in March and the preparations for the 22/23 programme. 

A draft programme of £19.015m was consulted on with Local Area Councils in February 2021.  At that stage there was uncertainty regarding the capital allocations From DfT for 2021/22 and therefore a prudent view had been taken regarding the likely funding available based on the previous year's base allocations.  Details of the programmes were outlined in the appendices of the report. 

The County Council had also made an additional investment of £15 m for highways maintenance.  An initial programme for £10m of this funding was approved on 9 April 2020 and the second phase of the programme for £5m was approved on 17 March 2021. 

The report provided updates on progress across the whole county. 

Locally, there were 38 integrated transport schemes, 11 of which had been completed including some highways safety schemes at the Three Horse Shoes and Stead Lane, Bedlington; interactive queue signs on the A189 on the approach to the Moor Farm roundabout; 6 schemes had works orders issued including the new Pegasus crossing for horses and cyclists at the Avenue, Seaton Delaval, a 20 mph safety scheme at Doxford Place, works at Bedlington bank and Meadowdale Academy and another 14 schemes in progress including improvements in Bedlington. 

On the maintenance side, there were 25 schemes, 12 of those were complete including the Klondyke Bridge scheme and schemes at Fisher Lane, Stead Lane and a number of micro surfacing schemes. There were a further 11 schemes in design including the Spine Road resurfacing and Bedlington Bank safety scheme.   

The programme was progressing well but there had been a number of challenges with delivery with a possible slippage into the next financial year. 

Officers were working on a project to provide better information in future to members on the  progress on individual schemes going forward. 

Preparations had commenced for the development of the 2022/23 capital programme.  In July, letters had been sent out to all County Councilors and Parish and Town Councils asking them to identify priorities issues for their Ward or Parish so that they could be considered in the prioritisation process for 2022/23.  Responses were to be submitted by 8 October.  Once responses were received, they would be logged and assessed by Council priorities.  These would be discussed as part of the annual Members LTP workshop and then considered alongside other information with discussion with the Portfolio Holder.  The agreed draft programme would then be shared with Local Area Councils in February 2022 for approval for the 2022/23 financial year. 

Members raised the following: 

• Officers were thanked for the work that had been carried out in A192 Holywell/Earsdon 

• The road was collapsing in various places in Holywell, would that be part of the next LTP.   
• Omission of a section of microsurfacing in North Ridge. 
• What did the road safety scheme at Bedlington bank involve? 
• Maintenance of footpaths in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

A briefing will be provided on the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill which is currently progressing through Parliament.

A briefing had been circulated to members on the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill which was currently progressing through Parliament. 

Paul Reynolds from Renown Estate Agents was in attendance to provide an overview and explanation of leasehold issues and problems. 

Leasehold was a North East problem, especially in the Cramlington area.  In the 1970’s properties were sold as leasehold rather than freehold.  The intention originally was to keep everything in uniform.  As leases had shortened, properties were virtually unsaleable.  Campaigns had been running on Facebook in Cramlington with a good deal of success. 

Roadshows had been carried out by Leasehold Solutions previously but due to Covid and other problems this had discontinued but it was hoped that these could start running again with the support of the Council. 

Mr Reynolds pointed out the pitfalls of purchasing a leasehold property and shared ownership, and stated that the Bill needed to be progressed through Parliament as quickly as possible. 

If members were interested in researching leasehold ownership there was an organisation on Facebook called National  Leasehold  Campaign and also Shared Ownership on Twitter. 

A member queried what would be the best way forward if Government failed to change the policy.  Mr Reynold responded that people needed to be educated when purchasing a property and openness and accountability with the solicitor acting for the developer. 

The Chair thanked Mr Reynolds for his detailed explanation and if any members wished further information to contact Mr Reynolds. 

RESOLVED that the information be noted. 

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

The work programme was attached and the Chair asked that should anyone have any items they would like to raise they should contact him.  The item regarding the Police and Crime Commissioner had been deferred to January. 

RESOLVED that the Work Programme be noted. 

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 October 2021 (planning only).

The next meeting would be held on Wednesday 20 October 2021.  (Planning only). 

A member referred to the work in Bedlington Town Centre which had stopped.  The Chair stated that the Cabinet Member had been asked to put a report forward and a presentation brought to a future LAC and hopefully presented in the Bedlington area.