Agenda item

The report sets out the details of the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) programme for 2022-23 for consideration and comment by the Local Area Council, prior to final approval of the programme by the Interim Executive Director of Planning and Local Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services. 

The Local Area Council received a report which set out the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) programme for 2022-23 for consideration and comment prior to final approval of the programme by the Interim Executive Director of Planning and Local Services in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Environment and Local Services.? (A copy of the report is enclosed with the signed minutes).? 

P. Jones, Service Director – Local Services, introduced the report to the committee and gave an overview. It outlined the funding expected and planned out how the funding would be spent across the four key areas - walking and cycling; safety; roads; and bridges, structures and landslips. The following responses were made to members comments:- 

• Members noted that there were micro-surfacing works planned in Blyth on Twelfth Avenue and Blyth Sea Walkway. 
• Members noted a significant cycle scheme would be started on North Seaton Road but it was noted that this was funded separately to the Local Transport Plan. Details would be provided in due course. 

• Members were directed to Appendix B, under the Urban Road Safety issues section, where it showed that £50,000 would be allocated to Hollywell Village and Croft ward for the Homezone works. 
• The Blyth relief road was an on-going piece of work. Officers were due to meet in the coming weeks and members would be updated in due course.  
• Officers confirmed that there were a number of U and C roads that needed urgent attention in terms of maintenance in the LTP. There was another £2 Million funding that is to be accessed where further roads would be looked at through the asset management principle.  
• Members noted the process of surface dressing meant that it wasn’t appropriate to use in Urban areas which explained why it looked as though there was an imbalance in funding across the County.  
• Officers confirmed there was not a policy on concrete roads however they were aware of the expense of repairing the roads. Problems were identified, prioritised and interventions were undertaken where needed. Members were encouraged to share any problem areas with Officers. 

• It was explained that there was a set pot of funding allocated for the LTP. The highway asset principles was looked at with the Transport Asset Management Plan which sets out the intervention criteria and allocation of funding for schemes. Information was gathered from inspections and survey work which determined areas in the network that required intervention. The team were very experienced and used as much technology as possible to gather appropriate evidence to support the difficult decisions made. Member engagement was also an important part of the process to ensure problem areas are highlighted to Officers. Members were reminded there was only a finite amount of funding and the Council had robust intervention standards. 
• Officers confirmed that there was a Countywide allocation that would pick up the smaller issues that were highlighted to Officers by Members. Officers were working on a way to feedback to Members quicker. 
• The LTP process was being reviewed to create a more balanced approach. The process would allow Councillors to effectively highlight issues whilst allowing Officers to respond appropriately. It was hoped that the new process would give Members more value from the service. 
• Members noted that it was difficult to programme long term plans for works as the maintenance was reactive and priorities would change over time due to issues arising. There had to be a level of flexibility to address unexpected problems. 
• Councillors gave their thanks to Officers D. Rumney and R Mackenzie for their comprehensive help to members queries. 

• Members noted that the plan was County wide and highlighted the allocation across all areas of the County. This was to show the distribution of funding in a transparent way to Members. It was felt it was beneficial to see what was being spent in other areas of the County.  
• It was confirmed that the £1.5 million for the Cycling & Walking schemes were for new investment to improve the Cycling & Walking in County. Maintenance of the paths fell into the Highways maintenance budget however it was confirmed that where schemes could be tied in there would to be an effort to accommodate improvements in existing pathways.  
• Members were assured that the Council always strives to receive the maximum funding from Central Government. The service had received the maximum allocation for this year and this illustrated the hard work and dedication of the service. Members were also assured that the service always endeavoured to find and utilise extra funding available.  
• Members highlighted the need for longevity on the work carried out, it was suggested that photos of the work could be shared with members to show the quality of work carried out across the County.  
• Members were assured that work carried out by the Council was costed efficiently. 

• Members noted that signage would be changed to accommodate locality changes once the developments had reached a certain stage.  
• Members were reminded that cyclists were allowed to use carriageways within the Highway Code. Members suggested that a programme should be created to road sweep the cycle paths to keep them in an acceptable condition. 
• Members expressed their concern about the lack of funding in the South East of the County and hoped in future programmes there would be more invested into the area. Members were assured that funding was allocated through a robust process. 
• Members were reminded to highlight any concerns and send them to Officers to investigate. This was to ensure all areas had been appropriately looked at.  

RESOLVED that the information be noted.