Date Published: 24 May 2007
ENVIRONMENT AND LEISURE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL
04 JUNE 2007
SUPPLEMENTARY PAPERS
TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND LEISURE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL
The following papers have been added to the agenda for the above meeting.
Alison Sanders Director of Corporate Services
Page No
5. DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW AND PERFORMANCE 1 - 80 Discussion with the Director of Environment and Leisure concerning the latest trends, priorities and pressures in terms of departmental performance, with reference to the fourth quarter’s Quarterly Operations Report for 2006/07; and possible Overview and Scrutiny coverage in 2007/08.
This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 5
Quarterly Operations Report Environment & Leisure Department
Quarter 4 2006/07
Prepared by Vincent Paliczka Director of Environment & Leisure
Version 1
1 Contents 1 Introduction 2 Progress during Previous Quarter 3 Staffing 4 Budget 5 Forward Look Appendix Progress towards Objectives A Appendix Performance Indicators B Appendix Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring C Appendix Integrated Schemes Programme D
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Commentary
As well as absorbing the immense amount of work carried out by the department, the fourth quarterly report of the year gives an opportunity for high level reflection of the past year. There have been many notable successes: the introduction of ABC went smoothly and drove up recycling rates to 40% almost immediately the waste PFI was signed – the biggest contract every signed by the Council; Development Control performance stabilised at a very high level; the Local Development Framework progressed very well and at a high quality; the first Local Transport Plan was completed and the second plan approved; income and attendances at Leisure facilities were excellent coupled with high quality and satisfaction levels; the town Centre planning application was approved; the tree review group process was very effective and influenced policy significantly and Lily Hill Park was restored to reflect its former glory and there are others. Operationally, there were no major areas of concern other than the recognition that the low levels of resource made available to the department means that on occasions we fail to meet residents and member’s expectations of quality or works carried out. There is no magic wand in resolving this problem other than to continue to seek efficiencies and to manage expectations.
In terms of this quarterly report, Climate Change and the Council signing the Nottingham Declaration is highly significant. As well as the obvious commitment made through the declaration, this report highlights some of the work that has been a key part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the environment. Air pollution monitoring, recycling, environmental partnership work and consistent efforts to reduce energy consumption are only a few examples. The general street scene has also been a focus with a new method of grass cutting (involving re-scheduling other works) looking like being a great success. Dual carriageways have been litter picked which is an expensive operation and weed control has been assigned from Landscape Services to Street Cleansing to allow better efficiency and management control. Members visiting the Town Centre will hopefully notice the chewing gum free streets and much cleaner block paving. The transportation policy section records a high level of educational activity and other highway safety improvement works. The introduction of the SmartConnect software to issue the Council’s e+ card has also given rise to an operational efficiency and added convenience for customers – they no longer have to either queue or re-apply on an annual basis for a new card – the process is now much more streamlined. The end of year finances show that the department will have managed its own internal pressures and contributed to additional financial pressures generated elsewhere in the Council. The financial performance of Leisure remains strong and members may be interested to note that an ‘invest to save’ scheme at Downshire Golf Complex (new power tees) is already greatly exceeding the required return on investment. To end this part of the report, may I take the opportunity of thanking all our staff for an excellent performance and their hard work and to members for their support, feedback and constructive criticism through the year.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations3 Report 3
2. Progress during Previous Quarter
Commentary CULTURE AND VISUAL ENVIRONMENT Energy Climate Change The Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change was signed on behalf of BFBC by the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive on 27 th February 2007. The Declaration acknowledges that climate change is occurring and undertakes to develop plans with local partners and communities to address the causes and impacts of climate change, according to local priorities, within the next two years. The Director of Environment and Leisure has convened an inter-departmental Climate Change Working Group to carry the process forward and has identified within the Department’s service plan for 2007/08 to ‘write and publish an energy strategy for the Borough’ in the Environment and Leisure 2007/08 service plan. There is currently underway a corporate wide audit of environmental practices to help begin the process of developing a climate change strategy. Community and Environmental Development An extension to the Easthampstead and Wildridings Community Centre has started, which will provide an extra meeting space, three further storage rooms and works to the external play area. The project, with a budget of £150,000 is funded mainly by Section 106 income and is due for completion in July. The Intergenerational Art Project started with residents at Hanover Gardens in Hanworth and pupils from the Pines Primary School. They are working with a professional artist and sessions are going very well. Community Arts Development Youth Arts Awards The Youth Arts Award is a national award for young people, similar to the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, and has been set up by Arts Council England and accredited by Trinity Guildhall, London. The award recognizes young people for their achievements and fits in with the new Positive Activities for Youth People requirements. A training day for local artists and staff working with young people to become advisors has been set up to ensure that young people in Bracknell Forest are supported through the Bronze and Silver Awards. Lift Off Dance Festival Over 500 dancers aged from 5 upwards took to the stage at South Hill Park in March. This annual festival is extremely popular, and involved several local schools and youth and community groups and was watched by nearly 600 people. Partnerships BFBC has worked with South Hill Park to carry out an energy audit to enable the Arts Centre to establish more efficient ways of using their energy resources. Community Arts Development invited Creative Partnerships to a meeting to explore extending their work to Bracknell Forest Schools. Creative Partnerships is part of the Arts Council England and is a national initiative which establishes how the art and creative sector
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can contribute towards improvements the schools’ wants to address. As a result of the meeting, Creative Partnerships has awarded South Hill Park with £20,000 to pilot work in 3 schools during 2007/8. Spaces for artists Broadway Studios have received interest from BBC Radio Berkshire. The hope is that through greater coverage, more links can be made with businesses wishing to lease empty or underused commercial spaces to the creative sector. Advice and Developing Partnerships • Artsmark and Creative Partnerships are continually developing with regard to education. • Youth Service partnerships take place through Positive Activities for Young People and youth arts development • UNRAVEL Steering Group Meetings continue to take place. • GOSE, in partnership with Looked After Children’s team have made an Arts and Health/Wellbeing bid to the Big Lottery Fund. • Steering Group Meetings take place regularly for ‘Look Ahead Housing Arts’ • The Creative Network for voluntary and amateur arts sector is to be developed Heritage Heritage Forum Clare Broomfield of the Civic Trust gave a presentation to Forum members about the Trust’s role with specific reference to Heritage Open Days. Dr Peter Holmes was appointed as Chair of the Heritage Forum. Berkshire Records Office The Records Office was inspected in October and achieved a satisfactory status with approval of the Lord Chancellor/Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs to hold public records. The National Archives has also introduced a self assessment for which the BRO scored above the national average in all areas and was awarded a two star rating out of a possible three. Parks and Countryside Play Areas Following assessment of proposals submitted by 9 different companies, Proludic Ltd were selected to supply and fit the upgraded play area for Longhill Park. Selection was aided by the design and implementation of a new scoring system assessing key criteria such as play value, durability, maintenance, visual impact, inclusiveness, safety and cost. Site Management Archaeology and biodiversity gains have been achieved at Caesar’s Camp, a Scheduled Ancient Monument located within the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA). Extensive management of rhododendron has been undertaken to enhance heathland habitat and protect the fabric of this iron-age fort. Rhododendron management has also taken place along Nine Mile Ride to enhance landscape quality, biodiversity and accessibility within this important recreational corridor. Elsewhere within the SPA, a herd of British White cattle have been introduced at Wildmoor Heath to ensure effective grazing of this internationally important heathland site. The cattle have been supplied by the Berkshire Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).
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Parks & Countryside sites continue to provide excellent opportunities to help keep borough residents active. Football pitches at Westmorland and Farley Wood have been fully utilised throughout the season, standing up very well to the pressures of busy fixture lists. Forums The Biodiversity Forum continues to meet in order to engage a wide range of stakeholders on issues relating to biodiversity and implementation of the new Biodiversity Action Plan. These meetings have achieved good working relationships and ensured the achievement of targets for local wildlife.
The Bracknell Forest Local Countryside Access Forum continues to represent a good mix of countryside managers, users and other interested parties, with officers from Natural England attending the last meeting in March. The Forum’s involvement in the published Rights of Way Improvement Plan has continued through work revolving around the implementation of projects including access improvements, surfacing of paths and the creation of new access opportunities. Linked to this, the forum has now arranged site visits to keep all members informed about access routes affected by capital works and ROWIP projects and increase the regularity of informal meetings.
Volunteers Local community involvement is integral to work undertaken on site. On average, this provided in excess of 800 hours during the last quarter. Key tasks undertaken by volunteers included: • Clearing woodland at Wentworth way with the Bracknell Conservation Volunteers - 60 hours of work contributed to site in partnership with the Parish Council. • Staff from Canon helped with work at Pope’s Meadow. • Windsor and Maidenhead Conservation Volunteers contributed 36 hours to work at Garth Pond coppicing Willow.
Events and Activities Events over the winter months continued to support the delivery of key objectives and good community involvement with 41 children and 107 adults attending 11 events in total. In particular, Birds ‘n’ Bees at Sandhurst Community Hall proved to be popular event for children during national nest box week. Lily Hill Park The second phase of the Lily Hill Restoration Project celebrated its completion in February with an official opening event. Councillors and representatives from all interested parties attended, including a representative from HLF who praised the works. Public Rights of Way Significant surface improvements have been carried out to Hogoak Lane and Snipes Lane byways and Hazelwood Lane bridleway. A new horse riding leaflet has been published by BFBC to help horse riders make the best use of the borough’s countryside. The leaflet shows where horses can be ridden, including a map of a circular route around Binfield and explains how to obtain permits for horse riding tracks on Crown-owned land in the borough.
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Development & Planning Work is progressing at Peacock Farm, with trees and roadside landscaping now in place. Liaison continues with Culture & Visual Environment Officers, particularly the Landscape Designer to progress further Reserved Matters applications, including landscaping, copse buffer zones, wildlife corridors, new open spaces and play areas. A Special Protection Area ‘mini-plan’ for Horseshoe Lake has been produced by the Parks & Countryside Service in conjunction with the Environmental Policy Officer. This will form part of the BFBC SPA Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy to mitigate against the effects of increasing population pressures on the SPA. Landscape Services Grounds Maintenance Work has progressed well following the late start of the winter programme due to unseasonably warm weather in the autumn period. Service managers have been preparing for the spring flush of grass so as to ensure an effective mowing regime is in place for the coming season. Work has been continuing on several major projects including the implementation of the services new computer software package “Confirm” and its interface with the Customer Service “Frontline” System. It is hoped that the required work to implement the Grounds Maintenance element of the package will be completed by May 2007. Work toward improving efficiency and performance has been ongoing and Grounds Maintenance staff have attended several training days though the winter period. Subjects have included Customer Care, Health and Safety and Performance Management. Managers are also continuing to develop and implement the recommendations made in the Value For Money Study published in 2005. Tree Service Over the winter period managers have been meeting with the various departments to discuss their future needs and are beginning develop Service Level Agreements for the future. Senior managers have been working with BFBC’s Insurance Section and our insurers Zurich Municipal to develop a sensible risk management strategy for the Borough. A plan will be developed based on this report and will be agreed by the Departmental Management Team. Your Gardens Entries for ‘Your Gardens’ Competition 2007 have already started to flood in following its launch in March. This year the competition is sponsored by Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP). By taking part in the competition, residents are also supporting Bracknell Flowers , Bracknell’s entry in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Thames and Chilterns in Bloom competition. Winter Storms
Parks & Countryside sites coped extremely well in the high winds experienced on 18 and 19 th January. Pro-active annual woodland management programmes have meant that storm damage was kept to a minimum. Subsequent potential safety works were quickly identified and addressed as a priority. The tree team dealt with 117 trees in total during the storms, with the costs of emergency tree works amounting to over £17,000 as follows: Housing £4,500, Leisure £180, Environment £5,500, Highways £7,100.
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LEISURE
Throughout the year Leisure section Facility Managers reported an overall increase in patronage and this is reflected in the end of year statistics. When compared with the previous year overall usage has once again risen.
Bracknell Leisure Centre’s (BLC) overall usage reached the annual target and was marginally higher than the previous year. The strength of the BLC performance can in part be attributed to the continual development of the ‘Be’ branding and marketing campaign.
The Look Out enjoyed an excellent year with overall usage 10% higher than the previous year. Some of the success evolved from a very strong schools programme and an increasing number of return visits. Visits to both the site and the exhibition showed an increase.
Coral Reef also enjoyed an excellent year with a 7% increase on the previous year. Fringe activities such as the swimming lessons and the gym were not quite so strong, but the core business performed exceptionally well.
Edgbarrow and Sandhurst Sports Centres continued to provide facilities at a more local level and with a reasonable amount of success. Overall usage was 1% up on the previous year, despite the fact that uptake on courses was 4% down.
Downshire Golf Complex was the one facility to suffer a downturn in usage. The golf course in particular is very weather sensitive and the loss of days during the wet spring and late winter affected performance. The driving range and the par 3 course showed signs of improvement.
The Young People in Sport Scheme continued to provide coaching opportunities and competitive events, making over 55,000 contacts during the year.
Easthampstead Park Conference Centre continues to thrive, with both increased usage and income. Major improvements to the car parking has made a big difference to the site management.
The sites managed on behalf of the Council by external contractors have continued to perform steadily.
The number of customers taking advantage of the loyalty points scheme continues to rise, as does the number of bookings made on-line. The range of facilities available to be booked on-line has also increased. Membership of the Leisure Saver Scheme has risen slowly, as continued efforts to broaden the scope of the scheme have not proved possible.
The Bracknell Half Marathon attracted a new sponsor in December, with Quintiles agreeing a three year deal. This sponsorship will secure the future of the race for at last that period. For the first time in many years, entries have had to be closed prior to the event.
Overall the Leisure section continues to perform well, providing valuable opportunities for both local residents and visitors.
The contract at Harmanswater Leisure Centre has been renegotiated with a resultant economy for the Council. This was a complex piece of work which now brings the contract within a more appropriate contractual framework.
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STREETCARE
HIGHWAYS ASSET MANAGEMENT SECTION
Major Projects
This year's programmes have been completed except for repairs to Wayne Bridge where works have been delayed owing to exceptionally high water levels and Bott Bridge where parapet strengthening works are delayed owing to the need to protect/divert an existing gas main.
Highways Asset Management Plan
The situation remains as reported in the last quarter's report. We continue to discuss joint working with neighbouring Boroughs and plan to hold a number of joint working groups as soon as they can be arranged to accelerate progress. Delays in the work being undertaken by the Department for Transport on modelling depreciation are also impacting on progress.
Term Maintenance Contracts
During the past quarter both our highway maintenance and street lighting contractors' performances continue to meet or exceed their target performance.
Our street lighting maintenance contractor has also been awarded a contract to maintain street lights within Wokingham. They are establishing a depot and offices in Toutley Road, bringing the potential for increased efficiencies to the service they provide in Bracknell through a possible shared services approach.
We have negotiated an extension of our highway maintenance contract to include weed control within the services provided, bringing the entire highway based services, save street lighting maintenance, within a single contract management structure.
Winter Maintenance
The particularly mild winter weather resulted in a significant reduction in salting runs. In all just 24 full and 5 partial salting runs were made. In comparison, in a 'normal' winter we have averaged 45 full salting runs. Snow fell on 24 January and 7 February; both events were short-lived and caused minimal disruption.
Highway Inspections and Assessments
During the quarter 100% of the routine highway safety inspections were completed, and the backlog of inspections accumulated during the previous period when the team were below full complement has been eliminated.
Our consultants have completed all the annual highway condition assessment surveys and are processing the results to calculate our BVPIs and develop future maintenance programmes.
Structural Works
The team continues to provide assistance to the building surveyors in Corporate Services to complete design works at several sites. And the team has continued to manage, monitor
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and undertake routine maintenance works to various bridges and structures within the Borough’s highway network.
Street Lighting
Recent electrical safety tests on feeder pillars and street lighting cable networks along the Bagshot Road between the station roundabout and the Sports Centre have identified that these installations, although safe, are in poor condition, do not comply with current safety standards and should be replaced as soon as practicable. It is estimated that this work could cost in the region of £100,000. Similar network tests are under way along other major distributor roads. This will now be considered as part of future programmes.
London Road Landfill Site
Our consultants have produced reports on environmental management and landfill gas risk management which are under review before further works are undertaken on site. Efforts to clear existing gas extraction wells of sand and silt, which reduces their efficiency, are delayed owing to technical difficulties.
Street Cleansing
Our contractor continues to negotiate new employment contracts with employees transferred under TUPE Regulations, to ensure better service coverage throughout the day.
Litter has been cleared from our high-speed dual carriageways, under traffic control shared where possible with colleagues from the Landscape Group.
Chewing gum is being removed from the town centre pavements using a high temperature steam system which is less disruptive to pedestrians and less damaging to the walking surface than other methods tried to date.
Street Works (Utilities)
Our monitoring of highway reinstatements carried out over the past quarter has shown an unacceptably high number of failures to comply with expected standards by several companies. Formal ‘Improvement Notices’ will be issued to South East Water, BT Openreach, National Grid Gas, Three Valleys Water and Scottish & Southern Energy in April 2007.
WASTE AND RECYCLING
Refuse and Recycling Collections
The Alternate Bin Collection (ABC) system is now well established and participation levels in kerbside recycling are now around 75%. Between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 over 25,000 blue bins and 17,000 boxes were delivered. Around 8,000 brown garden waste bins and 162,200 garden waste bags have been purchased and orders continue to be received for all containers and in the last month (March) orders have still been coming in at the rate of 85 per week brown bins and 138 per week blue bins and boxes. Around 150 families qualified for a second bin and surprisingly since ABC started around 50 families have downsized their bin.
In the full year over 64,000 enquiries were received for the Waste & Recycling Team and SITA to process. (In 2005/6 the total was just over 16,000.) Enquiries have increased as
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the service has become more high profile and year over year in the quarter to end of March were still up by over 60%.
Problems with the supply of bins were resolved with the company giving a credit of £6,000 and reworking the surface on a number of bins that were damaged during delivery, plus they and made a donation to the Junk Story production which was performed by Ranelagh School in February. An audit of the stock of bins will be undertaken in the coming quarter to help give a better estimate of what our stock levels should be maintained at.
Garden waste roadshows were held in February in 4 locations and free bags of compost were given away to residents who purchased brown bins or 10 garden sacks, including residents who had previously ordered a brown bin.
A giant blue wheelie bin educational interactive exhibit was installed in the Look Out in February funded from the Waste Performance Efficiency Grant. This is in the form of a shop inside the bin and educates children in how to avoid poor packaging and how the most common recyclable items are processed. This has been very well received.
A new Recycling Officer has been appointed and along with a temporary Recycling Assistant and the Refuse Contract Management Officer they are proactively monitoring areas where residents are overloading their bins and leaving excess rubbish. These residents have received an information sticker on their bin when emptying. As a result a significant number of families have been helped with home visits and some qualify for an extra bin or have been helped to minimise their waste. The problem areas are mainly estates where there are communal collection points and there is no obvious ownership.
Over 99% of multi-occupancy premises and flats now have recycling containers. Since ABC the amount recycled and composted in each month has been around 40% which means that the BVPI target for the whole year of 34% will be achieved. The target for 2007/8 is 40% recycled and composted, and on current performance will be achieved.
The recycling sites continue to be well used in spite of the increase in kerbside recycling participation and the only problem is dumping of recyclables and other rubbish, some of which is trade waste at certain sites. This is being addressed with new information signs to be installed throughout the summer and new larger litter bins at all recycling sites.
RE3 Operations
The 2 existing Project Facilities have been operating in much the same way as they did prior to WRG assuming management of them. Significant changes in service delivery will be apparent once the new facilities are constructed.
Across the 3 Boroughs, WRG have been making some changes to the way in which the complement of bring banks are managed.
WRG have completed their survey of bring bank provision across the contract area. This has been passed to each of the Councils' operational teams and has been approved. The new schedules will be broadly unchanged in Reading and Wokingham, but do represent a significant change in Bracknell Forest, bringing all banks on to formalised schedules.
WRG are required to produce a Monthly Performance Report where they report their performance against all the agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Not only does it detail the statistics relating to performance failures in the operational elements of the contract, but it provides a useful narrative to the month in question. These greatly assist in management of the contract and identifying changing issues.
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In accordance with the Project Agreement, monthly invoices based on the waste forecast have been submitted on time by WRG and payment made. A quarterly reconciliation is also required. The first of which was at the end of December. This has proved to be problematic due to sub-contractors not providing data in a timely fashion.
The Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS) is now in its second year. There appear to have been small amounts of trading between authorities with a surplus and those with a deficit. The project is currently producing a surplus of LATS credits and a decision will need to be made on whether to bank or trade them.
The Assistant Director of Environment and Leisure (Streetcare) has been confirmed as the Project Director and the recruitment process for the Project Manager post was undertaken. Following an application and interview process, Oliver Burt was appointed on 25 January 2007.
RE3, their Contractors and Planning
The Contract, for the design and construction of the Key Project Facilities, is being undertaken via a joint venture (JV) between Earthtech and Clugston. There are monthly project meetings between the EPCJV and WRG to which the Project Team are invited and contribute. This has established a good working relationship between the 3 teams.
Over the quarter, the JV has made significant progress in the construction of the Smallmead facility in Reading. Many of the significant stages of construction are now taking detailed shape. Pre-cast designs are in the process of being finalised for foul/surface water and road drainage, reinforced concrete works and the methane protection system.
The power requirements for each phase of the development are being reviewed but, following a request from the Councils, the Material Reclamation Facility (MRF) will be metered separately in order that process efficiency can be monitored. We feel this will help to ensure the processes are efficient and add some depth to monitoring the carbon footprint of our waste processes. It is proposed to procure the works power supply (electricity) from Scottish & Southern although this has yet to be approved.
The programme for completion of the first phase of the Smallmead facility, which includes the Waste Transfer Station, is currently the end of 2007, ahead of the milestone of 31 March 2008, when the adjacent landfill facility is due to close. All members of the project team are working hard to ensure that the transfer station is in place ahead of the milestone and thus avoid the need to invoice the contingency arrangements.
A planning application for the redevelopment of Longshot Lane was submitted to the Borough Council and was due to go to Committee on 22 March.
However, there were a number of areas (traffic management, site drainage and the impact of the redevelopment on existing trees) which required further work.
As a result the Project Team requested that further design work be carried out. This has resulted in the application being held in abeyance until it is either worked up or replaced with a completely satisfactory application.
It is intended that the amended replacement application will go before BFBC Planning Committee on 21 June (date to be confirmed).
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TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION GROUP
Procurement of the Bracknell Forest Transport Model was commenced in this quarter, and a Service Level Agreement with Keep Mobile for community transport services was signed.
Discussions have continued with South West Trains regarding interchange improvements proposed for the forecourt area at Bracknell Railway Station, and discussions were opened with Network Rail on a replacement footbridge between platforms, with lift access. The aim is to achieve a comprehensive improvement to interchange at the station, including significant improvements for the forecourt itself (co-ordinating with town centre regeneration proposals) and a step-free access to the down platform.
Partnership working in the East Berkshire Rural Transport Partnership has developed and published (?) a Rural Transport Guide for public use.
Partnership working with the Blackwater Valley Transport Partnership is developing a Travelcard as a fundamental part of the vision to improve public transport connectivity throughout the Blackwater Valley. The card will initially be available for bus only and will enable travel across the Valley on all bus services run by signatories to the Blackwater Valley Bus Quality Partnership, whether commercially operated or supported. It is hoped that the travelcard arrangements will later become accepted on rail services too by encouraging wider availability of bus add-on tickets for all railway stations in the Valley area.
Work continued on the LPSA 2 to meet stretched targets for bus journeys and satisfaction with bus services. Recent surveys of customer satisfaction with local bus services did not look promising, and a follow-up interview survey was conducted of users at Bracknell Bus Station to help identify aspects of local bus services which need priority attention to get improvement.
Now that houses are being constructed, work started in this quarter on a service specification for the provision of new bus services into the Peacock Farm development, funded through the Section 106 agreement with the developers.
Discussions have also continued with the Borough’s majority bus operator (First Group) with a view to developing a Punctuality Improvement Partnership, to address one of the main issues of concern to bus users.
Work continued on the replacement and expansion of a bus shelter contract, planned to include the rest of the Borough not already covered existing contracts with the Town Centre. Late in the quarter, a shelter contractor claimed existing contract rights in the Sandhurst area which the Town Council had no records of, and this has caused some delay in invitation of tenders.
The number of e+ concessionary travel bus passes issued this quarter was 498. Telephone enquiries increased due to customers thinking that their concessionary fare e+ cards need to be renewed – there is no expiry date on the Smartcard. The number of Railcard warrants issued this quarter was 283. The number of Firstmonth Staff bus passes issued was 104.
The School Travel Advisor worked closely with 9 more schools to help them prepare School Travel Plans, and 5 were received by the March 31 st deadline.
In this quarter, 6% of planning applications were responded to, in terms of transport, within 21 days of registration, and 54% within 21 days of receipt.
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Design work on the improvement of the John Nike junction and the dualling of the adjacent section of the London Road was delayed in this quarter whilst awaiting completion of the agreement with the adjacent landowner for the transfer of land. In the end the agreement was not signed and so design of the improvements is being adjusted accordingly.
Traffic and Safety Group
Work was completed in this quarter on the Borough-wide Decriminalised Parking Enforcement Order 2007, which introduced waiting restrictions at the following locations.
• Martins Heron and the Warren area review. • Old Bracknell Lane East. • Crowthorne Road North. • Downshire Way. • Fernbank Place and Bracken Bank. • Napier Road. • Deepfield Road. • Borough-wide - Disabled Persons Parking Places.
New speed limit Traffic Regulation Orders have been implemented for: • Winkfield Lane (30mph) • Peacock Lane (40mph)
Objections relating to the 20mph speed limit Traffic Regulation Order for various residential roads within Sandhurst and College Town were assessed and a decision has been taken to proceed with the scheme.
Detailed Design work was completed on a junction improvement scheme at the roundabout junction of the A3095 Crowthorne Road with Nine Mile Ride.
Preliminary design work was completed for a junction improvement scheme at the cross roads junction of Newell Green and Warfield Road, (the Plough and Harrow).
Consultants were appointed to progress the design of a new roundabout at the junction of Broad Lane with Ralphs Ride and Brants Bridge.
Work was completed on the Local Safety Scheme at the junction of A332 Swinley Road and Kings Ride.
Routine safety improvement works were started at various Zebra crossing facilities throughout the Borough.
The following Education, Training and Publicity activities took place: • Motorwise pre-driver workshops. • Completion of new cycle instructor training sessions. • Road Safety talks to pre-school and primary school pupils. • Provision of ‘Road Safety Box’ to schools/pre-schools (pedestrian training). • Road safety talks to ante-natal/post natal groups. • Speed Awareness Activities (with Thames Valley Police) – Dukes Ride (Crowthorne), Lilly Hilly Road (Bullbrook), Old Wokingham Road/ Hatch Ride(Crowthorne). • Baby / child car seat checks – Halfords, Bracknell • Promotion and talks to various groups regarding new child seat regulations
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• Supply of discounted child car seats/boosters through schools, pre-schools, Social Services and child minders etc. • Commencement of annual ‘Be Safe Be Seen’ campaign – including promotion and distribution of high visibility materials/clothing through schools. • Safer Bracknell Partnership working with TVP, Ambulance Trust, Fire & Rescue and Drugs Awareness team. • Safe Drive, Stay Alive – theatre production at the Hexagon Theatre, Reading to 6 th form students across the Borough.
The first year of Decriminalised parking Enforcement (DPE) came to an end in this quarter. Council Parking Attendant beat patterns remain under constant review to ensure the efficient use of resources and a balanced parking enforcement regime. Overall, the procedures have worked well although as expected some refinements have been made to the way penalty charge cases are managed. Observations and feedback from those areas with a history of illegal parking have shown that overall the DPE service is achieving its objective.
Upgraded CCTV equipment was installed in the Charles Square Multi-Story Car Park in this quarter. Building maintenance work to ensure public safety was carried out at the High Street Multi-Story Car Park and an order placed for an upgraded CCTV system there, in the next quarter.
At the end of the quarter, work was under way at the traffic signal junction of B3408 London Road / St. Marks Road and Beehive Road on the installation of new control equipment to improve traffic flow.
Engineering Projects and Adoptions Group
In this quarter, a capacity / safety improvement to the Mill Lane southbound up-slip (from Southern Business Area) was designed and submitted for Safety Audit.
South Hill Road bus stop infrastructure improvements were completed.
The Horsneille Lane parking scheme was completed, finalising the 2006/07 programme.
Works were in progress on Birch Hill School car park at the end of the quarter.
In the Safe Routes to School Programme:-
• Design work was finalised on improvements to pedestrian and cycling approaches to Harmans Water School • Footway improvements to pedestrian approaches to Wildridings School were completed in Crowthorne Road. • A survey was completed on possible pedestrian improvements at the Chavey Down/Forest Rd traffic signal junction.
In the Walking and Cycling Schemes Programme:-
• Works were completed on the London Road (Mutton Hill to Farley Copse) footway widening and conversion to footway/cycletrack • Works were completed on the Crowthorne Road (Longdown Lodge to New Road) footway widening and conversion to footway/cycletrack • Works were completed on the Western Road (Turnpike Road to Cain Road) footway widening and conversion to footway/cycletrack
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• The installation of toucan crossings on County Lane and Harvest Ride was completed • Bagshot Road Footway/Cycletrack and Toucan Crossing were designed and submitted for Safety Audit as part of Staff College off-site pedestrian and cycling improvements.
In the housing delivery programme (Peacock Farm Development):- • Peacock Lane S278 works (Phase 1) were completed • Phase 1A infrastructure road construction was substantially completed • Phase 1B infrastructure road construction was in progress • Commercial Area road construction was in progress • Building works were in progress on the first 4 housing parcels and commercial area
And in the housing delivery programme (RAF Staff College Development), construction was in progress on road infrastructure within the site.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Administration
The admin section continued to perform well meeting all its deadlines in the quarter. The document imaging team introduced a new service, planning enforcement, and resolved its outstanding issues with UK Planning. The section also learnt new ICT skills to support the introduction of the One Application system in Planning.
Information Technology
This team’s work includes calls relating to current ICT systems, implementing new systems, maintaining the Council’s GIS and upgrading and maintaining the department’s web pages. This quarter 92.5% of calls were resolved in the quarter and 94% of calls raised in the quarter were resolved in the quarter. This compares well to the targets of 85% of all calls and 80% of new ones. All GIS and web work is also up to date.
The main project focus of the team remained replacing the Landscape and Refuse Collection systems. These projects are closely linked to the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system because the Landscape system will transfer onto Confirm, which is the only system integrated with the CRM, and the Refuse Collection system will transfer purely onto the CRM. The Waste project complete on time during March. The Landscape system has been delayed to the end of May to allow the Area Managers to concentrate on their landscape management during the critical grass cutting season.
Finance
The Finance Team completed the 2007/08 budgets this quarter including reviewing the department’s fees and charges. The section continued its project on reviewing the department’s debtors. The section started preparing for the 2006/07 closedown.
Human Resources
The Human Resources Team continued to make progress on improving the current standards of our workforce management during the quarter through cross departmental initiatives and working closely with individual managers on problem cases. This quarter the team advised on 3 disciplinary issues but no capabilities or grievances. The team worked
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closely with the Easthampstead Park’s management to move towards changes in pay to raise remove equal pay issues between the service and the rest of leisure. The team also implemented the Council’s new annual leave entitlement policy and completed a project to give bank holiday leave to part-timers in Leisure. The section kept up with its routine targets.
With the full support of the Departmental Management Team, Jane Eaton has been seconded for 4 days per week to help Social Services and Housing undertake a support services review. The Director has assumed direct responsibility for Finance, Assistant Director, Streetcare for Human Resources; Assistant Director, Leisure for IT and Assistant Director, Sustainability for departmental administration. This is anticipated to last for six months.
SUSTAINABILITY
Emergency Planning
Progress on the corporate business continuity process has been slower than had been envisaged over the course of 06/07. A consultant was employed to assist but with all staff having problems with workload, progress was slow. Due to the experience gained the services of the consultant were brought to an end and the process was been made more simple. The project deadline has slipped from the original target date of July 2006 to May 2007 as a result.
Looking back over the year the Emergency Plan was reviewed and reissued in an electronic formation in April 2006. Improvements to a number of plans have been made over the course of the year. In September the emergency planning function was relocated from Time Square to the Depot in September 2006. The benefits were rapidly made evident. The Emergency Planning website has been completely revised and updated throughout 06/07.
Also reflecting on the whole year, the majority of the first quarter was spent developing the two exercises which took place during February. ‘Exercise Tornado’ focused on the activation and operation of the Council's Emergency Operations Centre. ‘Exercise Winter Willow’ took the form of a table-top exercise; the scenario focused on the business continuity effects associated with pandemic flu. Both exercises proved extremely useful and a number of recommendations and learning improvements have been identified as a result.
Environmental Health & Safety
Progress has been made in respect of the implementation of new laws relation to housing conditions within properties let in multiple occupation. It was originally estimated that there were 40 in the Borough requiring a licence but in the period since only a third of this number have been identified to date. The licence fee was set at £550 to cover eligible costs and licences are valid for five years. Progress has not been as we would have hoped mainly because the Government was late in publishing the Regulations but also because work has had to be accommodated within existing resources.
By the year end the service had made available and processed 60 mandatory disabled facilities grants with a total value of almost £500,000. This was more than in recent years. This work was given priority. Also of importance was the work undertaken in relation to developing a comprehensive draft Private Sector Housing Strategy. Several meetings have taken place have been taking place to consider the options available to the Council in relation to how it discharges its mandatory duties. The outcome must wait until the outcome of the stock transfer decision is known.
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Throughout the period the team have worked on several initiatives relating to the antisocial behaviour agenda. Noise remains a local and national issue. Whilst most are dealt with informally by the year end it had been necessary to serve 15 abatement notices and action is still on going in respect of some of these. Because of the high level of concern caused officers seek out opportunities to promote social responsibility and they have worked with a number of schools to get the issue raised and to particularly consider the problems associated with loud music noise.
There have been a number of local drainage problems resulting in the service of 48 notices. Money is still in the process of being recovered for works carried out in default in one particular drainage problem involving several households. Flooding of The Cut in the North of the Borough and surcharging of the nearby foul sewerage system onto a garden and a public footpath necessitated a number of visits by Environmental Health. It became necessary to facilitate a meeting at the Council attended by the Environment Agency, Thames Water, CCDC Health Protection Unit (Berkshire), Berkshire East PCT and a Rights of Way Ranger. Thames Water agreed to carry out an investigation of the sewerage system and the Environment Agency to look at any obstructions to river flow with a view to alleviating the problem in the short term.
Work in relation to contaminated and potentially contaminated land has continued. As required all potentially contaminated sites have been identified resulting in a staggering 2323 sites. It must be stressed that these are deemed potentially contaminated through a desktop exercise and they have now been prioritised and ranked for investigation. Whilst the planning process provides the opportunity for some of this work to be done by the developers there will remain a need to undertake some intrusive investigation. The quantum has yet to be established but clearly the potential for concern is considerable in the interim.
The work done over the years to target the antisocial consequences arising from abandoned vehicles has been extremely sucessful. Working with partners the number of cars removed as abandoned by the year end fell to 134. The majority of complaints now being made relate to untaxed vehicles that are being used. Such matters have to be dealt with in the main by the DVLA. In the year there were 1096 vehicle related complaints which were investigated and then referred to the DVLA. In addition the officers have started issuing fixed penalty tickets in relation to those cars found to be abandoned. Only one has been paid so far and the remainder have been referred to legal with a view to prosecution. The offence carries a maximum penalty fine of £2,500 or 3 months' imprisonment, or both.
The Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 introduced new powers to deal with hedge height and light loss but no other matter. The number of enquiries has fallen to 49 in 2006-7. None of the complainants wished to progress their initial complaint. To date just 2 notices have been served one of these went to appeal with the Planning Inspectorate this year and the Council’s assessment was upheld and the hedge has been cut down in height. The other was complied with upon service of the notice.
Air quality impacts upon health ands is a national priority for the service. Reports produced to date confirm that local levels are within the national standards. Nitrogen dioxide is one of the main pollutants caused by traffic emissions. However, we have to do more detailed work in relation to the levels in the proximity to Downshire Way. Some relatively high nitrogen dioxide levels were also found at our continuous diffusion tube monitoring points in Crowthorne High Street and on the 3M roundabout in Bracknell. Monitoring is now taking place of all such sites to enable more accurate assessment.
By the year end the standards set in the Performance Indicators for both Food Hygiene and H&S inspections for 2006/07 had been achieved. Highlights of the team’s activities over the year include;
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A free ‘safer food better business’ seminar was run for local businesses and some of the council’s sheltered accommodation teams; supporting theses food businesses to improve standards and comply with food safety legislation.
Completion of a project on ‘Asbestos Duty to Manage’ following on from Borough wide publicity on the responsibility of businesses to safely manage asbestos containing materials within their buildings. Audits were carried out at 30 targeted businesses. Advice was given and enforcement action against one company. All 30 businesses now comply with their legal duty in relation to asbestos risks. Also completed was a project on better ‘Better Backs’ incorporating manual handling audits with a major food retailer based in Bracknell.
Distribution of ‘Health & Safety’ and ‘Smoke Free’ newsletters to Bracknell Forest Businesses. There have been two joint seminars ahead of the Smoke Free legislation with Berkshire East PCT, Slough Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.
128 caterers have achieved awards in the Safe Food Award scheme; 9 of those caterers have also received the Catering for Health Award which is assessed jointly with the Berkshire east PCT.
Planning & Building Control
This end of year report provides an opportunity to reflect not only on the past quarter but also what we said we would do throughout the year and what has been achieved. The objectives for the service are set out in two service plans:
Building Control Service Plan 2006-08 Development Control Improvement Plan 2005/8
Development Control What we said we would do What we achieved
To determine applications within the Reference to appendix B shows the speed of timescales necessary both to meet BVPI determination of applications is the highest 109 and the enhanced PDG targets levels ever achieved by the Council and in the last quarter the improvement continued. Determine the planning application for the Achieved December 2006 comprehensive regeneration/redevelopment of the Town Centre To partake in the CLG pilot project for a Set to be launched by CLG in October 2006, standard national application form and this pilot has been set back to May/June single point of access for on-line 2007 by Government. BFBC are one of 20 applications (1APP Pilot) authorities engaged in the project Review consultation arrangements with Review undertaken, DMT agreed March 07 internal consultees, including the cost and that from 1 May 07 all consultations would evaluate value be done electronically Set up service level agreements with All internal and external consultees have performance targets with all parties as been given set maximum periods for appropriate responses to consultations
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To continue the development of services The 1APP pilot will not only improve the web site development to meet e-govt. ability for persons to make online targets, deliver improved service to applications but will set out what additional customers and deliver service efficiencies information the Council will require through a reduction in enquiries (checklist) and to support this a series of planning advice sheets have been prepared. Work on this objective is well advanced and supersedes the developers pack Back-scan all application details to year Achieved 2000 To ensure speedier availability of Achieved October 2006 information on the web site and achieve cost savings establish in- house scanning system. Capture of planning history within the system back to 1998
1 - Property Records (cards) 1 Data capture due to be completed end 2 - Microfiche Files of April 07 3 – Mosaics 2/3 Capital Budget bid for Microfiche capture and mosaics rejected
Ability to make complaint alleging planning Completed contraventions on line
Ability to view enforcement notices on line Completed
Evaluate the impact of the volume of Delay due to number of significant IT applications subject to the Environmental upgrades during period Impact Assessments or Transport Impact Assessments Monitor performance targets in respect of Delay due to number of significant IT the update and simplify the Planning upgrades during period Procedures Manual and ensure account is taken of IT improvements made during period discharge of conditions Update and simplify the Planning Delay awaiting launch of national forms- this Procedures Manual and ensure account is has been out back by CLG from October 06 taken of IT improvements made during to a now programmed launch in June 07. period
Building Control What we said we would do What we achieved
Retaining market share of work in BFBC Achieved area
Increasing partnership work to 10% of plan Achieved check fee income by the end of 2006-07
All plan checking will be undertaken within Achieved
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15 working days
Target winning major work within the The service has been successful in securing Borough several major projects including the redevelopment of the former Met Office and office development art Arlington Square. Run self financing seminar(s) for our With a number of changes to the Building customers Regs. Seminars for builders and architects have proved popular and have generated income for the service. Investigate ways of increasing productivity & The service has held a number of events for celebration strategies which will assist in staff during the year and staff turnover staff retention issues of previous years have not been experienced in 06/07
Increase effectiveness of enforcement Introduced in August 2006 after being processes through 90 day routine re- dropped some 5 years ago – by the end of inspections Q4 almost 1005 of sites were being re- inspected in the period.
Planning & Transport Policy
Local Development Framework
The Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) went from Preferred Option stage through to submission successfully and will be scrutinised by an independent inspector in the summer of 2007.
Many of the Core Strategies submitted by other Councils have been set back several stages as they were found to be unsound. Therefore, the work officers and Members have put in developing the spatial vision for the Borough to 2026 must be seen as giving a result that should be seen as a huge success. GOSE have commented that they are happy for the document to proceed to examination before an independent inspector to determine if it is sound and can be adopted. A Parking Strategy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Section 106 SPD have also been developed during the year and consulted upon ready of for adoption in the summer of 2007. The Amen Corner Area Action Plan has been initiated and it is intended the Council will be able to clearly define the long held aspiration to see this area properly planned and developed.
SPA
A great deal of work has been undertaken through out the year to develop a Council-wide approach to dealing with the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. Working closely with Natural England, Bracknell Forest has led the way in securing their support for an effective and comprehensive avoidance and mitigation strategy which should allow for sustainable development of all sizes to proceed whilst contributing to existing and providing new, publicly accessible open spaces across the Borough.
South East Plan
Officers along with the Executive Member for Planning & the Environment have played key roles in progressing and defending the South East Plan through Regional Planning
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Committee and before the Examination in Public. We have been able to defend our strategy to be plan-led and that it is essential that the right balance of growth takes place in the Borough. In the last quarter officers provided evidence on matters relating specifically to the Western Corridor and Blackwater Valley sub-region, including the sub-region’s role and economy, housing delivery, infrastructure needs and the TBH SPA.
Major Sites
Policy officers have spent a great deal of time adding value to the consideration of major planning applications for Bracknell town centre, Peacock Farm and Staff College and others. Urban design, planning policy, environmental assessments and negotiating significant legal agreements have kept several members of the team busy throughout the last year. For example, as a result of our effective Section 106 negotiations the Council secured over £1.7M from major developments in 2006/07 (excluding the Town Centre) as a necessary contribution towards the essential infrastructure costs arising from the development.
Trading Standards & Services
During the period performance was hampered by the need for 2 trading standards staff to have medical treatment. With so few staff in the team this was a significant reduction in resource. However, this has not stopped the team when looking back over the year as there have been a number of successes.
The officers gave particular focus to its work in relation to protecting vulnerable resident’s, children, the elderly and the handicapped. Notable successes included £30,000 saved for residents who had been tricked by doorstep sellers into unnecessary and expensive house improvements, children in nurseries who had unsafe equipment and toys identified and removed from their play areas, cautions and fixed penalty notices for retailers who sold alcohol to children and a new replacement upgraded stair lift for one resident which would have cost her over £4000. There are numerous other examples where intervention by officers with a business on behalf of the resident has resulted in residents receiving replacement goods or services or refunds of money paid.
With the continued success of Consumer Direct South East (CDSE) in providing a first point of call consumer advice service the Trading Standards Service within Bracknell Forest has seen a doubling of the number of residents seeking advice for their problems. Dealing with the increasing number of referrals from CDSE and a rising level of expectation from residents has been a challenging issue to manage over the last year which we will seek to progress as part of our service planning in 2007/08.
The Buy With Confidence, trader approval scheme, continues to develop. An important objective of our scheme over the past year has been to target excellent local traders in these specific areas to become members of this scheme and we have exceeded our expectations. We had hoped to develop this work further in 2007/08 along with other targeted work on door step rogue traders, however the necessary external funding bid was not successful.
The Council has a gained from being a member of Trading Standards South East (TSSE) a regional group of nineteen authorities within the South East. The primary purpose of this organisation is to deliver though joint working the specialist Trading Standards skills that would otherwise be difficult to provide. Other benefits include a regional training facility providing low cost training and provide for opportunities for joint working on a range of project areas providing significant results and changes to business practices across the region at a much reduced costs to individual authorities. We are looking to use these services further in 2007 in areas such as recovery of proceeds of crime and provision of a
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team to deal with new duties in relation to Intellectual Property for which the Council has been given specific grant.
Easthampstead Park Cemetery and Crematorium
The number of cremations and burials were down on the previous year. Whilst it was necessary to restrict the number of services being allowed from June to September to allow for the improvements to the facilities the decline is considered to be due to a decrease in the local and national death rate. The grounds continue to be maintained to a reasonable standard with the twelve monthly rose beds being developed and the old trellis that leads to the Gardens of Remembrance removed and replaced by ornate iron works thus opening up the view towards the Silver Birch copse. A major achievement this year was the completion of the new waiting room and covered walk way to the floral tribute area. The project unfortunately over ran considerably and consists of re-using the old public mortuary and establishing a walk-through route to the floral tribute area. The feedback from the users at present has been favourable.
Licensing
The year was one for consolidation in respect of the new alcohol licensing legislation. Officers have over the year visited all licensed premises to check the understanding of and compliance with the new laws. The advice given by offices has enabled businesses to make the best use of the new provisions for themselves and the communities they serve. The year has seen a large number of premises varying their licences and accepting appropriate conditions for the activities taking place. In the last quarter officers have given particular focus on the preparations necessary for the Gambling Act and have produced a draft Gambling Policy for adoption post consultation.
Pest Control & Dog Warden
Demand for the pest control service was slightly below that envisaged when the budget target was set. Contrary to reports in the national media the number of calls in respect of rodents showed no significant change.
The Dog Warden has again been working with the Town and Parish Councils to promote the message regarding responsible dog ownership. Complaints about dog fouling still are not increasing and that is encouraging. Stray dogs are a continuing issue and are likely to be an even greater one next year with the removal of the Police responsibility for stay dogs proposed for implementation in October 2007.
Themed Partnerships
Cultural Partnership
The meeting of the Cultural Partnership in February was very well attended with 28 people contributing. The theme of the meeting was young people and four very interesting short presentations illustrated the diverse work that is going on in the Borough by a range of organisations. The first presentation was by Janet Russell and Gwen Cooper of the Girl Guides and described the excellent work undertaken by this group. Then the Partnership heard about DJ workshops run by Julie Sacre. PC Tom Thomas from Wokingham told the group about how he approached and dealt with the minor anti-social behaviour issues that can arise when young people congregate. Finally Councillor Beadsley reported on the findings of the Young Peoples Working Group run by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.
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Sheila Ogden, Youth Services Officer told the Partnership about the work of the Youth Service. A visit took place to Blackbird Leys on the edge of Oxford to look at how they had integrated community facilities on a new housing estate with those of an adjacent established housing are. This relationship is similar to the one that will exist for Great Hollands / Jennett’s Park. The visit was arranged to give ideas on what to provide in the proposed community facility at Jennett’s Park.
Environment Partnership
A review of Bracknell Forest’s ecological footprint at the October 2006 meeting revealed that food production and consumption had the highest ecological impact of all activities, yet little attention was being paid to it by the Partnership. Members agreed to consider the need for a Food Working Group and to investigate the possibility of establishing a farmers’ market in Bracknell Town Centre. Subsequent discussions have taken place with the Town Centre Manager and the Berkshire Food Group, both of whom are keen to pursue this further. Following the successful Going Green event at Lilly Hill Park in July 2006 the Environment Partnership donated residual funds of £348 to Lilly Hill Park for the purchase of a monkey puzzle tree. The Natural Environment Working Group has submitted a Breathing Spaces bid for £6,854 to renovate a patch of woodland in Bracknell Forest with other local wildlife conservation groups. The application includes an element of woodland management training for local volunteers. The outcome of the bid will be known in May 2007. This spring/summer the Environment Partnership will be supporting BFBC Rangers and community volunteers to participate in the Parish Pond Survey. This is part of a national survey of Britain’s ponds, designed by the Ponds Conservation Trust. The news that BFBC was to sign the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change was welcomed by members of the Environment Partnership. Implications for the Environment Partnership will be discussed at the next quarterly meeting.
Transport Partnership
The Bracknell Forest Transport Partnership met during this quarter and highlighted the forthcoming opportunity to review the targets allocated to the Transport Partnership and in particular to the Safer Parking Scheme. The opportunity was created through the planned refresh of the Sustainable Communities Plan. In anticipation of this, it also reviewed the integrated performance management framework that was in use by the Children and Young People’s Strategies Partnership and set up a small working group to progress the initiative further. A presentation was received from Jon Freer, Assistant Director Streetcare, on the Local Transport Plan and members welcomed the information and identified areas of further interest, indicating the desire to receive an update on Green Travel Plans at the next meeting.
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3. Staffing
3.1 Detailed information on staffing issues, including staff turnover, vacancies and sickness levels etc STAFFING LEVELS AS AT 31 MARCH 2007
(Table A)
Establishment Staffing Staffing Total Vacant Vacancy Posts Full Time Part Time Posts Posts Rate FTE Directorate 10 10 0 10 0 0.00% Support 25 21 4 23.71 2 7.41%
Sustainability 95 78 17 88.07 2 2.06%
Streetcare 52 49 3 50.7 6 10.34%
Culture and 85 73 12 79.71 8 8.60% Visual
Leisure 268 139 132 197.25 24 8.22% Department 535 370 168 449.44 42 7.28% Totals
Comments In total there have been 14 new starters in this quarter. Successful appointments have included Senior Planning Officer; Environmental Impact Officer a Principal Environmental Health Officer and a part time Biodiversity Officer – all to start next quarter.
3.2 Staff Turnover
For the quarter ending 31 March 2007 2.27%
For the year ending 31 March 2007 13.66 %
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Comments 2005/6 turnover for the Council: 13.6% (excluding schools) 2004/5 average turnover for local authorities in the South East, 15.6% (excluding schools) Source: People Skills Scoreboard In total there have been 13 leavers. This has included 1 retirement, the ending of 2 temporary fixed term contracts and 10 resignations. The overall vacancy rate of 7.28% has decreased slightly in relation to the last quarter (7.64%).
3.3 Sickness Absence
ALL EMPLOYEES, AVERAGE DAYS SICKNESS ABSENCE PER FTE Bracknell Forest Borough Council 05/06 7.85 days Employers Organisation for the South East 04/05 10.5 days (Larger authorities)
3.4 Staff Sickness (1 January – 31 March 2007)
(Table B)
Section Total staff Number of Average per Annual average FTE days sickness employee per employee (FTE) (FTE) Department Management 10 11 1.10 2.40 Leisure 197.25 396 2.00 7.84 Sustainability 88.07 132 1.50 4.53 Streetcare 50.70 133 2.62 7.39 Culture and Visual 79.71 175 2.19 9.94 Support 23.71 26 1.09 2.69 Department Totals 449.44 873 1.94 7.12
Comments: The above includes 7 members of staff on long term sickness totalling 208 days. These included one in Sustainability with 23 days, one in Streetcare with 27, two in Landscape with 31 and 20 (NYR), one at Downshire with 25 days, one at TLO with 21 days and one at BLC with 61 days. All these cases are being addressed by Management and HR. The total number of days sick has decreased from 1042 days last quarter to 882 days this quarter; a 15.35% decrease. A major contributing factor is that there have been only 7 employees on long term sick this quarter compared to 12 last quarter (208 days compared to 423.5 days last quarter).
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations27 Report 27 4. Budget 4. Budget
4.1 Revenue The Committee’s revenue budget for the year 2006/07 was set at £28,581,000. This is shown in more detail at Appendix C Table 1, and also highlights the changes to the revenue budget in the period 1 January to 28 March, which together with the increases previously reported of £198,000 increases the overall budget to £28,774,000. A summary of these changes are shown below.
£000
Due to the dis-contuation of the Number 9 bus route from Bracknell to -5 Tesco’s Warfield on Sundays Section 106 monies used for this purpose are not now required. TOTAL -5
A fuller explanation of these changes is given in Appendix C Table 1.
Performance Against Approved Budget There have been variances totaling -£258,000 reported for this period, a summary of which is shown below:
£000
Easthampstead Park Conference Centre – Income has continued at high 30 levels but is slightly lower than last year, it is estimated that there will be a further shortfall of £30,000 against that budgeted for in 2006/07.
Brown Bins / Brown Sacks – Increased numbers of these have been sold -29 to residents resulting in additional net income of £29,000.
Waste Management – As a result of the Waste PFI contract the -40 responsibility for certain costs have transferred to the contractor.
LPSA Public Transport – Works arising from the bus service surveys will -23 not now be completed until 2007/08, a request is to be made to carry forward the remaining sum of £23,000.
Traffic Modelling – A specification has now been developed to enable -200 tenders for this work to be invited. However, this work will not now be completed until 2007/ 08, this sum is therefore to be carried forward.
Town Centre Fountains – As a result of the re-tendering process some -10 maintenance work has been delayed.
Environmental Health – An economy was previously reported in respect 14 of a £15,000 grant anticipated for Contaminated Land, however the grant received was only £1,000. TOTAL -258
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations28 Report 28 4. Budget
A fuller explanation of these changes is given in Appendix C Table 1.
4.2 Capital Budget Monitoring The Committee’s capital budget for the year was set at £5,573,000, which included £1,816,000 of externally funded schemes. A carry forward from 2005/2006 of £2,891,700 gave an available spend of £8,464,700 for 2006/07, an additional £61,000 has been approved from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the first phase of restoration works at Lily Hill Park and two invest to save schemes totaling £215,000 have been approved for Easthampstead Park Conference Centre and Downshire Golf Complex. This therefore makes the total capital budget available of £8,740,700 for 2006/07. The capital monitoring statement including performance against budget is shown in Appendix C Table 2.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations29 Report 29
5. Forward Look
Commentary
CULTURE & THE VISUAL ENVIRONMENT Heritage Ambarrow Court Taking place during June and July, pupils from four local schools are due to work alongside Wessex Archaeology on an archaeological dig at Ambarrow Court – this will help develop their knowledge of archaeology, finds management and local history. The findings of the dig will form part of an exhibition, to be housed by Sandhurst Town Council and Sandhurst Library during Archaeology Week. Community and Environmental Development The Community Development Officer has carried out planning and publicity for a new Reminiscence Group that will start at Bullbrook Community Centre in April. This will lead to recording some of the older people’s stories on the Heritage Online project and partial funding for the group has been provided by Extended Services in order to promote intergenerational work with the local schools in the future. Community Arts Development From Here to Maturity ‘From Here to Maturity’ is a project being set up by Dance Company to encourage older people in the Bracknell Forest to get involved in the local dance community. The project will include taster workshops and involves working in partnership with Social Services to establish targets, linking the Arts to the recent White Paper; outreach partners and funding. An application for funding has been submitted to Arts Council England South East. Parks and Countryside Green Flag Pope's Meadow, Westmorland Park and Shepherd Meadows / Sandhurst Memorial Park have applied for a 2007/08 Green Flag Award having managed to retain their prestigious Green Flags for excellence in 2006. A series of improvements are now being carried out at these sites, including scrub management and a major review of site furniture. Capital Improvements for 2007 – 2008 £219,000 of developer contributions has been secured through Section 106 contributions to enable significant improvements to be delivered across a number of green spaces and Public Rights of Way. This programme comprises of works to develop new play provision for children, enhance biodiversity, improve landscape quality and create new access opportunities. Agreed schemes include; • Deepfield Road play area renewal
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations30 Report 30 5. Forward Look • Wildmoor Heath habitat and access management • Chaucer Woods pond and landscape enhancement • Horseshoe Lake access improvements • Warfield bridleways and byway surfacing • Sandhurst urban path surfacing Parish Pond Survey Due to be launched in May, BFBC will be participating in the Parish Pond Survey in order to find out more about our ponds, support delivery of the Biodiversity Action Plan and contribute to pond conservation nationally. In addition to residents surveying their own garden ponds, they will also be invited to develop their own skills and understanding by joining staff from the Parks & Countryside Service and members of the Bracknell Forest Environmental Partnership for surveying events at Westmorland Park, Sandhurst Memorial Park and Pope's Meadow. Private Sector Community Initiatives High profile companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim and Canon are providing staff to participate in recreation, conservation and community projects across the borough. Initiatives include woodland management, play area spring cleans and access improvements. Landscape Services In the coming quarter the service will start to plan and implement a borough wide review of existing Tree Preservation Orders and embark on plans to conduct a baseline survey of the Borough’s trees. This will be completed in conjunction with the installation of the Tree Management element of the “Confirm” software package which is planned for later in the year.
LEISURE Early in the year we will be staging the annual half marathon which looks to have a record entry level. Preparation will continue for the annual Kwik Cricket Festival. A significant amount of time will be devoted to beginning early preparations for setting the 2008/09 budget. Focus will continue on delivering the highest ever income target set for 2007/08. Small capital projects which form part of the annual rolling programme will be approved by the Executive Member and work to deliver these will commence. Preparation work will commence in relation to the CPA inspection in the autumn, while there will be annual inspections for both the charter mark and OHSAS 18001.
STREETCARE
RE3
In the coming quarter work will continue on construction of the Smallmead facility and the commencement of the above-ground structures. In addition it is anticipated that a decision will be made on the planning application for Longshot Lane so that design work can be finalised in line with the contract programme.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations31 Report 31 5. Forward Look Preparations are under way to organise and carry out the 2007 highway surface treatment programme and the recommencement of the Boulevard Project (New Towns Inheritance) in Bullbrook.
Design work has been commissioned and is now in progress for replacement of the Mill Lane footbridge.
TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SECTION
The Blackwater Valley Bus Quality Partnership Travelcard is expected to be introduced in the next quarter.
The new bus services into the Peacock Farm development (S106 funded) are due to be tendered.
Work is to start on a detailed desk-top study of bus services between Bracknell, Crowthorne, Owlsmoor and Camberley with a view to developing a partnership with operators to develop service quality in the South of the Borough.
Weekday bus services between Bracknell and Wexham Park Hospital are scheduled to be increased from 4 buses a day to 13 a day (an hourly service) from mid May. A new Saturday service of 6 trips a day (every 2 hours) will also be introduced. All journeys will operate via Jealotts Hill and Maidenhead, and most will also serve Priestwood and Binfield, all without an increase in service subsidies.
In the next quarter there will also be promotions for Walk to School Week (21-25 May) and Bike Week (16-24 June), and it is hoped that the Council’s own Travel Plan will be launched.
The 20mph speed limit Traffic Regulation Order for various residential roads within Sandhurst and College Town will be implemented in the next quarter.
Preliminary works are due to be carried out this summer on the new roundabout and link road between Berkshire Way and Peacock Lane to shape the ground and to enable the diversion of a BT fibre optic cable in advance of the main construction works (due to start next year).
WASTE AND RECYCLING
Intensive work currently being undertaken and will continue to reduce amount of dumped rubbish at refuse bin collection points and at recycling sites. Monitoring throughout the week, evidence obtained from dumped rubbish bags and refuse “drivers reports”. Letters have been sent to residents, home visits and where evidence is obtained warning letters sent out.
The team has a number of road shows they are required to attend during National Composting Week (week ending May 12 th ) and Recycle Now week in early June. The team has been invited to events such as fetes every weekend in June including Great Hollands 40 th Anniversary where the team will work with the Salvation Army and Easthampstead Park School to organise a recycling a recycling fashion music and dance show on 30 th June.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations32 Report 32 5. Forward Look Work will commence from may to improve recycling sites by installing information sings and new larger litter bins.
A unit comprising three small recycling bins and one litter bin is being installed in mid April in the Town Centre near the escalator in Charles Square. This was an objective from the Environment Partnership Waste minimisation group and will be monitored to assess contamination of recyclables before considering any further units.
A meeting will be held in mid April with the “Step Forward” Charity to discuss community recycling initiatives.
SUPPORT SERVICES
All sections will try and keep their general workload up to date in the quarter. In addition to this the Administration Section is taking on a new employee funded by Building Control to introduce scanning and indexing of building contract documents. The information services team plans to complete the Landscape project and start the project on Trees deferred from 2006/07 while keeping all other work up to date. The Finance Team will continue its debt review and complete the annual closing process for the 30 June deadline. The Human Resources Team will focus on keeping its general workload up to date while operating with one employee short as the post is being held awaiting the outcome of the “Your Homes” vote and the Support Services Review.
SUSTAINABILITY
Emergency Planning
The Borough Emergency Plan needs to be reviewed and reissued with a number of changes and improvements. The priority for the year will be to focus on the corporate business continuity process. It is still in its early stages of development and it is anticipated that it will take some time to incorporate it positively into the organisational culture. The Departmental and Corporate Business Continuity Plans must be completed by the end of May 07 in preparation for an audit of business continuity management as part of the CPA process. The Plans will be tested via a table-top exercise at the end of September 07. A localised corporate pandemic flu plan will also need to be developed in the early part of 07/08.
Two specific projects for year include the development of a Town Centre evacuation plan and a crisis support team for the organisation. Fuel planning has been delayed for 12 months due to changes in national guidance. It is expected that this will become available towards the end of 2007.
Environmental Health & Safety
The work in relation to houses in multiple occupation needs to continue. Officers are particularly keen to work closer with the Fire and Rescue Service and to continue to work with Wokingham and Reading on further establishing common standards.
The Housing Grants Home Improvement Agency is now working more efficiently and it is likely that referrals from Occupational Therapists will increase. The maximum grant is prescribed in law at £25,000; this is set to increase to £30,000 in June as
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations33 Report 33 5. Forward Look part of a government review of DFGs which is likely to further change the way the system operates. Therefore the number of grants and amount payable is likely to increase over the next year. A revised Private Sector Housing Strategy is required by the Autumn. The housing options decision will enable the opportunity to introduce changes to current practice. There is also the need to commission work in relation to housing condition.
Having regard to anti-social and crime reduction issues, Environmental Health staff are actively exploring the possibility of working more closely with the police and undertaking some joint patrols with beat and Police Community Support Officers for not only noise but a range of environmental issues. Officers will again take part in Noise Action Week in May 2007. A similar campaign involving the Schools is in progress. It is considered that by continuing to target year 3 pupils and their parents each year it will eventually inform a generation regarding the need to minimise noise and the anti-social aspects of unnecessary noise.
With potential contaminated land sites being identified and recorded on a database, solicitors involved in property transfers are sometimes concerned about the potential for contamination. This can blight the property unnecessarily. Enquiries concerning property transfer issues seem to be on the increase. A procedure to provide a balanced reply to such enquiries has been introduced and arrangements are being pursued with planning to provide appropriate information to applicants and require appropriate action in certain cases depending on the potential risk.
The abandoned vehicle contract is due for renewal and 2 tenders have been received. These are being evaluated. Changing a long standing contractor always has risks associated with it but there is an option to engage a contractor who already works for Reading Borough Council and therefore has recovery vehicles on the road at all times. Doing so might enable us to improve on our BVPI target for vehicle removal times.
Future activities for the food and health and safety team include publishing the results of the Safe Food Award and Catering for Health award on the Councils web site in line with a ‘scores-on-doors’ approach to provide transparency for residents and businesses. In addition consistently poor performing food premises to be targeted with additional support and where appropriate enforcement action to drive up compliance, improve food safety and achieve a 10% increase in the confidence in management rating. Continuing to work with the Berkshire East PCT to promote ‘Smoke Free’ both internally and externally supporting residents and businesses to comply with the Smoke Free legislation from 1 July 2007.
Planning & Building Control
The Service Plans for planning and building control set out what we want to achieve in the coming year. Both services are now meeting and exceeding targets in all areas and the focus of initiatives over the coming year will be refining procedures and processes to ensure enhanced service quality to customers maintaining current performance levels.
In terms of the core work areas for Development Control the submissions of a S73 application for the Town Centre, submission of reserved matters applications for Peacock Farm and Broadmoor, and a proposal for Beaufort Park along with a number of outstanding appeals related to SPA affected sites will keep the section's Strategic Development Team busy in the coming year.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations34 Report 34 5. Forward Look
Whilst last year saw the income to the service well above budget, the dependency of the service on the Planning Delivery Grant remains. Fees for planning are set nationally and remain unchanged for the second year running. With PDG likely to be phased out, the service is looking for alternative funding streams if the ambitions set out above are to be achieved. Additionally the last 18 months have seen applications for new residential development fall as a result of the Special Protection Area designation. If as is hoped the restrictions are lifted with the approval of the Delivery Plan later this year, both the Planning and Building Control service are likely to see a significant peaking of applications which whilst generating additional income will put considerable pressure on the service. The challenge for the year will be to improve efficiency without fall in standards.
Planning & Transport Policy
A Preliminary Examination Meeting will be held by the Planning Inspector for our Core Strategy. This will set the framework for the Examination which is to be held in June and July 2007. Officers have now been given specific topics and questions to respond to and are busy preparing these responses. The Section 106 and parking guidance documents will be finalised for adoption in July. Work on Amen Corner DPD, the first Development Management DPD and a Sustainable Resources SPD will progress over the next quarter.
We expect significant progress to be made for further planning submissions for Bracknell town centre and Peacock Farm. Also, if the Council’s SPA Avoidance & Mitigation Strategy is agreed, we expect an increase in planning applications for development which has been stifled over the past eighteen months.
Trading Standards & Services
There are a number of challenges for the service to face over the coming year. New controls and legislation from the Government together with declared and agreed local priorities will guide our actions. The regulatory framework within Local Government will be influenced by two major reviews completed in 2006/07. The Hampton report set up the Better Regulation Office which will provide, manage and enforce principles of good enforcement and support for businesses upon Local Authorities. The service along with environmental health, will need to align itself with the nine Hampton principles as these will be used to benchmark our services. The Rogers Review was charged with providing five national priorities for Regulatory Services. These have now been delivered as to national priorities and the service will be looking to align our priorities and tasks over the coming year with those and our local priorities.
A major part of TSSE is Consumer Direct South East, a free consumer advice service provided by TESSE in conjunction with the Office of Fair Trading. Another Central Government report looked at Call Centres provided by Government Services and has made recommendations as to the size and scope of such centres. With 50 staff the CDSE is seen as being too small to be truly effective even though it services a population of nearly nine million. Pressure on budgets and these recommendations may result in a rationalisation of the ten existing Consumer Direct Centres across the UK, with either an expansion or removal of the CDSE Centre. This will be a challenge for TSSE over the coming year.
Within the Licensing Section new animal welfare legislation will impact upon the service with new powers, raising expectations and new premises to licence and
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations35 Report 35 5. Forward Look inspect. In addition the Licensing Policy will be reviewed and the Gambling act 2005 will come fully into force.
In October Thames Valley Police are it seems to be relieved of their responsibilities under stray dog legislation Responsibility will then be the sole responsibility of the Local Authority. How we deliver has yet to be decided but the process is not helped by the failure of the Police and Government to agree an amount to be given to Local Authorities for the extra work.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations36 Report 36
Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
Sustainable Community Plan Priority Developing a Town fit for the 21st century
Medium Term Objective 1. To lead the regeneration of Bracknell to provide a town fit for the 21st century Action Points & Key Objectives for 2006/07
37 1. Determine the planning applications for the comprehensive regeneration and redevelopment of the Town Centre 2. Finalise details plans and commission architects to design a new Civic Hub including a new library and arts provision. 3. Support and sustain the Town Centre by working with partners and others on effective Town Centre management 4. Develop and, following a Public Inquiry, adopt a Local Development Framework outlining potential uses for all sites within the borough 5. Effect the implementation of all consents in respect of key sites
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 37 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 1.1 - To approve the outline application for the December 2006 Completed - Outline Planning Permission granted comprehensive regeneration of the Town Centre. upon completion of S106 agreement December 2006.
Action 1.2 - To determine any subsequent changes that may March 2007 Ongoing - The applicants and Council have explored be proposed to the approved outline planning application. the options for moving forward the outline planning permission and it has been agreed that a S73 application will be submitted in the late spring/early Summer. Work is progressing well on achieving this. Awaiting further application(s) which have been delayed in submission.
Action 2.1 - To establish a design brief for the cultural activities May 2006 Discussion ongoing on inclusion of heritage, public art within the new Civic Hub. and cultural facilities.
Action 3.1 - Improve the vitality of the current Bracknell Town March 2007 Chewing gum cleaned up. Bracknell Flowers 38 Centre through cultural activity and improving the visual continues. Events organised. environment.
Action 3.2 - Retail monitoring of all retail centres including December 2006 Completed. Bracknell Town Centre in line with PPS 6.
Action 4.1 - To deliver the LDF as per the approved Local March 2007 Completed - in respect of the programme for the year. Development Scheme
Action 5.1 - Ensure the enablement of the proposals for March 2007 The first phase of the improvement to Peacock Lane Peacock Farm is complete.
Action 5.2 - Ensure the enablement of the proposals for the March 2007 Completed – Development commenced Staff College
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 38 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 5.3 - Ensure the enablement of the proposals for the March 2007 On going - Working with BRP to inform re- Town Centre submission(s).
Sustainable Community Plan Priority Providing decent and affordable housing
Medium Term Objective 2. To promote sustainable communities through innovative housing strategies and effective maintenance Action Points & Key Objectives for 2006/07 39 1. Increase the availability of affordable and key worker housing through effective strategies and section 106 agreements 2. Implement new housing legislation, in particular the Housing Act 2005 and to focus on Homes of Multiple Occupation and the new ‘fitness standard’
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 1.1 - Through section 106 negotiations apply the Ongoing Thames Basin Heaths SPA is limiting the number of Council's policies in relation to affordable and Key Worker applications for housing coming in so there has been Housing. very little activity in applying the Council’s housing, including affordable housing, policies. Action 2.1 - To introduce measures to implement the new December 2006 Completed -system in place Housing and Health and Safety Rating Scheme. Action 2.2 – To introduce measures to be able to implement April 2007 Completed - system in place and fees and standards the new HMOs licensing scheme to ensure all licensable set. Some applications received and others being HMOs are identified and brought into the system pursued with a view to prosecution.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 39 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
Sustainable Community Plan Priority Promoting Community Safety
Medium Term Objective 3. To provide a safe framework for developing the Community Action Points & Key Objectives for 2006/07 1. Reduce crime by providing diversionary activities. 2. Implement effective arrangements for discharging the Council’s new licensing responsibilities 3. Implement the Council’s Corporate Community Cohesion Strategy and in particular to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and Council ambition.
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE 40 Action 1.1 - Create new sports pitches at Warfield 31 March 2007 Completed. Due to be opened October 2007.
Action 2.1 – Work with the Police and other statutory consultees 31 March 2007 Completed - all licensed premises have been visited to ensure compliance with licence conditions within the year.
Action 2.2 - To implement the proof of age scheme through e+ October 2006 Project delayed
Action 3.1 - Implement the key tasks and performance indicator Ongoing All targets for this year met. targets in the Council’s Corporate Community Cohesion Strategy that relate to the Environment and Leisure Department.
Action 3.2 – Implement and monitor the Council’s Accessibility Ongoing Improvements to bus services to Wexham Park Strategy in relation to public transport. registered in March
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 40 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives Sustainable Community Plan Priority Improving health and well-being
Medium Term Objective 4. To improve art, culture, sport and recreation provision within the Borough Action Points & Key Objectives for 2006/07 1. Implement the new Public Art Strategy 2. Develop a Community Arts Strategy for the Borough 3. Improve sport and recreation participation in the Borough
41 4. Implement the Heritage Strategy and in particular to focus on our historic landscapes 5. Develop a Cultural Services Improvement Plan by June 2007
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 1.1 - Implement the Public Art Panel 30 June 2006 Two meetings have now been held. Four projects in hand. Action 1.2 - Deliver actions within the Public Art Strategy Ongoing Art Panel established. Work in progress.
Action 2.1 - Produce a draft Community Arts Development 31 March 2007 Project delayed owing to staff vacancy. Strategy.
Action 3.1 - Establish a “Bracknell 2012” steering group 31 May 2006 The group has met a couple of times. Work is at a very early stage. Action 3.2 - Implement approved schemes in Leisure 2006/07 31 March 2007 Most projects completed. 2 small projects delayed capital programme through waiting for planning consent and integrating with a larger scheme. Action 3.3 - Implement the Rights of Way Improvement Plan 31 March 2007 Ongoing. Projects underway with aid of Local Countryside Access Forum.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 41 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 3.4 - Enhanced marketing in order to maintain high Ongoing The ‘Be’ campaign has been established in all usage of BFBC leisure facilities. participating facilities. Ongoing update of leaflets and signage is progressing. Action 3.5 - Work with PCT to help support their Physical 31 March 2007 Leisure Development Manager has joined Physical Activity Strategy. Activity Action Plan Working Group.
Action 3.6 – Develop a strategy for children’s play. 30 September Ongoing. Produced by Children’s Services – target 2006 date September 2007. Action 3.7 – Improve links between school children and local 31 March 2007 Ongoing links with hockey, athletics and rugby. Level sports clubs. of contact reduced due to staff changes.
Action 3.8 – Introduce new courses for children offered at BFBC 31 March 2007 New courses introduced including extra teen circuits leisure facilities. and soccer clinics.
Action 3.9 – Implement measures identified for Leisure as part Ongoing New internal circulation ramp completed at Bracknell of the Corporate Access Plan. Leisure Centre. 42 Action 3.10 – Increase the range of services available and use 31 March 2007 Additional facilities added to the on-line booking system of the e-booking facility within Leisure. including tennis, table tennis and synthetic pitch.
Action 3.11 – Increase the number of people enrolled in the 31 March 2007 Review of the scheme in order to increase number of Leisure Saver Scheme. junior members has not produced the benefits expected. Action 3.12 – Increase the number of people enrolled on the 31 March 2007 The number of loyalty points members continues to Leisure Loyalty Scheme. rise.
Action 3.13 – Increase the number of e-plus cards in use across 31 March 2007 The number of people with e+ cards active on the the Leisure sites. system has risen above previous levels.
Action 4.1 - Implement heritage landscape improvement plan for 31 March 2007 Complete. Officially opened March 2007. Lily Hill Park
Action 4.2 - Develop plans and seek funding for conservation 31 March 2007 Ongoing bid to be submitted to HLF July 2007. management plan for South Hill Park grounds
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 42 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 5.1 - Review quality systems and data capture to bring in 31 March 2007 2 new PIs have been produced. line with CPA requirements
Action 5.2 - Commence work on draft Cultural Services 31 March 2007 Final report on 2002-2007 cultural strategy being Improvement Plan printed. Plans in place for rolling forward this strategy.
Sustainable Community Plan Priority Improving health and well-being
Medium Term Objective 43 5. To work with partners to improve health provision within the Borough Action Points & Key Objectives for 2006/07 1. Work with partners to reduce inequalities in health throughout the Borough 2. To encourage people to adopt lifestyles which promote better long term health
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 1.1 - Examine the potential to establish a “public health 30 September Complete – group established improvement group” in partnership with the PCT 2006
Action 1.2 - Review transportation provision and accessibility to 31 March 2007 Improved bus services to Wexham Park Hospital health facilities. registered in March.
Action 2.1 - To increase activity levels of the population by more Ongoing No progress. effective marketing and promotion of lifestyle opportunities.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 43 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 2.2 - Through joint working implement the joint working 30 September Complete – joint warrenting agreed to enable partnership with HSE in respect of HSW enforcement 2006 throughout the borough.
Action 2.3 - To increase use of BFBC managed gyms 31 March 2007 Usage of BFBC managed gyms has increased in 2006/07 over that achieved in 2005/06.
Sustainable Community Plan Priority Protecting and enhancing the environment
Medium Term Objective 11. To create and maintain a quality environment 44 Action Points & Key Objectives for 2006/07 1. Produce guidance for developers on adopting enhanced design standards for developments within the Borough 2. Undertake a detailed review of the investment strategy needed to address the ageing ‘new town’ infrastructure 3. Finalise a major new PFI contract for the provision of a major waste management and recycling plant with Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils 4. Further improve the standard of open spaces and the visual environment within the Borough 5. Reduce damaging emissions to improve air quality for residents and help curb global warming 6. Increase the amount of waste recycled to 30%
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 44 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 1.1 - Launch of comprehensive Developers Guide 31 July 2006 Superseded - the national 1APP pilot will not only improve the ability for persons to make online applications but will set out what additional information the Council will require (checklist) and to support this a series of planning advice sheets have been pr epared. Work on this objective is well advanced and supersedes the developers guide Action 1.2 – Conduct an appraisal to determine the need/validity 31 December Delay - Work to begin in June 2007. of designating a new conservation area in the Church Road 2006 area of Crowthorne.
Action 2.1 - Develop and finalise the Highway Asset 31 March 2007 Data collected for primary data. Management Plan
45 Action 2.2 - Undertake a programme of data collection 31 December Data collected for primary data. requirements for the Transport Asset Management Plan 2006 Action 2.3 – Develop and implement a Good Design Awards 31 December Completed - awards determined by an expert panel – scheme. 2006 presentation in May 2007.
Action 3.1 - Finalise the negotiations with the Preferred Bidder 31 July 2006 Completed 31 October 2006 for the Waste PFI and complete the contract
Action 3.2 - Commence the Waste PFI contract 30 September Commenced 4 December 2006 2006 Action 3.3 - Negotiate and set up a new Joint Waste Agreement 31 July 2006 Completed 31 October 2006 with Reading BC and Wokingham DC
Action 4.1 - Report and implement the findings of the Tree 30 September Report approved. Tree Preservation Order Review Policy Review Group 2006 about to start. Capital budget approved for trees health and safety. Action 4.2 - Implement the relevant actions arising from the 31 March 2008 6 actions completed, 7 good progress, 4 limited. Landscape Value for Money Study
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 45 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 4.3 - Negotiate and implement changes to the street 31 July 2006 Completed cleansing contract to deliver consistent standards
Action 4.5 - To review, in liaison with the town and parish 30 June 2006 Completed councils, the implications of the Cleaner Neighbourhood and Environment Act
Action 5.1 - Investigate the feasibility of producing and 31 March 2007 Nottingham Declaration signed. Climate Change implementing a “carbon management” plan for the Council Working Group established. Energy Savings Trust audit in hand. Action 6.1 - Put in place and monitor arrangements to increase 31 March 2007 Achieved year end recycling and composting estimated the amount of waste recycled to 30% over the 2006/07 financial at 34½% year
Action 6.2 - Increase recycling at Borough managed leisure 31 March 2007 Improved recycling of glass has been put in place at facilities Easthampstead Park Conference Centre. 46 Action 6.3 - Introduce new kerbside collection arrangements to 31 December Achieved with ABC on 2 October 2006 enhance recycling levels. 2006
Action 6.4 - Negotiate and implement an extension to the 1 August 2006 Achieved extension from 1 August including variation to kerbside refuse and recycling contract. accommodate ABC from 2 October 2006
Action 6.5 - Increase the amount of waste recycled at schools 31 March 2007 All primary schools have received bins for card and and other Council buildings to 20% paper and are using an external contractor to collect these items. All schools have cans and plastic bottle bins. Secondary schools have made own arrangements for recycling skips. Amount of recyclables collected not yet know.
Sustainable Community Plan Priority Improving travel and transport
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 46 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives Medium Term Objective 12. To develop and implement transport policies that improves movement and maintenance
Action Points & Key Objectives for 2006/07 1. Seek to reduce the percentage of roads in need of major maintenance by maximising the impact of Council investment in the highway network 2. Implement a travel plan for the Borough Council and increase the number of schools with travel plans 3. Work with the Government Office for the South East and neighbouring authorities to press for improvements in major junctions in and around the borough 4. Work with local transport operators to examine options for further investment to improve the quality and amount of public transport 5. Through the Airtrack Forum to support the case for the building of the Airtrack link via Bracknell and lobby the Department for Transport 47 (Strategic Rail Authority) for its adoption 6. Implement decriminalised parking
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 1.1 - Develop a Highway Asset Management Plan 31 March 2007 Data collected but still awaiting official guidance before further work can be undertaken. Action 1.2 - Implement approved transport schemes in 2006/07 31 March 2007 Substantially completed capital programme
Action 1.3 - Consider and adopt the new codes of practice for 31 December Considered. Codes will be considered for adoption as highways, street lighting, and bridges 2006 part of 1.1 above.
Action 1.4 - Develop a Network Management Plan 31 March 2007 Some work commenced, but will require further work to be effective. Action 1.5 - Adopt the provisions of the Traffic management Act 31 March 2007 Adopted as far as possible. DfT have delayed related to Utility Management implementation of several parts.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 47 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 1.6 – Maintain Local Transport Plan 2 and submit Annual 31 July 2006 Completed Progress Report.
Action 2.1 - To finalise the Green Travel Plan for the Borough 31 July 2006 Awaiting approval Council
Action 2.2 - To develop and implement Travel Plans for schools Ongoing 26 Schools in the Borough now have School Travel Plans Action 3.1 - Develop an outline case for a major LTP scheme 31 March 2007 Now part of the Berkshire Capacity work for leaders bid, to improve major junctions in and around the Borough and Chief Executive.
Action 4.1 - Identify with local bus operators opportunities to Ongoing Ongoing improve public transport in the Borough and funding
Action 4.2 - To secure improvements in bus travel through real 30 September Ongoing time information systems (Wokingham route) 2006
48 Action 4.3 - To implement the e+ card for concessionary fares 30 April 2006 Implemented
Action 5.1 - Continue to participate in the Airtrack Forum and Ongoing Attended Forum meeting and continue to support the support the case for Airtrack Forum.
Action 6.1 - Implement decriminalised parking 30 April 2006 Implemented.
Sustainable Community Plan Priority All priorities
Medium Term Objective 15. To maintain and enhance quality and extend access to all services
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 48 Appendix A – Progress towards Objectives Action Points & Key Objectives for 2006/07 1. To make the best possible use of the Council’s financial, staff and information technology resources and its property and land assets 2. Undertake a Best Value Review of the Council’s emergency response capabilities 3. Implement a Customer Relationship Management system in order to improve the range and quality of activities that can be completed at the initial point of contact.
ACTION BY WHEN PROGRESS TO DATE Action 1.1 – Implement new ICT systems for landscape, trees 31 March 2007 Waste implemented. and refuse/recycling Landscape in progress. Expect implementation date now 31 May. Project start delayed by CRM implementation. Project end delayed by Landscape Area Managers underestimating size of configuration 49 task during grass cutting season.
Trees deferred to 2007/08 due to CRM implementation. Action 1.2 – Complete the construction of a floral display area 31 December Completed - official opening is set for June 2007. and enlarged waiting areas and toilets and Easthampstead 2006 Crematorium.
Action 2.1 - Finalise corporate best value review of emergency 31 March 2007 Completed response
Action 3.1 – Start to integrate the department’s services and Ongoing Highways system integrated and went live September systems with the CRM. 2006. Waste system put onto CRM and went live March 2007. Landscape system conversion in progress, go live planned for 31 May 2007.
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report 49
Appendix B - Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07 MTO 1 – Lead the regeneration of Bracknell to provide a town fit for the 21 st century Quarterly indicators
BFPI 120 To determine the planning Outline Planning Application Achieved ● application for the comprehensive Permission determined regeneration and redevelopment of granted Dec. following the town centre 2006 conclusion of Section 106 MTO 2 – To promote sustainable communities through innovative housing strategies and effective maintenance. 0 0 No complete application normally 50 BFPI 001 Number of valid disabled facilities ● grant applications awaiting approval has to wait to be determined for for more than 3 months. more than a few days after receipt.
MTO 3 – Provide a safe framework for developing the community
BV 99 (a) No of people killed or seriously 62 32 Stretched target, although the overall ◌ (i) injured (KSI) in road traffic collisions casualty trend is in decline. The in the previous calendar year 2006 KSI category has shown an unexpected increase.
BV 99 (a) Percentage change in the number of +77.1 -8.6 Stretched target, although the overall ◌ (ii) people killed or seriously injured casualty trend is in decline. The (KSI) in road traffic collisions in the 2006 KSI category has shown an
Key : 50
Overall level of ● = good performance/ low risk ◐ = satisfactory performance/ ◌ = poor performance / high performance medium risk risk
Environment & Leisure Quarterly Operations Report Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07 previous calendar year unexpected increase.
BV 99 (a) Percentage change in the number of -13.9 -55.6 Stretched target, although the overall ◌ (iii) people killed or seriously injured casualty trend is in decline. The (KSI) in road traffic collisions in the 2006 KSI category has shown an previous calendar year compared to unexpected increase. the 1994-98 average BV 99 (b) Number of children (aged under 16) 4 3 ◐ (i) killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions in the previous calendar year
51 BV 99 (b) Percentage change in the number of +33.3 0% Percentage increase represents one ◐ (ii) children (aged under 16) killed or casualty seriously injured (KSI) in road traffic collisions in the previous calendar year BV 99 (b) Percentage change in the number of -55.6 -66.7% The overall child casualty trend is in ◐ (iii) children killed or seriously injured decline. (KSI) in road traffic collisions in the previous calendar year compared to the 1994-98 average BV 99 (c) Number of people slightly injured in 310 311 ● (i) road traffic collisions in the previous calendar year
BV 99 (c) Percentage change in the number of -4.3 -4.0% ● (ii) people slightly injured in road traffic collisions in the previous calendar year
51 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07
BV 99 (c) Percentage change in the number of -25.1 -24.9% ● (iii) people slightly injured in road traffic collisions in the previous calendar year compared to the 1994-98 average
BFPI 015 The number of Equality Impact 100% due ● Assessments completed
BFPI 170 The number of racial incidents 0 Unknown, no ● reported by the department using the previous records BVPI 174 definition
BFPI 175 The number of racial incidents 0 Unknown, no ● reported by the department using the previous records
52 BVPI 174 definition that resulted in further action by the department
MTO 4 – Improve art, culture, sport and recreation provision within the Borough
BV 219 (a) Total number of conservation areas 4 4 Complete ● in the Local Authority area
BV 219 (b) Percentage of conservation areas in 4 100% Complete ● the Local Authority area with an up to date character appraisal BV 219 (c) Percentage of conservation areas 3 100% Fourth management plan to be ◐ with published management undertaken in 2007/08 proposals
Number of customer visits/contacts BFPI 045 2,346,642 2,237,000 Total usage is almost 5% higher ● to leisure facilities and sports than previous year with the overall
52 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07 development (excluding (2,232,279) target achieved. Easthampstead Park Conference Centre, but including BFBC facilities operated by third parties).
£8,799,000 £8,615,000 net Target achieved. To minimise net expenditure by VAT BFPI 8 ● optimising income levels in Leisure. £9,980,000 in VAT
117,071 109,500 Visits to the exhibition above target, BFPI 065 Visits to The Look Out Exhibition ● (109,183) with increase in school visits. 53 BFPI 095 Direct: Attendances on junior Total – 209,895 Direct – 121,000 Attendances on junior courses at ● courses at Bracknell Leisure Centre, (187,811) both directly managed and 3 rd party Coral Reef, Downshire Golf Third party – managed facilities has exceeded the Complex, Edgbarrow Sport Centre Direct – 136,235 67,000 annual target by over 11%. (120,769) and Sandhurst Sport Centre. rd Operated by third parties: 3 Party – 73,660 Horseshoe Lake and Harmanswater (67,042) Leisure Centre
BFPI 072 Number of children enrolled on 49 (32) 50 It has not proved possible to ● Leisure Saver Scheme introduce amendments to encourage young people to join the Leisure Saver Scheme.
BFPI 075 75 (89) 100 A number of foster carers no longer ◐ Number enrolled on Foster Carer use the scheme. The scheme is Scheme being reviewed in order to attract more users.
53 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07
BFPI 080 Contacts on Young People in Sport 56,750 (55,200) 55,000 With all schools participating in the ● Scheme coaching schemes and events, Young People in Sport has exceeded its target. BFPI 070 Number of people enrolled on 221 (152) 240 Membership of the Leisure Saver ◐ Leisure Saver Scheme. Scheme has increased slowly. It has not proved possible to make significant amendments to attract additional members. BFPI 085 Number of mystery shopper visits to 7 7 Mystery shopper visits carried out at ● Leisure facilities. the end of March, beginning of April. Reports awaited.
54 BV 119 (a) The percentage of residents satisfied 83% (72%) 72% Results of resident’s survey show an ● with the Local Authority Cultural increase in customer satisfaction of Services a) sports/leisure facilities sports/leisure facilities.
BV 205 Bracknell Forest’s score against a 18 points (100%) 36/36 or 100% Achieved ◐ ‘Quality of Services’ 18 points checklist, expressed as a percentage in relation to planning services. BFPI 090 Maintenance of accreditation by BSI Maintained Maintained ● to OHSAS 18001 for health and safety management in sports centres. BVPI 103 All respondents satisfied with local 30% 38% Surveyed every 3 years. Negative provision of public transport local press coverage and change to information bus timetable prior to survey led to
54 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07 general dissatisfaction with all elements of public transport info. BVPI 104 User satisfied with local bus service 49% 60% Surveyed every 3 years. Negative local press coverage, change to timetable immediately prior to survey. BFPI 105 Number of E+ cards in use across 8,896 (8,678) 8,750 This figure is the number of people ◐ Leisure sites who hold an active Leisure membership and who are entitled to an e+ card. Unless the LMS is extended to new sites this figure is
55 now unlikely to increase. This PI will therefore cease to be reported.
MTO 5: To work with partners to improve health provision within the Borough
BFPI 055 To undertake a risk based inspection 562 558 The target has been met and ● programme of local food outlets for exceeded. Additional inspections food safety. were completed to resolve outstanding inspections revealed by an audit of the M3 database.
BFPI 057 To undertake a risk based inspection 138 118 Inspection programme completed. ● programme for local food standards.
BFPI 060 To undertake a risk based inspection 105 103 The target has been met and ● programme for local business for exceeded. Evaluation of the Fit3 health and safety. programme during 2006/07 is ongoing and will inform the Fit3 programme for 2007/08.
55 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07
BFPI 005 Visits to Coral Reef (supports key 395,951 370,000 Coral Reef enjoyed an excellent year ● objective 3) (368,849) with overall usage up by 7% on the previous year.
BFPI 010 Visits to Bracknell Leisure Centre 775,844 760,000 Excellent overall performance ● (supports key objective 3) (762,795) exceeding target.
BFPI 020 Visits to Edgbarrow & Sandhurst 194,275 192,000 A good all round performance has ● Sports Centres (supports key (192,144) resulted in a small rise on last ye ar. objective 3) The 2006/07 target was achieved.
BFPI 025 Visits to Downshire Golf Complex Main course – 110,000 Downshire has experienced a ◌ (supports key objective 3) 43,536 (48,771) difficult year with a number of closures due to bad weather and Driving range – aggressive pricing from local 48,692 (50,566)
56 competitors. Some signs of Pitch and putt improvement on driving range and 10,619 (10,677) par three course towards the year end. Function/hire (new indicator) 9,805
BFPI 030 Visits to Harmans Water Leisure 140,045 134,000 Reasonable performance within ● Centre (supports key objective 3) (134,105) normal business fluctuations.
BFPI 035 Visits to Horseshoe Lake Watersport 10,900 (11,095) 11,250 Usage very similar to previous year, ● Centre (supports key objective 3) despite disruptions through bad weather early in the year.
BFPI 040 Visits to The Look Out site (supports 660,225 600,000 A strong performance through the ● key objective 3) (601,570) year has produced a 10% increase on the previous year, with the annual
56 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07 target also exceeded by 10%
BFPI 045 Visits to gyms (supports key 130,573 130,000 The gyms at all sites have performed ◐ objective 3) (125,442) reasonably well against a difficult target. 3 rd party managed gyms have performed adequately.
BFPI 100 Number of e-enabled bookings 10,852 (7,245) 7,500 The popularity of on-line booking has ● (supports key objective 3) increased, as have the number of facilities available to book on-line.
BFPI 050 To reduce the number of premises 48.6% 35% Alcohol 54%, Knives 80% and ◌ found to be selling age restricted Tobacco 12%. Cautions and Fixed
57 goods Penalty Notices issued.
MTO 11 – Create and maintain a quality environment
BV 82 (a) Percentage of household waste 23.8% 22% Full year figures ● (i) arisings which have been sent by Bracknell Forest for recycling. BV 82 (a) Total tonnage of waste arisings sent 13158 12350 Full year figures. ● (ii) for recycling
BV 82 (b) Percentage of household waste sent 11.5% 12.0% Full year figures ● (i) by Bracknell Forest for composting or treatment by anaerobic digestion.
BV 82 (b) Total tonnage of household waste 6338 6720 Full year figures ● (ii) sent for composting or treatment by anaerobic digestion
BV 82 (c) Percentage of the total tonnage of 0 0 ● household waste arisings which
57 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07
have been used to recover heat, power and other energy sources.
BV 82 (d) Percentage of household arisings 64.7% 66% Full year figures ● (i) which have been land filled in the financial year
BV 82 (d) Total tonnage of household arisings 35,739 37,000 Full year figures ● (ii) which have been land filled in the financial year BV 84 (a) Number of kilograms of household 496.74 505 Full year figures ● waste collected per head of the population.
58 BV 84 (b) Percentage change from the -1.10 0.55% Reduction in overall waste collected ● previous financial year in the number (Estimated) of kilograms of household waste collected per head of population BV 106 Percentage of new homes built on 99% 60.0% ● previously developed land
BV 200 (a) Did the local planning authority Yes Yes Revised LDS submitted in Feb 2007. ● submit the Local Development Scheme (LDS) by 28 March 2005 and thereafter maintain a three year rolling programme?
BV 200 (b) Has the local planning authority met Yes Yes ● the milestones which the current
58 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07
Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out
BV 200 (c) Did the local planning authority Yes Yes ● publish an annual monitoring report by December last year?
BV 215 (a) Average number of days taken to 15 Annual Indicator repair a street lighting fault under the control of Bracknell Forest BV 215 (b) Average number of days taken to 20 Annual Indicator repair a street lighting fault under the
59 control of a Distribution Network Operator
BV 216 (a) Number of 'sites of potential concern' 2323 New indicator The figure includes sites with ● (within Bracknell Forest) with respect 2006/07; to be set information on them and those to land contamination once outturn identified through the planning known. process. All 2323 sites have now been prioritised and ranked for investigation. Fourteen sites have been identified as “high risk” and allocated for assessment in 2007-8. BV 216 (b) Number of sites for which sufficient 0% New indicator for The 0% relates to 2 sites which have ◐ detailed information is available to 2006/07. Target undergone intrusive investigation. decide whether remediation of the could not be set land is necessary, as a percentage until outturn of all 'sites of potential concern' known.
BV 217 Percentage of pollution control 100% 100.0% None necessary ● improvements to existing
59 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07
installations completed on time during the current financial year BV 218 (a) Percentage of new reports of 82% 85% This is a difficult locally set target but ◐ abandoned vehicles investigations seems to be about right and officers within 24 hours of notification during have responded and covered for the current financial year. each other well. BV 218 (b) Percentage of new reports of 43% 87% The apparently low performance on ◐ abandoned vehicles removed within removal on what in retrospect is a 24 hours of the point at which very difficult locally set target was Bracknell Forest is legally entitled to initially partly due to admin staff remove the vehicle. shortages earlier in the year. There are also difficulties for the contractor with a relatively low number of cars to remove (134 in current year) the 60 work is not a priority and has meant interrupting other work. Larger and urban authorities will likely be able to achieve a higher performance by keeping their contractor more fully occupied but there are as yet no published statistics. BV 86 Cost of waste collection per £42.40 Actuals due 6/6/07 household
BV 87 Cost of waste disposal per tonne £61.90 Actuals due 6/6/07 municipal waste
BVPI 89 Percentage of people satisfied with No target 66% Survey every 3 years level of cleanliness
BVPI 90 Percentage of people satisfied with No target 72% Survey every 3 years.
60 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07 (a) household waste collection
BVPI 90 Percentage of people satisfied with No target 75% Survey every 3 years. (b) waste recycling
BVPI 90 Percentage of people satisfied with No target 75% Survey every 3 years (c) waste disposal (local tips)
BV 91 (a) The percentage of population 99.7% 100% Full year figure ● resident in the authority’s area served by a kerbside collection of recyclables.
61 BV 91 (b) Percentage of households residents 99.7% 100% Full year figure ● in the authority’s area served by kerbside collection of at least two recyclables
BV 199 (a) The percentage of relevant land and 6% 5% We do not have the results for the highways that is assessed as having year April-March 06/07. This is an combined deposits of litter and average score worked out from the 3 detritus that fall below an acceptable sets of surveys performed level throughout the year.
BV 199 (b) Percentage of relevant land and 2% 5% We do not have the results for the highways from which unacceptable year April-March 06/07. This is an levels of graffiti are visible average score worked out from the 3 sets of surveys performed throughout the year.
BV 199 (c) Percentage of relevant land and 0% 5% We do not have the results for the highways from which unacceptable year April-March 06/07. This is an levels of fly-posting are visible average score worked out from the 3 sets of surveys performed
61 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07 throughout the year.
BV 199 (d) Year on year reduction in total 426 2 Our flycapture data shows that number of incidents and increase in incidents of flytipping have total number of enforcement actions decreased substantially between taken to deal with fly-tipping April/March 05/06 and April-March 06/07 BFPI 052 To undertake a risk based inspection 33 33 Achieved ● programme for all authorised processes under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
MTO 12 – Develop and implement transport policies that improve movement and maintenance
62 BV 223 Percentage of the local authority 8% Annual Indicator principal road network where (Amended. structural maintenance should be Previously considered in the current financial BV96) year
BV 224 (a) Percentage of the non-principal 20% Annual Indicator (Amended. classified road network where Previously maintenance should be considered BV97) in the current financial year
BV 224 (b) Percentage of unclassified road 31% Annual Indicator (Amended. network where structural Previously maintenance should be considered BV97) in the current financial year BV 187 Percentage of Category 1, 1a and 2 8.03% Annual Indicator footway network where structural
62 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07
maintenance should be considered in the current financial year.
BV 102 Number of local bus passenger 1,708,000 1,800,000 Best estimate of annual outturn ◐ journeys originating in Bracknell (LPSA2 based on data for 3 quarterly periods Forest undertaken in the current trajectory) i.e. the first 3 quarters of 06/07 financial year.
BV 100 Number of days of temporary traffic 0 controls or road closures on traffic sensitive streets due to local authority road works per km of traffic 63 sensitive streets. BV 165 The percentage of pedestrian 100% 100% ● crossings with facilities for disabled people as a proportion of all crossings in Bracknell Forest in the current financial year.
BV 178 The percentage of total length of 100% footpaths and other rights of way which were easy to use by members of the public in the current financial year.
BFPI 150 Annual Progress report on transport June 06 June 06 Complete ● BFPI 155 Percentage of schools with a travel BVPI doesn’t exist any more plan.
MTO 15 – Maintain quality and extend access to all services
63 Appendix B – Performance Indicators
Performance Indicator Performance Indicator Performance to Target for Comments Reference date 2006/07
BV 109 (a) Percentage of major applications 79.17% 65% Target exceeded – PDG target 70% ● determined in 13 weeks. also exceeded
BV 109 (b) Percentage of minor applications 82.59% 72% Target exceeded – PDG target 75% ● determined within 8 weeks. also exceeded
BV 109 (c) Percentage of other applications 93.17% 85% Target exceeded – PDG target 90% ● determined within 8 weeks. also exceeded
BV 179 The percentage of standard 100% 100% Target Met ● searches carried out within 10 working days measured during the current financial year. BV 166 (a) Score against a checklist of 0 97.0% No work carried out during the ◐ enforcement best practice for quarter as there is a potential review 64 Environmental Health of this indicator.
BV 166 (b) Score against a checklist of 90% 95.0% New provisions are to be introduced ◐ enforcement best practice for in 2007 so the decision was taken Trading Standards not to put further resources in at this time. BV 204 The number of planning appeal 35.94% 30.0% Target not met, in part due to a ● decisions allowed against Bracknell number of decisions overturning Forest's decision to refuse on telecoms mast refused on highway planning applications, as a safety grounds in the early part of percentage of the total number of the year. Performance improved planning appeals against refusals of against this indicator later in the planning applications year.
64 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring ENVIRONMENT & LEISURE BUDGET MONITORING Virements, Budget Carry Forwards
NoteTotal Explanation £'000
198 Virements previously reported 1 -5 Section 106 monies received from Tesco Jiggs Lane Warfield, Agreement No. 6292, was vired in 2005/06 to fund the provision of a bus service in that area. With effect from 19/11/2006 the number 9 route from Bracknell to Tesco in Warfield on Sundays has bee
193 Total
65 65 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring ENVIRONMENT & LEISURE BUDGET MONITORING Budget Variances NoteReported Explanation variance £'000
-28 Variances previously reported
a 30 Easthampstead Park Conference Centre As previously reported the income target of £1,684,000 for 2006/07 at Easthampstead Park was based on the record year achieved in 2005/06 which was inevitably going to be challenging. Income in the current financial ye
b -24 Brown Bins Income As previously reported f unding was provided in the 2006/2007 capital programme to purchase 16,800 brown bins at a cost of £20 each delivered £336,000. The brown bins are being sold for a one off price of £30 and are now being procured a
b -5 Brown Sacks Income As previously reported these sacks are purchased at a price of between £0.132 - £0.15 each, commission paid to outlets at £0.05 and sold for £0.30. To the end of July 138,670 sacks have been sold. This equates to an additional £15,000
b -40 As a result of the Waste PFI contract the responsibility for payment of rent and business rates at Longshot Lane and Planners Farm has transferred to the contractor with effect from 4th December 2006.This will result in a saving of £40,000 in the current
c -23 LPSA Public Transport The surveys of existing users and the random sample of residents were delayed due to the adverse reaction to the chan
c -200 Traffic Modelling A sum of £200,000 was built into the 2006/07 base revenue budget to develop a traffic model for the Borough. A specificat
d -10 Town Centre Fountains As a result of re-tendering the contract for the maintenance of the Town Centre fountains there has been a delay in car
e 14 Environmental Health (including pest and dog control) An economy was previously reported in respect of a £15,000 grant which was anticipated to be received for Contaminated Land, the grant received, however was only £1,000.
-286 Total
66 66 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
ENVIRONMENT & LEISURE BUDGET MONITORING QOR FOR THE PERIOD TO FEBRUARY 2006/07
Net Virements Current Departments Variance Variance Original & Budget Approved Projected Over/(Under) This Budget C/fwds Budget Outturn Spend Period
2006/2007 NOTE NOTE £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Director of Environment & Leisure Director and Support 159 0 159 159 0 0 Training, Marketing, Research & Development 23 0 23 23 0 0 182 0 182 182 0 0 Head of Cultural & Visual Environment Archives 120 1 121 121 0 0 South Hill Park 521 0 521 521 0 0 Community Arts & Cultural Services 86 -8 78 78 0 0 Community Centres 83 3 86 86 0 0 Parks, Open Spaces & Countryside 2,001 -15 1,986 1,986 0 0 Environmental Initiatives 98 37 135 135 0 0 Local Community Grants 0 4 4 4 0 0 2,909 22 2,931 2,931 0 0 Assistant Director - Leisure Sports Development & Community Recreation 107 8 115 115 0 0 The Look Out 231 -27 204 188 -16 0 Edgbarrow / Sandhurst Sports Centres 197 2 199 200 1 0 Bracknell Leisure Centre / Coral Reef 1,106 -131 975 950 -25 0 Harmanswater Swimming Pool 49 -1 48 48 0 0 Easthampstead Park Conference Centre -246 16 -230 -135 95 30 a Horseshoelake Water Sports 29 1 30 30 0 0 Downshire Golf Complex -291 15 -276 -165 111 0 1,182 -117 1,065 1,231 166 30 Assistant Director - Streetcare Waste Management 4,627 -193 4,434 4,783 349 -69 b Street Cleaning 945 4 949 949 0 0 Closed Circuit Television 98 0 98 98 0 0 Transport Policy, Planning and Strategy 572 106 678 455 -223 -223 c Highway Maintenance (Including Street Lighting) 3,960 -25 3,935 3,894 -41 -10 d Traffic Management and Road Safety 554 -15 539 539 0 0 On/Off Street Parking -777 34 -743 -743 0 0 Public Transport Subsidy including Concessionary Fares 1,221 -38 1 1,183 1,183 0 0 Other 108 5 113 113 0 0 11,308 -122 11,186 11,271 85 -302 Assistant Director - Sustainability Easthampstead Park Cemetry and Crematorium -368 -28 -396 -363 33 0 Environmental Health (Including Pest and Dog Control) 797 -19 778 767 -11 14 e Trading Standards (Including Licensing) 409 -77 332 332 0 0 Building Control 6 -14 -8 -8 0 0 Development Control 133 107 240 240 0 0 Planning Policy (Including Local Transport Plan) 794 8 802 802 0 0 Local Land Charges -235 -33 -268 -285 -17 0 Emergency Planning 105 1 106 106 0 0 Bracknell Market -42 -1 -43 -43 0 0 Other 138 -6 132 132 0 0 1,737 -62 1,675 1,680 5 14 Head of Support Services Departmental Management 499 5 504 504 0 0 Departmental Support Services 771 -12 759 739 -20 0 Departmental Personnel Running Expenses 67 9 76 66 -10 0 Departmental Office Services Running Expenses 231 -37 194 159 -35 0 Departmental IT Running Expenses 189 30 219 219 0 0
In Year Savings Package 0 477 477 0 -477 0 1,757 472 2,229 1,687 -542 0
Total Cash Budgets 19,075 193 19,268 18,982 -286 -258
Non Cash Budgets FRS17 330 330 330 Corporate / Departmental Recharges 2,924 2,924 2,924 Capital Charges 6,252 6,252 6,252 9,506 0 9,506 9,506
TOTAL ENVIRONMENT & LEISURE SERVICES 28,581 193 28,774 28,488 -286 -258
67 67 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Scheme Total Expenditure Total Amount Estimated Total Future year (Under)/Over Key Current status Budget to date Commitments left to Funding payments Spend target of the project Required for the For 2006/07 For 2006/07 spend Year for 31 March Target for 2007 Completion £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s Forest Rd Footway, Ascot 75.5 50.7 31.0 -6.2 81.7 Complete Oct-06 Works complete Pedestrian / Cycling - Staff College Off Site 55.0 2.6 25.2 27.2 20.0 35.0 Complete Jun-07 2F/C schemes submitted for Stage 1 Safety Audit both of which now involve toucan croosings. Lead time and additional costswill delay works until2007/08. Scheme designed following further investigation. Work s now due in April. Locks Ride Footway 19.0 1.0 18.0 1.0 18.0 Complete Jun-07 Revised scheme to be incorporated in traffic management works in the area next year. B3408 Wokingham Rd (Jocks Lane to Moordale Ave) Footway/Cycletrack 53.1 44.4 8.7 0.0 53.1 Complete Jul-06 Works complete Sandhurst/Crowthorne Walking and Cycling Package Schemes 165.0 123.8 40.5 0.7 165.0 Complete Jan-07 Crowthorne Rd F/C from Longdown Lodge to Yorktown Rd - 0.0 0.0 - Complete Jan-07 Works complete North Bracknell Package Pedestrian and Cycling Schemes 169.0 32.2 136.8 0.0 169.0 Complete Turnpike Rd F/C Fletcher Gdns to Tippets Mead - 0.0 0.0 - Complete Scheme withdrawn after further investigation Western Rd F/C Wokingham Rd to Cain Rd - 0.0 0.0 - Complete Feb-07 Works complete Harvest Fide Toucan Crossing - 0.0 0.0 - Complete Feb-07 Works complete County Lane Toucan Crossing - 0.0 0.0 - Complete Mar-07 Works complete Newell Green F/C continued - 0.0 0.0 - Complete Jun-06 Works complete Binfield Rd - Pedestrian and Cycling Improvements - 0.0 0.0 - Complete Dec-06 Works complete B3408 Package - Wokingham Rd F/C - Mutton Hill to Farley Copse 100.0 1.0 10.0 89.0 100.0 Complete Mar-07 Works nearing completion TOTAL WALKING & CYCLING 636.6 254.7 253.2 128.7 589.8 53.0 - Bridge Strengthening 180.5 96.5 84.0 0.0 135.5 45.0 Complete Mar-07 Works in progress. Bridge Structural Maintenance 77.5 3.6 73.9 0.0 27.5 50.0 Complete Mar-07 Works in progress. Bridge Assessments 82.4 22.7 59.7 0.0 78.4 4.0 Complete Mar-07 Works in progress. Road Maintenance - Surface Treatment 482.0 463.3 18.6 0.1 482.0 Complete Mar-07 Completed, final payment to be processed
Road Maintenance - Bagshot Road "Hilton Roundabout" approches 21.4 21.4 0.0 0.0 21.4 Complete Sep-06 Completed, paid and closed.
68 Capitalisation of Revenue (Highways) 150.0 150.0 0.0 0.0 150.0 Complete Sep-06 Completed, paid and closed.
TOTAL HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE 993.8 757.5 236.2 0.1 894.8 99.0 - Safe Routes to Schools Programme : 190.2 94.5 69.6 26.1 164.1 26.1 Complete
Harmans Water Primary Complete Mar-07 Harmans Water Road F/C submitted for safety audit. Ascot Heath Primary Complete Sep-06 Works complete St Joseph's Primary Complete Jan-07 Investigation has shown that footway improvement scheme not viable Crowthorne Primary (Continued) Complete Mar-07 Cycle shelters ordered. Installation due in March. Complete Mar-07 Entrance works complete. Investigation underway on signals revision for Winkfield St Marys Primary (Continued) pedestrians. Foxhill (Continued) Complete Jul-06 Works complete Wildridings (Imp.to footway approaches in Crowthorns Road) Complete Feb-07 Works complete Uplands Primary School (Continued) Complete Mar-07 Pedestrian dropped crossing and waiting restrictions due March 2007
TOTAL TRAVEL TO SCHOOL 190.2 94.5 69.6 26.1 164.1 26.1 - 2005/06 Local Safety Schemes : 128.0 99.7 25.0 3.3 128.0 Complete A330 - Bourough Boundrey to Bracknell Rd Complete Nov-06 Works complete A322 - Swinley Rd / Kings Ride Junction Complete Feb-07 Works complete Mill Lane Slip Rd (SBA) Complete Sep-06 Works complete 3M Roundabout - Skimped Hill / Bond Way Complete Jan-07 Scheme withdrawn due to clash with T/C redevelopment proposals A330 - Pigeon House Lane / Lovel Rd Area Complete Sep-06 Works complete TOTAL SAFETY 128.0 99.7 25.0 3.3 128.0 - - Park and Ride Scheme Development 10.0 8.2 1.8 10.0 Complete Dec-06 Consultants commissioned Decriminalisation of on-street parking offences preparation 33.0 9.8 0.0 23.2 33.0 Complete Sep-06 Funds carried over to finish off setting up of decrim parking. 2005/06 Residential Street Parking Schemes : 87.0 47.6 50.0 -10.6 87.0 Complete Farm Close - Oct-06 Works complete Priestwood Area Schemes (Continued) - 0.0 0.0 - Complete Mar-07 Last scheme in Horsneille Lane in progress TOTAL PARKING 130.0 57.4 58.2 14.4 130.0 - - Bus Stop Improvement Programme 119.3 55.8 63.5 0.0 119.3 Complete Mar-07 Works complete Improvements to Congestion Hotspots 10.0 10.0 0.0 10.0 Complete Feb-07 Consultation work underway
68 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Scheme Total Expenditure Total Amount Estimated Total Future year (Under)/Over Key Current status Budget to date Commitments left to Funding payments Spend target of the project Required for the For 2006/07 For 2006/07 spend Year for 31 March Target for 2007 Completion £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s Smartcard Readers - 0.0 0.0 - Complete Jan-07 Scheme withdrawn Bracknell Station Improvements 20.0 17.0 3.0 3.0 Complete Mar-07 Partnership working with SWT and Network Rail on staged programme of works 17.0 Lites Contribution 5.0 5.0 0.0 5.0 - Complete Mar-07 Payment authorised Route Specific Quality Partnership Feasibility Works 74.6 39.9 5.0 29.7 74.6 Complete Mar-07 Continuation of route specific improvements on 190 &194 route
TOTAL BUS, RAIL & TAXI TRAVEL 228.9 95.7 100.5 32.7 225.9 3.0 - 2005/06 Speed Management Schemes : 221.0 38.7 57.7 124.6 189.0 32.0 Complete Mar-07 Junction of A330 Bracknell Rd and Winkfield Lane - - Complete Feb-07 Works complete Junction of Longhill Rd and Priory Rd - - Complete Mar-07 Works complete - final report received Lily Hill Drive - - Complete Dec-06 Works complete Winkfield Lane - Complete Jan-07 Works complete A3095 Crowthorne Rd / Nine Mile Ride - Complete Mar-07 Detailed design stage. Possible delay due to member involvement Peacock Lane / Waterloo Rd / Lod Wokingham Rd - Complete Mar-07 Detailed design stage. Awaiting landowners comments. Frieght Signing - - Complete Dec-06 Works complete Zebra crossing improvements Complete Mar-07 Works ordered. Completion due end or March Peacock Farm (Design and Preliminaries work) 106.3 0.0 106.3 24.3 82.0 Complete 2007/08 Design in progress. Works delayed until 2007/08 due to capacity problems Binfield Rd Improvements (Speed Camera) 10.9 6.3 0.0 4.6 10.9 Complete Dec-06 Works complete
69 TOTAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 338.2 45.0 57.7 235.5 224.2 114.0 - Mobility Improvements 50.0 16.6 10.0 23.4 50.0 Complete Mar-07 Works complete Traffic Modelling 50.0 0.0 50.0 - 50.0 Complete 2007/08 Traffic modelling work delayed due to lack of capacity Travel Choice promotion works 10.5 11.8 0.0 -1.3 10.5 Complete Mar-07 New secure cycle visitor parking facilities ordered for Time Square TOTAL DEMAND MANAGEMENT AND TRAVEL CHOICE 110.5 28.4 10.0 72.1 60.5 50.0 - Western Business Area Package - Implementation of schemes 91.3 179.3 -88.0 0.0 91.3 Complete Dec-06 Works complete Peacock and Mill Pond Roundabouts - 0.0 0.0 5.0 15.0 Complete 2007/08 Options being assessed Three Legged Cross 118.0 1.7 10.0 106.3 11.7 106.3 Complete 2007/08 Detailed design shows land required. Negotiations underway 80.0 20.7 57.4 Complete 2007/08 Traffic signal scheme work commissioned.Scheme delayed due to lead in time Plough & Harrow 1.9 12.0 68.0 and procurement problems London Road Dualling Coppid Beech & JNW 25.0 9.5 15.5 9.5 15.5 Complete Mar-07 Design complete. Awaiting John Nike signing land agreement Junction Broad Lane/Ralphs Ride/ Brants Bridge 140.0 21.4 118.6 21.4 118.6 Complete 2007/08 Detailed design underwayand consultants commissioned
B3408 Package - Mutton Hill Junction 30.0 16.8 13.2 16.8 13.2 Complete Feb-07 Works complete SBA Southbound Upslip onto A3095 from SBA 70.0 10.8 59.2 10.0 60.0 Complete May-07 Detailed design completed with works due to start March/April A329 London Rd Baldocks Rbt Imp - Design (Cont) 12.0 0.0 12.0 - 12.0 Complete Further design work to be completed next year.
TOTAL HIGHWAY CAPACITY AND ROADSPACE ALLOCATION 566.3 182.9 1.2 382.2 177.7 408.6 - GIS upgrade 38.7 3.4 5.5 29.8 6.7 32.0 Complete Jun-07 GIS software upgrade taking place March / April 2007. Tender for GIS stategy to go out March 2007. Purchase of Refuse Bins & Boxes 753.0 646.3 86.6 20.1 698.0 -55.0 Complete Mar-07 All blue bins and box orders complete. Dispute on unloading costs now settled and refund of £5.8k due.Order for garden waste bins placed in February , and Trax systems to be installed in flats order to be placed for £6k. Further spend likely to be another Replacement of Refuse & Recycling Vehicles 125.0 41.2 0.0 83.8 - -125.00 Complete IT Applications - Replacement Programme 86.2 7.7 78.5 48.9 37.3 Complete Sep-07 Address data has been converted onM3 live.Web licensing project to begin again in March. On-line tansactions & IDOX link delayed until 2007/08. IT Application - Development Control 29.8 9.0 0.0 20.8 9.8 20.0 Complete Mar-07 Orders placed IT Equipment Replacement Programme 0.9 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.9 Complete Dec-06 Scheme complete.
69 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Scheme Total Expenditure Total Amount Estimated Total Future year (Under)/Over Key Current status Budget to date Commitments left to Funding payments Spend target of the project Required for the For 2006/07 For 2006/07 spend Year for 31 March Target for 2007 Completion £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s Replacement of MVM Monitor & Contractor 45.0 32.4 28.0 -15.4 60.0 15.0 Complete Mar-07 Data loaded in Live & Test. Training due to finish shortly and configuration of livehas started with Go Live date for back office on 1 April. Connection of CRM to Confirm has been delayed until May 2007. Replacement of Treebase 35.0 0.0 35.0 - 35.0 Complete 2007/08 Delay agreed by Dept. ICT Overview board until Monitor/Contractor project has been completed Binfield Nursery 50.0 25.9 5.3 18.8 50.0 Complete Mar-07 Maintenace (Steet Lighting) 106.1 35.9 6.8 63.4 106.1 Complete Recycling 60.0 25.5 23.1 11.4 50.0 10.0 Complete Mar-07 Giant wheely bin installed and complete. Recycling site signs and fencing to be finalised in early March. Amenity & Landscaping improvements (Street Scene Enhancement) 167.5 167.3 0.0 0.2 167.5 Complete Oct-06 Completed, final measure agreed Land Drainage 50.2 0.0 50.2 - 50.2 Complete Easthampstead Crematorium - Floral Display Area Cover 83.5 83.5 0.0 0.0 83.5 Complete Mar-07 Works nearly complete Easthampstead Crematorium - Enlarged Waiting Area/Toilets 79.6 97.6 0.0 -18.0 97.6 18.0 Complete Mar-07 Works nearly complete TOTAL OTHER SCHEMES (ENVIRONMENT) 1,710.5 1,168.9 163.0 378.6 1,379.0 184.5 -147.0 Carriageway Refubishment (NTI) 29.8 10.1 19.2 0.5 29.8 Complete Aug-06 Completed, paid and closed. Footway Refurbishment (NTI) 77.2 28.5 45.3 3.4 77.2 Complete Nov-06 Completed, final measure agreed Binfield Road (NTI) 317.8 218.0 97.2 2.6 317.8 Complete Dec-06 Completed, final measure agreed
TOTAL NEW TOWN INHERITANCE 424.8 256.6 161.7 6.5 424.8 - - 0.0 180.1 - 180.1 Complete Scheme delayed due to change in draft agreement with BRP proposed by BFBC Car Park Lifts and Escalators 180.1
TOTAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 180.1 - - 180.1 - 180.1 - 70 Quelm Park/Larks Hill 3.3 2.8 0.0 0.5 3.3 Complete Jan-07 Scheme nearly complete Binfield Boys Football Club 4.0 0.0 4.0 4.0 Complete Mar-07 Project Delayed Shepherds Meadow 14.6 11.8 12.0 -9.2 12.0 2.6 Complete Dec-07 Work in progress Lily Hill Park Restoration phase 2 92.6 80.7 0.0 11.9 92.6 Complete Aug-06 Scheme complete Arts Project at CHH 1.7 1.7 0.0 0.0 1.7 Complete Sep-06 Scheme complete South Hill Park Grounds Improvements 1.9 -0.1 0.0 2.0 1.9 Complete Nov-06 Scheme complete Pitches at Priory Field Warfield 26.6 39.8 0.0 -13.2 43.0 16.4 Complete Nov-06 Scheme complete Longhill Skate Park 2.3 0.0 2.3 - -2.3 Complete Aug-06 Scheme complete Lily Hill Park Restoration phase 3 788.1 607.2 0.0 180.9 688.1 100.0 Complete Jun-07 Some works now delayed until May due to the wet weather. Easthampstead Community Centre 158.0 8.2 3.2 146.6 18.0 140.0 Complete Jul-07 Work commencing in February 2007 Freeborn Way Play Area Grant 25.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 25.0 Complete Apr-06 Grant paid Purchase of Land Hayley Green Woods 20.0 0.0 20.0 - 20.0 Complete Mar-07 Timescale dependant on negotiations with landowners. Edgbarrow Sports Centre - Conversion Bar Area - Building Works 110.0 1.6 0.0 108.4 5.0 105.0 Complete May-07 Scheme being worked up with surveyors Edgbarrow Sports Centre - Conversion Bar Area - Fixtures & Fittings 62.0 0.0 62.0 - 62.0 Complete May-07 Scheme being worked up with surveyors Farley Wood Tennis Centre 30.0 24.9 0.0 5.1 24.9 5.1 Complete May-07 Main site works complete, line marking will not now be carried out until April Clintons Hill - Woodland Works 20.0 0.0 20.0 20.0 Complete May-07 Works due to commence in February Grant Bracknell Forest Natural History Society 3.0 0.0 3.0 - 3.0 Complete May-07 Dependant on grant application being suceesful Programme of Leisure S106 Schemes (Budget only) 152.9 0.0 152.9 - 152.9 Complete Mar-07 Schemes still to be determined Externally Funded 1,516.0 803.6 15.2 697.2 939.5 590.6 14.1 Irrigation System -Downshire Golf Course 3.1 3.1 0.0 0.0 3.1 Complete Nov-06 Scheme complete BS&LC / Coral Reef - Energy Efficiencies 8.3 2.8 5.5 0.0 8.3 Complete Mar-07 Contractor on site. Sports Facilities 11.4 5.9 5.5 - 11.4 - - Countryside & Open Spaces Improvement Programme 72.7 69.9 1.3 1.5 72.7 Complete Aug-06 Scheme complete
70 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Scheme Total Expenditure Total Amount Estimated Total Future year (Under)/Over Key Current status Budget to date Commitments left to Funding payments Spend target of the project Required for the For 2006/07 For 2006/07 spend Year for 31 March Target for 2007 Completion £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s £'000s Snaprails Park Enhancements 18.5 2.0 0.0 16.5 2.0 -16.5 Complete Dec-06 Scheme complete Play Areas Rolling Programme 60.0 60.0 0.0 - 60.0 Complete May-07 Order now placed, contractor due to complete works in May Lottery Projects Funding 15.0 0.0 15.0 - 15.0 Complete Apr-07 Bids being submitted Lily Hill Park Misc 17.9 0.0 17.9 17.9 Complete Mar-07 Work delayed Downshire Golf Complex - Equipment Replacement 25.0 25.8 0.0 -0.8 25.8 0.8 Complete Jan-07 Scheme complete Trees - Health & Safety 1.6 1.6 0.0 0.0 1.6 Complete Apr-06 Scheme complete. Outdoor Recreation 210.7 99.3 61.3 50.1 120.0 75.0 - 15.7 Easthampstead Park Fire Safety Works 6.2 0.8 1.6 3.8 6.2 Complete Dec-06 Works currently being investigated. Easthampstead Park Car Park 235.9 225.1 10.8 0.0 235.9 Complete Oct-06 Works complete Community Centres Refurbishment 50.0 -2.1 10.4 41.7 50.0 Complete Mar-07 Works on the nine centres to be completed by April 2007
Community Facilities 292.1 223.8 22.8 45.5 292.1 - - Minor Works - Refurbishment 161.3 101.7 38.0 21.6 146.3 15.0 Complete Mar-07 £15,000 to be carried forward to 2007/08 to form part of a larger scheme due to be undertaken in October. Remaining schemes will be completed by 31 March.
Minor Works - The Look Out 11.0 11.0 0.0 11.0 Complete Mar-07 Awaiting planning permission for signage
71 Downshire - Minor Works 0.9 1.0 0.0 -0.1 1.0 0.1 Complete Jun-06 Scheme complete. South Hill Park -Health & Safety 10.7 6.1 0.0 4.6 10.7 Complete Mar-07 Works ongoing South Hill Park -Minor Improvement Works 33.5 5.8 0.0 27.7 23.5 10.0 Complete Apr-07 Works ongoing Minor Works 217.4 114.6 49.0 53.8 192.5 25.0 0.1 ICT Leisure 13.1 5.9 0.0 7.2 5.9 7.2 Complete Mar-07 Remaining monies allocated to Edgbarrow Sports Centre Café project Other Leisure 13.1 5.9 - 7.2 5.9 7.2 - Building Maintenance 627.1 433.8 92.2 101.1 577.1 50.0 Complete Mar-07 Schemes ongoing Maintenance (Leisure) 627.1 433.8 92.2 101.1 577.1 50.0 - Easthampstead Park - Refurbishment Bedrooms 170.0 0.0 170.0 0.0 170.0 May-07 Work currently out to tender Downshire Golf Complex - Automatic Tees 45.0 0.0 45.0 0.0 45.0 Apr-07 Equipment to be purchased in April after trial period.
Invest to Save Schemes 215.0 - - 215.0 - 215.0 -
TOTAL CAPITAL PROGRAMME 8,740.7 4,728.2 1,516.1 2,496.4 6,537.3 2,081.1 -148.5
Percentages 54.1% 17.3% 28.6% 23.8%
71 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Subject Team Town or Description Current Status Est. Est. Comments if Applicable Responsible Parish Start Finish. on Site on Site DEMAND MANAGEMENT AND TRAVEL CHOICE
Mobility Improvements Engineering Borough Programme of local Complete Projects & improvements and removals of Adoptions barriers to movement
HIGHWAY CAPACITY AND ROAD SPACE ALLOCATION
Peacock and Mill Pond Implementation Bracknell Design to construction stage Feasibility Work 07/08 Design completion in 2007/08 Roundabouts Town Complete
72 Three Legged Cross Implementation Warfield Junction Improvement Detailed design 07/08 Scheme on hold pending land negotiations
Plough and Harrow Implementation Warfield Junction Improvement Detailed design 07/08 Traffic signals design commissioned. Scheme due for implementation later in the year.
B3048 Package – Traffic Binfield Capacity Improvement MOVA works Mutton Hill Junction Management & Scheme complete (London Road Jnc with Road Safety Beehive Lane)
John Nike Way/London Implementation Binfield Design to construction stage Outline design Detailed design and implementation to Rd junction/dualling completed on commence in 2007/08 junction improvements
Southern Business Area Engineering Bracknell Capacity improvements to Detailed design Jun 07 Aug 07 Traffic assessment investigated and land 72 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Subject Team Town or Description Current Status Est. Est. Comments if Applicable Responsible Parish Start Finish. on Site on Site to A3095 Projects & Town southbound upslip onto Mill completed survey completed. Works now due 2007/08 Adoptions Lane from SBA
Broad Lane Junction Traffic Harmans Design and preparation works Detailed design Autumn with Ralphs Ride and Management & Water underway 2007 Brants Bridge Road Safety TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 73
Junction of A330 Traffic Winkfield Junction improvements to Complete Bracknell Rd and Management & increase visibility Winkfield Lane Road Safety
Long Hill Road Jnc Traffic Winkfield Feasibility assessment for Complete Priory Lane Management & junction improvements Road Safety
Lily Hill Drive Traffic Bracknell Speed Management Scheme Complete Management & Town Road Safety
Winkfield Lane Traffic Winkfield Speed Management Scheme Complete TRO operational 12/3/07 Management & Road Safety
A3095 Crowthorne Road Traffic Bracknell Capacity Improvement Detailed Design 07/08 Widening on the Bracknell bound exit to Roundabout Jnc with Management & Scheme accommodate vehicle merging. Scheme Nine Mile Ride Road Safety implementation delayed to 2007/08 due to ongoing member consultation.
73 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Subject Team Town or Description Current Status Est. Est. Comments if Applicable Responsible Parish Start Finish. on Site on Site
Peacock Lane/Waterloo Engineering Bracknell Improvements to safety at Preliminary design 07/08 Preliminary designs drafted for consultation. Rd/Old Wokingham Rd Projects & junctions and provision for stage Implementation due in 2007/08 Adoptions cyclists as part of Peacock Farm Development
Freight Route Strategy Traffic Borough Phase 3 of signing for Freight Complete Management & Routes Road Safety
Disabled Parking Review Traffic Borough Provision of Disabled Parking Complete TRO operational 12/3/07 Management & Spaces within the Borough by Road Safety Traffic Regulation Order 74
Zebra crossing Traffic Borough Review and implementation of Complete improvements Management & zebra crossing facilities Road Safety boroughwide
WALKING AND CYCLING
Crowthorne Rd Engineering Sandhurst Footway widening and Complete Footway/Cycletrack Projects & conversion to shared (Longdown Lodge to Adoptions Footway/Cycletrack York Way)
Western Rd Engineering Binfield Widening of footway and Complete Footway/Cycletrack link Projects & conversion to shared use (Wokingham Rd to Cain Adoptions footway/cycletrack Rd)
74 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Subject Team Town or Description Current Status Est. Est. Comments if Applicable Responsible Parish Start Finish. on Site on Site
Harvest Ride Toucan Engineering Warfield 2 new toucan crossings on Complete Crossings Projects & Harvest Ride and County Lane Adoptions
Forest Road, Ascot Engineering Winkfield New footway linking properties Complete Projects & in Forest Rd to New Road Adoptions
London Road Engineering Bracknell Widening of footway and Complete Footway/Cycletrack Projects & Town conversion to shared use (south side) between Adoptions footway/cycletrack Mutton Hill junction to 75 Farley Copse
Staff College Implementation Bracknell Off-site pedestrian and cycling Detailed design 07/08 Bagshot Rd F/C and Toucan Crossing at Town schemes Phase 1 detailed design stage ready for implementation later in the year.
Newell Green (Harvest Engineering Warfield Footway widening and Complete Ride to Priory Fields) Projects & conversion to shared Adoptions footway/cycletrack
Locks Ride (southern Engineering Winkfield New footway On hold Footway scheme on hold pending an side – Chavey Down Projects & investigation into a possible junction Road to Sandy Lane) Adoptions improvement in the vicinity later in the year.
B3408 Wokingham Road Engineering Bracknell Footway widening and Complete (Jocks Lane to Moordale Projects & Town conversion to shared Ave) Adoptions footway/cycletrack
LOCAL SAFETY SCHEMES
A330 – Borough Traffic Warfield & Road Safety Scheme Complete
75 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Subject Team Town or Description Current Status Est. Est. Comments if Applicable Responsible Parish Start Finish. on Site on Site Boundary to Bracknell Management & Winkfield Road Road safety
A332 Swinley Road Jnc Traffic Winkfield Road Safety Scheme Complete Kings Ride Management & Road Safety
A3095 Mill Lane slip Traffic Bracknell Road Safety Scheme Complete Road Management & Road Safety
A330 Pigeonhouse Lane Traffic Winkfield Road Safety Scheme Complete Management & Road Safety
76 BUS AND RAIL TRAVEL
Bus Stop Improvements Implementation Borough Various hard standing Complete then Engineering improvements and bus priority Projects & measures Adoptions
Bus Stop Pole Upgrades Implementation Borough Replacement of poles on route Complete then Engineering by route basis throughout the Projects & year Adoptions
Route specific quality Implementation Borough Scheme Development/Design Preliminary Scheme to be developed further in 2007/08 partnership works on the then Engineering investigation 194 Route Projects & stage Adoptions
76 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Subject Team Town or Description Current Status Est. Est. Comments if Applicable Responsible Parish Start Finish. on Site on Site
Improvements to Implementation Borough Feasibility and Design Work Consultation work Implementation to start in 2007/08 congestion hotspots to with First reduce delays to bus completed
Bracknell Station Engineering Bracknell Design to Construction Preliminary 2008 Joint work ongoing with South West Trains and Forecourt Improvements Projects and Town designs Network Rail for the development of a joint Adoptions completed scheme (forecourt interchange, building improvements and replacement overbridge with lifts).
77 PARKING
Residential Street Engineering Bracknell Various parking improvement Complete Parking Projects and Town schemes Adoptions
TRAVEL TO SCHOOL – SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Wildridings Primary Engineering Bracknell SRTS Project Complete Street lighting and footway imps completed in School Projects & Town Crowthorne Rd. Adoptions
Winkfield St Mary’s Engineering Winkfield SRTS Project Complete Further pedestrian improvements at the Primary Projects & Chavey Down Rd/Forest Rd signalised Adoptions junction identified as a possible scheme in the future .
Harmans Water Primary Engineering Bracknell SRTS Project Works ordered Apr 07 Jun 07 Scheme in Harmans Water Road to convert Projects & the footway to a shared use footway/cycletrack 77 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Subject Team Town or Description Current Status Est. Est. Comments if Applicable Responsible Parish Start Finish. on Site on Site Adoptions Town due to start end of April 2007
Ascot Heath Primary Engineering Winkfield SRTS Project Complete Improvements to footway approaches to Projects & school completed Adoptions
Uplands Primary Engineering Central SRTS Project Substantially Various improvements to footway approaches Projects & Sandhurst Complete to school completed. Dropped crossing and Adoptions double yellow lines due in Albion Rd in April 2007 to complete work.
St Joseph’s Primary Engineering Bracknell SRTS Project Feasibility work Feasibility study shows that footway Projects & Town complete improvements on Gypsy Lane not possible due 78 Adoptions to insufficient width. Other minor imps to be looked at next year as part of school travel plan.
Foxhill Engineering Bracknell SRTS Project Complete New footway/cycletracks and lighting Projects & Town improvements around the school completed Adoptions
Crowthorne Primary Engineering Crowthorne SRTS Project Complete New covered cycle parking facilities at school Projects & installed Adoptions
MISCELLANEOUS
Binfield Rd Improvement Engineering Bracknell Various Integrated Transport Complete Project Projects & Town and Maintenance Works Adoptions
78 Appendix C Revenue and Budget Monitoring
Subject Team Town or Description Current Status Est. Est. Comments if Applicable Responsible Parish Start Finish. on Site on Site
Easthampstead Park Engineering Bracknell New car park and Access Complete Conference Centre Projects & Town Road Adoptions
Watersplash Lane Engineering Warfield Ford improvements Complete Projects & Adoptions
New Developers Guide Engineering Preparation of new design Work in progress N/A N/A Draft to be prepared for consultation Apr 07 Projects & guide for developers Adoptions
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