THE “CALL IN” PERIOD FOR THIS SET OF MINUTES ENDS AT 12 NOON ON TUESDAY, 29TH NOVEMBER, 2005. MINUTE NOS. 51 TO 65 ARE NOT SUBJECT TO “CALL IN ITEM NO. 19e

CROSBY AREA COMMITTEE

Meeting held at Waterloo Primary School, Crosby Road North, Waterloo on 9th November, 2005

Present:- Councillor Jones (in the Chair); Councillors Barber, Douglas, Hill, Johnson, J. Murray, Parry and Roberts. Parish Councillor B. Draper (Representing Sefton Parish Council). Parish Councillor K. Hounsell (Representing Thornton Parish Council). Parish Councillor T. West (Representing Hightown Parish Council). Advisory Group Member - Mr. B. Wright.

(Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Firth, S. Murray and Walker).

Also present: 24 members of the public and 1 member of Police.

51. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12th October, 2005 were approved.

The Chair introduced Mr. Frank Egerton, who had recently been appointed as Area Manager for the Committee in connection with the Decentralisation of Services pilot proposal on ‘street scene’ activity and Sgt. Paul Riding who was deputising for Inspector Oade.

52. POLICE ISSUES

Sgt. Riding reported on (a) the crime statistics for the area for October which indicated an increase in criminal damage to property and motor vehicles and also several incidents at Coronation Park (a total of 118 incidents); (b) anti-social behaviour initiatives involving the Police, British Transport Police and the Force’s Mounted Section; (c) discussions

40 CROSBY AREA COMMITTEE - 9/11/2005 ITEM NO. 19e which Inspector Oade had with representatives of the Council regarding environmental improvements for Coronation Park to improve the security and safety of the Park; (d) the proposals for Police reorganisation on Merseyside as part of the national review of Police Services in ; (e) the current position in relation to applications for licensed premises in the Committee’s area under the provisions of the new Licensing Act. Sgt. Riding reported that, in relation to the item on the agenda for this meeting concerning Dibb Lane (see Minute No. 58 below), the Police had a record of two incidents in May this year of burnt out vehicles at that location. Inspector Oade had also confirmed that historically, the location had been used to abandon stolen vehicles and that he was supportive of the introduction of access controls for Dibb Lane. Sgt. Riding indicated that he would refer the representations made by Parish Councillor West concerning the policing arrangements for Hightown coming under the control of Crosby, to the Area Commander, Chief Superintendent David Lewis. Sgt. Riding confirmed that the powers of Police Community Support Officers were currently under review by the Chief Constable.

RESOLVED :- That Sgt. Riding be thanked for his attendance.

53. OPEN FORUM

(a) Mrs. J. Jones on behalf of the Brook Vale Residents’ Association submitted five questions relating to the traffic management arrangements and condition of the highways in the area of the Brook Vale estate and also requesting the provision of speed cameras on Crosby Road North and South. The Area Manager reported that the Technical Services Director had sent a detailed reply to Mrs. Jones in relation to the traffic management issues and that he had also requested the Highway Maintenance Section to respond to the issues relating to the condition of the highway which had been reported by Mrs. Jones. The Area Manager read out the response and indicated that a copy would be reported to the next meeting.

(b) Mr. J. Gibson asked the Committee to consider placing appropriate highway signs in Hightown warning motorists of slow moving military vehicles and also warning drivers of horse riders. The Area

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Manager reported that the Technical Services Director had responded to Mr. Gibson indicating that the warning signage requested by him would be investigated and suitable signage provided if considered necessary.

(c) Ms. J. Gordon asked the Committee to support residents in the Christ Church Conservation Area who were objecting to an application for Conservation Area Consent to demolish 17 Waterloo Road and 2 Victoria Road, Waterloo. The Area Manager reported the response of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director indicating that planning permission for the redevelopment of the site had been allowed on appeal despite the Council’s objections and that the Conservation Area Consent to demolish the buildings was under consideration.

RESOLVED :- That this Committee believes that the presence of the above-mentioned properties enhances the Christ Church Conservation Area and that it supports the preservation of the properties 17 Waterloo Road and 2 Victoria Road, Waterloo.

(Councillor Jones declared a personal interest in the above matter in relation to her membership of the Planning Committee and neither spoke nor voted thereon).

(d) Mrs. E. Owens asked why there was no Conservation Area Management Plan for the Christ Church Conservation Area despite the designation date being 25th August 2004. The Area Manager reported the response of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director indicating that the Christ Church Conservation Area afforded protection of the area by way of development control procedures for properties within the area, this included any demolition of properties which were assessed against Policy HC1 and HC2 of the UDP. Therefore the area was not more vulnerable to development if there was no Conservation Area Management Plan.

There were 25 Conservation Areas within Sefton and it had been estimated in the departmental work programme that five areas would be

42 CROSBY AREA COMMITTEE - 9/11/2005 ITEM NO. 19e completed by March 2006, so far only one Conservation Area Appraisal had been published, two others were at a draft stage, one of these was Christ Church Conservation Area which was only designated in 2004.

(e) Ms. J. Irvine asked why local people were being refused repairs and being told it was due to the recent ballot decisions and asked was there a budget allocation at the beginning of the 2005/06 financial year. It was agreed to request the Housing Director to reply in writing to Ms. Irvine.

(f) Miss P. Oliphant asked if the footpath between Sherwood Road and Sherwood Avenue could be swept and weeded and regularly maintained rather than on a one off basis when she complained. It was agreed to request the Cleansing Manager to reply in writing to Miss Oliphant.

(g) Mr. C. Creed indicated that his grandmother had been informed that work already allocated for her Council flat had been stopped. He wished to know:- (a) what Sefton’s £8.7m funding on improvements to Council properties consisted of; (b) was the agreed amount to be spent during the 2005/06 financial year; (c) had such works stopped, and if so, why; and (d) where had the allocation gone and how much was left.

It was agreed to request the Housing Director to send a written reply to Mr. McCreed. It was also agreed to request the Housing Director to arrange for a representative of the Housing Department to attend the next meeting to answer Members’ questions relating to the recent No Vote in respect of the housing stock transfer.

(h) Mr. W. Wilson on behalf of the Seafront Residents Action Group asked if the Environmental Protection Director would confirm the condition of the Crosby Marine Lake based on the samples taken on a weekly basis from April to July 2005. The Chair indicated that there was a written response from the Environmental Protection Director later on in the agenda which, among other things, indicated that the Environment Agency

43 CROSBY AREA COMMITTEE - 9/11/2005 ITEM NO. 19e algae sampling in Crosby Marine Lake had commenced in July 2005, when observations of algal blooms were first made.

(i) Ms. B. Murray on behalf of Friends of Old Christ Church, Waterloo asked when would Potter’s Barn refurbishment be started as there were holes in the roof and the two buildings needed re-pointing. Ms. Murray also stated that in 2004 the buildings would be occupied by Leisure Services, but this had not been done. It was agreed that the Leisure Director be requested to report on the matter to the next meeting and that a Member of the Leisure Services Department attend the meeting to answer Members’ questions.

(j) Ms. S. Griffiths thanked the Chair and the Committee Clerk for their assistance in facilitating her complaints relating to cleansing and associated matters in Lydiate Lane.

54. CONSULTATION ON MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ACROSS NORTH MERSEYSIDE

The Committee heard a presentation by Mr. B. Robinson, South Sefton P.C.T. and Ms. K. Mitchell of Mersey Care NHS Trust on a consultation on mental health services in North Merseyside undertaken by the South Sefton Primary Care Trust (PCT). The consultation was asking local people and organisations for opinions, comments and suggestions on possible changes to mental health services in North Merseyside. These changes may include:-

● Changes to the way some types of mental health services are provided in future;

● Changes to the location of the sites from which these services are provided.

The changes would affect people using inpatient or day hospital mental health services in , Sefton and the Kirkby area of Knowsley. The six NHS Primary Care Trusts responsible for buying NHS

44 CROSBY AREA COMMITTEE - 9/11/2005 ITEM NO. 19e care for people in these areas were undertaking a formal consultation process to invite views on the proposed changes.

Ms. Mitchell indicated that the Mersey Care NHS Trust, which provided NHS impatient and day hospital mental health services across Liverpool, Sefton and the Kirkby area of Knowsley had developed a 'preferred option' for developing these services in the future. The proposed changes would aim to:-

● Provide care and treatment in the most appropriate settings, including people's own homes where possible. This would mean some people would be able to receive specialist care from a professional team at home instead of hospital, or in an alternative community home or 'place of sanctuary', if home is not an option;

● Move existing inpatient and outpatient facilities to give new purpose built Mental Health Services Buildings, which would be designed to provide space, privacy, security and meaningful activities, to help people recover more quickly;

● Move a variety of mental health workers into the new Mental Health Services Buildings, to provide more convenient support to inpatient and day hospital service users.

The Mental Health Services Buildings would replace inpatient and day hospital services currently based at Southport General Infirmary; the Hesketh Centre in Southport; Stoddart House and the Windsor Clinic Alcohol Unit at University Hospital Aintree; Windsor House in Liverpool; the Broadoak Unit at Broadgreen Hospital; Mossley Hill Hospital and Waterloo Day Hospital.

Ms. Mitchell also indicated that, in addition to Mersey Care NHS Trust's preferred option, above there were three other options in the consultation as follows:-

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Option 2 Developing fewer than five Mental Health Services Buildings, but still replacing all of the facilities mentioned above;

Option 3 Developing more than five Mental Health Services Buildings, also replacing all of the facilities mentioned above;

Option 4 Maintaining and improving the existing facilities mentioned above.

The consultation was also seeking views as to whether the team bases for specialist community mental health service staff should be located in the new Mental Health Services Buildings, if these were developed following this consultation process. Mersey Care NHS Trust's preferred option was for these staff to move into the new buildings, but alternatively they could be based in locations with other community NHS services, perhaps alongside GP surgeries.

Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Robinson answered questions from Members and the public in the matter.

RESOLVED :- That this Committee notes; (a) the consultation on Mental Health Services across Merseyside; and (b) that the matter will be considered by the Scrutiny and Review Committee (Health Overview).

(Councillor Hill declared a personal interest in the above item in relation to his position as Chair of the Scrutiny and Review Committee (Health Overview) and his membership of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee - Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley.

(Councillor Parry also declared a personal interest in relation to her position as Cabinet Member - Social Services).

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55. PUBLICATION OF THE MERSEYSIDE PROVISIONAL LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN (LTP) 2006/07 - 2010/11

The Committee considered the report of the Technical Services Director advising Members of the publication of the provisional 2nd Merseyside LTP, the key issues and priorities identified in the Plan and its implications for Sefton and seeking the views of the Committee on these key issues and priorities and how best they could be addressed in their area.

The report also advised Members of the process for development of the 2nd Merseyside LTP towards its final version to be submitted to the Department for Transport by the end of March 2006.

RESOLVED :- That, subject to Members' comments in relation to reiterating the need to ensure that currently disadvantaged communities were not affected further by transport impacts associated with economic growth (paragraph 2.3); supporting the proposed Thornton/ Link Scheme (paragraph 4.2); and supporting sustainable accessibility, particularly in respect of rail station improvements (paragraph 3.4), the Merseyside Provisional Local Transport Plan (2006/07 to 2010/11) and the timetable for preparation of the final version of the Local Transport Plan be noted.

56. COLLEGE ROAD, CROSBY (SOUTH OF MYERS ROAD WEST) - PROPOSED “PUFFIN” CROSSING

Further to Minute No. 9 of 14th July, 2004, the Committee considered the report of the Technical Services Director on the outcome of the meeting held with residents and Ward Councillors and on the results of further surveys that had been conducted in relation to the above.

The report indicated that the above scheme had been carried over through two successive year’s Local Transport Plan Capital Programmes due to funding constraints and deferrals by this Committee. Various meetings had been taken forward with residents and Ward Councillors

47 CROSBY AREA COMMITTEE - 9/11/2005 ITEM NO. 19e and the scheme had been re-designed to minimise the loss of on-street parking as a result of the scheme.

During the last meeting with residents and Ward Councillors, it was agreed that further surveys would be conducted, which had revealed that the location, as originally identified and consulted upon, continued to be the optimum position for a controlled crossing.

The report indicated that the proposed “PUFFIN” Crossing was the safest facility for this location and the scheme could not be amended any further to address the concerns of residents.

The report concluded that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and the protocol agreed with Cabinet Member - Technical Services and Area Committee Chairs in Spring 2002 for the progression of Local Transport Plan Schemes, in respect of the above proposal the Area Committee could:-

● Approve the scheme as originally proposed;

● approve the scheme with minor amendments; or

● refer the scheme to the Cabinet Member - Technical Services, indicating the Committee’s view on how the proposal should be progressed.

The Committee heard Mrs. S. Roberts, a local resident, on the matter.

RESOLVED:- That this Committee:-

(a) Supports and recognises the need for a pedestrian crossing facility on College Road in the vicinity of the junction with Brooke Road East and Myers Road West;

(b) supports the provision of pedestrian refuges in Brooke Road East and Myers Road West;

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(c) recognises the objections of residents to the siting of a Puffin crossing on College Road to the south of Myers Road West;

(d) considers that a more appropriate site would be on College Road to the north of Myers Road West and requests the Cabinet Member - Technical Services to authorise the progression of and consultation on that site.

57. PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDERS - ALEXANDRA ROAD AND JUNCTION OF KILNYARD ROAD VERMONT ROAD, CROSBY

Further to Minute No. 33 of 14th September, 2005, the Committee considered the report of the Technical Services Director regarding the receipt of one objection to the proposed no waiting at any time Traffic Regulation Orders on the section of Alexandra Road near to the junction with Vermont Road and at the junction of Kilnyard Road and Vermont Road, Crosby.

The report indicated that, although the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions were proposed to be introduced to the frontage of a number of properties on Alexandra Road, they were also proposed for junction protection and to improve visibility and manoeuvrability at the junctions. However, there had been no personal injury accidents recorded at the Alexandra Road junction within the last three year study period, and the restrictions were being proposed to assist access for household refuse collection vehicles. It was recommended that the amendment of the proposals on the section of Alexandra Road to a daytime no waiting restriction of Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm, but that the scheme proposed at the junction of Vermont Road and Kilnyard Road be implemented as originally advertised.

RESOLVED :- (i) That the proposals for the junction of Kilnyard Road and Vermont Road be implemented as originally advertised;

(ii) that the proposals for the section of Alexandra Road adjacent to the junction with Vermont Road be amended from no

49 CROSBY AREA COMMITTEE - 9/11/2005 ITEM NO. 19e waiting at any time restriction to a Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm waiting restriction;

(iii) that the objector be advised accordingly.

58. CROSBY BRIDLEWAY NO. 6 (DIBB LANE) - OBSTRUCTED HIGHWAY

Further to Minute No. 43(c) of 12th October, 2005, the Committee considered the report of the Technical Services Director on the current position in relation to the obstruction of Crosby Bridleway No. 6. The report indicated the background of the matter, information concerning action taken by the Technical Services Department and appropriate access controls. The report also outlined a number of options for controlling access, however, it was emphasised that none were suitable for all categories of legal users. The Committee heard Mr. K. Jones, Team Leader, Development Control, Technical Services Department, on the matter.

RESOLVED :- That consideration of the matter be deferred to enable the Technical Services Director to consult with the residents of Little Crosby Village on the question of access controls for Dibb Lane and, in connection therewith, obtain the necessary evidence to satisfy the criteria for such controls.

(Mr. B. Wright, Advisory Group Member, declared a prejudicial interest in the above matter and withdrew from the meeting during the consideration thereof).

59. CROSBY FOOTPATH NO. 5 - PROPOSED MAP MODIFICATION ORDER

The Committee considered the report of the Technical Services Director seeking authorisation for the correction of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way in respect of Crosby Footpath No. 5.

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The report indicated that the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Section 53, made provision for the Definitive Map and Statement to be reconciled. The Act stated that the Surveying Authority shall keep the Definitive Map and Statement under continuous review and that as part of these duties a number of anomalies had been raised.

One of the anomalies related to the footpath known as Crosby Footpath No. 5 which stops part way along the edge of Sniggery Woods but was shown as continuing to the end of the woods on the Definitive Map.

In the 1950s this footpath was recorded on the draft map for Crosby and was shown as extending from Dibb Lane in a north westerly direction to Gorsey Lane at Sniggery Farm. The landowner at the time challenged this and after an inquiry it was resolved that the public right of way be only extended to part way along Sniggery Wood.

Subsequent publications of the Definitive Statement correctly recorded the footpath but the map showed it extending further north to the end of the wood.

The proposed map modification under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 would enable the map to be modified and hence the Map and Statement could be reconciled.

RESOLVED :- That the Legal Director, in conjunction with the Technical Services Director, be authorised to make an Order under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to record correctly the footpath known as Crosby Footpath No. 5 on the Definitive Map.

60. DRUMMOND ROAD/RIMROSE VALLEY ROAD FOOTPATH - ADOPTION AND STREET LIGHTING

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Social and Community Services seeking approval to utilise funds from the Area Committee’s budget on works to bring the footpath between Drummond

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Road and Rimrose Valley Road up to adoptable standard and to subsequently apply for the adoption of the footpath.

The report indicated that the footpath between Drummond Road and Rimrose Valley Road had fallen into disrepair and was obstructed by vegetation. Although the Council were the owners of the path responsibility for maintenance had not been established.

It was proposed that works be carried out to bring the path up to adoptable standard. These works would include the supply and erection of eight street lighting columns, clearance of overhanging vegetation and weeds and the repair of root damage to the footpath surface. The estimated cost of these works was £7,500 and the works would be undertaken by Technical Services contractors.

The report also indicated that following on from the works it was proposed that the footpath be formally adopted and therefore included in future planned maintenance works. This process would cost an additional £250 and could only take place once the footpath was brought up to an adoptable standard.

RESOLVED :- That the necessary works required to bring the footpath between Drummond Road and Rimrose Valley Road to adoptable standard, be approved and that the cost thereof, amounting to £7,750 (including adoption fee), be met from the Manor Ward budget.

61. APPLICATION FOR FUNDING ON BEHALF OF THORNTON PARISH COUNCIL

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Social and Community Services on an application submitted by Thornton Parish Council for funding for the cost of erecting four Parish boundary signs. The report indicated that the boundary signs would be supplied, erected and maintained by ’s Technical Services, at a cost of £2623.61 inclusive of maintenance and administration fee.

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The report also indicated that if the Committee decided to provide funding of less than the full total project cost then the balance would be met from Parish Council funds.

RESOLVED :- That the Area Committee agrees to allocate a sum up to but not exceeding £2,623.61 from Manor Ward funds to Thornton Parish Council.

62. APPLICATION FOR FURTHER FUNDING ON BEHALF OF HIGHTOWN BOWLING CLUB

Further to Minute No. 18 of 13th July, 2005, the Committee considered the report of the Director of Social and Community Services on a further request by the Hightown Bowling Club for funding in the sum of £1,300, in connection with its project to provide a new bowling green at the Hightown Club.

The report indicated that Hightown Bowling Club had commenced work on a new bowling green at the Hightown Club. The new green would be the first green available to the Club in the Hightown area since the removal of the greens at the Hightown Hotel.

The Club had raised approximately £28,000 to build the new green, including a grant of £3,000 from this Committee.

The report also indicated that in order to avoid damage to the green from vandals and injury to players using the green whilst cricket was being played it was proposed that the original tennis court netting would be maintained around the green with access to the green being through two gates; one for maintenance and the other for users of the green. The new gate posts were to be made by a firm of craftsmen in Sefton and would cost £1,386.50.

RESOLVED:- That the Area Committee agrees to allocate £1,300 from Manor Ward funds to the Hightown Bowling Club.

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63. BUDGET MONITORING REPORT

Further to Minute No. 44 of 12th October, 2005, the Committee considered the report of the Finance Director on the balance of the Committee’s budget remaining available for allocation and indicating that one request for an allocation had been received by the Strategic Director.

The Chair indicated that she had received a request from the Crosby Church’s Group for a contribution towards its Christmas Play “Christmas in Another Place” which was an outdoor event based around the Anthony Gormley Installation “Another Place” on Crosby beach, to be held on 16th and 17th December, 2005.

RESOLVED :- (i) That the undermentioned request for funding from this Area Committee be approved:-

Applicant Project Amount

Manor Ward Provision of two new galvanised £1,435.96; Councillors steel benches in Hightown

(ii) that a contribution of £500 be made towards the costs of staging the Christmas Play “Christmas in Another Place” and that the Chair be authorised to increase the above amount to a maximum of £1,000, if in her opinion, the circumstances were justified.

(iii) that the balance of the Area Committee’s budget of £71,933.61 available for allocation during 2005/06, be noted.

(Councillor Johnson declared a personal interest in relation to (ii) above in connection with her capacity as a steward for the event).

64. PREVIOUS QUESTIONS RAISED IN OPEN FORUM

Copies of responses to issues raised at earlier meetings of the Committee were submitted for information.

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RESOLVED:- That the responses be noted.

65. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED :- That the next meeting of the Committee be held on Wednesday, 25th January, 2006 , at Waterloo Primary School, Crosby Road North, Waterloo, commencing at 6.30 p.m.

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