General Purposes and Development Committee Meeting
17th June 2014
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL PURPOSES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, TOWN HALL, SHERINGHAM, ON TUESDAY 17TH JUNE 2014 AT 8.30PM:
PRESENT: The Chairman – Cllr P D Cox
The Vice Chairman – Cllr M Hill
Cllrs Brooks, Burns, Ashcroft, Fields, Bush, Battrick- Newall, A Smith, McGinn and Stevens
Cllr D Smith – In Attendance
Mr S Burke – North Norfolk Community Transport
The Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk
1 member of the Public
1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN FOR THE ENSUING YEAR: Cllr Cox asked for nominations. Cllr Brooks PROPOSED Cllr Cox continues as Chairman for the ensuing year; Cllr McGinn seconded. There were no other nominations. IT WAS AGREED.
2. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN FOR THE ENSUING YEAR: The Chairman asked for nominations. Cllr Bush PROPOSED Cllr Hill continues as Vice Chairman for the ensuing year; Cllr Battrick-Newall seconded. There were no other nominations. IT WAS AGREED.
3. TO CONSIDER AND RECEIVE APOLOGIES: Cllr Gooch gave his apologies as he is usually in attendance.
4. TO REVIEW COMMITTEE REMIT: Members had previously been circulated with a copy of the Committee remit. Members were satisfied the Committee remits cover the duties of this Committee and Cllr McGinn PROPOSED no alterations are required and for it to remain in its present form, Cllr Brooks seconded. IT WAS AGREED..
5. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA: The Chairman declared interests in Items 12 and 28 – he is a member of the Midland and Great Northern Railway Society and the Honorary President of the Sheringham Society. Cllr Bush declared an interest in Items 12 and 28 – he is a member of the Midland and Great Northern Railway and a member of the Sheringham Society. Cllr Stevens declared an interest in item 12, as a member of the North Norfolk Railway. Cllrs Hill and Brooks declared interests in Item 29 – they are members of Sheringham in Bloom.
6. TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15TH APRIL, 2014: The Minutes having been previously circulated, Cllr Hill PROPOSED acceptance of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 15th April, 2014; Cllr Ashcroft seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
7. RESOLUTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING FOR UP TO 15 MINUTES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK ON MATTERS RELATING TO BUSINESS BEING TRANSACTED AT THIS MEETING:
No Members of the Public wished to speak.
8. ITEMS REQUIRING A RESOLUTION UNDER THE PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSION TO MEETINGS ACT 1960) TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND PUBLIC UNDER SECTION 1C OF STANDING ORDERS: There were no items on the agenda to be taken under standing order 1C 1960.
9. MATTERS ARSING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES FOR INFORMATION ONLY: There were no matters arising from the above minutes on his occasion.
10. TO RECEIVE REPRESENTATIVE FROM NORTH NORFOLK COMMUNITY TRANSPORT:
Mr S Burke, a trustee of the North Norfolk Community Transport scheme attended the meeting and gave a brief overview of the schemes currently operating, being Dial a Bus and Mediride. The “Dial a Bus” scheme incurs a £7 per year membership fee and is a service which offers transport for people who cannot use ordinary transport services for either health or mobility reasons or if there is no suitable transport. NNCT have just received a grant from the Big Lottery fund and have extended their services to include Sheringham and are now actively promoting their schemes in this area. In addition to annual membership there is a fixed fee for each journey which should be booked in advance. The “Mediride” scheme is also membership based and will take people for doctors appointments and hospital appointments, again to be booked in advance. There is also a “Group Hire” service for groups such as schools, youth clubs and clubs who need a mini bus for an outing or trip. NNCT are currently advertising for volunteer drivers.
The Chairman thanked Mr S Burke for his attendance.
11. TRANSPORT MATTERS: Cllr Bush in his capacity as STC Transport Representative reported on the following:
(A) THE BITTERN LINE REPORT: Further to The Bittern Line Partnership meeting held on 10th June 2014, there is good news that the franchise holder has achieved approval from Network Rail with hope of introducing a later departure train from Norwich at about 11.10pm replacing the current 10.45pm service. The plan is to introduce the new timing for operation Monday to Saturday in December 2014. The franchise for the Dutch company has been secured until at least October 2016.
All of the diesel multiple unit stock continues to be refurbished at Wolverton.
There are talks of a ticket machine for Sheringham, but it is at the back of the queue after Cromer.
Two events are listed, the Worstead Festival the last week of July on 26th and 27th and the West Runton Tea Party on 22nd August and for those that enjoy a drink the North Norfolk Railway Beer Festival on the 18th to 20th July.
The group were very pleased concerning the letter sent to Network Rail regarding the non appearance of the main line steam locomotive. Mr Wood of the Partnership is also contacting the infrastructure operator.
(B) TO SECURE OPERATION OF COASTHOPPER BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2014: Cllr Bush raised concerns regarding the future of the Coast Hopper service. He explained due to funding issues the services may have to be curtailed and enquired if STC would consider a grant award, along with other surrounding Parishes, to help save the service which is affected by other competitive bus companies. A full discussion ensued after which Cllr Bush PROPOSED inviting a Senior Manager from the Coast Hopper to address STC and advise on their future services and funding for the next GP&D Committee meeting in August; Cllr Battrick-Newall seconded. IT WAS AGREED. Cllr Ashcroft abstained.
(C) ALTERATIONS TO BUSES THORUGH SUNWAY PARK: Cllr Bush expressed his concerns regarding cutting of the bus services through Sunway Park. He reported there are many elderly residents in the area who are affected by the reduction in the service schedule and has been informed Sanders Coaches have reduced their services due to the lack of passengers supporting the number of buses on this particular route. A full discussion ensued when IT WAS AGREED no action will be taken due to other competitive bus companies who also provide a service through Sunway Park.
12. TO DISCUSS THE BEST WAY FORWARD WITH TIC AND TOILETS AT STATION APPROACH:
The Chairman opened the debate by informing members that STC have submitted their comments on the North Norfolk Railway planning application but nothing has been minuted about what STC wish to see set in place regarding a Tourist Information Centre and the Station Approach public toilets. Cllr Bush commented that it is not a legal liability to provide public toilets. Cllr Brooks stated that if the NNR take over the TIC and toilets STC should be asking for facilities and standards which we expect to see in place, on behalf of residents and visitors, and it should be an improved service. Cllr Burns so PROPOSED that STC write to NNR and state that whilst supporting the project in principal STC are dismayed at the effect the planning application has on loss of facilities for both residents and visitors and the loss of the open space, seconded by Cllr Ashcroft. Cllr Bush abstained from the vote. IT WAS AGREED. A brief debate continued after which Cllr Burns PROPOSED that STC send a strongly worded letter to all four District Councillors at how dismayed STC are with the loss of facilities for residents and visitors in the proposed development by NNR, seconded by Cllr ASHCROFT. Cllr Bush abstained from the vote. IT WAS AGREED.
13. UPDATE ON CCTV SYSTEM AND DISCUSSION ON LOCATION OF CAMERAS:
The Deputy Clerk informed members that Secure Defence hope to commence work on reconfiguring the CCTV system in Sheringham week commencing 23rd June with site evaluation and ensuring the base location in the Town Hall, after which a programme of works will be forwarded before commencement of the reconfiguration work. Cllr McGinn PROPOSED that the base at the Town Hall is in the front office on the first floor, seconded by Cllr D Smith. IT WAS AGREED. Cllr D Smith noted that Sheringham will be the first of the three Towns to have the CCTV system reconfigured and running. The Chairman asked if members felt the current cameras are all suitably sited, Cllr McGinn responded by advising that the siting of the six cameras should remain as they are otherwise extra cost will be incurred and it may even be prohibitive, however STC could look at this issue when the three year contract is renewed.
14. UPDATE ON TOWN HALL REFURBISHMENTS: The Clerk reported the first priority is to obtain quotations for gas connection to the Town Hall. A site visit is awaited from a British Gas site engineer who is also expected to assist the Clerk with the next stages to achieve quotations for gas central heating installation.
15. UPDATE OF THE QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEE BEACON AND TO COMPLETE NEW PLANNING APPLICATION: The Clerk reported NNDC have verbally agreed to the siting of the Jubilee Beacon on The Leas Gardens and to regenerate the area near the notice board. STC are still required to submit a planning application. Cllr D Smith strongly disagreed with erecting the beacon near the notice board as he would have liked it to be sited further back nearer the cliff top so it could be seen around the coast line if it were ever to be lit on special occaisions i.e the Viking Festival. Cllr Burns PROPOSED the Clerk writes to NNDC for their comments; Cllr Battrick-Newall seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
16. UPDATE ON MISSING SIGNAGE AT CROMER ROAD BUS STOP: The Clerk reported a response has been received from NCC stating the raised kerb and pole has had a safety assessment carried out and has been approved. Also the missing bus stop flag is due to be re-instated within six weeks.
17. OBSTRUCTION OF FOOTPATH AT NEW ROAD: The Clerk raised concerns regarding vehicles obstructing the footpath on New Road. She explained this is an on-going problem and was alarmed to witness a mobility scooter having to access the path with two wheels on the path and two wheels on the road, on other occasions the path is completely blocked. Cllr Burns echoed the Clerk’s concerns as he has also experienced other obstructions to footpaths around the town and in particular ‘A’ boards at shop fronts. After discussion Cllr Burns PROPOSED the Clerk contacts the Norfolk Constabulary raising concerns regarding obstruction of footpaths on Health and Safety grounds; Cllr Ashcroft seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
18. UPDATE ON CYCLING BYELAWS ON SHERINGHAM PROMENADE: The Clerk reported she had contacted Mr Duncan Ellis for an update for this evenings meeting but has not received a response yet and will continue to follow up the outcome of the Consultation.
19 UPDATE ON NCC RESIDENT PARKING CONSULTATION:
The Clerk reported she had spoken to Rob Mills, the project engineer, who has advised that a lead designer has been appointed to carry out a study involving all stakeholders, after which a plan will be developed for a wider public consultation. A date is awaited for the stakeholders meeting.
20. UPDATE ON COOPER ROAD PARKING:
Cllr Bush referred to the posts sited near the school which he felt are too far back with cars still parking on pavements. It was noted that cars parking on pavements is an obstruction and therefore a Police matter.
21. BARRIERS ON FOOTPATH OFF CHILDS WAY:
The Clerk reported that an email has been received from NCC Highways Manager advising that a member of the public who uses a mobility scooter encountered problems with the barriers at the entrance to the footway to access Uplands Park. The Highways Manager has asked for comments on this matter. The issue was discussed after which Cllr Worboys PROPOSED that STC respond to Highways asking for the gap between the barriers to be widened as everybody has a right to access the footpath, seconded by Cllr Battrick-Newall. IT WAS AGREED.
22. UPDATE ON POLICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY OFFICE:
The Clerk reported no response has been received to the letter sent by STC in response to notification of closure of the public enquiry office in Sheringham.
23. TREES ON PAVEMENTS IN SHERINGHAM:
The Chairman reported that Lime trees on Morris Street are encroaching into the pavement and the road. Cllr Burns PROPOSED writing to NNDC to ask for works to be carried out on the trees, seconded by Cllr Battrick-Newall. IT WAS AGREED.
24. ATTENDANCE OF DOG WARDEN IN SHERINGHAM:
Due to time constraints this item will be deferred to the August GP and D Committee meeting.
25. TO DISCUSS REGULATING PUBLIC ACCESS TO MORLEY HILL:
Due to time constraints this item will be deferred to the August GP and D Committee meeting.
26. UPDATE FROM WW1 COMMEMORATION WORKING PARTY:
It was noted that the first date for a commemoration event is 4TH August at 11am with full details to follow. The Clerk reported that a £200 grant has been secured from Norfolk Community Foundation.
27. UPDATE ON STREET LIGHT IN CURTIS LANE:
It has previously been agreed that any light shields erected on street lights near the property on Curtis Lane, where the residents have problems from glare, would have to be funded by the resident. STC’s electrical contractor has provided costs and the resident has been informed, with a response awaited.
28. SHERINGHAM SOCIETY REQUEST REGARDING MIKE BENSLEY DRAWING:
Sheringham Society have requested to have the original drawing framed and displayed in the Henry Ramey Upcher museum whist open in the summer, however after discussion the request was denied.
29. REQUEST FROM SHERINGHAM IN BLOOM REGARDING GRASS VERGE OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY CENTRE: