Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest stated.

Resolved:               That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 October, 2014

be agreed as a correct record.

Members considered a briefing note on an Anti-Social Behaviour Legislation Update.

From 20 October, 2014, National legislative changes gave the Council some amended and new powers.  These were introduced under the Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014.

It was stated that an ASB initiative had benefited Audley. The system put in place had resolved the issue rapidly.

It had also provided benefits in Madeley through Council lead initiatives.

Members stated that there were problems with Wolstanton Marsh with anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking.  Members were advised that, at a Residents Association meeting many things had been put into place to help to manage the situation.  In addition, a joint operation with Staffordshire Police was being set up with the use of mobile CCTV units.

Resolved:                         That the information be received and the comments noted.

Consideration was given to a report regarding air pollution and traffic light sequencing.

The constant stopping and starting at traffic lights increased the emissions from cars.  Four locations had been declared ‘air quality management areas’; Liverpool Road Kidsgrove, Newcastle Town Centre, May Bank/Wolstanton and Porthill Banks and two dwellings at Little Madeley (adjacent to the M6 Motorway).

The use of intelligent traffic light signalling systems, mobile devices and wireless communication could all help on keeping traffic flowing and therefore reducing emissions.

The Council has eighteen months to create an Air Quality Action Plan.  This would then lead the way in terms of traffic smoothing.

Resolved:               That the information be received.

Report to follow.

Members considered a report on the siting of A frames on the public highway which were causing an obstruction.

The Committee were advised that it is a County Council responsibility but the current policy was to only take action where a serious obstruction had been created. 

A suggestion was made to invite the Town Centre Manager along to work with the Borough in ensuring that A frames were put out in a responsible way.

Members were unsure as to whether it was within the remit of the Committee to liaise with the Town Centre Manager or if it was the County Council who should meet with him.

It was agreed that the Executive Director for Regeneration and Development should be invited to the next meeting of this Committee to clarify the situation before inviting the Town Centre Manager along.

Resolved:               (i)       That the information be received and the

comments noted.

(ii)       That the Executive Director – Regeneration and Development be invited to the next meeting to clarify some points regarding A Frames.

To discuss and update the work plan to reflect current scrutiny topics

Annual Work Plan Review

To receive outcomes and recommendations of the topics reported during the past twelve months

Consideration was given to the Work Plan of this Committee.

The topic of Planning Permission of Hot Food Takeaways was discussed and Members were advised that at this time, there was not the capacity for this work to be carried out.  Members agreed to keep it on the Work Plan for the time being.

A request was made that the Council’s Role in Emergency Planning be added to the Work Plan.

Resolved:                         That the information be received and the comments noted.

Any member of the public wishing to submit a question must serve two clear days’ notice, in writing, of any such question to the Borough Council.

There were no public questions.

There was no urgent business.