Agenda and draft minutes

The Forum heard submissions from representatives of Caton-with-Littledale and Wray-with-Bolton Parish Councils. Both representatives spoke in support of the Lune Track cycleway, in particular on recent developments to the Hornby –Farleton stretch.

The Forum noted the comments.

County Councillor Susie Charles, County Councillor Darren Clifford, County Councillor Tony Jones, County Councillor Richard Newman-Thompson, County Councillor Chris Henig, Councillor Ian Pattison

The note of the meeting on 9 December 2013 was agreed as a correct record.

The Forum considered the Action Sheet of the meeting on 9 December 2013. It was noted that the appliocation for the Greaves Park cycle path had now been withdrawn. In relation to school crossing patrols, it was noted that there appeared to be an issue in several places with school crossing patrol warning lights being left on out of school hours and during school holidays. It was suggested that a reminder to crossing patrols may be needed.

The Dashboard details the performance of the Directorate between October and December 2013 in relation to delivery of the approved Lancaster Commissioning Plan for 2013/14.

The Forum considered the Quarter 3 Environment Directorate Performance Dashboard.

In relation to the Galgate recreation Ground Masterplan, it was reported that the bid to Sport England was unsuccessful, but would be resubmitted later in the year. The work of Michelle Holroyd, Senior Environmental Projects Officer, on the scheme was commended.

Further information was requested on a government announcement for additional highways repairs funding targeted at rural areas, and how this would be allocated.

Further information was also requested on progress in relation to bicycle storage at Lancaster Station.

The list of capital schemes to be delivered in Lancaster District in 2014/15 is attached.

The list of capital schemes to be delivered in the Lancaster district in 2014/15 was noted.

A verbal update on the current position in relation to the review of 3 Tier Forums will be presented at the meeting.

An update on the review of the Three Tier Forums was provided, noting that an alternative model for the Forum in Lancaster was in development. A report would be submitted to the County Council Cabinet in May. It was agreed that the new arrangements would provide an opportunity for consideration of the processes outside of the meeting.

A briefing paper on the minimum unit price for alcohol in Lancashire, explaining the concept and also highlighting issues around alcohol in Lancaster District.

The Forum considered the information presented on minimum unit pricing for alcohol. It was felt that there was a problem with off-licence sales, which this would help to address. It was also felt that education was a key element in tackling the issue of young people and alcohol misuse.

The Lancaster Three Tier Forum agreed that the initiative should be supported.

a.  An examination/explanation of the work of County Solicitors and Land agents, especially with respect to Rights of Way work. (Cllr Michael Helm) Briefing note attached.

b.  Efforts to support and help offenders, on release from imprisonment, especially the young, given that Lancaster has the YOI. (Cllr Michael Helm) (Briefing Note attached)

c.  Lancaster Highways and Transport Masterplan (Cllr Jon Barry) Briefing note to follow.

a. Role of the County Council legal officers in Rights of Way

The report was noted

b. Support given to young people on release from prison

The report was noted

c. Lancaster District Highways and Transport Masterplan.

A briefing noted was circulated. The forum expressed the view that engagement with members was required at the earliest possible stage. It was agreed that:

The extension of the Lune Track should be included in the Masterplan, with particular reference to the Hornby – Farleton section

An email should be sent to all forum members with the up to date masterplan information, so members can comment and input into the development of the Plan

The Masterplan is an item on the agenda for the September meeting of the Forum

Forum members were invited to suggest items for future meetings. It was proposed that the Highways and Transport Masterplan should come to the forum in September. An update on Traveller provision was also requested, as was a report on Domestic Abuse services.

An item of urgent business may only be considered under this heading where, by reason of special circumstances to be recorded in the minutes, the Chair of the meeting is of the opinion that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.  

None

As this is the last scheduled meeting of the Forum consideration has been given to potential dates for a programme of meetings for 2014/15. Using the existing programme as a starting point potential dates have been discussed with Officers in the Environment Directorate and at the Borough Council and the following dates are presented for consideration:

Monday 15th September 2014

Monday 24th November 2014

Monday 6th April 2015

It was agreed that the future meetings of the Forum would be as follows:

Monday 15 September 2014– Lancaster town Hall

Monday 24 November 2014 – Morecambe Town Hall

Monday 6 April 2015 – Lancaster Town Hall

All meetings to commence at 6.15pm.