Agenda and minutes

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Greenall (deputy chair) in the absence of Councillor Pope.

The following officers were also in attendance:

S Palmer, Localities Officer, Lancashire County Council

C Mather, Democratic Services, Lancashire County Council

G Concannon, Assistant Director Street Scene, West Lancashire Borough Council

D Tilleray, chair of the West Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Partnership

A copy of the agreed Protocol in relation to public participation at meetings of the Forum is attached for information.

No questions were raised but the County Council was thanked for the roundabout improvement works at the Pippin Street/A59 junction, Ormskirk.

Apologies were received from Councillor E Pope and Councillor N Furey.

The note of the meeting held on 15 September 2014 was presented and agreed.

Members received and noted an update on the action taken in response to issues raised at the previous meeting.

The Forum's attention was drawn to comments made at the previous meeting in relation to repair works on Dark Lane/Blythe lane, Ormskirk and on Lindley Drive that were perceived to be inadequate.  It was noted that the 2015/16 Capital Programme did not include any proposals for further improvements to these roads and the Forum agreed that officers should be asked to give consideration to their addition to the Capital Programme.

Concerns were again expressed about the uneven rail timetable between Ormskirk and Preston.

(Councillor Evans and County Councillor N Hennessy)

Dave Tilleray from West Lancashire Borough Council will attend for this item to update on the role, responsibilities and priorities of the Partnership.

The Forum received a presentation from Dave Tilleray, chair of the West Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Partnership, on the role, responsibilities and priorities of the Partnership.  The links and relationships with the other major stakeholders and key documents e.g. Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board, One West Lancashire Board, Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Lancashire Joint Needs Strategic Assessment were explained.

The Forum welcomed the informative presentation and in particular the key priorities for 2014/15.  Members felt that other issues which needed to be addressed across the borough included loneliness, improved leisure provision, the need for transport services to link with health establishments and the ambulance service to be the first response particularly to emergencies involving vulnerable and elderly people.  It was also felt that emergency services should relay any information which they may have about vulnerable and elderly people to health agencies so that appropriate support could be considered and given.

The attached Dashboard details the performance of the Environment Directorate between July and September 2014 in relation to the delivery of the approved West Lancashire Commissioning Plan for 2014/15.

The Environment Directorate's 'dashboard' performance for the second quarter of 2014/15 was presented:

The following comments were made:

·  It was anticipated that the Ormskirk Town Centre project would be completed in mid 2015 and traffic regulation orders would then be introduced to reduce illegal parking.

·  A number of options had been considered for the temporary relocation of the Ormskirk Town Centre market but a final decision had not yet been taken.

·  It was hoped that the Ormskirk Town Centre project would help alleviate the long standing safety issues for people wishing to cross Stanley Street and St Helens Road.  The Forum noted that plans to spend S.106 monies from Edge Hill University on road safety improvements were nearing finalisation.  Members of the Forum would be kept informed of developments.

·  Members stressed the need to improve the flow of traffic through Ormskirk Town Centre and particularly around the bus station area.  It was felt that the better synchronisation of traffic lights would assist in this respect.

·  The Forum was informed that the Ormskirk Town Centre project would improve the environment for motorists and pedestrians alike.

·  Members were asked to be vigilant and report any NHS related scams to Trading Standards or The Adult Social Care team.

·  The improvements to the Bank Hall bridge were welcomed and it was noted that County Council officers were considering options to reduce speeds on that section of the A59.

A, B & C Roads and Footway Schemes update for consideration.

The Forum received an update on the Environment Directorate's 2015/16 Capital Programme.

(County Councillor J Fillis)

The Forum discussed the problem of large scale housing developments.  A number of concerns were expressed about the inconsiderate actions of some builders, as well as the failure to complete works on time and to a satisfactory standard. Members also reiterated the concerns which had been expressed at previous meetings about roads not being adopted. 

Whilst enforcement action could be taken in respect of certain issues, this was often too late and after the event.  It was suggested that builders should be requested to sign up to 'The Considerate Constructors Scheme, a national initiative to improve the image of the construction industry.  Under the scheme construction sites and companies were monitored against a Code of Practice, designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements.  The Forum agreed that the Borough Council should be asked to consider how this suggestion might form part of the planning process and officers were requested to present a further report on this matter to the next meeting.

(Wrightington Parish Council – Councillor M Sumner to lead the item)

Concerns were expressed about the problems caused by large vehicles including tractors using rural roads particularly as many of the roads did not have footpaths or adequate street lighting.

A blanket reduction in rural speed limits was not an option that could be supported by the County Council or the Police.  Members of the Forum and Parish Councils were asked to bring any particular areas of concern to the attention of the County Council. A concern was raised about the speed of vehicles travelling through Halsall village, and Long Lane/Parrs Lane, Aughton.

Members also discussed the issue of temporary speed limit speed indicator devices outside schools failing to switch off which resulted in motorists ignoring the speed limit.  Any such problems should be brought to the attention of the County Council. 

(Councillor M Blake and Parbold Parish Council – Councillor M Sumner to lead the item)

A concern was expressed about two incidents where the County Council had arranged works on non-highway land without the knowledge of the local Parish Council.  County officers had investigated both incidents and it would appear that there had been some confusion over land ownership.  It was acknowledged that the proposed works should ideally have been brought to the attention of the local Parish Council. The Forum was informed that steps were being taken to improve communications with Parish Councils, for example, a Parish Council would receive notification of proposed highway works at the same time as members of the County Council.  The Parish Council would be informed when the works had been completed and the Parish Council would also be invited to provide feedback to the County Council.

The Forum was informed that the County Council would be working directly with Parish Councils on the prioritisation of improvement works on moss roads. 

Members were also informed that the County Council had appointed consultants to draw up a model for improved and better co-ordinated transport services.  Parish Councils would be consulted on the proposals in due course. 

Any suggestions for themes to be discussed at future meetings should be forwarded to theChair and Sarah Palmer, Localities Officer, Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, Lancashire County Council sarah.palmer@lancashire.gov.uk

It was suggested that the Forum might wish to consider the issue of parking outside Appley Bridge railway station.  The Forum noted that a meeting had already been arranged to discuss this matter and an update would be provided to members in due course.

Members of the Forum were asked to submit any other items for the next West Lancashire 3 Tier forum to the Chair and Sarah Palmer, Localities Officer, Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, Lancashire County Council sarah.palmer@lancashire.gov.uk

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.

It is proposed that the next meeting of the Forum should take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4 March 2015.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Forum would be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4 March 2015 at the Borough Council offices, Ormskirk.