Agenda item

The attached table sets out the list of priorities identified by members since the last meeting which could be funded from the Local Priorities Response Fund. In order to support the development of the 2014/15 Commissioning Plan, the Forum is asked to consider the schemes using the allocations and information contained within the table.

A list of potential schemes which could be funded from the Hyndburn allocation of £110,314 within the 2014/15 capital programme Local Priorities Response Fund was presented, together with an estimated cost and technical ranking for each scheme.

In considering the list some members of the Forum queried the requirement to resurface one of the roads mentioned as it was felt that similar works had been undertaken previously. Reference was also made to the comment that the proposed scheme for improvements to footpaths on Blackburn Road in Accrington would need 'to tie in with Pennine Reach' and clarification was sought as to whether that project should fund the scheme or could delay its implementation if the Forum were to recommend it for approval.

There was little support for the scheme to refurbish highways and footways in the Woodnook area in Accrington as the estimated cost of the scheme would require more than double the entire allocation for Hyndburn. 

The scheme to resurface Livingston Road in Accrington was discussed and it was suggested that the funding for the single scheme could be used to do similar work on a number of alternative streets in the area. However, it was recognised that the condition of the road in the vicinity of the football ground had previously been identified by the Forum as a priority and so it was felt that the proposed scheme should be recommended for approval.

Concern was expressed about the potential for overspend on any of the schemes which may be recommended for approval and it was noted that the estimated costs would take account of some overspend. It was also suggested that in the event of any funds for Hyndburn being unallocated that they should be attached to a particular scheme held in reserve which could then be fully or partially funded using the remaining allocation together with any additional funding which may become available due to underspends on  the approved schemes.

Agreed: That after considering all of the potential schemes set out in the report the Hyndburn 3 Tier Forum makes the following recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation for approval in relation to the 2014/15 capital programme.

1.  That the following schemes are considered as top priorities for funding from the Local Priorities Response Fund allocation of £110,314.

·  Resurfacing of Livingston Road, Accrington in the vicinity of the football ground. (£41,825)

·  Improvements to footpaths along Fairclough Road in  Accrington.(£29,875)

2.  That the scheme to improve footpaths along Blackburn Road, Accrington, from Portland Street to Hartman Street (£35,850) is considered a priority for funding, subject to confirmation that the scheme could not be funded as part of the Pennine Reach project or have its implementation delayed by that project.

3.  That, in the event of the schemes listed at 1 and 2 above being approved the remaining allocation of £2,764, together with any funding which may become available as a result of underspends on the above schemes, be used to partially or fully fund safety improvements in the vicinity of the Post Office on the corner of High Street and George Street in Rishton (£11,950).

4.  That the suggested schemes listed below be developed further with a view to them being included as priorities in a list of potential schemes for consideration in relation to funding from the 2015/16 Local Priorities Response Fund.

·  Carriageway resurfacing of various roads on the Laneside Estate in Accrington, including Ribblesdale Avenue (full length), Hawthorn Avenue, Heywood Road and Malborough Road.

·  Footpath improvements on Chestnut Grove and Beech Grove.