Matters arising:

Mark Smith (Head of Service, Streetscene and Waste) responded to the action points on Traffic Management/Parking Services outlined on page 10 of the Area Co-ordinator’s report.

Resolution i.  Mark Smith to send a written response on residents’ parking scheme policy to Andrew Taylor, and to all those who requested this at the meeting.

Update:  At a further meeting with Mr Taylor, the Parking Services Manager had discussed issues about enforcement in some detail. Mr Taylor has confirmed that the matters have been resolved to his satisfaction. 

Resolution ii  Mark Smith to report back on traffic improvements planned for the area around Asda and Palmwood Close.

Update:  A Section 106 Agreement is in place whereby the developer will fund a new traffic signal system at the junction. This will allow vehicles leaving the Asda car park to turn either left or right.  The location has given rise to road safety concerns in the past and to address these concerns the slip road leading from the motorway will be the subject of a Council improvement scheme.

Resolution iii  Mark Smith to pick up the issue of traffic problems raised by John Wallace in Osmaston Road at the site meeting.

Update:  A meeting on site had taken place, attended by about 20 residents. Residents in Woodchurch Road had brought some additional factors to light and after a fairly lengthy discussion, it was agreed that conventional traffic regulations would not be the way forward. Agreement had been reached that the solution would be to consult the residents of Osmaston Road on whether they would be willing to make a financial contribution of £75.  There was about 80% support for the scheme and about half of those were willing to pay a contribution to the scheme.

Mark Smith responded to comments from a member of the public about the level of the charge, and the fact that many residents had not completed the proforma because they did not understand it. He explained that the Head of Service had made it clear to those who attended that the Council would need to draw up a scheme but would have to cover its costs.  At that stage, a broad estimate had been given of what the costs to residents might be. The actual figure has arisen from the precise cost of the scheme.

A brief questionnaire and proforma had been drawn up and sent to Mr Bird as community representatives for his comments. Mr Bird had responded in an extensive email with detailed comments on how the documentation should be improved. The revisions suggested by Mr Bird had been incorporated into the documents sent to residents.

It had been accepted at the meeting that many of the concerns about parking had arisen because of Aldi’s etc presence in the area. There had been discussion about the practicalities of approaching organisations when looking at residents’ parking schemes. Officers had agreed to contact Aldi to bring concerns to their attention.  A letter had been sent some time ago.

Resolution   iv. Mark Smith to look into the problem of speeding traffic along Prenton Dell Road.

Update:  The area would not qualify for traffic calming, but perhaps Prenton could be included in the Accidents to Zero initiative.  Mr Taylor was keen to see a report to the Members on the subject and a report is going to Cabinet on 16 October. The report will be in the public domain in the next few days.

Woodchurch Road has been re-surfaced and a scheme for improved road markings has been drawn up in conjunction with Accidents to Zero. It is understood that there is a commitment by the Police to do more enforcement in the area. 

Minute 5 Partner Information:  Minute decision (vi).  Area Co-ordinator to update at forum meeting regarding tree replacement at Mendip Road/Mount Road.

Update:   [Area Co-ordinator]: Fencing to be erected along the top of the bank, and investigations on going on how to repair the retaining wall in the slip road. No trees will be planted.

Resolution (vi)   Tina Long to raise issue with NHS Trust on its policies and plans for tackling dementia and to report back on this.

Update:  Copies of an update by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust were available at the Area Forum meeting.

Minute decision: Resolved that

(i)  Mark Smith, Technical Services be thanked for reporting back to the forum on parking issues raised at the last area forum.

(ii)  Paul Edwards, Wirral PCT to establish link with the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust in order to provide information at future forum meetings.