Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Committee Room 3 - Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Items
No. Item

11.

Members' Code of Conduct - Declarations of Interest

Members of the Committee are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests, in connection with any items on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

 

Minutes:

Members of the Committee were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests, in connection with any items on the agenda and to state the nature of the interest.

 

No such declarations were made.

 

12.

DUKE STREET - PROPOSED CYCLE SCHEME pdf icon PDF 130 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

A report by the Senior Manager (Commissioning Business Services) considered objections to proposals to provide off –road/ on-road cycleway facilities and signalised crossing improvements along Duke Street, Birkenhead between Park Road North and Duke Street Bridge as shown on plan DC/0247/100 and DC/0248/100 ( attached to the report).

 

Members heard from how the proposals form part of Wirral Council’s 2016/17 Sustainable Transport Enhancement Package (STEP) Capital Programme of works agreed by Cabinet at its meeting of 20th July 2015 and the Transport for Growth Programme 2016/17 agreed by Cabinet at its meeting of 18 July 2016. Members were then informed that the estimated cost of the scheme is £470,000; £400,000 of which would be met from the approved (grant funded) 2016/17 STEP (Sustainable Transport Enhancement Package) Capital Programme and £70,000 from the approved 2016/17 ITB (Integrated Transport Block) Transport for Growth Capital Programme.

 

Members were advised by the Project Manager that this particular scheme proposal included improvements for both cyclists and pedestrians, including innovative split – level cycle ways (passing behind parking bays – commonly referred to as ‘floating parking bays), advanced stop lines at signalised junctions and improved signalised crossing improvements; all of which would form important links to local public transport in the area.

 

The Project Manager explained how, as part of the public consultation, letters were hand delivered to 105 properties directly adjacent to or potentially affected by the proposals, providing details of the scheme and inviting comment or objection. Ward Councillors and Party Spokespersons were also informed of the scheme proposals. Members heard that, at the request of a local ward member, officers subsequently met with a number of local residents on site to discuss their concerns. At the conclusion of the public consultation, an 18 signature petition and 1 individual letter of objection ( who also signed the petition) were received. Copies of the objection was provided in Appendix 2 of the report.

 

The Project Manager informed the Committee how individual concerns were responded to, as detailed within the report.

 

The Project Manager responded to questions by Members.

 

Ann McLachlan, Ward Councillor then addressed the Committee on behalf of residents. Concerns were raised regarding the concerns outlined in the report regarding safety of residents and cyclists and the impact on local businesses, potential for higher emissions.

 

The Ward Councillor also informed the Committee that residents parking throughout the Borough is a serious issue and is currently the subject of a Task and Finish group as set up by the Business Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

Councillor D Mitchell, at this point, declared a personal interest by virtue of being a member of the Resident Parking Task and Finish Group.

 

Officers responded to questions by Members regarding issues raised by the Ward Councillor.

In making its decision Members had regard to all written and verbal information provided to them in advance of, and during the meeting.

 

Resolved that –

 

(1)  The Panel notes the objections received and Officers’ responses; and

 

(2)  Recommend to the Business Overview  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.