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.

A report by the Head of Environment and Regulation considered objections to proposals to introduce traffic calming features and a 20mph speed limit order within the Annesley Road area, Seacombe Ward.

Members heard from the Highways Team Leader that in November 2014, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority awarded £1,058,000 of Integrated Transport Block Funding to Wirral Council, and that this scheme forms part of the proposed works.

Members were informed that as part of the consultation exercise for this scheme, letters were delivered to local residents in the vicinity of the scheme, informing them of the proposals. Consultation was also undertaken with Party Spokespersons, Ward Members, Cycle Forum, Pedestrian Forum, Emergency Services, Freight Transport Association, Road Haulage Association and Merseytravel.

Members were further informed that during the consultation period 3 objections were received from residents before the deadline of 4^th September 2015 and that as a result of further officer discussions with residents regarding the proposals, 2 objections were subsequently withdrawn. Details of objections were listed within the report and also verbally reported to Members

Officers responded to questions from Members.

An Objector addressed the Panel to raise concerns regarding the potential for damage to vehicles as a result of travelling over speed bumps on a regular basis. It was also put to the Panel that there is no real need for speed bumps in this area as it is unusual for vehicle to drive at high speeds down this road due to the numbers of parked cars. Further concerns were raised regarding safety aspects as it was felt that the first road hump had been positioned too close to the junction and had the potential for causing accidents.

Officers responded to questions from Members regarding concerns raised by the objector and emphasised to the Objector and Members that the priority of this scheme is public safety.

Resolved that –

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

(2)  recommend to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee that the proposal as shown on drawing no. DC/0113/100 be approved for implementation.

A report by the Head of Environment and Regulation considered objections to provide off-road un-segregated cycleway/footpath(s) and roundabout improvements along Corporation Road and Cleveland Street between Duke Street and Beaufort Road. Members heard how these proposals formed part of Wirral Council’s 2015/16 Sustainable Transport Enhancement Package (STEP) Capital Programme of works agreed by Cabinet at its meeting of 20^th July 2015. Members were informed how it is proposed that the proposed works would link with future works as part of Wirral Council’s 2016/17 Integrated Transport Block (ITB) Capital Programme of works.

Members heard how, as part of the consultation exercise for this scheme, letters were delivered to local residents and businesses in the vicinity of the scheme, informing them of the proposals. Consultation was also undertaken with Part Spokespersons, Ward Members, Cycle Forum, Pedestrian Forum, Emergency Services, Freight Transport Association, Road Haulage Association and Merseytravel.

It was explained to Members that one objection had been received to this scheme from a representative of the Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially sighted and a number of objections had been received from Merseyside Cycling Campaign. Objections were outlined within the report. The Highways Team Leader made Members aware that the current proposals with penny Bridge (via Beaufort Road and Wallasey Bridge Road) and with Duke Street between Birkenhead Road and Gorsey Lane, are still being developed (which include negotiations with adjacent land owners) but will be shared with the group at an appropriate time.

Officers responded to questions from Members

A representative from Merseyside Cycling campaign addressed the Committee in objection to the proposed scheme. Members heard how the Cycling Campaign supports the scheme in principal but raised some concerns surrounding safety aspects. In particular, the objections related to the proposed design of the scheme in relation to the potential for the requirement for cyclists to give way at junctions and the subsequent safety issues this could cause.

Officers responded to questions from Members and it was reiterated that full proposals had not yet been developed at this stage.

Resolved that -

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

(2)   recommend to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee that the proposal as shows on drawing no. DC/0113/100 is approved for implementation.