Solihull Council

0154
RCD02

Virgin Cross Country Train Services - Proposed cuts to Solihull Services.

The Cabinet Member endorsed the representations made to the SRA and Virgin Trains and agreed to any further lobbying, which may be considered appropriate.

To endorse the Council's response to the Strategic Rail Authority and Virgin Trains following the proposed service cuts and to consider any other representations which may be required.

27^th March 2003

0155
RCD02

Bus Strategy Consultation

The Cabinet Member endorsed the comments in the report, (and the concerns expressed by the Regeneration, Environment and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Board) as the basis of the Councils formal response to Centro on the Draft Bus Strategy Consultation.

To agree a response to Centro on their draft bus strategy which has been published for consultation.

27^th March 2003

0156
RCD02

Catherine de Barnes Lane – National Cycle Network Route 53

The Cabinet Member:

(i) endorsed the decision to purchase the strip of land from Mr Cattell;

(ii) approved an additional allocation of £16,000 from the current years LTP allowing the scheme to be constructed as far as Mr Cattell’s land;

(iii) approved an allocation of £35,000 in the 2003/04 LTP to enable the scheme to be completed;

(iv) requested that a further analysis be carried out to investigate the history to the increases in the scheme costs and what, if anything, can be done to recover any of the overspend; and

(v) requested that any information arising from (iv) be communicated to the Opposition Spokespersons.

To report to Cabinet Member increases in the scheme costs due to land and contractual issues.

27^th March 2003

0157
RCD02

Surfacing of Urban Footpaths - Measures to Encourage Local Walking

The Cabinet Member resolved that approval be given to resurface the identified sections of Footpaths SL7 and M92 as set out in the report.

To seek approval to surface two lengths of currently unsurfaced urban footpaths in order to encourage local walking.

27^th March 2003

0158
RCD02

Bradford Road and Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Local Safety Scheme

The Cabinet Member:

(i) approved the proposals for Bradford Road and Chester Road as modified following the consultation, for implementation during 2003/04; and

(ii) noted that proposals for the improvement of the junction of Chester Road and Manor Park road are subject to a separate report to this Decision Session.

To report the results of the consultation undertaken during December 2002, and to approve the amended scheme for implementation.

27^th March 2003

0159
RCD02

Chester Road/Manor Park Road Junction, Local Safety Scheme

The Cabinet Member:

(i) approved, in principle, the proposed improvement scheme at the junction of Chester Road / Manor Park Road as a basis for consultation with local residents, Ward Members, the Police and other interested parties, including Birmingham City Council; and

(ii) agreed that a further report would be presented in due course detailing the results of the consultation. 

To consider improvements to the junction of the B4114 Chester Road at its junction with Manor Park Road and Timberley Lane, Castle Bromwich.

27^th March 2003

0160
RCD02

Chester Road Outside Lookers Garage, Parking Problems

The Cabinet Member:

(i) approved, in principle, the provision of ‘H’ bar carriageway markings within the service roads adjacent to the Lookers Garage as a basis for consultation with local residents, Ward Members, the Police and other interested parties; and

(ii) agreed to provide ‘H’ carriageway markings for those residents who reply positively to their provision within the above consultation. 

To consider comments made by local residents regarding difficulties caused by vehicles parked in the vicinity of Lookers Garage, Castle Bromwich.

27^th March 2003

0161
RCD02

Tidbury Green Village Traffic Calming

The Cabinet Member approved the implementation of the traffic calming proposals through Tidbury Green Village and the surrounding road network, including the further measures recommended in the report at a total estimated cost of £65,000.

To report the results of the consultation undertaken during February 2003 and to seek Cabinet Member approval to implement traffic calming proposals for Tidbury Green Village area.

27^th March 2003

0162
RCD02

A452 Collector Road – Road Safety Improvements

(Castle Bromwich, Smith's Wood, Kingshurst and Fordbridge Wards)

The Cabinet Member: -

(i) noted and supported the West Midlands Casualty Reduction Partnership’s proposal to provide two safety cameras along the A452 Collector Road.

(ii) approved the provision of high skid red surfacing material on the A452 Collector Road approaches to the Lanchester Way and Parkfield Drive junctions, together with improved signing to warn of traffic turning into the side roads; and

(iii) agreed that a Traffic Regulation Order introducing a 50 mph speed limit along the A452 Collector Road between Moorend Avenue and Newport Road roundabout is advertised, as shown on Plan No. 6140 and, if there are no objections, to implement the proposals.

To approve the introduction of a 50mph speed limit and road safety improvements on the A452 Collector Road.  

27^th March 2003

0163
RCD02

Castle Lane, Knightsbridge Road and Dene Court Road Junction, Olton (Lyndon Ward)

The Cabinet Member noted the present situation with regard to the junction of Castle Lane, Knightsbridge Road and Dene Court Road, and agreed to receive a further report on options to address the residents’ concerns at the Decision Session to be held on 20 May 2003.

To consider a petition received from local residents requesting that the road layout and visibility at the junction of Castle Lane with Knightsbridge Road and Dene Court Road be improved.

27^th March 2003

(Councillor Bramham addressed the Cabinet Member in relation to this report).

0164
RCD02

Parking - Charterhouse Drive (St Alphege Ward)

The Cabinet Member agreed to defer the proposed prohibition of waiting restriction and approved the other actions outlined in the report.

To report the results of consultation with residents of Hillfields relating to parking by commuters in Charterhouse Drive.

27^th March 2003

0165
RCD02

Parking – Broomfields Close

The Cabinet Member agreed that no action should be taken at this stage and that further monitoring should take place with a view to receiving a further report in 6 months time.

To seek Cabinet Member approval to the removal of the existing total prohibition of waiting at the entrance to Broomfields Close following resident’s consultation.

27^th March 2003

0166
RCD02

Parking – Grove Avenue (Silhill Ward)

The Cabinet Member:-

(i) agreed to the provision of “Police Notice – Parking for Residents Only” at the entrance to Grove Avenue; and

(ii) agreed that a residents parking permit scheme is deferred at this time and review the situation in 6 months.

To report the results of the consultation carried out with residents of Grove Avenue and to seek Cabinet Member approval for the provision of signs to discourage parking by non-residents.

27^th March 2003

0167
RCD02

Cranmore Boulevard, Shirley – Proposed Total Prohibition Of Waiting (Shirley Ward)

The Cabinet Member approved the advertising of a Traffic Regulation Order for the total prohibition of waiting opposite Nos. 244 to 278 Cranmore Boulevard, adjacent to Stratford Court as shown on Plan No. 6079/15, and subject to no objections, agreed to the implementation of the proposals.

To seek Cabinet Member approval to introduce a Total Prohibition of Waiting Order opposite Nos. 244 to 278 Cranmore Boulevard, adjacent to Stratford Court.

27^th March 2003

0168
RCD02

Local Transport Plan – Three Year Accident Reduction Programme 2003/04 TO 2005/06

The Cabinet Member approved the three year accident reduction programme as set out in the report for further detailed analysis.

To consider a preliminary three year programme of accident reduction schemes.

27^th March 2003

0169
RCD02

Urban Traffic Control and Signal Renewal Programme 2003 - 2004

The Cabinet Member agreed the programme for UTC expenditure for the year 2003/2004.

To consider an expenditure plan for extending the area covered by the Urban Traffic Control  (UTC) system during the year 2003/04.

27^th March 2003

0170
RCD02

Petitions

The Cabinet Member noted the receipt of the seven petitions, the actions taken so far and agreed that further reports would be presented in due course following detailed investigation.

To inform Cabinet Members of petitions received at the last Council meeting on 12th February 2003 and seek approval to the actions proposed.

27^th March 2003

0171
RCD02

Capital Monitoring Report 2002/03

The Cabinet Member:

(i) noted the financial position upto 25 February 2003 with regard to the Highways Capital programme 2002/03,

(ii) approved the minor amendments as set out in the appendix to the report, and;

(iii) requested that the reasons for substantial overspends be submitted urgently to the Cabinet Member and Spokespersons.

To advise the Cabinet Member on the financial monitoring of schemes approved in January 2002 following the allocation of funding from the Local Transport Plan, and seek approval to minor amendments to the programme for 2002/03.

27^th March 2003

0172
RCD02

The New Code of Practice for Highways Maintenance Management

The Cabinet Member:

(i) noted the progress to date; and

(ii) approved the revised action plan for the next 12 months.

To advise the Cabinet Member on progress in implementing the New Code of Practice for Highway Maintenance Management.

27^th March 2003

0173
RCD02

The Management Of Fly-Posting

The Cabinet Member:

(i) approved the Control of Fly-Posting Policy Document; and

(ii) agreed to receive a further report in 6 months time.

To approve a policy for the control of fly-posting, based on a combined approach to remove, prevent and where appropriate prosecute persistent offenders.

27^th March 2003

0174
RCD02

Land Purchase Request - Brobury Croft

The Cabinet Member refused the request for the following reasons:

(i) The areas in question form part of a mature hedge line which provides a habitat for a number of wild life species and the loss of this could have a detrimental effect on the amenity of the area;

(ii) If the area was enclosed this would lead to a narrowing of the footway which would change the perspective of a footway from its current open and well lit perspective to a dark unwelcoming perspective.

To seek the Cabinet Member’s opinion on a request from the occupier of 10 Brobury Croft to purchase land designated as public highway.

27^th March 2003

0175
RCD02

Application for financial assistance from six organisations

(i) The Cabinet Member approved funding as follows:

·  Solihull Community Foundation - £12,000

·  Shirley Citizens Advice Bureau - £14,000 (in total for both applications)

·  Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Trust - £8,000

·  Solihull Council for Voluntary Services - £nil

·  West Midlands Employment and Low Pay Unit - £nil

(ii) The Cabinet Member referred the application from Solihull Citizens Advice Bureau to the next Leader Decision Session for consideration.  (Cllr Blake declared an interest in this item, and therefore, made a recommendation that the decision should be made by the Leader).

To consider the recommendations of the Grants and Donations Task and Finish Group.

27^th March 2003

0176
RCD02

Application for Financial Assistance from 2 Organisations

The Cabinet Member approved funding as follows:

·     Age Concern  - Defer a decision at this stage to enable the organisation to submit further information to enable the application to be fully evaluated and re-considered at a future meeting.

·     Castle Bromwich Brigade Band - £1,000

Age Concern - core funding required

Castle Bromwich Brigade Band - assistance sought towards replacing instruments.

27^th March 2003

0177
RCD02

Groundwork Birmingham - Possible Extension into Solihull

The Cabinet Member: -

(i) Acknowledged the progress made in Stage One;

(ii) Agreed to the commencement of Stage Two on the basis set out in the report, up until the development of a draft proposal for consideration; and

(iii) Agreed to receive an update at his next decision-making session.

To authorise the second stage of development work required if Groundwork Birmingham is to be extended into Solihull leading to the production of a formal proposal which, if approved, could be submitted to Groundwork UK and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to obtain consent for the extension to take place.

27^th March 2003

0178
RCD02

National Lottery Fair Shares Fund

The Cabinet Member:-

(i)Noted the progress of the Fair Share Steering Group, which is promoting and managing the take up of Lottery Funds across North Solihull.

(ii)Endorsed the importance of Member representation on the group and agreed that the representation should consist of two Members who should attend every appropriate meeting, and;

(iii)Endorsed the principle that the Steering Group should establish itself as a sub-group of the Local Strategic Partnership and provide information reports to that group.

For the Cabinet Member to note the progress in promoting and managing the take up of Lottery Funds across North Solihull, consider the importance of Member representation on the Steering Group and endorse the principle that the Steering group should establish itself as a sub-group of the Local Strategic Partnership.

27^th March 2003

0179
RCD02

Social Enterprise Development

The Cabinet Member agreed to the Local Authority acting as the lead body in estblishing a framework for the development of social enterprise in Solihull.

To approve a framework for the development of social enterprise in Solihull, in line with current national, regional and sub-regional directives.  

27^th March 2003

0180
RCD02

Local Public Service Agreements - Employment Targets

The Cabinet Member: -

(i) Endorsed the development of an employment target within Solihull’s Local Public Service Agreement;

(ii) Endorsed the principle of the suggested targets and authorised further discussions with Job Centre Plus with a view to achieving an increase in targets;

(iii) Authorised the development of a detailed partnership proposal for achieving the target; and

(iv) Agreed to receive a progress report at his next decision-making session.    

To seek the Cabinet Member’s views on a possible employment target for the Council’s Local Public Service Agreement to be submitted to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in May and to obtain his endorsement to an employment target being included in the Solihull Local Public Service Agreement.

27^th March 2003

0181
RCD02

North Solihull Community Development Trust

The Cabinet Member:

1.      noted the successful establishment of a Community Development Trust in North Solihull;

2.      noted its proposed identity as 'The Colebridge Trust';

3.      agreed to future reporting requirements on a six monthly basis,  and;

4.      agreed to refer the matter to a future meeting of the Regeneration, Environment and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Board to obtain a more in-depth overview of the work of the Trust.

The Community Development Trust was established by the Council in July 2002 and currently operates with the assistance of Council funding. The report will explain the background to the Trust and its initial activity.

27^th March 2003

0182
RCD02

East Birmingham and North Solihull Regeneration Zone

The Cabinet Member:

(i) noted the progress of the regeneration zone in its first year;

(ii) endorsed the proposals for zone activity which have been put forward during the preparation of the 2003 to 2006 Zone Implementation Plan;

(iii) agreed to receive regular progress reports on a quarterly basis.

To note the progress of the regeneration zone in its first year and to outline proposals put forward for activity in subsequent years.

27^th March 2003

0183
RCD02

Property in Beechnut Lane,Solihull

The Cabinet Member authorised the Chief Executive to take all action necessary under Section 143 of the Highways Act 1980 and to recover the Council’s costs.

To seek authority for the Chief Executive to take enforcement action in relation to a property.

27^th March 2003

Private

0184
RCD02

Application for financial assistance from 2 individuals

The Cabinet Member approved funding.

Applications for grant aid.

27^th March 2003

Private

0185
RCD02

Chelmsley Wood Town Centre

The Cabinet Member approved matters for Chelmsley Wood Town Centre.

To seek approval to matters for Chelmsley Wood Town Centre.

27^th March 2003

Private

0186
RCD02

Employment Transport Link

The Cabinet Member:

(i)   recommended, for approval by the Cabinet Member for Resources, a revenue contribution of £55,000 to the Employment Transport Link for the year 2003/04 as part of the report going to convert capital monies to revenue budget, and;

(ii)  agreed to receive a further progress report at a later date.

(Cllr Blake declared an interest in this item, and therefore, made a recommendation that the decision should be made by the Cabinet Member for Resources).

To support the proposed demand responsive bus service which will provide better access to employment opportunities in East Birmingham, North Solihull and North Warwickshire by contributing £55,000 for the financial year 2003/04, subject to financial conditions being met.

This project is managed by Merlin Venture Ltd. and is part of a three year project which has already attracted over £2,395,000 from the Urban Bus Challenge and AWM via the East Birmingham and North Solihull Regeneration Zone.

27^th March 2003

(This report was considered as an urgent item, with the approval of the Cabinet Member and the Solicitor to the Council).