Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies of absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Streetscene Policy Development and Review Panel held on 8 January 2015.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Streetscene Policy Development and Review Panel held on 8 January 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman announced that Fareham Borough Council is participating in an initiative as part of a National Government’s first ever Community Clear Up Day. This is a ‘National Spring Clean’ to be held on Saturday 21 March 2015, with a view to sprucing up some of Fareham’s public spaces.

The key objectives for this ‘Clear Up Day’ are:

·         Encourage and hopefully boost other local initiatives

·         To facilitate an event at Wicor Rec, Portchester and in the Town Centre

·         Take part in the Governments first ever Community Clear up Day

·         Raise the profile of litter picking in Fareham using media coverage

All Councillors will be notified of the events taking place and will be most welcome to attend both events.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To consider a report by the Director of Environmental Services which gives a final review to the Panel’s work programme for 2014/15 and draft work programme for 2015/16.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Environmental Services on a final review of the work programme for 2014/15 and the draft work programme for 2015/16.

It was AGREED that the Panel:-

(a)  reviewed the outcomes of the Panel’s work programme for 2014/15;

(b)  agreed a proposed work programme for 2015/16; and

(c)  submits the proposed work programme for 2015/16 to the Council for endorsement.

To consider a report by the Director of Environmental Services on the Play Area Safety Surface Replacement Programme.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Environmental Services on the play area safety surface replacement programme.

It was explained to the Panel that the current rubber crumb surface was expensive to maintain as it needed high maintenance and it could be easily damaged.

Councillor Swanbrow enquired as to how easy the new sand filler artificial turf surface would be to repair or replace. The Operations Manager explained that any repairs would need to be completed by a specialist contractor, however it would be a simple process for them.

Councillor Harper referred to the sites that have already had the new safety surface laid and asked what feedback they had received regarding it. The Operations Manager informed the Panel that the feedback received had been positive, especially for the sites where the surface had become slippery and dangerous.

It was AGREED that the Panel notes the content of the report.

To consider a report by the Director of Environmental Services on the Bus Shelter Maintenance Contract Renewal.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Environmental Services on the bus shelter maintenance contract renewal.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Keeble Executive Member for Streetscene, addressed the Panel on this item.

The Public and Open Spaces Manager commented on the recent report that went to the Planning and Development Policy Development and Review Panel which recommended to the Executive that  Officers be asked to undertake a feasibility study for a possible on-going programme of installation of new and/or re-located bus shelters and associated bus stop infrastructure, and for estimating the associated capital costs; these measures would assist in influencing mode choice by enhancing the quality of the public transport offer.

Councillor Bryant enquired about the having real time information on Bus Shelters. The Director of Environmental Services explained to members that this is something that would have to be discussed with the bus companies as Fareham Borough Council does not have the budget to be able to fund this.

It was AGREED that the content of the report be noted.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public and representatives of the press from the remainder of the meeting in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, on the grounds that the matter be dealt with involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

It was AGREED that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and representatives of the Press be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the Panel considered it was not in the public interest to consider the matter in public on the grounds that it involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of schedule 12A of the Act.

To consider a report by the Director of Environmental Services on an Annual Review of Clothing and Textile Recycling.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Environmental Service on an annual review of clothing and textile recycling.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Keeble Executive Member for Streetscene addressed the Panel on this item.

It was AGREED that the content of the report be noted.

The Director of Environmental addressed the Panel to provide an update on the Market Quay Roundabout. He informed members that work has begun on a landscaping scheme now that it has been made available to the Council. He informed the Panel that over the next few weeks there will be significant changes to the roundabout and that in due course it will be something the Council can be proud of.