Agenda item

5.1

Petitions

Further to a petition, containing 500 signatures, objecting to the proposed closure of Whirlowbrook Hall Café, which had been reported to Council at its meeting held on 5 September, 2012, Kevin Bradley informed the Assembly that the number of people signing the petition had now increased to 2000.  He expressed concern over the closure of the café, as it provided refreshments and toilets for people visiting the grounds. He also asked that the contract agreed with any company to manage the Hall in the future, should require them to maintain the café facility for visitors to the grounds.

5.2

Public Questions

5.2.1

High Storrs School Playing Fields

Clarification was sought by a member of the public over public access to the playing fields at High Storrs School, once the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project involving the School was complete.  He referred to information he had received from the School’s Management Team and the City Council’s Premises Team, which did not give clarity over whether the public would have full or restricted access to the playing fields.  He also referred to the previous loss of access to playing fields in the Ecclesall and Bents Green area and raised concern that the same may happen at High Storrs School

It was acknowledged by the Assembly Members that the BSF programme aimed to extend community use of the facilities and that schools needed to work in partnership with its community.  It was also recognised though that the use of playing fields was a security issue for them and that the responsibility of Governors was also raise funds for the school by charging for the use of its facilities.

RESOLVED: that the Chair would investigate the matter, now raised, further to ascertain future public access to High Storrs School playing fields. 

5.2.2

The Boarding and Dog Walking Businesses In Residential Areas

Further the Assembly’s consideration of the boarding and dog walking businesses in residential areas at its meeting held on 19 July, 2012, a member of the public raised further concerns in respect of this matter, in particular, the problems for neighbouring families to such businesses and the need for controls to be in place and enforcement undertaken.  In response, Mark Parry, Environmental Enforcement Team Manager, advised the meeting that the boarding of dogs in a residential property would require a licence under Environmental and Animal Control Legislation.  Sarah Smith, Planning Services also advised that, if it was considered that there had been a change in use in respect of activities over and above what would be expected for a family dwelling, it may be necessary to apply for planning permission with regard to a Change of Use of the Premises.

RESOLVED: That officers from Environmental Health and Planning Services be requested to investigate the dog boarding business now being raised, to ensure the business is complying with the relevant legislation.

5.2.3

Bus Partnership

Concern was raised that the public was not aware of the changes taking place to bus services on 28 October, 2012, in particular, a query was raised over who from the City Council was represented at the Bus Partnership Meetings.  In response, it was stated that Dick Proctor, Highway and Transport Services and Councillor Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environment and Transport were two of the Council representatives at the Bus Partnership meetings.  Gilly Greenfit informed the meeting that the Council had been well represented at the Partnership meetings.  She reminded the meeting of the changes to bus routes, ticketing, which included the introduction of a tram and bus ticket and a reduction in fares to 35% of the bus passengers in the city.  It was also stated that, in some cases, the bus operators’ own individual fare prices were being reduced.  The meeting was further informed that, the amount of publicity on the changes being introduced, would increase week commencing 22 October, 2012, through posters and the use of the local media.

5.2.4

Bus Partnership Comments

A number of comments were received on the bus partnership changes being introduced from members of the public at the meeting which included, that extensive consultation had being carried out on the changes to routes and fares. The bus route change to provide a service along Sprinfield Road and Button Hill was welcomed, but the Assembly acknowledged this had to be balanced against the objections that had been received by the SYPTE, from local residents opposed to the route change.  A further comment was received over the proposed position of a bus stop on Brooklands Avenue, Fulwood.  Assurances were also sought that if particular changes to routes were not working such as the 83A route, that after 12 months, consideration would be given to implementing route amendments.  Responses were given where appropriate to the comments received which included, an explanation on how information from the consultation process for major changes, is used to inform decisions on smaller changes to service provision, where consultation is not a requirement to be undertaken.  In the case of the proposed location of the bus stop on Brooklands Drive, which was now subject to an appeal, it was accepted that lessons had been learnt in respect of this matter.  The meeting was reminded to continue to give further feedback on the route changes after they had been implemented.

5.2.5

30 Bus Service

Concerned was raised over the reliability of buses used by the bus operator on the 30 route. In response, it was stated that the Bus Partnership would encourage bus operators to improve the quality of buses on all routes and not just on the City’s primary bus routes .

5.2.6

Centenary of the First Bus Route to Crosspool

A member of the public enquired into plans to celebrate the centenary of the first omnibus service to run to Crosspool, the first suburb in Sheffield to be served by a bus service.  In response, it was explained that arrangements to mark the occasion were being planned and that further information would be provided to the person enquiring in to the matter.

5.2.7

87 Bus Route

With regard to the route change to the 87 bus service which would now serve Archer Road instead of passing along the shops on Abbeydale Road South at Millhouses, a request was made for it to alternate its route between Archer Road and Abbeydale Road South to support the shops.  Gilly Greenfit stated that she would look into the matter and provide a response to the person raising the issue.

5.2.8

123 Bus Service

A member of the public with a sight disability, requested assistance following the change of the route for the 123 bus service, as it would no longer pass in front of her house.  The person was informed that it was a commercial decision of the bus operator to make the change.

RESOLVED: That, in respect of the circumstances now mentioned, Gilly Greenfit and Tammy Barrass be requested to provide assistance in this particular case.

5.2.9

HGV Routes

In respect of a request over when a report on the HGV routes review would be available, it was explained the matter would be raised with Highways

(Note: In respect of the South West Community Assembly Highways Update Report, a resolution was agreed on this matter under Paragraph 6.2,(b),(v) of the minutes.)

5.2.10

Streets Ahead Project

Moira Code, Amey and Tammy Barrass gave information on the public consultation being undertaken between 22 and 31 October, 2012 on the Streets Ahead Project which involved improvements to the city’s roads, pavements, bridges and street scene over a 5 year programme.  It was explained that information on the consultation meetings was available at the meeting and also on the Assembly’s web page and Webblog.  People were encouraged to attend the meetings to receive information on the programme of improvements in the south west area, understand how the work will be undertaken and to give their views.

5.1

Petitions

Further to a petition, containing 500 signatures, objecting to the proposed closure of Whirlowbrook Hall Café, which had been reported to Council at its meeting held on 5 September, 2012, Kevin Bradley informed the Assembly that the number of people signing the petition had now increased to 2000.  He expressed concern over the closure of the café, as it provided refreshments and toilets for people visiting the grounds. He also asked that the contract agreed with any company to manage the Hall in the future, should require them to maintain the café facility for visitors to the grounds.

5.2

Public Questions

5.2.1

High Storrs School Playing Fields

Clarification was sought by a member of the public over public access to the playing fields at High Storrs School, once the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project involving the School was complete.  He referred to information he had received from the School’s Management Team and the City Council’s Premises Team, which did not give clarity over whether the public would have full or restricted access to the playing fields.  He also referred to the previous loss of access to playing fields in the Ecclesall and Bents Green area and raised concern that the same may happen at High Storrs School

It was acknowledged by the Assembly Members that the BSF programme aimed to extend community use of the facilities and that schools needed to work in partnership with their communities.  It was also recognised though that the use of playing fields by the public was a security issue for them and that the responsibility of Governors was also to raise funds for the school by charging for the use of its facilities.

RESOLVED: That it be noted that the Chair would investigate the matter, now raised, further to ascertain future public access to High Storrs School playing fields. 

5.2.2

The Boarding and Dog Walking Businesses In Residential Areas

Further to the Assembly’s consideration of the boarding and dog walking businesses in residential areas at its meeting held on 19 July, 2012, a member of the public raised further concerns in respect of this matter, in particular, the problems for neighbouring families to such businesses and the need for controls to be in place and enforcement undertaken.  In response, Mark Parry, Environmental Enforcement Team Manager, advised the meeting that the boarding of dogs in a residential property would require a licence under Environmental and Animal Control Legislation.  Sarah Smith, Planning Services, also advised that if it was considered that there had been a change in use in respect of activities over and above what would be expected for a family dwelling it may be necessary to apply for planning permission with regard to a change of use of the premises.

RESOLVED: That officers from Environmental Health and Planning Services be requested to investigate the dog boarding business now mentioned, to ensure the business is complying with the relevant legislation.

5.2.3

Bus Partnership

Concern was raised that the public was not aware of the changes taking place to bus services on 28 October, 2012, in particular, a query was raised over who from the City Council was represented at the Bus Partnership Meetings.  In response, it was stated that Dick Proctor, Highway and Transport Services and Councillor Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member with responsibility for transport were two of the Council representatives at the Bus Partnership meetings.  Gilly Greensitt informed the meeting that the Council had been well represented at the Partnership meetings.  She reminded the meeting of the changes to bus routes, ticketing, which included the introduction of a tram and bus ticket and a reduction in fares to 35% of the bus passengers in the city.  It was also stated that, in some cases, the bus operators’ own individual fare prices were being reduced.  The meeting was further informed that, the amount of publicity on the changes being introduced, would increase week commencing 22 October, 2012, through posters and the use of the local media.

5.2.4

Bus Partnership Comments

A number of comments were received from members of the public at the meeting on the bus partnership changes being introduced which included, that extensive consultation had been carried out on the changes to routes and fares. The bus route change to provide a service along Springfield Road and Button Hill was welcomed, but the Assembly acknowledged this had to be balanced against the objections that had been received by the SYPTE, from local residents opposed to the route change.  A further comment was received over the proposed position of a bus stop on Brooklands Avenue, Fulwood.  Assurances were also sought that if particular changes to routes were not working such as the 83A route, that after 12 months, consideration would be given to implementing route amendments.  Responses were given where appropriate to the comments received, which included an explanation on how information from the consultation process for major changes is used to inform decisions on smaller changes to service provision where it is not a requirement for consultation to be undertaken.  In the case of the proposed location of the bus stop on Brooklands Avenue, which was now subject to an appeal, it was accepted that lessons had been learnt in respect of this matter.  The meeting was reminded to continue to give further feedback on the route changes after they had been implemented.

5.2.5

No. 30 Bus Service

Concerned was raised over the reliability of buses used by the bus operator on the No. 30 route. In response, it was stated that the Bus Partnership would encourage bus operators to improve the quality of buses on all routes and not just on the City’s primary bus routes .

5.2.6

Centenary of the First Suburban Bus Service

A member of the public enquired into plans to celebrate the centenary of the first omnibus service to run to Crosspool, the first suburb in Sheffield to be served by a bus service.  In response, it was explained that arrangements to mark the occasion were being planned and that further information would be provided to the person enquiring in to the matter.

5.2.7

No. 87 Bus Route

With regard to the route change to the No. 87 bus service which would now serve Archer Road instead of passing along the shops on Abbeydale Road South at Millhouses, a request was made for it to alternate its route between Archer Road and Abbeydale Road South to support the shops.  Gilly Greensitt stated that she would look into the matter and provide a response to the person raising the issue.

5.2.8

No. 123 Bus Service

A member of the public with a sight disability, requested assistance following the change of the route for the No. 123 bus service, as it would no longer pass in front of her house.  The person was informed that it was a commercial decision of the bus operator to make the change.

RESOLVED: That, in respect of the circumstances now mentioned, Gilly Greensitt (SYPTE) and Tammy Barrass (Community Assembly Manager) be requested to provide assistance in this particular case.

5.2.9

HGV Routes

In respect of a request over when a report on the HGV routes review would be available, it was explained the matter would be raised with the Highways Service

(Note: In respect of the South West Community Assembly Highways Update Report, a resolution was agreed on this matter under Paragraph 6.3,(b),(v) of the minutes.)

5.2.10

Streets Ahead Project

Moira Coad, (Amey) and Tammy Barrass (Community Assembly Manager) gave information on the public roadshows being undertaken between 22 and 31 October, 2012 on the Streets Ahead Project which involved improvements to the City’s roads, pavements, bridges and street scene over a 5 year programme.  It was explained that information on the roadshows were available at the meeting and also on the Assembly’s web page and webblog.  People were encouraged to attend the meetings to receive information on the programme of improvements in the south west area, understand how the work will be undertaken and to give their views.