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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Cabinet/Committee Room, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk L39 2DF. View directions

Contact: Cathryn Jackson 

Items
No. Item

16.

APOLOGIES

Minutes:

There were no apologies for absence.

17.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE

To be apprised of any changes to the membership of the Committee in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.

Minutes:

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4, Members noted the termination of membership of Councillors Mrs Blake and Pryce-Roberts and the appointment of Councillors Ms Melling and Cooper respectively, thereby giving effects to the wishes of the political groups.

18.

URGENT BUSINESS, IF ANY, INTRODUCED BY THE CHAIRMAN

Note:  No other business is permitted unless, by reason of special circumstances, which shall be specified at the meeting, the Chairman is of the opinion that the item(s) should be considered as a matter or urgency.

Minutes:

There were no items of urgent business.

19.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST pdf icon PDF 299 KB

If a member requires advice on Declarations of Interest, he/she is advised to contact the Borough Solicitor in advance of the meeting.  (For the assistance of members a checklist for use in considering their position on any particular item is included at the end of this agenda sheet.)

Minutes:

1.     During discussion of item 9 West Lancashire Leisure (WLCL)/Serco Annual Report the following declarations were noted:

 

(a)   Councillor Cooper declared an interest as a trustee of WLCL and took no further part in the consideration of this item.

(b)  Councillor Cotterill declared an interest when speaking on secondary school participation, as a Governor of Lathom High School.

 

2.    During discussion on item 13 Flooding of the Highways Drainage System Councillor Yates declared an interest, when reference was made to commissioned survey work, through his connection with AARRCH, the Ormskirk Flood Group.

20.

DECLARATIONS OF A PARTY WHIP

In accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Committee Procedure Rule 16, Members must declare the existence of any Party Whip, and the nature of it, when considering any matter in the following categories:

 

-       The review of any decision of Cabinet or

-       The performance of any Member of the Cabinet

 

N.B. The Secretary of State believes whipping is incompatible with Overview and Scrutiny.

 

Minutes:

There were no declarations of a Party Whip.

21.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 302 KB

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2016.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 14 July 2016 be received as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

22.

MINUTES OF THE MEMBER DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

To note the minutes of the Member Development Commission meeting held on 22 September 2016 (to follow).

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the Member Development Commission meeting held on 23 September 2016 as contained on pages 185 to 187 of the Book of Reports.

 

In discussion reference was made to the following:

 

·         Overview and Scrutiny Training (4 October 2016) – attendance; feedback; input from the external facilitator.

·         Member Induction – composition of future sessions; support; scope/information provided.

 

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer provided an overview of the Member Induction process and provided clarification on the issues raised.

 

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the Member Development Commission meeting held on 22 September 2016 be noted.

23.

PUBLIC SPEAKING pdf icon PDF 271 KB

Residents of West Lancashire, on giving notice, may address the meeting to make representations on any item on the agenda except where the public and press are to be excluded during consideration of the item.  The deadline for submissions is 5.00pm 6 October 2016.  A copy of the public speaking protocol and form to be completed is attached.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no items under this heading.

24.

WEST LANCASHIRE LEISURE (WLCL)/SERCO ANNUAL REPORT pdf icon PDF 2 MB

To consider the presentation from the Board Chairman (WLCL) and Contracts Manager (SERCO).

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the presentation by Joan McNally, Chairman and Mark Snaylam, Contracts Manager of West Lancashire Community Leisure (WLCL), supported by a series of slides as contained on pages 189 to 200 of the Book of Reports.

 

In her presentation the Chairman of the Leisure Trust acknowledged the good work undertaken by the Trust Members throughout the year and included reference to:

 

·         Charitable Status obtained.

·         Success of 6th Triathlon – participation by 800 plus school aged youth.

·         Community Engagement/participation – GP Referral scheme; Chairman’s Cup; Schools Triathlon; Outreach Work.

 

Reference was also made to the Active West Lancs scheme, a partnership initiative with West Lancashire Borough Council, The Schools Sports Partnership, Skelmersdale Community Fund Initiative (SCFI) and CVS Community Food Growing Initiative to help get people fitter across the Borough.

 

In relation to operations over the previous 12 months, the Contracts Manager referred to the following:

 

·         Funding of the ‘Welcome to Health Project’ in collaboration with Edge Hill University and the School Sports Partnership.

·         Increased patronage (Wetside visits).

·         Income generated in 2015 (Wetside; Dryside; Health & Fitness; F & B and operational.)

·         Beacon Park – changes at the Golf Club (redevelopment of footgolf course); update on land reprofiling; continued investment in the site, despite drop in operational income; new park design “Pirates of the Carribeacon

·         Burscough, Nye Bevan & Park Pools – Gymnasium refurbishments; upgrade of football pitches; introduction of Walking Football (Burscough); improvements to infrastructure (filter system Park Pool); main sports hall refurbishment (Burscough).

 

The Contracts Manager went on to highlight the opportunities and challenges for the group, emphasising that Serco Leisure is not for sale and will remain part of the Serco Group of companies.

 

In conclusion of the review, the way forward for the coming year was featured which included:  reference to the challenges to increase patronage; growth of the business; diversification / further development of Beacon Park; increasing swimming lesson usage; continuous improvement of facilities and development of staff; working with partners and community groups to offer more participation opportunities.

 

Comment and questions were raised in respect of the following:

 

·         Equipment available at Banks Leisure Centre – refurbishment plans.

·         ‘Welcome to Health Project’ – possible extension to include secondary school age children.

·         Pricing bands of activities across the Centres.

·         Upgrade of football pitches – commercial benefits.

·         Park Pool Ormskirk – long term future of the facility.

·         Beacon Golf Course – decline in golf usage; broadening demographic usage; opportunities for diversification.

 

The Contracts Manager of WLCL contributed to the discussion and responded to questions.  He made an undertaking to take away points made, particularly in relation to possible extension into secondary schools, of the initiative being undertaken in partnership with Edge Hill University in primary schools, on children fitness. 

 

The Chairman of WLCL also contributed to the discussion and provided further clarification on the vision for the future at the Beacon to encourage more footfall in the former ‘hub’ through the provision of refreshments for the park users, including dog walkers and bike  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

25.

QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (Q1 2016/17) pdf icon PDF 149 KB

To consider the report of the Borough Transformation Manager & Deputy Director of Housing and Inclusion.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Transformation Manager and Deputy Director of Housing & Inclusion which detailed performance monitoring data for the quarter ended 30 June 2016, as contained on pages 157 to 170 of the Book of Reports.  The report had previously been considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 13 September 2016.

 

In discussion Members raised questions and comments in respect of the following performance indicators:

 

·         N1 157b (Processing of planning applications:  Minor applications)  and

·         N1 157c (Processing of planning applications:  Other applications) – commentary explanation.

 

The Deputy Director of Development and Regeneration, who was in attendance at the meeting, provided clarification on points raised in respect of the reasons set down in the commentary related to an increase in workloads stating that the impacts reported are kept under review and monitored.

 

RESOLVED:  That the Council’s performance against the indicator set for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 be noted.

 

26.

REVIEW TOPIC 2016/17 AND CONFIRMATION OF THE WORK PROGRAMME pdf icon PDF 242 KB

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor as contained on pages 171 to 177 of the Book of Reports that gave details of the outcome of the Topic Scoring Exercise in relation to topics submitted by the deadline and set down the proposed Work Programme for the Committee for 2016/17.

 

Members noted the results of the scoring exercise (Appendix A) and the proposals therein, particularly noting the proposal for a presentation on the selected topic.

 

The Chairman provided additional information in relation to the scoring exercise, thanking the Scoring Panel for their contribution.

 

RESOLVED:  A.  That the results of the scoring exercise (Appendix A) be noted and  the recommendations therein be actioned and endorsed.

 

                                 B.  That the topic selected for review in 2016/17 Work

Programme of  the Committee be ‘Tourism’.

 

C.  That a presentation on the selected topic be provided and a draft  Project Plan for the review be prepared.

 

D.  That the Work Programme for the Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee as set out below be confirmed and included on the Council’s web site.  

‘Corporate and Environmental Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

The Committee conducts in-depth reviews/policy development as set out in its work programme.

 

The Committee considers, as part of its routine work:

 

·            Items referred from "Members Update" at the request of a Member

·                        Members items/Councillor Call for Action (CCfA)

·                        Performance management

·                        Acts as the Council's Crime and Disorder Committee

·           Recommendations from previously conducted reviews

 

The Member Development Commission will continue its work during 2016/17 as will the ‘Public Involvement at Meetings Working Group’.

 

 

27.

WORK PROGRAMME 2016/17

To consider the following three items:

Minutes:

The following three items were considered.

28.

FLOODING OF THE HIGHWAYS DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Councillor John Fillis, the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Lancashire County Council, will attend the meeting for a question and answer session on this topic.

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the item, that had been added to the Committee’s work programme as a result of concerns from Members on the performance and maintenance of the gullies in the Borough following the flooding that had occurred on Boxing Day 2015 and the lessons learnt.

 

The Committee welcomed County Councillor John Fillis, the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Lancashire County Council to the meeting for a question and answer session on Flooding of Highways Drainage System. 

 

Prior to the meeting Members had provided a series of questions to the County Council’s Cabinet Member.  In response to the questions previously submitted County Councillor Fillis had provided a written response, circulated prior to the meeting, as set down at pages 201 to 211 of the Book of Reports.

 

At the meeting, the County Council Cabinet Member provided an overview of the response by the County and others agencies to the floods that had occurred on Boxing Day 2015.  He went on to explain, that through that response experience, the County had reflected on its procedures, referring to details as set down within his written response.  This included the responsibilities of the different agencies involved in flood management / water flow which included the Environment Agency (EA), District Councils, Water Companies (United Utilities) and local highways authorities (LCC) as identified in the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (FWMA) and the role of the Risk Management Authorities (RMAs).

 

In respect of maintenance of the gullies it was explained using past data and also local knowledge, the County had overhauled its gully emptying service and had now produced a schedule of Priority 1 and Priority 2 gullies.  Rather than a rotational cleaning, this service was now prioritised.   In relation to sandbags, he said that this was the responsibility of District Councils. 

 

In conclusion County Councillor Fillis referred to the LCC campaign and literature that had been produced to assist residents.  He also commented that, whilst LCC Highways enforcement powers are limited and site/circumstances specific, if there is any local knowledge of real-life situations then this information can be passed through to him so that specific responses can be investigated and produced.

 

In discussion questions and comments were raised in relation to:

 

·         Priority 1 and 2 gullies schedules – identification of gully priorities; availability of site lists; future proofing (new housing developments).

·         Flood Relief – allocation of resources; monetary assistance (grants); future investment.

·         Road drains – maintenance and removal of debris.

·         Methods of reporting flooding / drain issues – access to the LCC web-site; preparation in / for “at risk” areas.

·         “Gold” Command – composition (police and emergency service led), involvement of local response units.

·         Other best practice models – National Flood Forum.

·         Commissioned survey work undertaken in a local neighbourhood (Jacob report)

·         Use of hydro bags as an alternative to sandbags – provision of emergency “kits”.

·         Effectiveness of natural barriers – tree-lines; replanting hedgerows.

 

In response to the question on the Priority 1 and Priority 2 gullies, referred to in his written  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

29.

WEST LANCASHIRE TOURISM - THE VISITOR ECONOMY pdf icon PDF 7 MB

To consider a presentation on the selected review topic, if confirmed, on behalf of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

Minutes:

Following agreement by the Committee to undertake a review on ‘Tourism’, the Economic Regeneration Manager, who attended the meeting provided an introduction and to possible lines of enquiry for Members to consider during the course of the review.

 

Presentation 1 – West Lancashire Tourism – The Visitor Economy

 

Members considered information presented by the Economic Regeneration Manager.  This was supported by a series of slides as set down at pages 213 to 217 of the Book of Reports.

 

The presentation gave an overview of the following:

 

·         Background to the West Lancashire Visitor Economy.

·         West Lancashire Strategies: Economci Development Strategy 2015-2025 and Ormskirk Town Centre Strategy 2015-2020.

·         Marketing and Promotion

·         Marketing Lancashire

·         Beyond West Lancashire and Lancashire boundaries

 

In discussion, questions and comments were raised in relation to:

 

·         Seasonal Tourism – impact on local attractions.

·         Accommodation promotion – to encourage overnight stays

·         Promotion of ‘newer’ local events – Burscough Heritage Weekend

·         Burscough Wharf – attracting canal tourists (moorings; canal side services (restaurants; promotion of local shops)

 

At the conclusion of the presentation the Economic Regeneration Manager provided information and suggestions for future consideration.

 

RESOLVED:That the presentation be noted and the title of the review be revised to ‘West Lancashire Tourism – The Visitor Economy’

30.

PROJECT PLAN pdf icon PDF 229 KB

To agree the Project Plan for the review, if confirmed, ‘West Lancashire Tourism – The Visitor Economy’

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the draft Project Plan as set down at pages 181 to 183 of the Book of Reports.

 

Members agreed the Project Plan, that would be reviewed at each meeting and the timescale to complete its work by July 2017.

 

RESOLVED: A That the Project Plan be agreed.

                       

B. That arrangements be put in place for a presentation by Marketing Lancashire on the Lancashire visitor economy and how West Lancashire is promoted as a visitor destination, to the December meeting of the Committee.

 

 

 

 

31.

MEMBERS' ITEM

There are no items under this heading.

Minutes:

There were no items under this heading.

32.

ITEMS FROM THE MEMBERS' UPDATE

There are no items under this heading.

Minutes:

There were no items under this heading.