Agenda item - Member Involvement

To consider the following matters raised by Members:

 

(a)         Petitions: To receive any petitions;

 

(b)         Written Questions: To consider any written questions;

 

(1)          Councillor Childs- Queens Park Safety

(2)          Councillor Childs- Street Lighting

(3)          Councillor Childs- Steine Street

(4)          Councillor Childs- ULEZ

(5)          Councillor Childs- Queens Park bins

(6)          Councillor Childs- Cycling Signage on Marine Parade

(7)          Councillor Childs- Visitor permits

(8)          Councillor Fishleigh- Saltdean Skate Park

(9)          Councillor Fishleigh- Bins around Lewes Crescent

(10)       Councillor Fishleigh- West-Bound Bus Lane Between Saltdean and Rottingdean

(11)       Councillor Fishleigh- The roundabout by the aquarium

(12)       Councillor Fishleigh- Pavement in Ovingdean

(13)       Councillor Appich- Toilet facilities

(14)       Councillor Wilkinson- Road Safety Strategy

(15)       Councillor Wilkinson- Playground Refurbishment Programme

(16)       Councillor Wilkinson- Park and Ride Feasibility study

(17)       Councillor Wilkinson- Park and Ride Trial

(18)       Councillor Wilkinson- Tyre Extinguisher Vandalism

(19)       Councillor Fowler- Netting

(20)       Councillor Fowler- Weed removal

(21)       Councillor Fowler- LTN Strategy

(22)       Councillor Fowler- Madeira Drive cycle path

(23)       Councillor Fowler- 1 Hour Parking

(24)       Councillor Nemeth- Failed Park and Ride Scheme Costs

(25)       Councillor Nemeth- Weeds on the Pavement

(26)       Councillor Nemeth- Parking Permits

(27)       Councillor Nemeth- Groyne Repairs

(28)       Councillor Nemeth- Tyre Extinguishers

(29)       Councillor Bagaeen- Draft Air Quality Action Plan

(30)       Councillor Bagaeen- Fuel Saving Measures

(31)       Councillor Bagaeen- Motorcycles in the city

(32)       Councillor Bagaeen- Electric Cargo bike take-up

(33)       Councillor Bagaeen- Verge and Weed Management

(34)       Councillor Bagaeen- Hanover and Tarner Liveable Neighbourhood

 

(c)          Letters: To consider any letters;

 

(1)          Southdown Avenue refuse collection- Councillors Hamilton & Robins

 

(d)         Notices of Motion: to consider any Notices of Motion referred from Full Council or submitted directly to the Committee.

 

(1)          Undercliff Walk Improvements- Conservative Group

(2)          Farming in Brighton & Hove

(3)          Litter on A27

(B)      Written Questions

 

1)             Bins around Lewes Crescent

 

7.1          Councillor Fishleigh put the following question:

 

“When the new junction was put in on the A259 and Dukes Mounds, a communal recycling and general waste point was taken away.  Despite repeated requests and a drive-around the entire area with a member of CityClean to assess whether there are enough communal bins in place, no new bins have arrived yet. 

Please can I have an update which I will share with residents, some of whom have mobility issues, who currently have to walk 200m to their nearest communal bin. This is also affecting residents in the East Brighton ward”.

 

7.2          The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“Thank you for your question. Following the site visit you have mentioned, Cityclean has been considering the options available.

The safe and suitable options have been shared with ward councillors and their feedback sought.

Following feedback from yourself and the and Kemptown Society, it appears only one option remains and Cityclean has concerns about this:

 

Cityclean’s preference is to:

-       Place a communal refuse bin in the south west corner of Lewes Crescent. Refuse bins need to be on a road (or a pavement immediately next to the road) in order for the truck to lift it as they cannot be moved from their location to the truck as they are too big and no wheels.

-       Place a communal recycling bin at the junction of Lewes Crescent and Chichester Terrace. These bins are on wheels so can be moved from their location to the back of the truck.

 

This option was not supported by the Kemptown Society.

An alternative offered by yourself was the north side of the A259 between Lewes Crescent and Arundel Terrace, to the east of the bus stop. There is already a set of communal bins here. Locating a set of bins here will mean those on the western side of Sussex Square will still need to walk a while. And it will mean there are two sets of bins in one location, which is not an approach Cityclean seeks to adopt.

The final option, not preferred by Cityclean, but acceptable to yourself and the Kemptown Society, is to place a set of bins on the southern side of the A259 near the benches. This will involve residents having to cross the A259 to dispose of their waste, which is why Cityclean still has concerns. Cityclean can take this forward this location, if the preferred option i.e. in the Square, is really not feasible”.

 

7.3          Councillor Fishleigh asked the following supplementary question:

 

“Please would you move forward on instructing Cityclean to putting bins on the south side of the A259 and what is the timescale for that?”

 

7.4          On behalf of the Chair, officers stated that they would make the necessary checks and make contact with Councillor Fishleigh.

 

2)             West-Bound Bus Lane Between Saltdean and Rottingdean

 

7.5          Councillor Fishleigh put the following question:

 

“As the recommendations of the A259 South Coast Corridor Improvement Study have been delayed, would BHCC officers now proceed with the report - already commissioned by the ETS committee - about the options for sharing the bus lane on the west-bound A259 between Saltdean and Rottingdean?   A trial will ascertain whether the sharing of the bus lane improves bus journey times caused by this bottleneck - and reduces the general congestion and carbon emissions”.

 

7.6          The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“Officers have commissioned a consultant’s report on High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, which is still being finalised. 

One of the draft conclusions is that unlike conventional bus lanes, HOVs are not yet suitable for camera enforcement. Using current technology, it is difficult to establish how many occupants there are in a vehicle.  This would be a major concern for officers in relation to the effectiveness of bus lanes but we will consider options as part of further development work associated with the Bus Service Improvement Plan”.

 

7.7          Councillor Fishleigh asked the following supplementary question:

 

“Why has the council brought in consultants without consulting with the A259 campaign group?”

 

7.8          The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“Myself and Councillor Heley are visiting Conway Street in a couple of weeks so I will ensure to speak to the bus company about that”

 

3)             The roundabout by the aquarium

 

7.9          Councillor Fishleigh put the following question:

 

“The Department for Transport confirmed in writing to Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP that it does not produce a list of the most dangerous roundabouts in the country.  

When I asked Mark Prior, Cllrs MacCafferty and Davis for the data to support this repeated claim made by themselves and other councillors in this committee and others, I was directed to an article in the local media which referenced a report by the Department of Transport.

Will you now confirm that the council has no evidence to support the claim that the roundabout by the aquarium is one of the most dangerous in the country, will you agree that you will not repeat this claim again and how does this new information affect the business plan for Valley Garden stage 3?

Please don’t reference dangerous roundabouts in the city in this response”.

 

7.10      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“Thank you for your question. I can confirm that the statement made does not have any bearing on the business case for Valley Garden’s phase 3 which has been independently assessed and approved through the Local Growth Fund. This junction remains the most dangerous in the city and reductions in accidents remains a central component to the business case. I recall in the response to you it was explained that Department for Transport data was used by the National Media Journalist to compile a league table of roundabouts with the highest number of accidents. With regard to the numbers of collisions, the data clearly also shows that vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are disproportionately affected by the current road layout, with over 75% of serious injuries caused to these user groups, compared to just over 15% of collisions resulting in serious injury to car or van occupants. The junction is a key link on the National Seafront Cycle Route (NCN2), the most well used cycling route in our city. And I’m sure you will agree that a junction that presents significant danger to vulnerable users such as cyclists must be addressed to ensure the route is as safe as possible to encourage more people to use the route. The junction also links one of our star attractions – the pier, which attracts millions of pedestrian movements through the junction, and the proposed scheme will go along way to improving the pedestrian links, making it a safer more attractive place for all”.

 

7.11      Councillor Fishleigh asked the following supplementary question:

 

“Will you confirm that the council has no evidence to support the claim that the roundabout by the aquarium is one of the most dangerous in the country?”

 

7.12      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“I spoke to the journalist and you say that it came in a local paper, it was originally in the Daily Mirror and I spoke to the journalist who incidentally was a Brighton resident, it was very easy to contact. His article was compiled upon Department for Transport data. I don’t see where this is going, it is without a doubt, the most dangerous roundabout in the city. I can say that as a resident, I can say that as a member of this committee, I can say that as a cyclist, I can say that as a driving instructor”.

 

4)             Park & Ride feasibility study

 

7.13      Councillor Wilkinson put the following question:

 

“The Council identified funds in last year’s council budget underspend to direct towards Park & Ride schemes, which residents asked for in the city’s first ever Climate Assembly. Money was set aside to re-evaluate and reassess permeant P&R sites. Why has this feasibility work not begun yet and when will it?”

 

7.14      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“Thank you for your question, Councillor Wilkinson. The funding available for this work remains allocated to it, but the study has not yet begun owing to officer commitments on other projects and the need to locate and retrieve information on the previous work on possible Park + Ride sites that was undertaken before 2010.

A consultant has now been approached to carry out the study, which is expected to involve a review of potential sites and their suitability that have previously been explored, based on an assessment against current land-use policies and various plans and strategies. The study should be completed before the end of 2022”.

 

7.15      Councillor Wilkinson asked the following supplementary question:

 

“Does the Chair agree that the council should look further than a re-evaluation of previous sites when looking at the feasibility of Park & Ride sites across the city as well as exploring initiatives such as mini Park & Ride schemes?”

 

7.16      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“You know that a consultant has now been approached to carry out this study and I’m happy for this to happen and we are doing mini Park & Ride’s. We’ve got one pocket Park & Ride right opposite this Chamber, we’ve got another mini Park & Ride down by King Alfred Centre. We’re happy to do this but I do feel this city really understood that I don’t feel Park & Ride is going to happen. We don’t support it and I don’t think the opposition parties support it because deep down they know there’s nowhere for it to go”.

 

5)             Road Safety Strategy

 

7.17      Councillor Wilkinson put the following question:

 

“It is over a year since the council passed a  motion calling for an updated city road safety strategy to be brought to the ETS Committee. One that includes road danger reduction measures.

Will the co-chairs of the ETS committee please update members on the progress of this report and when the ETS committee can expect to see it?”

 

7.18      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“Thank you for your question and I’m aware this committee is subject to lots of requests from concerned members of the public calling for road safety improvements, particularly in relation to speeding.

In terms of progress, I can tell you that officers have begun work on a new criteria for assessing and prioritising these types of requests which will be coming to this committee in the Autumn. We also continue to address key accidents spots around the city, as you are aware we will begin implementation to improve the Aquarium roundabout, our most dangerous junction in the city, as part of Valley Garden’s Phase 3 scheme later this year.

This will build on the good work that was done in Phase 1 & 2 of Valley Gardens which also suffered from a poor accident record at locations within the scheme such as the North Road junction.

There is also work underway implementing the new tranche of pedestrian crossing improvements across the city as well as the planned work to introduce improvements to the A259 phase two and the A23 all of which aim to improve safety for all users.

In terms of reviewing the current wider strategy, this is in the pipeline and expected to come to committee in the new year, as you might be aware officers are currently focused on delivering the LCWIP, LTP and ULEZ strategies. However, as I have highlighted, we are continuing to put schemes on the ground that will improve road safety and reduce accidents where there are known issues”.

 

7.19      Councillor Wilkinson asked the following supplementary question:

 

“Does the Chair agree that we have waited long enough and that measuring danger on our roads through metrics other than just the number of casualties is crucial to reducing danger?”

 

7.20      The Chair provided the following response:

 

“I completely and utterly agree with you Councillor Wilkinson. I think the way we assess for example, our pedestrian crossing process that basically is a nobody died here is an archaic and outdated process and I’m happy to work with you on this. Councillor Hills isn’t here today unfortunately but she has been working on that so I’ll get here to contact you and I’m happy to work with both Groups to reduce this ridiculousness”.

 

6)             Netting

 

7.21      Councillor Fowler put the following question:

 

“Does the Council own any buildings that using netting to protect against animals/birds and if so, what measures are taken to prevent the entrapment of animals in such netting?”

 

7.22      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“The Council does own some buildings where measures are put into place to protect the fabric of the building from bird excrement which can damage the external fabric or for Health & Safety reasons such as high-level glazing in Arcades.

The council does a risk assessment and looks at the possible hazards on an asset/site case by case basis. We are looking into alternatives to netting with the possible associated risks of entrapment and where we carry out regular maintenance to our many assets, we are replacing it – for example currently the Clock Tower.

It is being replaced with a more robust metal mesh which will alleviate birds becoming trapped as was the case with the original plastic style mesh, following advice from the RSPB. I appreciate that some of the bridges you mentioned are Network Rail sites so if you’d like to write to me, I’m happy to see what help I can get from Transport officers to get you in contact with the relevant people”.

 

7.23      Councillor Fowler asked the following supplementary question:

 

“How can the council manage this (avian flu) and launch a wider publicity campaign with the RSPCA, RSPB and DEFRA and is it the council’s responsibility to collect dead birds?”

 

7.24      The following response was provided on behalf of the Chair:

 

“Council officers are actually dealing with dead birds at the moment, and we are following the requirements in relation to public health around this. There is a lot more to come on this and the situation is currently just revealing itself so we will put out more on this in the coming few days and that will be linked to public health requirements probably around not approaching dead birds and managing the situation more widely to prevent any further transmission where possible. As you know it is an emerging situation and we are just getting on top of it now in terms of government guidance and also more localised action that’s required”.

 

7)             Weeds on the pavement

 

7.25      Councillor Nemeth put the following question:

 

“In an answer to a written question in October 2021, the Chair stated that weed spraying across the city’s 975.67km of footway had been replaced by 6 additional seasonal staff. At that time, at the beginning of Autumn, only 20-30% of the city had been cleared of weeds.

Given the recent weather conditions, which have been near-perfect for weed growth, will the Chair state:

 

a)    What discussions have taken place between the Green and Labour Groups to find a way forward;

b)    How many members of staff (broken down by permanent/temporary/seasonal) are going to be employed this year to replace weed spraying this summer;

c)    If private contractors are being employed; and

d)    If so, which companies are being contracted, and how much has been budgeted for this?

 

7.26      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“All Street Cleansing staff across the service incorporate weed removal into their daily tasks. This is alongside other duties such as sweeping litter and removing stickers and fly-posting.

Cityclean aims to recruit 32 seasonal staff (20 for the beach and 12 for weeding). However, as mentioned in response to a previous question, due to the number of staff required and the temporary nature of the role, Cityclean struggles to recruit.

Three weeding operatives have been recruited for this season, out of the 12 for which there is a budget. The advert for the vacancies remains open and Cityclean continues to work with the recruitment agency to appoint agency staff.

In response to question c, private contractors have been secured and started weed removal on Monday 13 June.

In response to your final question, the company being used is AGS and the cost is £10,600 for two weeks. This will be funded from the underspend on seasonal staff”.

 

7.27      Councillor Nemeth asked the following supplementary question:

 

“Why didn’t we plan for this and why didn’t we employ this company for a lot more extra work?”

 

7.28      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“We’re trying our best to do this and a situation we really want to cure. One of our situations is that normally, as you know, if we’re understaffed we bring in agencies but the agencies are suffering from exactly the same problem. As I noted recently, we’ve got the budget but trying to find these people is incredibly difficult. It’s a national labour crisis and add to that, we are short on the machinery. We need very specialised equipment and we don’t manufacture it. It comes from a place called Europe and unfortunately there is a huge problem with imports from the EU. We are trying our best with it and we’ve got a new machine coming and we’re hopeful. So, I do disagree, it’s like we’re not allowed to mention Brexit. Of course, we are, it’s having massive ramifications on our daily life. I’m not going to blame it all on that, there was a pandemic as well but it’s two situations as an authority that are completely out of our control”.

 

8)             Tyre Extinguishers

 

7.29      Councillor Nemeth put the following question:

 

“Why has the Council been so silent in condemning the actions of ‘Tyre Extinguishers’ whose actions are both dangerous and illegal?”

 

7.30      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

““Acts of criminal behaviour such as this are a matter for Sussex Police. I am aware that there is a current and active investigation by Sussex Police into the matter and it would be prejudicial to that investigation to comment further at this time. I’m happy to direct you to the Divisional Commander for Brighton & Hove should you need an update”.

 

7.31      Councillor Nemeth asked the following supplementary question:

 

“It sounds like you wouldn’t condemn it because you agree with it?”

 

7.32      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“Condemning reminds me of judges that are condemning people to death and Councillor, I am an incredibly forgiving person. Condemning is too strong a word, if you had asked me do I condone, the answer would be no, of course I don’t condone, it’s a criminal act. I’m not going to condone it, I genuinely don’t condone it, I don’t think it’s the right way to do things”.

 

9)             Fuel Saving Measures

 

7.33      Councillor Bagaeen put the following question:

 

“Residents have made contact with concerns that a City Parks vehicle was recently left idle with the engine running for an hour at Hove Park.

With diesel now costing £9 a gallon, what measures are in place to save fuel across the Council’s fleet?”

 

7.34      The Chair provided the following reply:

 

“The rising fuel costs are concerning, not just for the council but also for those who need to use their cars for essential journeys.

A communication is shortly to be circulated to staff requesting that all diesel drivers use Hollingdean Depot to fill up their vehicles. This is because the cost is 25% less than on forecourts.

In addition, all staff that drive for work will be reminded that other methods of travel, should be considered before a vehicle is used, and importantly, that only essential journeys are made.

Staff will also be reminded that no vehicles should be left idling unnecessarily.

I am really encouraged by our progress in delivering our Fleet Strategy to move more of the council fleet to electric. Around 5% has already been switched to electric vehicles. This year, four electric refuse vehicles will be added to the two already in use at Cityclean and 22 electric vans will be introduced. Through the transition to lower emission vehicles, the council is reducing its reliance on diesel and ensuring such high prices do not impact on the taxpayer”.

 

7.35      The following questions were received and responded to in writing:

 

Councillor Childs- Queens Park Safety

 

Given the risk to women and other users of Queens Park in the evening, will the Chair agree to install additional lighting to the central path with timers to provide illumination between 4.30-10.30pm?

 

Response:

“Firstly we are of course very concerned to hear of the unexplained death of a woman in Queens Park over the weekend which is still under investigation. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who lost her life.

The council recently applied for Safer Streets tranche 3 and tranche 4 funding from the government and the data analysed to inform these applications did not identify Queens Park as a high-risk area at that time. Both funding applications were made in conjunction with colleagues from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office and East and West Sussex County Councils.

Given what occurred at the weekend, when we know more from the investigation we will need to review this again, if applications are made for any further funding streams

However please be aware that there are routes around Queens Park that are lit and should be used at night rather than unlit paths through the park. Where additional street lighting near parks is required, the council will seek to install this on routes around parks on the public highway. This is always subject to funding being available to install and maintain such infrastructure.

Additional lighting in parks impacts on the wildlife that live there. Dark spots are needed for the wildlife to thrive and any further lighting will impact on this. This is why it is important to ensure that there are well lit routes that people can use around parks rather than walking through them at night”.

 

Councillor Childs- Street Lighting

 

Can the Council please install an additional street light at the southern end of Tower Rd given the area is currently poorly lit leading to hazards for residents and residents feeling unsafe walking in this area at night.

 

Response:

“Thank you for raising this issue.The spacing between lighting columns is insufficient to provide a safe level of lighting for that area. The location is to be added to the programme for the installation of a new lighting column to provide additional lighting for the street”.

 

Councillor Childs- Steine Street

 

Given the parlous state of Steine St and the dire need to regenerate this historic street, will the Chair agree to include this road in the VG regeneration project?

 

Response:

Thank you for your question. Your previous involvement either prior to or since the establishment of the Valley Gardens Member Working Group is also appreciated.

The main issues on Steine Street appears to be that it is a very narrow, historic street, and that issues with anti-social behaviour, loitering, littering, or criminal damage are perhaps more likely to occur where there is reduced natural surveillance.

Your question was initially referred to the Valley Gardens Member Working Group and officers assisted in the discussion of it at a meeting earlier this month. You may recall that the final design for Valley Gardens Phase 3 was considered and agreed by this committee in January this year. The detail will be completed by officers and consultants within the next month, and we will then need to progress immediately into the procurement of a construction contract. Therefore, there is no opportunity to extend the scope of the project beyond what has already been agreed, but I can confirm that the entry and exit points and crossing points at either end of Steine Street will be resurfaced.

As we do with many schemes, once Phase 3 is completed, we will also be monitoring traffic flows and other movements and collecting other data in the area and if we record or are notified of any significant issues, then these will be reviewed, and further action may be taken if considered necessary”.

 

Councillor Childs- ULEZ

 

Given the dangerous levels of pollution across our city which exceeds WHO levels will the Committee agree to consider the introduction of a Ultra Low Emission Zone similar to that in London and a phased ban on solid fuel stoves in densely populated areas.

 

Response:

“Thank you for your question, Councillor Childs. As you have raised the important topic of air quality, I want to take the opportunity to encourage people to respond to the current consultation on the council’s draft Air Quality Action Plan. It includes both of the issues that you have raised. The document and information about how people can participate can be found on the council’s website and responses need to be made by the 10th of July.

We are aware of World Health Organisation air quality guidelines, which became more stringent in 2021. However, these WHO figures have not been adopted nationally by the government.

Therefore, as a clear statement of our commitment to further improve local air quality and provide better health protection for people across the city, the Air Quality Action Plan now proposes to work towards surpassing the current government standards for two main pollutants (Nitrogen Dioxide and Particles) and move closer to 2021 WHO guidelines. An example of this is that the proposed Nitrogen Dioxide target for Brighton & Hove for 2027 is to reach an annual level which is 25% lower than the current minimum UK legal requirement.

We already have an Ultra-Low Emission Zone (known as a ULEZ) for buses in the city centre and are working with bus companies and rail operators to further reduce emissions from public transport. There are plans to develop a more comprehensive ULEZ to cover a larger area and different types of vehicles, and last year this committee was presented with the initial findings of a feasibility study into potential options. A further review has been undertaken, including advice from the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit, and this has confirmed that computer-based modelling is required. With funding now available to develop a citywide transport model, further work is being undertaken to commission expert consultants to determine the next stages of this work and the likely timescales. Future updates will be brought back to this committee.

We know that there are areas of the city where residents are concerned about the effects of domestic burning causing smoke and affecting people’s health. Despite most homes being centrally heated, the main sources are open fireplaces and stoves (especially in winter), as well as bonfires, and we do raise people’s awareness about this across the city with information on our website. These messages need to be a strong as possible to highlight the harmful impacts that this can have on neighbours and local areas.

We cannot ban the use of solid fuel stoves, but we can do something to reduce the effects of their use. The air quality plan includes an action to explore the options for a citywide smoke control area. We know that this needs increased officer capacity and funding to manage the enforcement of an area, but if one was implemented, it would be against the law to emit persistent visible smoke from a building chimney. This work would be undertaken following the consultation on the plan and its subsequent approval”.

 

Councillor Childs- Queens Park bins

 

Please can we have several additional dog mess bins in the dog walking area of Queens Park and some additional signs designating the boundaries of the area?

 

Response:

“This is a very high number of bins for the size of the park.

Dog mess can be placed in any litter bin; it does not have to be a dog waste bin.

As part of the council’s Bin Infrastructure Strategy, an audit of dog waste bins has been completed. This information is being used to identify which dog waste bins can be replaced with large capacity “normal” litter bins. As part of this programme of work, the dog waste bins in Queens Park will be replaced with regular litter bins, increasing the capacity available. It is not possible at this stage to give you a timescale of when this swap-over will take place as there are hundreds of sites under review.

In terms of boundaries within the park, there is no official dog walking area. Dog owners are encouraged to walk their dogs in any area of the park that isn’t signed “No Dogs”. All the “No Dog” areas are gated, with clear signs on the gates. It is considered that there is sufficient signage in place”.

 

Councillor Childs- Cycling Signage on Marine Parade

 

Please can a number of physical signs be emplaced along Marine Parade

 

prohibiting cycling on the pavement as well as other physical deterrent to prevent pavement cycling on this stretch of pavement

 

Response:

“The council have recently been awarded £1.208m from Tranche 3 of the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund to pay for improvements to Marine Parade.

This funding has been granted to provide a continuous two – way cycle facility on the southern side of the A259 as well as improvements to pedestrian crossings along the route. The scheme is planned to cover 1.3 miles along Marine Parade between the Sea life centre roundabout and Brighton Marina.

There is currently no dedicated provision for cycling along Marine Parade. We are also aware of reports of cycling on the pavement in this location.

The scheme will include improvements to pedestrian crossings and tie in with the new junction planned as part of the Valley Gardens phase 3 project (Old Steine/Palace Pier roundabout).

The proposals will benefit residents in the Kemptown and Whitehawk areas where there is known demand for commuting journeys, including to the hospital.

The A259 Marine Parade/Marine Drive is one of the priority routes identified in our Local Cycling Walking and Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which was approved by members of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee in March”.

 

Councillor Childs- Visitor permits

 

Given the particular unjust situation of expiration dates on visitor permits will the administration agree to review current policy with a view to extending usage duration for visitor permits to 6 years’

 

Response:

“In line with Council Policy and best practice, our Visitor Permits have a guaranteed duration of 18 months before expiry. A problem we have experienced in the past, if we extended this period, would be that many residents could stockpile these permits leading to situations where they are all used at once at certain times within high demand parking zones. In some cases they may also be sold on, including where residents move away from the area or to a different zone. The current expiry period reduces potential fraud.

It is also important to note that Visitor Permits provide a cheaper way of parking for visitors in a certain area for one day so it’s important these type of permits are not stockpiled and then residents use them for their own parking within the zone. Residents may also choose to use stockpiled Visitor Permits as a cheaper option rather than buying a resident permit which is not what they are intended for.

It is felt a guaranteed 18 months is sufficient to allow residents enough time to use their visitor permits”.

 

Councillor Fishleigh- Saltdean Skate Park

 

Is there any money in any pots for the refurbishment of the skate park at Saltdean Oval Park?

 

Response:

“There is no agreed budget for this facility at present.

A meeting is taking place in July with the City Parks Project Team, the Skate Park Development Officer and a representative from the PARC charity shop to identify what funding opportunities may be available for the skate park”.

 

Councillor Fishleigh- Pavement in Ovingdean

 

People living in Ovingdean and myself have repeatedly been to various committees to ask the council to adopt a stretch of paving on Greenways which is one of the three access roads through the village.

The most recent advice from officers is that the “adoption of existing pavements and highways requires a formal legal process and assurance that the infrastructure has been installed to adoptable Highway Standards”.

How much would these tasks - and any work needed to bring the pavement up to standard - cost and can these costs be put in next year’s budget for pavement maintenance please?

 

Response:

“There is indeed a process for formal adoption of roads when they go through the planning process to ensure that they meet the required standards for any future maintenance.  Currently there is no specific funding available for changing the status of unadopted roads particularly when there is a backlog of maintenance on the existing highway.  However, it is sometimes possible to obtain funding from other sources by bidding so it is important to identify what the likely costs will be so an officer will be contacting you to establish exactly the area that needs to be considered and what the cost would be to do this”

 

Councillor Appich- Toilet facilities

 

Would the Chair please confirm which works and services are being undertaken to improve toilet facilities on the Hove seafront?

 

Response:

“Following the approval of the £2.7 million toilet refurbishment programme, the Kings Esplanade site, near Hove Lawns, will be refurbished as part of phase 1 of the programme. Phase 1 will start once the summer season is over to allow us to keep public toilets open throughout the city’s busiest time of year.

At Budget Council in February 2022, councillors agreed £0.015m additional recurrent resources for repairs to, and more frequent cleaning of, the toilets on the Western Esplanade for the next 2 years, before new facilities can be put in place. The funding can then be allocated for cleaning and maintenance of toilets on the seafront generally in subsequent years.

The Public Toilet Team has received a list of required improvements from the West Hove Seafront Action Group which is currently being assessed following a site visit to review the issues raised.

The public toilets sites at Western Esplanade and Hove Lagoon were frequently cited in the Kingsway to the Sea consultations as requiring refurbishment. These two sites have been earmarked as part of the £2.7 million refurbishment programme. The funds allocated to these sites will be used as match funding with the £9.5 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and the works completed as part of this major regeneration project. A new purpose-built public toilet site, with accessible toilets, a Changing Places Toilet and changing facilities will be created to replace the Western Esplanade facilities. The toilets at Hove Lagoon will be refurbished”.

 

Councillor Wilkinson- Playground Refurbishment Programme

 

The Playground Refurbishment Programme Officer report was deferred from the March 2022 ETS committee. Will the co-chairs of the committee confirm when it will be coming before this committee?

 

Response:
“As you are aware, the Administration determine the agenda and what reports come before committee.

The Playground Refurbishment Programme report was published as part of the meeting papers for the March meeting of this committee. Therefore, the report is in the public domain for everyone to read how the programme is progressing.

It was a report for noting, with no other recommendations and nothing for Committee to decide. Therefore, there is no urgency for the report to return to committee.

In terms of process, the report does need to return to committee, but there is no procedural set time for this.

When it does return to committee, the published report will be out of date as the programme continues to be delivered.

A further update on the delivery of the Playground Refurbishment Programme will be brought to a future committee, explaining the progress made. It is likely to be sometime in the new calendar year to take account of being able to provide a meaningful update since the March report and officer capacity”.

 

Councillor Wilkinson- Tyre Extinguisher Vandalism

 

Following press reports of so called ‘tyre extinguisher’ activists letting down tyres across the city, will the co-chairs of the ETS committee join me in condemning these dangerous acts of vandalism and explore ways for the council to highlight the dangers of such actions?

 

““Acts of criminal behaviour such as this are a matter for Sussex Police. I am aware that there is a current and active investigation by Sussex Police into the matter and it would be prejudicial to that investigation to comment further at this time”.

 

Councillor Fowler- Weed removal

 

What measures are the Council taking to tackle the growth of weeds across the city over the coming months and how will this differ from the previous summer?

 

Response:

“As reported to this committee in March, Cityclean adopted a new approach for seasonal recruitment this year to attract people where using computers to apply can be a barrier, such as people with dyslexia or where English is a second language, with two recruitment days held at Hove Town Hall. Unfortunately, despite these efforts and continual recruitment since the February recruitment days, only three staff have been appointed to work on weed removal. Despite attempts, it has not been possible to supplement these staff with agency workers.

Weed removal equipment ordered for this season has been delayed. It is believed this is the result of the post-pandemic and post-Brexit economy. The 10 strimmers ordered should be delivered on 24 June. A new sweeper, with weed removal arms and brushes, is on order. Due to the value of this piece of equipment, Cityclean had to go out to tender and there is a lead-in time for manufacture. The new sweeper is scheduled for delivery in August.

To mitigate the impact of these difficulties, Cityclean has made some alternative arrangements.

Two teams of contractors have been appointed and started weed removal on Monday 13 June.

Cityclean is arranging for contractors to remove excess growth and weed around tree bases, as a separate strand of work.

Four specialist strimmers have been spot purchased.

Cityclean has found a way to adapt one of its small sweepers to complete weed removal and has ordered some brushes to enable this which should be arriving in the next couple of weeks. The sweeper should be able to cover large, paved areas.

Based on the challenges of recruiting the seasonal staff, Cityclean is now trying a different approach. The original budget covered six staff for six months and additional budget has been allocated for a further six staff. Cityclean is now seeking to appoint six permanent staff as it is believed that the temporary nature of the job is not appealing, particularly as the service does not experience issues with attracting permanent staff. The staff will complete leafing activities in the autumn and then prepare the city for reopening during the winter, such as deep cleaning in the winter, which will make the city more weed resistant in the spring.

Cityclean also continues to look at new technologies and products on the market, as well as what other local authorities are doing”.

 

Councillor Fowler- LTN Strategy

 

Can the chairs give an update on the progress to develop a Low Traffic Neighbourhood  Strategy Plan for the city?

 

Response:

“The policy work you refer is the Liveable Neighbourhood Prioritisation Framework which is now scheduled to be reported to this Committee in September.

The scope of this policy work has been recalibrated with officers and consultants carrying out further development work so that the Framework will have the capacity to screen requests for everything from traffic calming on a single road to a full scale LTN. It is evident in the UK that LTNs can be up to 1.5 km2 in size. The Framework which is being developed by the council will consist of a range of eligibility criteria that each request will be assessed against – such as transport data and Joint Strategic Needs Assessment metrics. in the event that a request passes the eligibility stage then it will be evaluated in terms feasibility criteria such as base cost and the cost of enabling works required on any boundary roads that may require additional interventions to increase the sustainable transport qualities on these roads. This screening process will enable officers to periodically provide a transparent order of recommended Prioritisation projects so that the limited LTP Liveable Neighbourhood budget can be best targeted across the city. It is anticipated that the screening process will be hosted on our available Geographical Information Systems and Business Intelligence software to enable rapid screening assessments of requests with minimal data gaps needing to be filled. We look forward to bringing the report to Committee later this year and adopt the Framework ASAP which once in use will save officer time and will reduce the need to produce individual committee reports whilst expediting much needed transport improvements across the city”

 

Councillor Fowler- Madeira Drive cycle path

 

The Council recently indicated that it had received funding to develop a cycle path on Madeira Drive, Brighton. What form of consultation will the Council undertake with residents prior to the commencement of any scheme?

 

Response:

“The Council have recently communicated wining an Active Travel Tranche 3 bid for funding for Marine Parade cycle facility which runs parallel with Madeira Drive. The Council will carry out a public consultation on the developing designs in line with the requirements of the funding allocation”.

 

Councillor Fowler- 1 Hour Parking

 

Please can I have an update on the impact statement for the removal of free 1 hr parking across the city?

 

Response:

“It is not possible to work out the impact as the Council doesn’t have any data on the use of free parking before the changes were made to charge for parking. Businesses may be able to provide before and after figures on customer activity but there may be many factors to any changes. However, Officers will be providing an update within the next Fees & Charges Report coming to September ETS Committee”.

 

Councillor Nemeth- Failed Park and Ride Scheme Costs

 

Please provide a breakdown of estimated funds that have been expended to date by the Administration in the pursuit of the Westdene park and ride scheme.

 

Response:

“The only cost to date that the council has expended in the support of the Bus Operators proposal relates to officer time in meetings with them and on site and creating a proposed signing drawing. An estimate of approximately 2 days of officer time was expended”.

 

Councillor Nemeth- Parking Permits

 

Given that residents are still struggling to renew their parking permits after well over a year of problems, will the Chair state what lessons can be learnt from the whole episode and whether or not any contracted parties can be held legally responsible for any of the many issues that residents have endured?

 

Response:

“A more detailed report on the resident permit renewal situation is being presented to the P&R Committee in July as requested by a notice of motion.

In summary the renewal difficulties relate to the Council’s switch to the MYAccount System that is moving away from reliance on paper based records and systems to a more streamlined process that will eventually enable all residents to access a wide range of Council Services remotely at any time of day and more easily link to existing data records of its residents. The delays in issuing permits over the last year have been associated with the necessary migration of personal data from the old system to the new one in batches, month by month. To some extent this needed to work through the system based on renewals, so that now, a year later, only 610 current resident permit holders remain to be migrated out of over 36,000. In the meantime we have made improvements to the system where we can, and have focussed on a new ‘version 2’ that will carry fewer bugs to the system.

We are now seeing a big improvement in outcomes for customers that we are confident will soon feed through into reduced complaints.

There is always a time-lag between making the improvements and the figures actually proving the impact they’ve had, however, in May we have already seen a huge reduction in average times for officers to take phone calls and less abandoned calls by the customer.

Many lessons have been learned. A briefing note sent to all councillors in October 2021 outlined these in detail, together with details about our plan to recover performance and a statement about what we would do differently in the future. We will be updating further on this through another Councillor briefing in the coming weeks. It is important to note that there are no contracted parties to be held accountable because we built the resident permit system in-house in partnership with support from our colleagues in IT&D which allowed us to integrate to the corporate MyAccount system”.

 

Councillor Nemeth- Groyne Repairs

 

Medina Groyne and other seafront structures including other groynes and several groyne marker posts are in a precarious state presently. What assurances can the Chair make that the Council is aware of these issues and what urgent actions are being taken?

 

Response:

“Thank you for your question and I have spoken with Officers and an inspection to the area is planned in the coming weeks as part of the Councils ongoing groyne maintenance programme. I have asked Officer’s to update you with a schedule for any repairs once the inspections have been completed”.

 

Councillor Bagaeen- Draft Air Quality Action Plan

 

The 8-week consultation on the draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) began on Monday 16 May and runs until Monday 11 July.

 

a)    What has been the level of engagement from residents so far?

b)    What level of response has been received from BAME residents and those suffering from respiratory conditions?

c)    What efforts have been made to reach BAME residents in Brighton & Hove?

 

Response:

“We have used a number of routes to promote this important air quality consultation and encourage residents and stakeholder groups from across the city to participate in it. As well as using the council’s website, social media, and posters in community locations such as GP surgeries, we have contacted other council officers and organisations and requested that they share the information with people who are part of, or involved in, many groups and sectors across the city. These have included the council’s Equalities Diversity & Inclusion Officer in the Communities Equality & Third Sector Division, and the Trust for Developing Communities, which works with local communities in the city to address equality, diversity and inclusion.

In particular, the consultation information has been included in a Community Bulletin that has recently been sent out by the council to many organisations and stakeholders, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups. The Trust for Developing Communities was commissioned by Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group and the NHS to engage with diverse communities of identity on topics relating to their experience of health, as well as wellbeing services. Through its work with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, the Trust is well-placed to help circulate information about consultations and other council projects, such as this one.

An initial check on the number of responses shows that there has been nearly 200 so far. The data that has been received has not been cleaned or analysed at this point and therefore it is not possible to provide any detailed information on individual groups of people or the information that they may have provided when responding. This information will be analysed once the consultation is complete and then published when the results are brought back to this committee”.

 

Councillor Bagaeen- Motorcycles in the city

 

Beyond working with one food delivery provider, how is the council working with Sussex Police to make the roads in the city safer for residents given the large number of motorcycle delivery drivers across the city?

 

Response:

“We have engaged previously with other delivery companies but their business model doesn’t seem to lend to much real engagement. We are aiming to take the engagement activity with Sussex Safer Roads and offer it to other companies. We also work with local police and traffic police to identify areas which are complained about for anti-social riding by courier companies. Just Eat national management have engaged with the National Young Riders Forum (comprising DVSA, MCIA, MAG, Police and other bodies) to develop effective engagement materials with the gig economy as our next project – thanks to their engagement with us”.

 

Councillor Bagaeen- Electric Cargo bike take-up

 

How many businesses in the city have taken up the council’s subsidy to switch to electric cargo bikes under the eCargo Bike Accelerator project?

 

Response:

“Since the council’s eCargo Accelerator Project launched in 2020, 25 local businesses have taken up the council’s offer of financial subsidy and free advice to support their switch to eCargo bike. Through the project, we have also leased eCargo bikes to a further 5 SMEs, 2 council teams and an urban logistics courier. The businesses the council are supporting through the project are detailed on the council’s website and we can provide you with the link”.

 

Councillor Bagaeen- Verge and Weed Management

 

Why is the council relying on out-of-date data from 2017 for verge management when it comes to prioritizing verges for weed cutting when such data was collected well before the Council brought in a weed-killer ban in 2019?

 

Response:

“When 2017 was referred to in the March Verge and Weed Management report it was with regards the consultation feedback from the Open Spaces Strategy and people’s views on what is important to them. Whilst this is pre the decision to restrict the use of pesticides, the council has adopted the Open Spaces Strategy as the policy framework for the management of parks and open spaces. When the Strategy was adopted, this committee also agreed to explore alternative delivery options in relation this infrastructure at a time of reducing resources.

The pilot approach to verge management over the next three years, as agreed by this committee in March, is one of these alternative delivery options.

The small selection of verges identified for the pilot were identified by the Living Coast Officer in 2021 so is recent information on which areas would benefit most from this approach”.

 

Councillor Bagaeen- Hanover and Tarner Liveable Neighbourhood

 

Can the Chair assure Members and residents that funds are being spent wisely in relation to employing consultants in a fair and transparent manner?

 

Response:

“I can certainly reassure yourself, members of the committee and residents that the appointment of the consultant for this work, Project Centre Limited, has taken place in accordance with the council’s established procurement processes.

Project Centre is one of three approved consultancies who have been successfully appointed to a council framework agreement for transport and highway work, which is a standard way to provide a number of suppliers to deliver various projects and achieve value for money. On this occasion, after the project brief was issued, the company was successful in being awarded this work following a competitive tendering process with the other two companies”.

 

(C)      Letters

 

1)             Refuse

 

7.36      The Committee considered a Letter from Councillor Robins and Councillor Hamilton relating to problems with refuse collection in Southdown Avenue.

 

7.37      The Chair provided the following response:

 

“Thank you and to Councillor Hamilton, for your letter. 

Under Section 72 of the Highways Act 1835, it is an offence to drive along the footway. This piece of legislation is still current and in force. 

Footways, generally known as pavements, are for pedestrian use, not vehicles.  It is not an offence to drive onto the footway for the purpose of parking, but it is an offence to drive along it. 

It is not an offence to drive onto the footway in the case of an emergency and the collection of refuse and recycling is not classed as an emergency. 

The Council cannot allow its drivers to break the law and by driving on the pavement.  The Council would be acting illegally if it were to do so.  If the council is notified of any instances of its staff driving along pavements, action will be taken to stop this practice.

Other options for Southdown Avenue have been explored.

The introduction of double yellow lines to restrict parking and enable vehicles to access the road was considered.  However, residents did not want to give up parking spaces, which is understandable. 

Lifting and carrying bin bags along this long road is not an option due to health and safety risks relating to needle stick injuries, glass, and manual handling injuries. 

 

The Council has a duty to reduce manual handling injuries via the introduction of wheelie bins and this is in line with common practice across the waste industry. 

The containment at Southdown Avenue has increased to provide greater capacity, and the frequency of collections has also increased. Unfortunately fly tipping happens across the City. It is limited at this location and the council’s Street Cleansing teams address reports of fly tip when notified. 

Unfortunately, this Committee is not able to resolve the issue because of the law preventing driving along pavements, and also the risk of manual handling if operatives remove bags from bins.  Communal bins are common across Brighton & Hove and the current communal bin system for Southdown Avenue will have to remain”.

 

7.38      Resolved- That the Committee note the Letter.

 

(d)      Notices of Motion

 

1)             Undercliff Walk Infrastructure Improvements

 

7.39      Councillor Nemeth moved the following motion:

 

This Committee:

 

1.    Notes the significance of the Undercliff Walk to residents in the east of the city;

 

2.    Notes that Councillors, residents and community groups have called for public realm and infrastructure improvements along Undercliff Walk, including new bins, signage, beach huts and chalets; upgraded and accessible toilet and changing facilities; disability beach access ramps and beach showers; cycling safety measures; seafront railing restoration; defibrillators; and future-proofing against potential rises in sea levels;

 

3.    Recognises works at Madeira Drive, Black Rock and Saltdean Lido;

 

4.    Seeks to address a lack of strategic focus on the Undercliff Walk by consulting residents’ groups with a view to bringing forward a plan for public realm and local infrastructure improvements; and

 

5.    Calls for this report, outlining the budget cost of the requested improvements, to be presented to this Committee.

 

7.40      Councillor Bagaeen formally seconded the motion.

 

7.41      Councillor Wilkinson moved the following amendment to the motion as shown in bold italics as follows:

 

4.    Seeks to address a lack of strategic focus on the Undercliff Walk by consulting residents, residents’ groups and key stakeholders including disabled groups and visually impaired groups, with a view to bringing forward a plan for public realm and local infrastructure improvements; and

 

7.42      Councillor Fowler formally seconded the motion.

 

7.43      The Chair put the motion as amended to the vote that was approved.

 

7.44      Resolved-

 

This Committee:

1.       Notes the significance of the Undercliff Walk to residents in the east of the city; 

2.      Notes that Councillors, residents and community groups have called for public realm and infrastructure improvements along Undercliff Walk, including new bins, signage, beach huts and chalets; upgraded and accessible toilet and changing facilities; disability beach access ramps and beach showers; cycling safety measures; seafront railing restoration; defibrillators; and future-proofing against potential rises in sea levels; 

3.      Recognises works at Madeira Drive, Black Rock and Saltdean Lido;  

4.      Seeks to address a lack of strategic focus on the Undercliff Walk by consulting residents, residents’ groups and key stakeholders including disabled groups and visually impaired groups, with a view to bringing forward a plan for public realm and local infrastructure improvements; and  

5.   Calls for a report, outlining the budget cost of the requested  improvements, to be presented to this Committee. 

 

2)             Farming in Brighton & Hove

 

7.45      The Committee considered the following Notice of Motion referred from Full Council:

 

This Council:

 

1.    Notes that the Council’s rural estate consists of approximately 12,800 acres within the South Downs National Park; much of which is worked by long-standing tenant farmers;

 

2.   Recognises the tireless efforts of local farmers and local community   organisations who produce food for the city:

 

3.   Recognises the shared aims of Councillors on a cross-party basis thatfood be produced locally and sustainably; and agreed to participate fully in the work being done through the Asset Management Board on the City Downland Estate Plan (CDEP);

 

4.   Notes the broad and inclusive public consultation process facilitated by Planning for Real which preceded the creation of the draft CDEP and the positive response to date from the South Downs National Park Authority which described the consultation process as “exemplary”

 

5.   Recognises the opportunity afforded by the CDEP to work with farmers and other stakeholders to promote sustainable farming practices, enhance biodiversity, improve public access and sequester carbon, and the the need for BHCC to work with farmers to help them identify potential revenue streams compatible with the CDEP;

 

6.   Notes the proposal that in terms of the practical implementation of the CDEP, the views of farmers, key organisations stakeholders and community groups should be sought on an ongoing basis, the formal channel for which will be the Downland Advisory Panel.

 

7.46      The Chair put the motion to the vote that was approved.

 

3)             Litter on A27

 

7.47      The Committee consider the following Notice of Motion referred from Full Council:

 

This Council:

 

1.    Recognises the efforts of community campaigners and Councillors who have drawn attention to the continued presence of copious amounts of litter along the sides of the A27 within the boundaries of the city;

 

2.    Notes:

·       the difficulties that the Council has experienced in paying for and planning short-term road-closures to facilitate clear-ups on the A27;

·       the responsibility for clearing litter from some all-purpose trunk roads has been transferred to Highways England in some areas of England; and

·       that the burden and cost of keeping the highway and adjacent verges clear of litter on the strategic road network falls unfairly on some local authorities including Brighton and Hove City Council.

 

3.   Requests Officers to:

·       liaise with Highways England to identify ways to mitigate and manage the clear up problem;

·       bring a report to the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee setting out proposals for a long-term strategy to fund and execute clean-up operations: and

·       create a timetable for clearing litter that both Highways and the council agree to.

 

7.48      The Chair put the motion to the vote that was approved.