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Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 12 June 2024 7.00 pm

June 12, 2024 View on council website
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Summary

The Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee of Bromley Council met on Wednesday, 12 June 2024. The meeting covered a range of topics, including updates on community toilet schemes, park conditions, road safety, and various infrastructure projects.

Community Toilet Schemes and Park Conditions

A member raised concerns about the state of public toilets in parks, noting that many were either non-existent or not up to standard. Kelsey Park, once regarded as Bromley’s flagship park, was highlighted as needing restorative work to return it to its former status. The committee resolved to add updates on the Community Toilet Scheme and improvements to Kelsey Park to their Work Programme.

Carbon and Net Zero Action Plan

There was a discussion about the Council's Carbon and Net Zero Action Plan, which was not widely known among members. A briefing was requested to better understand the current position, goals, and strategies of the plan. The Assistant Director (Carbon Management and Greenspace) confirmed that a report would be provided in November 2024.

Transport, Highways, and Road Safety

The Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways, and Road Safety updated the committee on several initiatives. A presentation of ‘Driven by Consequences’ was scheduled at Hayes School, aimed at educating sixth form students about road safety. The committee also discussed the £455k funding received from the Department of Transport, clarifying that it was allocated for road resurfacing rather than just pothole repairs.

ECS Performance Overview

The committee reviewed the ECS Performance Overview. Concerns were raised about the performance of Riney, the contractor responsible for road maintenance. The Assistant Director for Highways mentioned that Riney had appointed a new management team and that the backlog of 200 jobs was expected to be reduced significantly by June. The committee discussed the need for better planning and the potential for using new technology in future contracts.

Budget Monitoring Report

The Budget Monitoring Report was scrutinized, with questions about the allocation of excess income for road safety. The Assistant Director for Traffic and Parking clarified that this income had already been accounted for in the Council's budget. The committee also debated the use of dummy cameras to save costs, but the Portfolio Holder opposed this idea, stating it undermined the purpose of having cameras.

Capital Programme Monitoring

A member inquired about the £131k allocated for Beckenham Town Centre improvements, specifically for jet washing and a street cleaning machine. The Assistant Director for Traffic and Parking explained that the budget figures were somewhat historic and might not reflect current availability. The committee resolved to produce a more updated figure by the June meeting.

Anerley Hill/Anerley Road Bus Priority and Pedestrian Safety Improvement Scheme

The committee discussed the Anerley Hill/Anerley Road Bus Priority and Pedestrian Safety Improvement Scheme. Public consultation showed general support, but there were extensive objections concerning ‘Copenhagen Crossings’ and the quality of paved crossings. The scheme was approved to progress to detailed design and implementation, with costs to be met from the 2024/25 TfL budget for bus priority measures.

Proposed Pedestrian Crossing Facilities Near Chislehurst War Memorial

The committee reviewed a proposal for pedestrian crossing facilities near the Chislehurst War Memorial. Councillor Alison Stammers highlighted the dangers faced by pedestrians, especially schoolchildren, in the area. The proposal was supported by the Council, TfL, and local landowners. The committee resolved to approve the signalised pedestrian crossings at Bromley Lane and Royal Parade.

Vehicle Crossover Policy

The committee agreed to form a working group to review the current Vehicle Crossover Policy to ensure it was fit for purpose. The Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways, and Road Safety would chair the group.

2024/25 Planned Highway Maintenance Programme

The committee discussed the 2024/25 Planned Highway Maintenance Programme. Major resurfacing work was planned for College Road in July, which would require Traffic Orders. The committee resolved to agree on the schemes listed in Appendix ‘A’ and to delegate the decision to include additional schemes to the Director of Environment & Public Protection.

ECS Contracts Register and Risk Register

The committee reviewed the ECS Contracts Register and the ECS Risk Register, noting the extension of the Croydon Recreation Ground contract and the use of the Confirm asset management system for highways and other environment services.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Minutes Public Pack of the meeting.

Attendees

Eythan Soysa
Profile image for CouncillorFelicity Bainbridge
CouncillorFelicity Bainbridge  Vice-Chairman, Environment & Community Services PDS Committee •  Conservative •  Shortlands & Park Langley
Profile image for Councillor Mike Botting
Councillor Mike Botting  Chairman, Health & Wellbeing Board and Rights of Way Sub-Committee •  Conservative •  Chelsfield
Profile image for CouncillorWill Rowlands
CouncillorWill Rowlands  Portfolio Holder for Environment •  Conservative •  Mottingham
Profile image for CouncillorAlison Stammers
CouncillorAlison Stammers  Chislehurst Matters •  Chislehurst
Profile image for CouncillorKathy Bance MBE
CouncillorKathy Bance MBE  Labour •  Penge and Cator
Profile image for CouncillorChloe-Jane Ross
CouncillorChloe-Jane Ross  Liberal Democrat Group Leader •  Liberal Democrats •  Beckenham Town & Copers Cope
Profile image for CouncillorAdam Jude Grant
CouncillorAdam Jude Grant  Chairman, Environment & Community Services PDS Committee •  Conservative •  Shortlands & Park Langley
Profile image for Councillor Julie Ireland
Councillor Julie Ireland  Liberal Democrats •  Bromley Town
Profile image for CouncillorHarry Stranger
CouncillorHarry Stranger  Conservative •  St Mary Cray
Profile image for CouncillorNicholas Bennett J.P.
CouncillorNicholas Bennett J.P.  Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways & Road Safety •  Conservative •  West Wickham
Profile image for Councillor Alisa Igoe
Councillor Alisa Igoe  Labour •  Plaistow
Profile image for CouncillorKeith Onslow
CouncillorKeith Onslow  Chairman, Pensions Committee •  Conservative •  Petts Wood and Knoll
Profile image for Councillor Simon Fawthrop
Councillor Simon Fawthrop  Chairman, Executive, Resources & Contracts PDS Committee and Vice-Chairman, Development Control Committee •  Conservative •  Petts Wood and Knoll
Profile image for CouncillorGemma Turrell
CouncillorGemma Turrell  Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Bromley •  Conservative •  Shortlands & Park Langley

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

Meeting Documents

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