Agenda and minutes

The Clerk to the Committee sought nominations for the election of the Chairman for the Residents’ and Environmental Services Committee for the remainder of the municipal year. Councillor Michael Markham was nominated and seconded. On being put to the      vote, Councillor Markham was duly elected as the Chairman of the Residents’ and Environmental Services Committee for the remainder of the municipal year.

Nominations were sought for the election of the Vice-Chairman for the Residents’ and Environmental Services Committee for the remainder of the municipal year. Councillor Kay Willmott-Denbeigh was nominated and seconded. On being put to the vote, Councillor Willmott-Denbeigh was duly elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Residents’ and Environmental Services Committee for the remainder of the municipal year.

Councillor Markham proposed a vote of thanks to Councillor Willmott-Denbeigh and all Members of the Committee thanked Councillor Willmott-Denbeigh for all the work she had done as Chairman of the Committee.

Apologies had been received from Councillors Paul Buttivant and Judy kelly. Councillors Tim Barker and David Routledge attended in their place.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2009 were agreed as a correct record and signed by Chairman.

It was confirmed that all items of business would be considered in public.

(Please see attached Cabinet Member report giving an overview of progress. Officers present at the meeting to give oral update.)

Update on School Travel Plan

Officers introduced the report and advised that accreditation of schools would commence at the start of school in September 2009.

Concerns were raised concerns about the School Travel Plans completed by Minet Infant and Junior Schools and Dr Triplets C of E Primary School, which had to be reviewed again because they were deemed to be out of date before any action had been taken.  Concerns were also expressed that the Council took three years to agree funding for a crossing requested by Harlington Community School following a severe accident.

In response, officers advised that the main problem was due to a lack of funding from TfL for engineering schemes.

Officers were requested to write to TfL to express the Committees concerns about the bureaucratic process that was in place.

It was noted that the Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation would be made aware of these issues.

The Committee requested officers to provide further details on the following:

·  List of the 56 schools that were participating in the Walk to school on   Wednesday or other weekday

·  A full copy of the report on School Travel Plan that accompanied the    Cabinet report to be circulated to members

·  The reason why crossing at Harlington School was not given a priority

Resolved

1.                  That the report on School Travel Plan be noted

2.                  That the School Travel Plan be reviewed in 6 months to ascertain progress

The Head of Highways and Green Spaces introduced the report on the Place Survey Results.

The following points were noted:

·        The Place Survey was in addition to the Council’s own   Residents’ Survey, and it focused on services from all partners across Hillingdon and not just the Council.

·        That the questions for the Place Survey (a new Government measure)             were based on area, rather than on organisation.

·        That although there were significant gaps in some areas, Hillingdon     appeared to be on the same level as the other boroughs.

·        That the ‘Murray’ process was used where residents where chosen      from the electoral roll on a random basis. Those chosen were pursued    to try and get statistical parity.

Officers were asked to circulate a list of the Theatres/concert halls in Hillingdon as indicated in the survey.

Resolved – That the Place Survey 2008/09 be noted.

The Chairman welcomed the witnesses: Tim Edwards (Public Lighting Manager), Jonathan Westell (Street Scene Maintenance Manager), Bob Alabaster (Head of Procurement) and John Bowdery (Lighting Officer, Harrow).

The Committee discussed a number of issues and asked questions of the witnesses. The questions and answers are attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

At the end of the discussions, Members thanked the officers and witnesses for attending the meeting.

It was noted that from the officer’s comprehensive report and a very informative witness session, the Council’s Policies and priorities for Street lighting demonstrated Best Value and Best Practice. 

The Committee felt however, that there should be some publicity to inform the public about service improvements.

Resolved:

That whilst the Committee was very satisfied with the Council’s Street Lighting function, its processes and performance, the Committee made the following suggestions:

1.         Raise awareness of some of the causes in the delay in repairs, and highlight some of the improvements that have been    implemented (such as the sticker on lamp post indicating faults             had been notified and being followed-up). Communication with             members of the public could be improved via:

i)          Hillingdon People (the Council’s free monthly magazine)

ii)         A frequently asked questions section on the Councils website

2)       Officers to continue meeting regularly with other London Boroughs to share information and best practice

3)         Continue to use new technology to improve efficiency,     particularly in the areas of lamp long life and energy reduction

4)         Ensure that local Ward Councillors are kept informed as to the   placing of new lighting, particularly following requests from the          Police

The Committee requested details of any further routes that were being considered in respect of the New allocation of S106 contributions and sponsored Route Agreement with TfL for improved bus services.

 Resolved – That the Forward Plan be noted.