No disclosures of interest in matters under consideration were received. 

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2017 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

(Jane Lythgow – 01274 432270)

Resolved –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2017 be signed as a correct record.

There were no appeals submitted by the public to review decisions to restrict documents.

(Access to Information Procedure Rules – Part 3B of the Constitution)

To hear questions from electors within the District on any matter this is the responsibility of the Committee. 

Questions must be received in writing by the City Solicitor in Room 112, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1HY, by mid-day on Tuesday 17 October 2017.

(Jane Lythgow - 01274 432270)

There were no questions submitted by the public.

The Strategic Director, Place, will present a report (Document “J”) which sets out a single objection to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions on Laycock Lane and Chapel Road, Laycock, Keighley.

Recommended –

(1)       That the objection to the proposals (as shown in Drawing No.    TDG/THN/013534/TRO-1A attached as Appendix 1 to Document “J”) be overruled and that the TRO be sealed and implemented as      advertised.

(2)       That the objector be advised accordingly.

(Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Simon D’Vali – 01274 432100)

Document “J” revealed that a request had been received from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the local bus company to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions on the junction of Laycock Lane and Chapel Road, Laycock.  The report explained that the junction was used as a turning head for the bus service between Keighley and Laycock.  Buses from Keighley passed the junction mouth on Laycock Lane before reversing back into Chapel Road and heading back towards Keighley on Laycock Lane.  The restrictions had been requested to ensure that the junction was kept clear to facilitate the necessary bus manoeuvres and maintain the bus timetable.  A large scale map and colour photographs of the area were circulated.

An objection to the scheme had been received and details of that objection and corresponding officer comments were contained in the report.

Two residents were in attendance and addressed the meeting to outline their concerns.  One resident maintained that there were no problems with cars parking in that location.  She explained that she had kept a diary of parking in the area from the end of September and since that time there had been only one delivery van parking for two minutes on 28 September which had not restricted the bus movements and a highways vehicle had been parked for 90 minutes whilst conducting repairs.  That vehicle had been parked away from the proposed restrictions.  It was maintained that the bus had never been unable to reverse because of cars parked on Chapel Lane.  Conversely she felt that the problems in the area were created by the bus vehicles themselves as when they reversed up Chapel Lane they stopped all traffic and pedestrians accessing the area as the vehicles filled the whole width of the road.   Her neighbour reported that she had only recently moved to the area in August but since that time had witnessed a number of occasions when the bus had mounted the pavement and she had felt that a bus was going to drive into her house.  She explained that she had taken photographs that afternoon of two incidents when the bus vehicles had mounted the pavement whilst reversing. She explained that there were a minimal number of people driving in the area, maybe six per day, but that yellow lines would cause problems for the limited time there were delivery vehicles or residents ordered on line shopping.   It was maintained that the area was already covered by advisory white lines to protect the junction. 

A Member requested clarification of the difference between  ‘white’ and ‘yellow’ lines and was informed that white lining was an advisory restriction which was not enforced.  In support of the residents one Member suggested that if residents observed the Highway Code’s advisory linings there would be no requirement for restrictions.  He agreed that the issue appeared to be the size of the buses and that yellow lines.  He  believed that restrictions were not necessary as there was no evidence of cars blocking that area.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “K”) which details how the Planning, Transportation & Highways service currently manages the Local Highway Maintenance (LHM) function and allocates resources.

The report also updates the committee with regard to current operations being undertaken on the network and the indicative costs of works undertaken in the current financial year.

Recommended –

(1)       That the Keighley Area Committee notes the current operational methods adopted for Local Highway Maintenance.

(2)       That the Keighley Area Committee notes the costs to date for the 2017/18 financial year.

(3)       That the Keighley Area Committee notes the list of completed and proposed CAT3 works as shown in Appendix 5 to Document “K”.

(4)       That the Keighley Area Committee notes the number/percentage of gullies cleaned within the constituency as shown in Appendix 6 to Document “K”.

(Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Andy Fisher – 01535 618297)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “K”) which detailed how the Planning, Transportation & Highways service currently managed the Local Highway Maintenance (LHM) function and allocated resources.

The report also updated Members with regard to current operations being undertaken on the network and the indicative costs of works undertaken in the current financial year.

A Member questioned why some essential gully repair works did not appear on the list of work to be undertaken and was advised that the department had received funding from the Department for Transport’s Challenge Fund and those works were being carried out with that funding.  The works reported in the appendices to Document “K” were funded from the revenue budget.  Repairs were also being carried out on the Addingham by-pass and the Aire Valley from the Challenge Fund and it was agreed that the list of all works to be undertaken from that funding would be circulated to Members.

Issues with gullies in the locality of the former Bronte School were raised and Members were requested to email the precise locations to officers for investigations to be conducted.

It was questioned why works which had been identified on Appendix 5 to the report (current CAT3 Works List 2017/18) in the Keighley East Ward had been selected as the road was a short minor road located on a cul-de-sac and appeared to be in a good state of repair.  It was confirmed that the locations were selected following reports after an engineer’s inspection.  It could be that the road was beginning to deteriorate but it was agreed to check that out.

Concerns were raised that the ability to report blocked gullies on line had been removed. Difficulties experienced with calls to the customer service centre were also reported. In response the Strategic Director was not aware that the on-line facility had been stopped and it was agreed that the Area Co-ordinator would discuss the concerns raised with the Customer Services Department.  Members were advised that they were able to report blocked gullies via the Council App.

The report referred to the need, due to the constantly changing state of the highway and unpredictability in new matters arising, to amend the programmes of work included in Document “K”.  As the budget was devolved to Members the way in which those changes were communicated to Members was questioned.  Members were concerned that they may advise their constituents that work was scheduled only to find that it had subsequently been removed from the schedule.  In response those concerns were acknowledged.  It was explained that the works were assessed by technical staff and ranked on a priority needs basis.  Issues such as flood damage or urgent works arising did not provide the time to communicate with Members prior to the work being undertaken.

It was questioned if the location of all gullies in the District were logged on a Global Positioning System (GPS)  and it was explained that all locations were categorised but that they were not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

The Strategic Director Place will submit  a report (Document “L”) which informs the Area Committee of the progress made in relation to the establishment of the new Youth Offer across the Bradford District and the contribution of the Youth Service to delivering the 5 Key Elements in the Keighley Area. 

Recommended –

(1)       Keighley Area Committee notes the achievements of the Youth Offer   Working Group, and the Youth Sector as a whole, as            outlined in the Action Plan (Appendix A to Document “L”) and     receives a further update in respect of this work in 12 months    time.

(2)       Keighley Area Committee considers and comments on the shared        direction of travel and of the continued commitment from the            Youth Sector to work together, and to do things differently.

(3)       Keighley Area Committee notes the work already undertaken     around Youth Voice and commits to formalising Youth Voice     arrangements in respect of the Keighley Area Committee             work plan for 2017-18.

(Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Jonathan Hayes - 01535 618008)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “L”) which informed the Members of the progress made in relation to the establishment of the new Youth Offer across the Bradford District and the contribution of the Youth Service to delivering the five Key Elements in the Keighley Area. 

The District’s Youth Commissioner and a number of young people who accessed the Youth Service addressed the meeting.  The service users explained their various involvements with the service; qualifications, experience and confidence which they had gained and volunteer roles they had undertaken.

The Youth Commissioner explained the local authorities’ obligation to support the National Citizenship Programme.  It was confirmed that during summer 2017 over eleven hundred young people had taken part in that programme, nine per centre of which were from the Keighley area.  Seventeen per cent of participants were those eligible for free school meals and a fairly even balance of gender was recorded.  It was felt that those statistics demonstrated that the service were reaching vulnerable young people.  The schools participating in the programme in the Keighley constituency were Ilkley Grammar; Holy Family and University Academy Keighley.

Following a detailed presentation Members acknowledged the work being done by the service to support young people in the district. 

Document “K” reported that young people had been engaged in the consultations about developing the youth app, with over ten young people from Keighley attending an event at Margaret McMillan Tower to help with its design.   Progress on the launch of the App was queried and it was explained that a number of issues around data access/protection had arisen; further consultation had been required but it was hoped that the launch would be imminent.  Once launched young people would be encouraged to download the App which would support the Information Advice work currently being carried out.  It was acknowledged that as service provision declined the App could prove essential for young people accessing information. 

A Member who had experienced the National Citizenship Programme through a family member commended the work done by the Youth Service to deliver that scheme.  He was, however, concerned that on two occasions when parents were asked to become involved, including the awards ceremony; the events had taken place throughout the day when many parents were unable to attend. 

Information regarding the work done between the Youth Service and the Safeguarding Children’s Board was requested.  In response it was explained that the Board had funded the development of the Youth Service App.  They also had a broader interest in how young people used their voices and how they were kept safe. 

The method with which young people who did not have smart phone technology could access information and advice was questioned.  In response  it was explained that youth workers would share information with young people. 

The implications of the closure of the Connexions Centre located in Keighley Town Hall and the nature in which young people would access information about employment previously provided at that centre was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “M”) which gives an update of work undertaken by the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team to address the “Safer Communities” priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans for 2016/17.

Recommended –

(1)       Keighley Area Committee notes the work undertaken by the       Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team from April 2016 to July 2017 that contributed to addressing priorities within the Ward Plans for the Keighley Area.

(2)       Keighley Area Committee notes the positive partnership working          that has been established between the Police, Elected Members,             Parish and Town Councils, Bradford Council Officers, community      organisations, volunteers and residents within the Keighley Area.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Jonathan Hayes - 01535 618008)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “M”) which gave an update of work undertaken by the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team to address the “Safer Communities” priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans for 2016/17.

Police Inspector Khan, who had been in post in Keighley since September 2016, addressed the meeting to talk about his role in the area.  He explained that when he had arrived in the District he needed to understand the priorities of the police and local communities.  He had spoken to people in the Keighley area including the local Member of Parliament; Elected Members; partners and local groups.  At the top of his agenda had been the problem of drugs and anti social behaviour and Document “M” provided details of a number of initiatives to address those issues including Operation Saucerlake; Gangbos; Operation Steerside and a school watch scheme implemented in the area.

Following a very detailed presentation Inspector Khan was thanked for the production of a very informative report.  Members requested that future reports contained more detailed information about drug issues in the area.

A potential increase in racially aggravated crimes following recent terror activities was questioned and it was confirmed that no increases had been seen.  The community reaction to the visit to the area by the English Defence League had seen all faiths banding together.

Speed watch initiatives conducted in the Keighley West area were discussed and it was agreed that if Members advised the police of future schemes voluntary action could be coordinated with the police.

The threat of on line vigilante groups was raised and Members were assured that the police did liaise with such ‘key board warriors’.  A recent sexual attack on the verge of the Keighley West Ward was discussed and Members were concerned that they had not been contacted about that attack.  In response it was explained that contact had been made with elected Members.

Previous instances of a lack of communication between elected Members and the Police were raised as a matter of concern.  It was acknowledged that the situation had improved but there were still some issues with a lack of response to emails.  In response it was reported that there were additional Neighbourhood Police Teams and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) being deployed in the District and Members were requested to include Inspector Khan in their email communications.

The new format of the Ward Officer Team (WOT) meetings was discussed with a view being expressed by Members that they were held too infrequently and did not provide sufficient information.  The Area Co-ordinator confirmed that a review of those meetings was being undertaken and the frequency could be increased from the current 10 weeks.

Members questioned the percentage increase in crime in the Keighley constituency and were advised that this was approximately 25 to 30%.  It was explained that an increase in crime figures was being recorded as reporting method had now been amended.  Previous residential burglaries would have been recorded as one  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “N”) which outlines the work of the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office in the period

April to September 2017 to support Ward priorities within the Keighley Area

Ward Plans 2017-18.

Recommended –

That the work of the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office in the period April to September 2017 to support Ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2017-18 be noted.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Jonathan Hayes - 01535 618008)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “N”) which outlined the work of the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office in the period April to September 2017 to support Ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2017-18.

Members thanked the Keighley Area Co-ordinator and his team for their work to support the Keighley Area Ward Plans. 

Resolved –

That the work of the Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office in the period April to September 2017 to support Ward priorities within the Keighley Area Ward Plans 2017-18 be noted.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

The Strategic Director Place (Document “O”) which provides information about community engagement activities undertaken by Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office during April - September 2017.

Recommended –

That Keighley Area Committee notes the constructive engagement with a wide range of the public undertaken through community engagement activities by Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office in the period April - September 2017.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee) 

(Jonathan Hayes - 01535 618008)

The report of the Strategic Director Place (Document “O”) provided information about community engagement activities undertaken by Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office during April - September 2017.

Members thanked the Keighley Area Co-ordinator and his team for the work undertaken to engage with communities.

Resolved –

That the constructive engagement with a wide range of the public undertaken through community engagement activities by Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office in the period April - September 2017 be noted.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)