001 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Cllr Chambers was proposed, seconded and accepted the nomination. There were no further nominations and Cllr Chambers was unanimously elected as Chairman.

002 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Cllr Blades due to a family holiday.

003 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None.

004 BUSINESS OUTSTANDING FROM THE FORMER BUS SHELTERS COMMITTEE

The clerk advised members that the recommendations contained in the last report of this Committee had been deferred while two outstanding issues were resolved. Although there was still no confirmation from South Kesteven District Council regarding the application for a licence to occupy sites at the edge of two public open spaces, it was agreed that this Committee should now consider in detail the letter of objection from a resident of Burchnall Close.

The objection related to need for a shelter in the first instance and raised fears that it could cause nuisance to local residents by becoming a teenage meeting point. The Committee rejected the claim that a shelter was not needed citing the results of the Deepings 2001 which had indicated that 70.9% of respondents wanted to see more bus shelters in the area. The bus operator had also been asked to indicate the most popular pick up points on the service which runs through this residential area and this particular location had been highlighted. With regard to the concerns about potential nuisance and disorder, the Committee accepted that the fears of the resident were genuinely held but noted that there had not been any reports of problems at the other shelters so far. It was unanimously agreed to recommend that the Council confirms that this location will be provided with a shelter subject to obtaining a licence to occupy.

However, in order to allay the fears of the resident, the Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that this particular location should not have a seat and, depending on the outcome of the application for the licence, reduced sized or no windbreak ends to ensure that the shelter is only convenient for the purpose of waiting a short period for a bus.

Subject to the Council’s approval of these recommendations, the Committee will assess the revised costs and once confirmation of the licences is received, bring forward a recommendation to place an order for the previously approved sites at Burchnall Close, Crowson Way (opposite Panton Close) and Horsegate (near junction with New Row).

005 SAFETY INSPECTION AND REPORT FOR HEALTH & SAFETY PURPOSES

The Committee acknowledged its responsibility towards setting up an inspection and record regime with respect to the Bus Shelters and agreed to recommend that Castle Cleaners be asked to provide a quote for undertaking a three monthly inspection of the structures to a checklist to be drawn up by the clerk whilst cleaning the shelters and that in the interim, Huddlestone Landscapes be asked as a one-off job to replace bolts with anti-vandal bolts to be provided by the supplier in due course.

006 REVIEW OF THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BUS SERVICES CAMPAIGN

Cllr Warrick reported that although there had been positive reaction from Stagecoach East, it was unlikely that any improvements would be forthcoming unless funds were available to make the services financially viable to the operator. The Committee agreed that the benefits of an improved service would impact on all residents of Deeping St James and that the Council should now consider using the opportunity of funding from the Parish Transport Grant to move this campaign.

007 UPDATING THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN

The Council has budgeted £500 towards updating the last campaign which took place in April 2001. Having considered various strategies, it was agreed to recommend that the car stickers should be repeated as it was felt that this had achieved the greatest impact before. Subject to this recommendation being approved, the Committee will obtain quotes and also arrange for the deployment of the Parish Calm signs when the sticker is launched.

008 DRAFT BUS INFORMATION STRATEGY DOCUMENT

Cllr Warrick, on behalf of the Committee, had studied this document produced by Lincolnshire County Council in depth and recommended that the Parish Council commended the Strategy. The Council should also ensure that it registers all its information/timetable boards and query which authority will be responsible for ensuring that the proposed uniformity standards exist. As the deadline for response was 6 June 2003, the Committee agreed to respond on the Council’s behalf. Confirmation of this action is now sought.

009 PARISH TRANSPORT GRANT

The Council has budgeted to meet its commitment to commit 25% to the maximum grant of £10,000. Having discussed various potential options, the Committee agreed to recommend that a Parish Transport Grant be sought to improve early morning, late evening and weekend bus services.

010 TERMS OF REFERENCE, DELEGATED POWERS AND MEETING TIMETABLE

It was unanimously agreed to recommend that the Committee should:

• Undertake to consider on behalf of the Council all aspects of activity relating to transport including roads, public transport, bus shelters, road safety and street lighting and make decisions in accordance with any approved delegated powers or, where none exist, make recommendations to the Council.
• Prepare a budget for the forthcoming financial year in accordance with the Financial Regulations of the Council and its precept timetable.
• Monitor its expenditure from time to time throughout the year and consider adjustment of plans and activities if appropriate.
• Deal with any other matter passed to it by the Council from time to time.

It was unanimously agreed to recommend that:

• Expenditure of a revenue nature (maintenance/general) may be approved by the Committee without recourse to the Council providing the expenditure is contained within the previously approved annual budget for the Committee and reported to the next Council meeting.
• Expenditure of a capital nature takes the form of a recommendation to the Council for decision.
• All other activities/actions of the Committee take the form of a recommendation to the Council for decision.

It was agreed to recommend that the Committee meets three times per year (March, July & November) at 7.45pm on the Thursday immediately preceding the Council meeting. Further meetings will, if necessary, be called for urgent business arising between meetings.

This recommendation will not have any cost implication as the meeting would be held immediately after the monthly Planning Committee meeting.

011 DATE OF NEXT MEETING - Thursday, 24 July 2003 at 7.45pm.

There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 8.45pm.