Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Brookes and R A Renshaw.

It was reported that the Chief Executive under the Local Government (Committee and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, had appointed Councillor Mrs J E Killey to the Committee, in place of Councillor R A Renshaw, for this meeting only.

There were no declarations made at this stage of the meeting.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 March 2020, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

There were no announcements.

(To receive a report by Karl Gibson, Senior Project Leader, which invites the Committee to consider an Executive Councillors' decision report regarding the A631 Corringham Road and Thorndike Way, Gainsborough Junction Improvement (Traffic Signals)) 

The Committee received a report which provided an overview of the A631 Corringham Road and Thorndike Way, Gainsborough junction improvement (Traffic Signals). Officers stated that the views of the Committee were sought on the scheme appraisal and the award and entering into a contract before these were considered by the Executive Councillor R G Davies, Highways, Transport and IT and Executive Councillor M J Hill OBE, Leader of the Council, Resources and Communications. Officers added that this junction was now number one for accidents in the county.

Executive Support Councillor C L Perraton-Williams, Highways, Transport and IT stated, in her capacity as the local member, that she fully supported the proposals in the report and that this was a dangerous junction.

On a motion by Councillor B Adams, seconded by Councillor S P Roe, it was –

RESOLVED (unanimous)

That the recommendations to the Executive Councillors be supported as follows:-

1. That the Executive Councillor: Highways, Transport and IT approves the Scheme Appraisal and the Council progressing with the A631 Corringham Road and Thorndike Way, Gainsborough Junction Improvement Scheme (Traffic Signals).

2. That the Leader of the Council (Executive Councillor: Resources and Communications) approves in principle the award of and entering into a contract for the construction of the Scheme.

(To receive a report by Paul Rusted, Head of Highways Services, which sets out the performance of the highways' service)

The Committee received a report in connection with the performance of Highway Services for quarter 4 (January 2020 – March 2020).

Members' comments included:

·    The consistency of higher performance standards was welcomed.

·    An explanation was sought about the client performance standards which seemed to be showing an increase in monetary value and whether this was caused by more serious cases being reported or to an increase in the value of the compensation being paid by the Council. Officers explained the reasons for the increase in compensation stating that it was a combination of both reasons. Many repairs were identified in advance and the repair work was carried out at a later date. Also, in that intervening period the repair might have further deteriorated which would have added to the cost.

·    What was the Council doing to ensure that the quality of work completed by the utilities was to a satisfactory standard? Officers stated that the utilities were required to consult the Council on any of their planned work and that this was reported annually to the Committee. The Council was currently examining work carried out by the utilities and details of this would be reported to a future meeting.

·    The new email address for use by members to report highway matters was working well and was also welcomed by the District and Parish Councils. Officers stated that the appointment of new personnel with customer services experience had also facilitated improved communications.

·    Clarification was sought on how the different highway maintenance working gangs operated in the community. Officers explained how the maintenance gangs operated under the new highways contract and how duplication would be avoided.

·    Officers, in response to a reported highway's problem in North Hykeham, stated that this issue had occurred in the early days of the new highways' contract and that the matter had now been resolved.

RESOLVED

That the report and comments made by Members be noted.

(To receive a report by Daniel Steel, Scrutiny Officer, in connection with the Committee's Work Programme. Members' comments are sought on the items for future consideration)

The Committee received a report in connection with its Work Programme.

Comments by Members included:-

·         Following an enquiry, officers stated that the annual report on the Permit Scheme would be submitted to the Committee in January 2021.

·         Councillor C J T H Brewis, the local Member, placed on record his appreciation to officers for their work in connection with the emergency closure of Long Sutton Market. Officers agreed to pass on the member's remarks to the relevant officers.

·         Councillor T A Ashton welcomed the engagement with rail companies and franchises at the meeting on 26 October 2020. He welcomed the proposed timetable changes which would allow trains to London to stop at Sleaford and Spalding in the morning and evening. He had produced a briefing paper on this matter which he wished to share with the Committee. Officers agreed to speak with Councillor Ashton after the meeting on this matter.

RESOLVED

          That the comments be noted and that the Work Programme be updated

          accordingly.