To review progress of the Liveable Streets Programme

The Committee received a presentation on the Liveable Streets programme which is intended to improve the look and feel of public spaces in neighbourhoods across the Borough and aims to make it easier, safer, and more convenient to get around by foot, bike, and public transport. The programme also aims to reduce people making ‘rat runs and shortcuts through residential streets to encourage more sustainable journeys and to improve air quality and road safety.

The Chair welcomed Mayor John Biggs and Councillor Kahar Choudhry Cabinet Lead for Highways and Public Realm here in person today, Ann Sutcliffe Corporate Director for Place and Dan Jones Divisional Director for Public Realm who are joining virtually for attending this evening. However, before the Chair handed over to the Mayor he stated that the Committee would like to know the following (i) which of the schemes have been delivered so far and will continue given the recent announcement on the pausing of the Scheme; (ii) what does the recent announcement on the pausing of the scheme mean; (iii) What were the challenges faced and what does the future of the scheme or any schemes similar to this will look like; (iv) the budget implication on the financial implication to this programme and decision; (v) listening to ward councillors representing the views of their constituents and their own experience.  The main points of the discussion and questions arising may be summarised as follows.

The Committee:

v  Expressed concern regarding the failure of the Councils own Communications Team to support scrutiny in promoting its activities and especially on this item. Also it was noted that whilst a press release had been sent out today there is a need of further support in raising the profile of Scrutiny, both internally and externally as a means to improving the effectiveness of the function.

v  Noted that the Chair had, had to publish a video on his own social media account to increase wider awareness of tonight’s meeting.

v  Noted the concerns that residents had raised in terms of the apparent short notice of this item however the work programme for Overview and Scrutiny had been published in June 2021 and this item was on the was on the list.

v  Noted that (i) an open letter had been received signed by 217 residents highlighting concerns regarding the Liveable Streets Programme; (ii) the Chair had also received a range of e-mails highlighting concerns and questions on the programme which had been shared with Members. The Committee were asked to be mindful of those concerns in tonight’s discussions.

v  Noted on the whole residents are supportive of the Liveable Streets Scheme but many have expressed frustration of the slowness of the implementation

v  Agreed that the Liveable Streets Scheme was always about so much more than closing a few roads and with COP26 (Conference of the Parties) coming up there are concerns especially amongst young people about what is happening across the planet and the impact on our  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10