Membership of Town Committee was agreed at the inaugural meeting of Town Committee held on 9 January 1997, and comprises the 13 elected Members representing the six Town Wards (Edward, Elizabeth, Prior, Seton, Shielfield and Spittal). 1
Composition of Town Committee for the 2004/05 municipal year will be as follows: 1
• Spittal Improvement Trust are seeking a contribution of £250 towards the cost of their annual Gala Day to be held in Spittal on Sunday, 20th June 2004 14
• Councillor Douglas has requested that the issue of seagulls and the perceived damage done by them be brought before Town Committee 15
15 VENUES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS OF TOWN COMMITTEE DURING 2004/05 15
• Town Committee meetings usually rotated around venues in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth 15
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED BOROUGH COUNCIL
Council Offices, Wallace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1ED
COMMITTEE: TOWN
DATE TUESDAY, 15TH JUNE 2004
TIME: 6.00 PM
PLACE: COMMITTEE ROOM 1, WALLACE GREEN HALL,
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED
Members: S J Anderson, H Bettison, A R Bowlas, D G R Buckle, A B Douglas, G M Elliott, G P Horsburgh, E I Hunter, D McClymont, J N Simpson, J E Smith, J W Stephenson and J Waterhouse
If you have any enquiries about items on this Agenda, please contact
The Meeting will be open to the Press and Public during consideration of
the items set out in Part 1 of this Agenda.
1 MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE
Membership of Town Committee was agreed at the inaugural meeting of Town Committee held on 9 January 1997, and comprises the 13 elected Members representing the six Town Wards (Edward, Elizabeth, Prior, Seton, Shielfield and Spittal).
Composition of Town Committee for the 2004/05 municipal year will be as follows:
Edward Ward
Councillor S J Anderson (Liberal Democrat)
Councillor A B Douglas (New Labour Independent)
Elizabeth Ward
Councillor A R Bowlas (Independent)
Councillor G M Elliott (Conservative)
Councillor J W Stephenson (Conservative)
Prior Ward
Councillor D G R Buckle (New Labour Independent)
Councillor E I Hunter (Liberal Democrat)
Seton Ward
Councillor D McClymont (Tweedmouth Alliance)
Councillor J E Smith (Liberal Democrat)
Shielfield Ward
Councillor J N Simpson (Tweedmouth Alliance)
Spittal Ward
Councillor H Bettison (Liberal Democrat)
Councillor G P Horsburgh (Liberal Democrat)
Councillor J Waterhouse (Liberal Democrat)
Role and Function of Town Committee:
The Town Committee will have the following roles and functions:
(a) To meet regularly to discuss Town affairs (ie matters affecting Edward, Elizabeth, Prior, Seton, Shielfield and Spittal Wards) and to exercise any and all functions which are vested in Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council and which, in an area with a Parish Council, would be exercised by the Parish Council.
(b) To arrange meetings and conduct the business of the Committee in such a way as to enable the local community to participate in the deliberations of the Committee.
(c) To consider each year whether to levy a charge upon the Council Tax Payers in Edward, Elizabeth, Prior, Seton, Shielfield and Spittal Wards to fund the expenditure planned by the Town Committee and to ensure that such consideration is undertaken in sufficient time to be incorporated within the Borough Council’s budgeting process.
(d) To promote the establishment of a Parish or Town Council, or Parishes/Town Council, for the communities of Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal.
(e) To undertake such other duties and functions as may be delegated to the Committee, from time to time, by the Borough Council.
Recommendation : To note the report.
2 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
To elect a Committee Chairman for the ensuing year.
3 ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN
To elect a Committee Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year.
4 DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Members are invited to declare any interest they may have in any of the items included on the agenda for this Meeting.
[Note: Any Member wishing to seek clarification as to whether it may be appropriate to declare an interest in respect of any item on this agenda should seek advice from the Chief Executive or Borough Solicitor at least one working day before the Meeting].
5 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Purpose:
To respond to questions from members of the public (in attendance) on any matter which falls within the remit of Town Committee.
Report:
At the Meeting of Town Committee held on 16th November 1999 Members agreed to introduce a public question time facility as a standing item on Town Committee Agendas.
Public Question Time was successfully introduced at the Policy Committee Meeting held on 1st July 1999.
Public Question Time is scheduled for 15 minutes duration. Members of the public who wish to ask a question concerning any aspect of Town Committee business are required to submit notification of a question in writing to the Chief Executive no later than noon on the day preceding the day on which the Meeting of Town Committee is to be held, in order that a full and proper reply may be made at the Meeting.
Implications:
LA21/Environmental and Sustainability:
None significant.
Equal Opportunities:
The introduction of a Public Question Time facility is in keeping with the spirit of the Government White Paper, "Modernising Local Government: In Touch with the People", which seeks more openness and enhanced public participation in decision-making processes at local government level and greater accountability on the part of local authorities.
Public Question Time is open to residents of Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal and to visitors to the town.
Crime and Disorder:
It is anticipated that questions may be raised which relate to crime and disorder issues.
Best Value and Best Practice:
The introduction of a Public Question Time facility will make the Town Committee more accountable to the local community. Questions and summaries of responses will be minuted.
Financial/Legal/Personnel:
Legal: none significant; although some questions may require input from the Council's Legal Officers.
Personnel: There will be an additional requirement for officers to research and prepare responses to questions submitted in accordance with the rules governing the function of the Public Question Time facility.
Recommendation : To agree to receive questions from members of the public and to respond to these accordingly.
6 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF TOWN COMMITTEE HELD ON 10TH MARCH 2004
• First phase of Marygate street works completed – will resume in September, with completion scheduled for March 2005
• Update on developments under the A1 Safelink campaign
• Verbal report on progress towards funding of remedial works to Lady Jerningham’s statue at Bank Hill
• Verbal report on progress with solutions to parking problems caused by overflow from the car park at Berwick Railway Station
• Verbal report on car parking proposals at Dock Road, Tweedmouth
• Progress report on proposals to extend Berwick Holiday Centre
• Verbal report on proposed arrangements for the provision of coach drop-off facilities in Berwick town centre
• Planning approvals obtained for reconfiguration and programme of improvements at Berwick Railway Station Car Park
Purpose:
To appraise Members of projects in progress or to be undertaken by the Environmental Maintenance Section on behalf of Town Committee, or of relevance to the interests of Town Committee, and to agree to commit expenditure or undertake other action as appropriate in respect of these projects.
Report:
(i) Marygate Scheme
The first phase of works to part pedestrianise Marygate was completed by the agreed date of Easter. All works have now been suspended until after the summer season. It is proposed to return in mid September and weather permitting complete the works by March 2005.
(ii) A1 Safelink Campaign
A meeting was recently convened by the Highways Agency with a number of stakeholders to look at various options for dualling between Adderstone and Belford. The brief is to look for a dualling scheme for this section of the trunk road to improve road safety.
It is proposed to carry out a public consultation exercise in September 2004 with an announcement of the preferred route in February 2005.
The Committee will no doubt recall that the A1 North of Newcastle Multi Modal Study recommended that the A1 should be dualled between Morpeth and Felton along with the section of road between Adderstone and Belford and West Mains to Bridge Mill [near Haggerston]
The section between Morpeth and Felton is currently being developed and programmed to start in 2008.
Highways Agency have recently held a stakeholder meeting with representatives from various organisations including this authority, Northumberland County Council, Northumbria Police, Countryside Commission, English Nature and consultants to look at various options for dualling between Adderstone and Belford. The brief is to look for a dualling scheme for this section of the trunk road to improve road safety.
It is hoped to carry out a public consultation exercise in September 2004 with an announcement on the preferred route in February 2005. A contract will be awarded in spring 2005, with a view to works commencing on site in 2008/09.
The Committee may also welcome and support the actions arising from the last Border Visions Conference in relation to transport issues. Border Visions is a cross Border initiative supported by the seven local authorities and other agencies along the Anglo/Scottish Border.
Transportation was one of the four workshops at the 2003 Conference, which explored and agreed:
• The Borders priorities for improvements to the strategic transportation infrastructure, particularly in relation to trunk roads, rail and ferry links
• A lobbying campaign aimed primarily at MSPs, MPs, and MEPs. The reason for the joint lobby is to strengthen the case for the Borders area by speaking with one voice and to emphasise the strategic nature of the issues being raised. The lobby will recognise that business, tourism and freight are the drivers for change.
• High quality publicity, including a map of the area, should be prepared to outline the case for improvements to the strategic transport infrastructure and its contribution to the economic regeneration of the Border area.
It was agreed that a lobby campaign should be aimed at Scotland, Westminster and European Parliaments with representatives from all the Border areas including the private sector, community interests, agencies and existing lobby groups as well as public sector agencies and Elected Members.
The Border Visions Project Fund will cover expenditure incurred in this lobby work up to £5k; therefore there is no anticipated financial commitment to this authority. It is hoped to take this campaign forward later this year.
(iii) Lady Jerningham’s Statue, Bankhill, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Following further discussions with Dr M Barron at Longridge School the Civic Society have agreed to allow him to address their gathering on this subject at their meeting on 9th June 2004 which is to be held at Longridge. A verbal update will be made at the meeting.
(iv) Car Parking at Garden City, Castle Terrace and other areas in the proximity of Berwick Railway Station
The Environmental Maintenance Manager reported to the meeting of Policy (Corporate Services and Regeneration) Committee held on 14th April 2004 that:
• Discussions have been held with Northumbria Police to identify solutions to problems being caused in residential areas adjacent to the station by overflow from the station car park
• Proposals included the possibility of introducing a limited waiting scheme with residents overstay
• Extensive consultation required before final proposals can be presented – school transport needs to be considered
• Extension of double-yellow lines at Castle Terrace to be considered on north side, with limited waiting on the south side
• All relevant schemes will require Traffic Regulations Orders
• Northumberland County Council have been formally requested to implement these improvements during the current financial year
The Environmental Maintenance Manager will report on any further progress at the meeting.
(v) Car Parking at Dock Road
The Environmental Maintenance Manager will provide a verbal report at the meeting.
(vi) Berwick Holiday Centre Extension
The Environmental Maintenance Manager reported to the meeting of Policy (Corporate Services and Regeneration) Committee held on 14th April 2004 that:
• A formal request had been received from the management of Berwick Holiday Centre to extend the site northwards into an overgrown area of land owned by the Council
• Policy CSR Committee had rescinded a previous decision to lease to Berwick Holiday Centre a parcel of Council-owned land to the east of the site
• Following further meetings with representatives of Berwick Holiday Centre, a parcel of land was identified to the north of the site as the Centre’s preferred area for extending the site.
• The Council’s Development Services Manager has been involved in discussions and has reported that, in principle, the proposed extension would accord with the Council’s policy (Policy W14) for the development of Berwick Holiday Centre
• The extension would require considerable landscaping to achieve assimilation with the setting
• Consideration would need to be given to improvements to an existing right of way which currently follows the contour of the coastline
Having considered Berwick Holiday Centre’s proposals at the meeting held on 10th March 2004, Town Committee resolved to support the proposals on an in-principle basis, and requested that, as a condition, the Centre be asked to make a financial contribution (to be specified) towards the refurbishment and maintenance of the public conveniences overlooking the Greenses Harbour, and towards the adjacent children’s play area.
Policy CSR Committee also resolved to agree the proposals on an in-principle basis, subject to the submission and consideration of a formal planning application and agreement to the terms of any disposal of land.
The Environmental Maintenance Manager will report on any further progress at the meeting.
(vii) Coach Drop-off Facilities in Berwick Town Centre
The Environmental Maintenance Manager will provide a verbal report at the meeting.
(viii) Railway Station Car Park
Planning permission for the proposed bus/rail interchange and other improvements to the Station Car Park were approved at Planning Committee on 1st June 2004. It is hoped to commence works in September/October. Further details regarding the programming of the works will be reported to a subsequent meeting.
Implications:
All implications known at this point are referred to in the body of the report or will be discussed at the meeting.
Recommendations: (i) To note the report; and (ii) to consider what actions are to be taken in respect of those items set out above.
• Record of recently installed dog bins set out in report below
• Bin to be installed at Commercial Road, Spittal (precise location to be specified by local Members)
• Members to consider need for any further bins
Purpose:
To appraise Members of progress with the installation of dog bins in Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal.
Report:
The Environmental Health and Enforcement Unit’s Technical Officer has reported that the following dog bins, in most cases jointly funded by Town Committee and that Unit, have been installed in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth since June 2001:
Date of request from Town Committee
Location
Date Sited
21.6.01
Five Arches, Tweedmouth
Osborne Road, Tweedmouth
Shielfield Terrace, Tweedmouth
Magdelane Fields, Berwick
26.6.01
24.5.02
24.5.02
24.5.02
28.1.02
Castle Vale Park, Berwick
Osborne Road, Tweedmouth
Spittal Promenade
Lowry Shelter, Berwick
Prior Road/Dean Drive, Tweedmouth
Spittal Nursery
6.8.02
26.1.03
4.6.02
10.5.02
10.5.02
4.6.02
18.9.03
North Road Industrial Estate
Commercial Road, Spittal*
Cinder Path, Tweedmouth
tbc
tbc
• Not yet installed – precise location to be specified by local Members.
Requests were also received for dog bins at Riverdene Walk, Tweedmouth and at Sunnyside Mews, Tweedmouth. Bins have not been installed at these locations because it was determined that a litter bin would be more suitable for Riverdene Walk given the proximity of two existing dog bins, and because of the lack of a suitable site at Sunnyside Mews due to the proximity of underground power cables.
Members are invited to identify new sites for dog bins to be funded from Town Committee’s 2004/05 budget.
Implications:
Crime and Disorder:
Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Order 1997, it is an offence to allow a dog to foul, although to clean up immediately would avoid punitive action. The fine for contravention of the bye law is £50 or up to £1000 if a case goes before a magistrates’ court. The Council has had difficulty pursuing prosecutions in the past because of the reluctance of witnesses to testify, although it is intended to deploy the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s mobile CCTV camera at blackspots to assist with the prosecution of those who contravene the bye law.
Financial:
Dog bins cost £200. Normal practice has been for Town Committee to contribute 50% of the cost, with the balance being met from the Director of Environment’s budget.
Recommendations: (i) To note the report; and (ii) to receive advice from Members on requirements for new dog bins in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth.
• Completion scheduled for w/c 14th June 2004. Competition winner announced – will open the skatepark at official launch
• Professional skateboarders will assist with launch and provide training sessions for users
• ROSPA safety inspection scheduled and inspection training for Council staff arranged
• Liaison with skatepark user group ongoing
Purpose:
To appraise Members of progress with the development of the skatepark facility in Spittal, Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Report:
The contractors have indicated that the new skatepark to be installed at Highcliffe/Eastcliffe, adjacent to the Youth Shelter, will be completed during w/c 14th June. Ground preparation works will begin during w/c 7th June.
It had been intended to open the skatepark on 29th May but there has been slippage due to some minor adjustments to the structure and site preparation works.
Local schools took part in a competition to select a young person to formally open the skatepark (the winner also receiving skateboard equipment and clothing). The competition winner has been notified and arrangements are in hand for the formal opening of the skatepark in June.
Arrangements are also in place for:
• Insurance
• A ROSPA inspection
• Training for Council staff to enable them to undertake regular safety inspections of all skateparks located in the Borough
• A team of professional skateboarders to assist with the opening by providing demonstrations and training, and then on four Saturdays for skatepark users (dates tbc)
Members are reminded that it was agreed at the Town Committee meeting held on 10th March 2004 to give in-principle support to the establishment of a skatepark in the Newfields area following consideration of a request by the Berwick Environmental Group of a £2,000 contribution towards costs.
Implications:
Equal Opportunities
There will be no charge for access to the skatepark, which will be open to users of all ages.
Crime and Disorder
The Berwick Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership has endorsed its support for the project by committing £15,000 towards the capital costs of the project, which will help address concerns about antisocial behaviour by providing diversionary activity for young people.
It is also hoped that a safe, controlled environment will reduce the risk of accidents to skaters currently using the town centre streets and car parks.
Financial/Legal/Personnel
Financial:the capital costs of approximately £25,000 have been met by the CDRP, Town Committee, Area Committee and other sources.
Revenue costs (insurance and inspection) will be met by the CDRP during the first 12 months of operation. Negotiations with a user group are ongoing with a view to users assuming collective responsibility for future revenue costs.
• Town Committee previously proposed erection of public noticeboards at suitable locations in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth
• Total of £1,232 earmarked for expenditure (including balance of monies allocated to the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations but not committed)
Purpose:
To consider what action is to be taken in respect of the purchase and erection of public noticeboards.
Report:
The Chairman of Town Committee requested that the cost of purchasing lockable, aluminium-framed, wall mounted noticeboards be reported to the Town Committee meeting held on 28th January 2002.
It was proposed that the noticeboards would fulfill a similar function to the parish noticeboards found in villages throughout the Borough, and would provide a useful means of keeping members of the public (particularly those without access to the internet) up to date with Council information.
A budget was earmarked for acquisition and installation of noticeboards at the following locations:
• Public Library, Walkergate, Berwick-upon-Tweed
• At the flat used as an office by the Eastcliffe Residents’ Association, Eastcliffe, Spittal
• At the Swan Centre for Leisure, Tweedmouth
• Replacement of the noticeboard at St. John’s Church, Spittal
• At a location in Tweedmouth to be chosen by St Boisil and St Bartholomew’s Residents’ Association
• In the car park of The Elizabethan public house or outside the Highfields Store, Berwick-upon-Tweed
The cheapest noticeboards which meet the required specification have been costed at approximately £275 per unit (1200mm x 900mm approx). Noticeboards with more robust construction can cost up to £1,000 per unit.
Consideration will also need to be given to:
• The type of information displayed in the noticeboards
• Responsibility for posting/removing/maintaining the contents
• Keyholder arrangements
Implications:
Financial/Legal/Personnel
Financial: A budget of £1,232 has been set aside for the provision of public noticeboards.
Legal: In some cases, wayleave permissions may be required from the landlord/owner where the prospective site is not owned by the Council. These can take some time to obtain. A wayleave is a licence which requires agreement to be reached with a landowner or lessee. In most cases a fee is paid to the landlord or lessee. This can take the form of a commuted sum or an annual payment, the level of which is determined by an independent valuer.
Recommendations: To reconsider the Committee’s previous commitment to the erection of public noticeboards at suitable locations in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth.
12 NEW REPRESENTATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COMMUNITIES OF BERWICK, TWEEDMOUTH AND SPITTAL
To report on the plans for new arrangements for local democracy in Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal.
Report:
*** A note of the last meeting of the working group is included as an appendix, as is the revised timescale.
Transfer of Civic Arrangements
We have received the following advice from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister about the transfer of the civic arrangements to a Town Council:
“As Berwick upon Tweed presently has borough status, in the event of the borough being amalgamated with other district areas as a result of any reorganisation (following the establishment of an elected North East Assembly), arrangements would be made to ensure that this status is not lost. The Government will provide under section 246 of the Local Government Act 1972 for the preservation of powers, privileges and rights existing before the reorganisation. It gives three ways of achieving this.
• by transfer to the successor district under a charter granted under section 245 of the act
• by transfer to a parish or community council,
• or as a fall back where neither of these two apply, by transfer to a corporate body known as "charter trustees", consisting of the district councillors for the area of a former city or borough which becomes part of the new district.
Therefore for Berwick upon Tweed representative bodies, formed of the members of the district council elected for the areas, would be constituted as a body corporate known as charter trustees who could elect from their number a mayor and deputy mayor and could exercise other ceremonial rights. If a parish is constituted later, Charter Trustees would be wound up.
With regards to your enquiry on Sheriffs, in general, Sheriffs are commonly associated with counties, but can be a senior executive of a smaller area. Is this the case for Berwick upon Tweed? If so, you may need to check the contents of the Charter.
In the case of a parish, under Section 245 of the Local Government Act 1972, if the council resolves to call itself a Town Council, it can elect from their number a town mayor and deputy mayor and can exercise former rights to appoint local officers of dignity or other ceremonial rights.”
My understanding of the above is that the best course of action for Berwick would be for a new Town Council to be formed without any arrangements for the civic instruments, and for such arrangements to be made only at the point at which a new unitary authority came into being. The use of Charter Trustees would only seem to be necessary in the case of a time lag between the dissolving of the current Borough Council and the formation of a Town Council.
Implications:
Legal/Financial/Personnel
Further research into the current Borough Charter will be necessary to establish the status of the civic arrangements.
• Spittal Improvement Trust are seeking a contribution of £250 towards the cost of their annual Gala Day to be held in Spittal on Sunday, 20th June 2004
Purpose:
To consider a request for financial assistance.
Report:
A letter from Councillor H Bettison, Vice-Chair of Spittal Improvement Trust, has been sent to the Chair of Town Committee seeking a contribution of £250 towards the running costs of the annual Spittal Gala Day event on Sunday, 20th June 2004.
Councillor Bettison will speak to this item at the meeting.
Implications:
Equal Opportunities
Spittal Gala Day is a traditional community-focused event which attracts all age groups.
Recommendation: To consider the request for financial assistance.
14 SEAGULLS
Report Author: Ross Buchanan, Principal Environmental Health Officer
• Councillor Douglas has requested that the issue of seagulls and the perceived damage done by them be brought before Town Committee
Purpose:
To advise members of the current position regarding seagull control.
Report:
Members will recall that there have been a number of reports in the past concerning problems associated with seagulls in the town and the means of controlling them. Copies of these reports are available if required.
The present policy of the Council is to install deterrent spikes on the roofs of residential properties when requested by the occupier. The Environmental Health Unit maintains a list of people who have requested the service and the pest control contractor visits the properties on a first come first served basis. The contractor will not undertake work where access would involve an unreasonable risk to their health and safety e.g. if a roof is especially high or difficult to reach, or where the cost of access might be excessive.
Implications:
Financial/Legal/Personnel
Financial: A budget of £5000 per year is provided for this work.
Recommendation: To consider whether a recommendation should be made to Policy (Corporate Services and Regeneration) to review the current seagull policy.
15 VENUES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS OF TOWN COMMITTEE DURING 2004/05
• Town Committee meetings usually rotated around venues in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth
Purpose:
To seek Members’ views agreement to the use of proposed venues for future meetings of Town Committee during the 2004/05 municipal year.
Report:
Town Committee will meet on the following dates during 2004/05; proposed venues are set out below:
• Tuesday, 15th June 2004 @ 6.00pm
• Thursday, 28th October 2004 @ 6.00pm (Mitchell Memorial Hall, Tweedmouth)
• Thursday, 27th January 2005 @ 6.00pm (St Mary’s First School, Newfields)
• Thursday, 21st April 2005 @ 6.00pm (St Paul’s Church Hall, Spittal)
Developments regarding new representative arrangements for Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth may also mean that special meetings of Town Committee have to be convened if the views of Town Committee are required before being referred to full Council.
Implications:
Financial/Legal/Personnel
Financial: Where venues other than the Committee Rooms are used, hire charges will be incurred.
Recommendation: To agree venues for future meetings of Town Committee during 2004/05.
