Issue - meetings

To receive a response by Cheshire East Highways to the questions raised by the Committee at its last meeting.

Further to the meeting held on 19 September 2013, the Committee scrutinised whether or not:

·         There had been any safety issues as a result of the switch off,

·         The decision had reduced the Council’s carbon footprint,

·         The decision had reduced costs.

With regard to the next phase of work to introduce Part Night lighting into residential areas across the borough, Members highlighted the importance of a full consultation exercise taking place as this had previously been a weakness. It was agreed that the consultation should take place in the following order:

·         Police – crime and highways

·         CCTV

·         Fire Authority

·         Specialist groups

·         Ward Councillors

·         Town and Parish Councillors

·         General public

Members agreed that the energy bills needed to reflect the changes made by the Council and that as the exact financial savings were currently unclear this issue should be scrutinised by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

It was noted that there was no requirement to provide street lighting, however there was a requirement to maintain it. It was therefore proposed that any redundant equipment would be removed.

Members raised concern that street lighting may be required again in the future and suggested that any cabling and conduit should remain in place. New builds also needed to be considered, strategic planning should be minded to consider the impact of street lighting on new developments and surrounding infrastructure when giving consideration to planning applications.

Members noted that the number and type of complaints were currently being collated, however they broadly related to cycle and walkways and the A523 being considered to be unsafe.

RESOLVED

1.    That the officer be thanked for his attendance

2.    That the Corporate Scrutiny Committee be recommended to scrutinise the suggested financial savings.

That the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve that:

3.    With regard to the next phase of works, a full consultation exercise takes place in the following order:

·         Police – crime and highways

·         CCTV

·         Fire Authority

·         Specialist groups

·         Ward Councillors

·         Town and Parish Councillors

·         General public

4.    Strategic Planning take note of the potential impact of street lighting on new developments and surrounding infrastructure.