In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the meeting on any matter relevant to the work of the body in question. Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman or person presiding will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers. Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.
Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.
Minutes:
Jane Smith asked if the Council would commit to funding a robust pollinator strategy to ensure that all urban spaces, including new housing developments, were designed and maintained in ways that maximised benefit to pollinators. The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Regeneration responded that the Council did not currently have a specific pollinator strategy and understood that it was not a statutory requirement to produce one. However, he undertook to look at the Council’s current practices in terms of supporting the aims of the National Pollinator Strategy.
Sue Helliwell referred to a question she asked at a previous meeting regarding replacement play equipment for Wayside Linley Park, Alsager, and asked for an assurance for residents that the Park would receive the necessary investment. The Portfolio Holder for Environment responded that there was no S106 funding available but officers would be willing to work with local residents to explore funding options.
Sylvia Dyke referred to the loss of three major employers in Alsager with the sites being redeveloped for housing which would lead to more congestion and a loss of visual amenity in the area.
Rob Vernon referred to the condition of the road in Becks Lane, Macclesfield which he likened to a gravel track. The Portfolio Holder for Environment undertook to look into the matter.
Brendan O’Brien, speaking in relation to the proposed withdrawal of free school transport for children attending Knutsford Academy, asked if Cabinet believed it was reasonable for parents to be expected to walk 11.6 miles a day taking their children to school. The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families responded that it was the responsibility of all parents to get their children to school safely and she outlined a number of ways that this could be done.
Richard Walton asked about the Council’s policy for recording member attendance at meetings on its website and whether the Council would advise Congleton Town Council to pursue a similar policy. The Chairman confirmed that Cheshire East Council published its member attendance figures online but that Mr Walton needed to address any questions regarding Congleton Town Council to that Council.
Daniel Rush sought clarification of the amount of privately arranged funding required for the placement of refugee families from Syria in Cheshire East. He had also expected his application to have come to this Cabinet meeting. The Chairman responded that a report would be submitted to Cabinet in April or May. She also briefly outlined the Council’s advice on the funding required for placements.
David Latham referred to the recent traffic commissioner’s decision to grant a full operating licence with conditions to ANSA on Cledford Lane, Middlewich, and outlined a number of traffic issues involving refuse vehicles in Middlewich including speeding, ‘jumping’ traffic lights and using country lanes and estate roads. The Portfolio Holder for Environment asked Mr Latham to provide evidence of the practices referred to so that the matter could be investigated. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Communication had also noted the issues and undertook to raise the matter at his next meeting with the MD.
Carol Jones asked what support would the Council provide for people under 65 with mental health problems. The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Integration responded that the Council was working with its health partners on a wide-ranging consultation looking at the future of mental health care provision across the Borough and re-ablement services.
Michael Unett referred to traffic problems at the junction of Linley Lane / Linley Rd, Alsager and sought assurances that a scheme to install traffic lights would go ahead this summer. The Portfolio Holder for Environment was unable to provide a guarantee on the timing of the scheme but undertook to look into the matter.
At the conclusion of public questions, the Chairman thanked everyone concerned.