Issue - meetings

To give consideration to the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP)

Consideration was given to the report outlining the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) strategy which set out the proposed priorities for transport. The strategy would be directly linked to the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) and showed how transport contributes to the achievement of wider ambitions for the area. It was reported that a five week period of public consultation on the draft strategy began on the 19^th October 2010.

Section 10 of the report outlined the following 7 key themes of “Ambition for All”, which Members were requested to comment upon:

• To ensure a sustainable future
• To create conditions for business growth
• To drive out the sources of poor health
• Nurture strong communities
• Support our children and young people
• Prepare for an increasingly older population
• Unlock the potential of our towns

Members made the following comments and observations on the key themes:

• With regard to the bus service, it was questioned how the balance between the need for the service and the cost of running the service could be addressed in rural areas, as some buses appeared to be infrequently used. It was reported that the buses may be empty for operational reasons; however access to services was currently being investigated with a view to working closer with operators to ensure value for money was being achieved.
• With regard to Policy S3 – Public Transport (Integration and Facilities), Members agreed that the reopening of Middlewich Station should be included.
• With regard to the proposed budget cuts, it was agreed that the Scrutiny Committee should be involved in scrutinising any possible cuts to services at the earliest opportunity.
• It was agreed that the possibility of being able to use bus passes for other forms of transport such as private taxis, should be investigated.
• It was agreed that the possibility of the general public being able to fill any empty seats on school buses should be investigated.
• Members raised strong concerns that the information points at bus stations were due to be closed and requested that this be reconsidered.
• It was noted that the DFT were still minded to support the Crewe Green Link Road, however a final decision would not be made until December 2011.
• Members agreed that Public Transport Liaison Committees should be reintroduced as they form a vital part of the democratic process.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet be informed of the above comments and observations when its gives consideration to the Local Transport Plan Strategy.