Report of the Leader of the Council, attached.
Minutes:
The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted, setting out the details of the business undertaken by the Executive (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).
The Leader and the Cabinet made statements and responded to Questions.
The following questions were then submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.1:
1. Blue Badge Parking Bays
Question from Councillor Turner to Councillor Fitzhenry
Could the Cabinet Member comment on the failure to recognise the problems of very disabled people in accessing Gateway due to the absence of Blue Badge parking bays? Could he also comment on why this issue was not resolved when the West Marlands Road scheme came to him for approval?
Answer
The moving of Gateway to new premises in West Marlands Road coincided with the implementation of new traffic restrictions in this area as part of the Guildhall Square project. The pedestrian friendly environment in both West Marlands Road and Guildhall Square are essential to create a safe public space.
The previous limited parking bays in West Marlands Road were replaced with permit bays for essential delivery vehicles only. However, there are no restrictions on motorists setting down or picking up visitors to Gateway. The lack of designated parking for Blue Badge holders immediately outside Gateway was recognised during the project and a series of benches were incorporated in the immediate vicinity to help meet concerns. There are currently nine designated Blue Badge spaces in the Civic forecourt which are approximately 75 metres from the entrance to Gateway.
This matter has been under constant review and, I have recently commissioned an independent study of the situation to see if Blue Badge parking improvements can be made without compromising the Guildhall Square scheme principles.
2. Service Level Agreements
Question from Councillor Bogle to Councillor Moulton
Could the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services provide a breakdown (scope and value) of the current Service Level Agreements between Southampton schools and Capita?
Answer
There are no Service Level Agreements (SLA) between Southampton Schools and Capita. All SLAs are between Southampton City Council and Schools directly.
3. Tourist Information Centre
Question from Councillor Vinson to Councillor Hannides
Will the Cabinet Member inform Council as to the number of personal visits made to the Tourist Information Centre and the value of sales since its move, with comparable figures for the previous year?
Answer
The Visitor Information Centre opened in the Central Library on Monday 28th November 2011.
The following data summarises usage for December – February inclusive for 2010/11 and 2011/12
measure |
2010/11 |
2011/12 |
Sales (including Ticket sales) |
£48,647 |
£37,912 |
Personal enquiries |
8,743 |
6,227 |
Unique Web hits |
82,871 |
87,059 |
Footfall into the Visitor Information area in the library is not measured separately to library visits.
The figures demonstrate a continued ‘channel shift’ to the Internet, which we hope to continue as the web interface is developed over the next year.
4. St Denys Water Treatment Works
Question from Councillor Vinson to Councillor Fitzhenry
Will the Cabinet Member liaise with Southern Water to achieve a permanent solution to the periodic release of foul odours from the Kent Road water treatment plant?
Answer
The Regulatory Services will continue to liaise with Southern Water as necessary and monitor the complaint and odour levels to ensure that nearby residents do not suffer a statutory nuisance.
5. Westridge Road Car Park
Question from Councillor Vinson to Councillor Hannides
Can the Cabinet Member give an assurance, in the light of Lidl's declaration that this site is unsuitable for their needs, that the Executive no longer has any intention of selling the car park, and that it will remain in Council ownership?
Answer
We recognise the importance of the car park to shoppers in Portswood. There are no plans to dispose of the car park or put it to alternative use.
Supporting documents: