Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

For Information

Following comments made at the RCC on 10 September, the Chairman had agreed to receive a presentation from the Assistant Director (Environmental Enhancement), as part of this item. 

The presentation on the Street Scene covered the following:

·         Seating on the Highwalks/St Giles’ Terrace

·         Lighting and security

·         Silk Street/Beech Street junction – new zebra crossings and removal of the traffic island

·         The widened footway outside the cinema

·         Options for the tunnel improvements

·         Availability and use of Section 106 funding

Members felt concerned about Beech Street and the Barbican Centre Board had repeatedly expressed its dissatisfaction about the area’s poor appearance, particularly in the context of the cultural quarter.  The Assistant Director confirmed that funding was an issue due to changes to EU legislation, following the tunnel fire in Switzerland last year.  The Assistant Director was fully aware of the Art Centre’s concerns and met regularly with the Managing Director and his team.

In response to further questions, the Assistant Director advised that:

·         In the existing strategy London Wall would retain 4 lanes of traffic and any proposed reduction would be through lane width reduction, the removal of whole lanes would need to part of a major study on traffic impact. 

·         All designs for Beech Street Tunnel would be vandal proof, as far as possible and that, in order to widen footways, it may be possible to remove the central reservation from the tunnel; as had been proposed at the eastern end of the street by the new cinemas.

·         The new seating proposed for St Giles Terrance and the Ben Jonson Highwalk had followed consultation, as consultees felt that the existing seating was not in keeping with Barbican design.  Members noted that any commemorative plaques on benches would be moved to the new ones.  The Assistant Director assured Members that the new seats were very comfortable and flexible, with inbuilt tables and wheelchair access. 

It was moved by Jeremy Mayhew, Seconded by Deputy Joyce Nash and RESOLVED, that:

The Planning and Transportation Committee be asked to consider improvements to Beech Street Tunnel as a matter of priority, given its significance within the cultural quarter.

The Chairman then returned to the substantive Update Report. 

Invoices

Members were concerned at the high number of undisputed invoices, particularly where this might delay payment to small businesses. The Director confirmed that this was a very high priority and would provide the Committee with an update at the next meeting.

Anti-social behaviour

Members asked if the nature of anti-social behaviour could be expanded in future reports.

Asbestos

In response to a concern expressed by a resident Member, who allegedly saw crumbled asbestos in an open cupboard, the Housing Director strongly challenged it but agreed to investigate as soon as the member gave the location details.  Members were assured that asbestos was only a health risk if damaged or exposed; it was managed very carefully on the estate and all staff had been fully trained in dealing with it.

TV Network Upgrade

Members noted the Minutes of the RCC on 11 July, which had agreed the Heads of Terms (subject to the final contract being conditional on the additional terms set out in Appendix 2 to the Minutes).  Officers advised that the Lawyers were currently working on Heads of Terms and installation was expected early in 2013.  This matter was detailed in the Minutes of the Special RCC of 11 July, earlier on this agenda.

Lift Failure

A resident Member was very concerned at having been trapped in a lift, in the dark, for some time but was assured by the Director that this had been an  unfortunate, one off incident.  All emergency responses would be within the agreed timescales in the future. 

YMCA

The Director advised that the City would take vacant possession of the YMCA at midnight on Sunday 30 September.  Members were assured of the robust security arrangements and that the Project Investment Board had approved funding for marketing.  In response to a question about vulnerable residents, the Director advised that all those, for whom the City has a duty of care, had been re-housed.

RESOLVED, that:

The report be noted