Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Borough Councillor K Horkin.

Apologies were also received from G Mason of Ribchester Parish Council.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 February 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any disclosable pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interest in respect of matters contained in the agenda.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests.

There was no public participation.

Verbal report from the Director of Community Services

The Director of Community Services advised that Lancashire County Council has just over £10 million in funding to support the installation of electric vehicle charging points across Lancashire.  The money is aimed at helping people who do not have access to off-street parking and includes either installing charging points on lamp posts or via pavement cable channels hidden under the pavement.  This has the potential to allow people to charge their electric vehicles at home.

Lancashire County Council are currently looking to identify suitable locations where the charging points can be installed and the Director of Community Services wanted to know if Parish Councils could assist in identifying some potential locations.  A letter was sent to Parish Councils regarding this approximately six weeks ago, however it was noted that the letter would be circulated again.

Report of the Director of Economic Development and Planning enclosed.

The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report outlining the Council’s proposal to plant 50 Redwood trees across the Borough to commemorate 50 years since Ribble Valley Borough Council came into being under the re-organisation of local government in 1974.

The Director of Community Services outlined the benefits of the trees in terms of their carbon storing capabilities.  Ten trees have already been planted and it is hoped that a Redwood can be planted in each of the parishes.

For any Parish Councils interested in having a Redwood tree in their Parish they should contact David Hewitt, Countryside Officer, directly to discuss a suitable site.

The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report for information, which provided updates relating to the Community Safety Partnership.

The report provided an overview of the Ribble Valley CSP, along with the action plan for the period 2022-2025, statistics in relation to anti-social behaviour, and a summary of the projects funded by the RV CSP in 2023/24.

The Partnership Officer answered further questions put by Committee, particularly in relation to tackling anti-social behaviour in certain areas and how RVBC is promoting a new bus service that is being introduced (this service will see buses running from Clitheroe to Settle and Horton in Ribblesdale, taking in Bashall Eaves, Whitewell, Dunsop Bridge, Newton, Slaidburn and Tosside)

The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted an information report providing updates in relation to the Prevent Duty.

The Council as a local authority, had a legal duty to deliver Prevent in the Ribble Valley to help prevent the risk of people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.  The report provided Committee with the revised Ribble Valley district plan for 2024/25.

The Partnership Officer then answered further questions put by Committee particularly regarding links to the education service and the NHS.

Item raised by Grindleton Parish Council

The Director of Community Services provided an update to Committee regarding the feasibility study that was carried out in relation to Clitheroe swimming pool.

The pool is over 40 years old and is suffering significant and more regular mechanical and electrical failures. The Council are now considering options for its future.  RVBC have employed Consultants, who were chosen through a competitive tender exercise.  The Director of Community Services advised that there were only a limited number of firms who could undertake the work required and confirmed there were none who were based locally.

The first part of the process was to undertake a survey and the Director of Community Services provided an overview of the results.  It was noted that there were over 2100 responses, which was very encouraging.  A lot of people were satisfied with the pool and the vast majority felt that it was in a good location.  Some suggestions had also been put forwards regarding having additional facilities at the site e.g. a café or soft play area.

The Director of Community Services informed members that the survey was broadened to include more general leisure and physical activity questions to maximise the value of the survey. 

It was noted that at present no firm decisions had been made and the Council were still exploring all available options.  It is likely that a report will be submitted to the Community Services Committee in July with recommendations for various options.

The Director of Community Services then answered questions from Committee and took on board feedback given by Parish Councils as to their experiences in engaging with the survey.  He further advised that the cost of the survey accounted for only a small proportion of the Consultants’ costs and provided details of the work undertaken.

On a separate note, the Director of Community Services reminded Parish Councils that the date for submitting applications for the Ribble Valley in Bloom grants closes at the end of April 2024.

Committee were informed that the provisional date for the next meeting was 20 June 2024 at 6.30pm.