northlincs.gov.uk

12 (12) CREATION OF A PARKS STRATEGY FOR NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE – The Director of Places submitted a report informing the Cabinet Member of work undertaken to develop a parks strategy, and outlining the benefits of establishing Friends Groups for parks.

North Lincolnshire parks were a key asset to the area. They contributed to the life of communities in countless ways.  They offered places to relax, take a break from the pace of daily life or pass through on the way to school, work, shops etc.  They were regularly used by children, parents and families to play together, by people exercising, improving their health and wellbeing and to take part in sport or simply a place to meet friends. They were the heart of a thriving, sustainable and attractive area.

The council and its predecessors had recognised the importance of our parks and green spaces since the beginning of the growth in the steel industry in the area. To continue with this investment the council intended to develop a North Lincolnshire Parks Strategy setting out the vision for the area over the period from 2017 to 2026.

Nationally it was evident that more people were using parks and indeed supporting them through initiatives such as Friends Groups. These groups allowed community engagement, a strategic overview and also attracted external investment. North Lincolnshire’s most recent parks friends group was established in January 2016 in support of Baysgarth Park, in Barton.

The council’s role in supporting Friends Groups was to provide advice and guidance until groups were ready to proceed on their own to attract investment using the five year plan created together to guide them. The council also had a role in tailoring its own maintenance and investment programs for each park to match any Friends Group plans. It was hoped the success of creating Friends Group, such as the one at Baysgarth could be replicated across the area as they could form a key element of any future Parks Strategy.

Resolved – (a) That the development of a parks strategy and the benefits that could be achieved through the creation of “Friends of” groups for other parks in North Lincolnshire, be noted, and (b) that a follow up report be submitted to the Cabinet Member when the data has been analysed and any funding gaps identified.

13 (13) SPEED LIMIT REVIEW A161/B1392/CROWLE AREA – AMENDMENT NO 9 ORDER, 2016 – The Director of Places submitted a report considering an objection received by the council to proposed speed limit changes in North Lincolnshire.

The council had reviewed speed limits currently in force on all A and B roads in North Lincolnshire, following guidance in the Department of Transport (DfT) Circular 01/06 “setting local speed limits”.

In order to clarify what speed limit applied to what road, the DfT had issued updated guidance to achieve consistency in setting speed limits on a national level.

The objection referred to shortening the existing 30mph limit on the B1392, Eastoft Road.  The objector suggested that the proposal was unsafe.  The objector recommended that a footpath link to Carr Lane should be provided with the proposed increase in speed limit.

Resolved – (a) That the proposal to uphold the order be approved, and its introduction be authorised, and (b) that officers write to the objector advising them of the decision.

14 (14) TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER – SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES GOXHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL – NORTH END – The Director of Places submitted a report considering objections received to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order outside Goxhill Primary School – North End.

The proposed restrictions were designed to remove parking in front of Goxhill Primary School and improve road safety in the area.

The restrictions were part of the wider efforts to reduce the number of children travelling to school by car.  It would also encourage more healthy and green alternatives.

Residents were concerned about inconsiderate parking outside the school.  This in turn caused obstruction issues.

Resolved – (a) That the Traffic Regulation Order, as set out in Appendix 1, be approved; (b) that the area continue to be monitored by officers, and (c) that officers write to residents advising them of the decision, following normal legal procedure.