Agenda item

Draft Community Transport Strategy 2018 - 2021

Minutes:

The Head of Housing and Health submitted a Draft Community Transport Strategy report covering the period 2018 – 21.  He explained that community transport was an element of Council activities and played a key part of the Council’s approach to health and wellbeing in the district, particularly to vulnerable residents.  The Services Manager, Community Wellbeing and Partnerships provided an overview of the proposed vision for community transport. 

 

Councillor J Jones welcomed the approach, especially in Buntingford, which he said had poor bus services to the town and outlining villages.  Councillor J Jones referred to some voluntary services which struggled to get volunteers especially from younger people. 

 

Councillor S Bull commented that car ownership was lower in Buntingford and that it was in desperate need of improved transport in the town and villages.  He referred to the difficulties people faced to get to clinics and the need for the Council to get behind community transport.   Councillor I Devonshire said that it was not just about transport in rural areas in the daytime, as it was needed in the evening. 

 

Councillor G Cutting applauded the approach adding that high car ownership in an area did not necessarily reflect high incomes but could be out of necessity, as family members might work out of the district or work difficult shift patterns.  Councillor N Symonds concurred with this viewpoint.  She said that Silverleys Ward had the highest car ownership in Bishop’s Stortford and that Central Ward had the lowest car usage.

 

Councillor M Stevenson and the Committee Chairman sought and were provided with clarification in relation to a query about funding the initiative from the viewpoint of start-up funding and over time.  Councillor M Casey felt that the budget figures needed more detail, especially in relation to service costs and users. 

 

The Head of Housing and Health explained that what was before Members was an action plan and accepted that it needed more detail.  He explained that, initially, the initiative would be funded from capital, some schemes might qualify for match funding and  the possibility of using some Section 106 monies. 

 

Councillor H Drake referred to the social isolation people suffered, particularly young people in villages who might not have parents to take them places.  The Head of Housing and Health explained that the strategy aimed to enable partners to come forward with ideas which could work in the locality including town and parishes.

 

Councillor S Bull sought and was provided with clarification on how the strategy would be disseminated to communities. 

 

Councillor K Warnell suggested that more work should be done with schools and the congestion caused by school runs.  The Head of Housing and Health confirmed that there were ongoing discussions with the County Council regarding school transport. 

 

The Head of Housing and Health confirmed that the proposal could be managed from existing staff resources.

 

The Committee Chairman thanked Officers for their summary.

 

It was moved by Councillor M Allen and seconded by Councillor J Jones that that the recommendations as detailed, be supported.  After being put the meeting and a vote taken, the recommendations were declared CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED – that (A) the contents of the draft Community Transport Strategy be supported and Members’ provide comments to the Head of Housing and Health; and

 

(B)   the draft Community Transport Strategy be recommended to Council for approval and adoption.

 

Supporting documents: