Agenda item

To receive verbal updates from the relevant Cabinet Members for the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee portfolio.

1.            The Cabinet Member for Community Services, Mr Hill, introduced this item advising that he and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement, Mr Simmonds, and the Deputy Cabinet Member, Miss Carey, met with the newly elected Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Matthew Scott, and had a positive discussion on how they would work closely to support him with his Police and Crime Plan.

2.            Mr Hill advised that the Kent School Games were held on 30 June and the Deputy Cabinet Member for Community Services, Mrs Hohler, and the Cabinet Member, Mr Balfour were in attendance.  The event was well attended with 7000 young people present.

3.            Mr Hill noted comments and responded to questions by Members as follows:

Ÿ  Dr Eddy considered that it was useful to have an open dialogue with the new Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and was hopeful that changes that needed to be made would be seen specifically at Deal Police Station.

Ÿ  Mrs Waters raised the issue of schools from deprived areas not participating in the Kent School Games.  Mr Hill said that every encouragement was given to schools but required the support of the Headteacher of the school.  He advised that gradually over time more schools were participating. 

4.            The Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Mr Balfour, tabled a copy of his verbal update notes, as requested at the last meeting.  The notes are appended to these Minutes.

5.            Mr Balfour advised that the Government had announced that Operation Stack lorry park was to go ahead at the Stanford West site, off the M20.  He added that considerable effort was being made by Kent County Council (KCC) officers for Highways England to move at a pace.  It was expected that by the end of July a  six week consultation would be held on how the site would be managed and landscaped.  KCC would be recommending HE employ local  contractors  It was anticipated that the site would start to be  operational next year.

6.            Mr Balfour responded to comments and questions by Members as follows:

Ÿ  Mr Balfour agreed to Mr Baldock’s request to meet with him at the waste tip at Mill Lane, to discuss concerns that he had.

Ÿ  Members commented on the uncertainty of government spending following the national referendum result to leave the European Union.

Ÿ  Mr Balfour advised that there had been agreement for TAP to remain at Dover and for the blanket 40 miles per hour speed limit to be reviewed.  He advised that following discussions with representatives of Port of Dover they were of the same opinion.

Ÿ  Mr Balfour advised that there were plans for part of the Operation Stack lorry park site to be used for overnight lorry parking.  This area of the site was hidden from the main road

Ÿ  Mr Balfour agreed to report back on the A2 café site that was currently being repaired but was being occupied by caravans.

Ÿ  Mr Balfour advised that the Maidstone Joint Transport Board was nearing an agreement on the principles of its Integrated Transport Strategy. 

7.            RESOLVED that the comments and responses to questions by Members be noted with thanks.