Agenda item

To receive any questions from members of the public addressed to Member of the Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11. There is up to 5 minutes for each question, one supplementary question may be asked arising from the original question.

Questions must relate to any matter the Council has power or which affects the Borough, except no questions may be asked in relation to

a)    A specific planning or licensing application

b)    A specific staffing appointment or appeal, or Standards determination

Public question time will last up to 30 minutes; questions will be taken in the order of receipt. The deadline for submission of questions is Friday 14 February 2020 at 12 noon.

Questions to be submitted to democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

The Mayor announced that 2 questions had been submitted ahead of the meeting.

Q1 - Mr Davey, a Worthing resident, asked the following question:-

The recent consultation on the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is a welcome first step in developing active and sustainable transport in Adur & Worthing. It is vital that cycling and walking is made safer and more attractive urgently if we are to make a contribution to tackling the Climate Emergency.

Could the Leader of the council please outline what will happen next? Specifically what he sees as being the priority area for investment and whether he anticipates making an application to the government's recently announced cycling fund.

The Leader replied that the Council was already making good progress on this issue. The Council had recently consulted on the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. Offices were currently analysing the consultation responses received and a report would be considered by the Joint Strategic Committee later in the year. The plan would enable the Council to bid for government funds to support projects in Worthing and Adur.   

Mr Davey asked a supplementary question regarding the safety of existing cycling facilities and the conducting of a road safety audit.

The Leader advised that there was a road space order being led by West Sussex County Council and safety issues were very much part of that work. The Leader would consider whether there was a need for a separate road safety audit.

Q2 - Mr Davey, a Worthing resident, asked the following question:-

It is good to see Worthing included in the Centre for Cities analysis of the 63 largest cities and towns. Less welcome is its inclusion in the list of the most polluted areas. Particulate, PM2.5, pollution is particularly problematic. This pollution, mostly from motor vehicles, is literally killing people.

Since I last raised this with the council in October a number of UK towns and cities have announced plans for a variety of Clean Air Zones,  Low Emission Zones and car free areas. Most recently Brighton & Hove with cross party support.

Could the Leader of the council please let us know whether he will be considering any similar measures for Worthing.

The Leader replied that the Council was not ultimately responsible for highways, this responsibility resided with other authorities. The Council was trying to provide alternatives for residents through the Cycling and Walking Plan and the provision of electric charging points.

Mr Davey asked a supplementary question regarding the provision of no idling zones outside schools and hospitals.

The Leader replied that no idling zones was the remit of West Sussex County Council rather than the Borough Council.

A local resident in the gallery indicated that he also wished to ask a question.

Q3 - Mr Baeza, a Worthing resident, asked a question regarding the adequacy of IT provision in the town whilst the Library was closed.

The Executive Member for Digital & Environmental Services advised that West Sussex County Council was the appropriate Council with responsibility for libraries.   

Mr Baeza asked a supplementary question asking whether Worthing Borough Council had liaised with West Sussex County Council regarding what IT provision there would be during the Library closure.  

The Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing advised that provisions had been made through smaller libraries who would be operating extended hours. In addition, IT access was available through the IT Hubs.