Agenda item

The report of the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation is to brief ward members on the Leeds Streets for All campaign which will go live in November and to gather insight in how best to engage with the community.

The report of the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation was to brief ward members on the Leeds Streets for All consultation findings.

The Committee was informed of the following points:

·  This was to provide an update following the Leeds Streets for All consultation which ran from 26th February until 7th April 2024. It was noted that the Outer North West area had attracted lots of comments from the residents. 

·  The main issues highlighted were:

o  Vehicles and parking

o  Walking and wheeling

o  Cycling

o  Access bus stops and rail stations

o  Street environment

·  A presentation was provided, which showed major schemes already ongoing in the area and potential new local cycling and walking routes and the areas that had provided the most comments and the issues that had been raised by residents.

In response to questions from the Members the Committee was provided with the following information:

·  It was noted that current communication links should be used by Members to inform of any spending in relation to infrastructure improvements in the Outer North West area. The Highways Team were encouraging Members to put forward any improvements for their areas so that when funding was available, they would be able to make bids. The team wanted early engagement with Members on any potential projects.

·  It had been noted that there was currently no paths or cycle routes in Tranmer Park, the team were aware of the gap in provision and that proper routes would enable the wider network for travelling. However, at present there was no proposed scheme for the park.

·  It was recognised that access to the Guiseley train station was currently an issue, and this would be a key element of any proposals going forward.

·  In relation to Westbrook Lane, which it was noted had different owners with parts of it being unadopted, Councillors and residents were unsure why there was still parking restrictions. It was noted that this had been added to the report as people had raised parking and the state of the road as a point of concern and this would be addressed through this consultation process if funding became available.

·  It was acknowledged that given the different ward boundaries there would be a need to consult with Members of the different wards on any proposals going forward which crossed through boundaries.

·  There was concern raised that some of the projects already put forward such as the Lawnswood Roundabout project had been done to the community rather than with the community, and there was a need for proper consultation to be undertaken with Members and residents prior to any schemes being undertaken.

·  Concerns were raised in relation to proposals for new cycle routes so that they were properly thought out especially on major routes and that the correct width was provided for cycles and emergency vehicles to use the routes. It was suggested that Ward Members were best placed to offer insight for potential areas.

·  The Committee were informed that there would be combined working with the Police and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. This would consider the need for well lit public spaces and routes and link into the Transport Strategy. It was recognised that there would be a need to work with other local authorities which border the boundaries of Leeds.

·  It was acknowledged that there had been a good response from the Outer North West on the consultation process, and going forward it would be a key element to do more engagement and meet with community groups face to face to discuss proposals where time allowed.

The Chair used her discretion to invite comments from two residents who had attended the meeting who wished to speak on the Leeds Streets for All report. Mr Illingworth who is a member of a walking group said that he would welcome the proposals for more walking and running routes around the area. He asked that the team consider circular routes and routes of different lengths so that people could use them for recreation as well as a means to travel to different parts of the city.

The Committee were informed that the visit to the Community Committee by the team was the first part of relaying information that had been gathered through the consultation process. It is proposed that results of feedback will be posted online in 2 weeks.

It was noted that Councillors could receive more data if required.

The Chair thanked the officers for their attendance and the presentation.

RESOLVED – To note the content of the report.