Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Assistant Director Public Realm.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting on 5 March 2015 and its comments will be reported.

The report of the Assistant Director Public Realm was submitted seeking authorisation for the re-assignment of approved capital budgets relating to repairs on the canal and waterways in order to respond to urgent maintenance and repair priorities.

The Assistant Director Public Realm advised that the dynamics of the waterways and its susceptibility to weather and seasonal influences could result in the need for a rapid civil engineering response, particularly in relation to the canal. Recent inspections had identified an estimated £55,000 of urgent, but currently unbudgeted works where collective large scale shoring and re-engineering works were required.

Members supported the way forward to ensure the structural enhancement of the canal.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at its meeting on 5 March 2015 and its comments were reported.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          the re-assignment of any funds remaining from the capital allocation of £150,000 for the repair to the Turf Lock gates to other necessary and urgent repairs on the canal and waterway be approved; and

RECOMMENDED to Council that:-

(2)          delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Public Realm in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture and the Assistant Director Finance to reassign any residue from any future capital funding for the waterway in order to effect immediate and or significant repairs elsewhere in the canal or quays. Local Councillors will be advised and variations will be reported in the Capital Budget update reports.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director Public Realm.

The Service Manager, Business & Commercial Operations presented the report and sought Member’s approval for the reassignment of approved capital budgets, relating to repairs on the canal and waterways in order to respond to urgent maintenance and repair priorities. The dynamics of the waterways and its susceptibility to weather and seasonal influences could result in the need for a rapid civil engineering response, particularly in relation to the canal. Recent inspections had identified an estimated £55,000 of urgent, but currently unbudgeted works where collective large scale shoring and re-engineering works were required.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy noted the report and requested Executive approval:- 

(1)       that any funds remaining from the capital allocation of £150,000 for the repair to the Turf Lock gates be reassigned to other necessary and urgent repairs on the canal and waterway; and

(2)       that the Assistant Director Public Realm in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture and the Assistant Director Finance, be given delegated authority to reassign any residue from future capital funding for the waterways in order to effect immediate and or significant repairs elsewhere in the canal or quays. Local Councillors would be advised and variations would be reported in the regular Capital Budget update reports made to Scrutiny Committee.