DRAFT
Minutes of the Highways and Transport committee meeting held on Monday 16th July 2007
in the Corn Exchange complex, Hungerford.
Present: R. Hudson (Chairman), R. Desmeules (Deputy Chairman), P Harries, R Thompson, D. Liddiard, M. Wilson
Minutes taken by Cllr Hudson in the Clerk’s absence and agreed shortened minutes
1) Apologies for absence
Apologies were received on behalf of E. Cardwell & R Scorey
2) Declaration of Interests
None
3) Minutes of 18th June 2007
07/H0033 MW Proposed, DL seconded. All voted (6) in favour.
4) Christmas Lights (this item deferred to end of meeting after RD arrived)
RD reported on issues. Testing was continuing. There was a discussion about if RD would like assistance and agreed that he would let us know. This could also be in the form of paid help.
5) Canal Pedestrian Bridge
Agreed that RH to progress and find out the latest position. Issue also discussed under S106 Funding forms. ACTION RH
6) Vehicle Actuated Sign
RH said nothing to report. Expected to have been in place by now.
7) Street Lights
Nothing to report.
8) Street Cleaning/Footpaths
Dog poo
RT confirmed that an entry in the next Open Door. He would ask where people would like them placed.
Street Cleaning: Chewing Gum: RH had written to WBC requesting for the machine and he read out the response, which was that we should hear soon. Await further news from WBC
Rail station litter issues. MW reported serious problem of overhanging vegetation along the footpath between the Station and High Street. RH mentioned that we also need to write asking about sweeping rubbish under the station platform railings. Letter to be written by MW on both issues to Network Rail. ACTION MW
9) Entrance Gates to Town
On gateway entrances to town RT had obtain photos. Letter to be sent to WBC Highways with photos. RH agreed to do letter with RT photos. ACTION RH
10) Public Seats
PH reported that the missing bench along the memorial avenue could be repaired for a fee of £200 by the Town & Manor who was repairing a number of benches. RH reported that the other benches along the Avenue are being repainted and that it would a great help to add in the missing bench. Proposed PH and seconded RH that £200 could be spent on the bench repair: Carried all 6 in favour. ACTION PH
07/H0034
The wharf area benches would proceed when DL has identified the reference on the new bench.
11) Public Conveniences
RH reported that he had forwarded information to Paul Hewer and David Holtby and was hoping to progress with a meeting with WBC. Meanwhile PH said he would be setting up a meeting.
ACTION PH
12) Hungerford in Bloom
M W reported that the competition and judging had gone well. Prizes were being arranged and a presentation for next week. The knocker competition was less popular, but gave the men on the committee plenty of merriment.
13 & 14) Transport Schemes for Section 106 Funding (Item discussed earlier)
RH reported that we had received a letter from WBC stating that we can fill up a form to request transport schemes to get funded through section 106 funds (funds from developments in the local area).
a) Improved road safety around JOG School (item 14)
Standing Orders were suspended: proposed RT and seconded MW All 6 were in favour.
Enabled Barry Wardle and Denise Gaines to explain about their concerns about safer routes to school and that more pupils should be able to walk. Also discussion about the potential of a 20mph zone for the entire area between A338, Triangle Field and Fairview Road. RH reported that WBC had not a policy on this yet so unlikely to have this accepted. Anyway it would have to be subject to a study. General agreement that at least a phased approach to make things safer around the school and also with a 20mph zone.
Standing Orders were reinstated: proposed RT and seconded MW All 6 were in favour.
Committee agreed that they would support the application of funding for a safer route to school. RH to draft the form and send to all H & T members and to Barry Wardle and Denise Gaines so their was also input from JOG.
Also agreed that HTC Council to work with JOG with perhaps a Travel Plan Committee as was done with the Primary School.
b) Divert A4 via Charnham Park: 2010+ ref Tr2
c) Provide a separate pedestrian crossing over the canal: 2010+ ref Tr1. RH to find out if not already on programme and if not then also complete form for this item also.
d) Introduce speed reactive signs on the reaming 3 approaches to town: A338 south, A4 east & west.
e) Provide an improved pedestrian crossing of Church Street somewhere between the High Street and new library: 2010+ ref Tr9
f) Improve rail station and bus stops: Upgrade the rail station to include a booking office: 2010+ ref Tr14a
Proposed that RH complete draft submissions for items a, b, c, d, e, f, for committee to comment. Then submit to WBC. Proposed RH and seconded by RT. ACTION RH
07/H0035
15) Hungerford Area-Wide Traffic Regulation Order
Due to start in August.
16) Upper Eddington
RH had written a response to WBC. Paul Taylor of Upper Eddington was very grateful of our assistance.
17) Church Way: No Footway & Service Road
RH had written to WBC and awaited a response.
18) A338/ Priory Road Junction Proposals
HTC have been asked to comment on proposed mini roundabout at this junction and layout was discussed
07/H0036 Proposed RH and seconded by RT that RH write to WBC reporting supporting the introduction of the scheme.
19) Risk Assessments
Meeting closed at 8.45pm.
Signed…………………………..R H C Hudson…………
Chairman, Highways and Transport
17th Sept 2007