DRAFT

HUNGERFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Highways and Transport meeting held at 7.00pm on Monday 21st April 2008 in the Corn Exchange Complex, Hungerford.

Present: Cllrs Hudson, Harries, Cardwell, Buckwell, Gaines, Wilson, Liddiard, Werrell and Thompson (arrived 7.25 pm).

Cllr Gaines was welcomed to her first H&T meeting

1. Apologies for absence
Cllr Booth

2. Declarations of Interest
None

3. Minutes of meeting held on 17th March 2008
Cllr Cardwell’s apologies were added to the minutes.

Proposed Cllr Buckwell, seconded Cllr Harries, 6 in favour, 2 abstentions; the minutes were accepted as a true record.

4. Christmas Lights Update and Review
In the absence of Cllr Desmueles, this item was deferred to next meeting.

Action – Cllr Desmeules

5. Street Lights
- Lighting between Prospect Road and Church Way
On-going.
Action – Cllr Hudson to continue to investigate
Regards monitoring of the lights in the town, Cllr Buckwell has done half and will be doing the other half as soon as possible.

Action Cllr Buckwell

6. Public Footpath
- Pedestrian sign to Croft area
A quote has been received. Discussion took place on the design. It was noted that a need for notices fro HTC such as brass plaques the seats. Cllr Cardwell is to enquire about of a sign.
Action – Cllrs Buckwell, Cardwell

- Marsh Footpath issue following site visit
West Berkshire Council are to do this work, but it was pointed out that it needs to be monitored and we need to be aware of repercussions.

7. Street Cleaning

- Litter collection morning

This was not well supported although 30 bags of rubbish were collected.

- Chewing gum on High Street
Cllr Pope is to find out about the removal machine which is being used in Carterton.
Action: Cllrs Pope and Booth
- Provision and location of dog toilet bins
In the absence of Cllr Thompson, this item was deferred to next meeting.

Action: Cllr Thompson

8. Hungerford Rail Station
- Update on Adopt a Station issues
This is the first item on the Parish Bids programme, copies of which were circulated by the chairman. Cllr Harries said that the issue might be included in the proposed development of this area. He said he has spoken to FGW about installing more litter bins and they are keen for Hungerford to ‘Adopt a Station’ There are funds available from both FGW and Network Rail. The street cleaning contact said he will come into the office to advise of any issues with the cleaning around Somerfield. Cllr Gaines suggested that, as other towns might advertise themselves as the ‘Home of Vodafone’ for instance, might it be appropriate to advertise Hungerford in a similar way, eg ‘Home of ADP’ ? It was pointed out that it was important not to delay until the station plans have developed too much since the intermediate time is valuable in order to consider the matter. The item is to go on to the Town Council agenda.
Action: Clerk (agenda item); Cllrs Harries and Desmeules to consider an Adopt-a-Station sub-committee

9. Public Seats
- Cllr Booth to report on benches – locations and issues
Five seats are now in position. It was suggested that the old seats go to John O’Gaunt school for repair and use elsewhere: a donation of £250 has been received towards the purchase of a new bench, and this cost could be used to off-set. It was suggested that another five be purchased this year; the cost of a bench around a tree is £250.

The Mayor proposed a vote of thanks to Cllr Liddiard for all his hard work as a Councillor over the years. Cllr Thompson proposed a plaque on an appropriate bench in thanks to Cllr Liddiard; this was seconded by the Mayor; all in favour.

On the Church Way/Chilton Way corner, a bench which is the responsibility of WBC has a slat missing.

Action: Cllr Booth to look into this; Cllr Thompson to repair the slat.

10. Pedestrian Bridge Crossing of Canal
Discussion took place on the advantages/disadvantages of an over-bridge and a low-level bridge. This issue has been under discussion for several years now, and is the final item on the list of Parish Bids previously circulated, but the committee were unclear about what was to funded and the timescale? WBC are scheduled to design and build the bridge, and British Waterways Board to date had insisted on a high level bridge, but the committee stressed that it needs a sympathetic design.

Cllr Liddiard proposed the formation of a sub-committee; Cllr Thompson seconded; 8 for and 1 abstention. It was suggested that this new sub-committee consider the petitioning of the residents of Hungerford
Action : Cllr Hudson to progress timescale and budget with WBC

Suspension of Standing Orders was proposed by Cllr Cardwell; seconded by Cllr Thompson

Two members of the public were present and wished to speak regarding the proposed new pedestrian bridge. They stressed how important it was to joint the two halves of the town here, and also the importance of a design which preserves the view of the existing bridge and a low level option. They suggested that BWB has an input in the design.

The visitors left at 8.15 and Standing Orders were reinstated.

11. Street Trading Licence Consultations for High Street Vans
This issue is complicated by the fact that the vans have planning permission to trade where they are. Cllr Hudson explained that Brian Leahy and colleague were unable to come to this meeting, but were able and to be invited to the next meeting.
Action: Cllr Hudson to contact Brian Leahy at West Berkshire Council

12. Speed limit on the common
- To consider WBC’s response
Discussion took place on the necessity, because of the presence of stock and children, to have a sensible speed limit through the Common. Cllr Harries is pursuing this matter with the Town & Manor. WBC has said it is unable to pursue the matter until October. It was suggested that a petition be organised.
Action: Cllr Harries to talk to Town & Manor about a petition, an article for Open Door, internet and CHAIN.

Hungerford area wide Traffic Regulation Order
- update on issues and discussion with WBC
- parking on grass areas
An on-site meeting was held with WBC offices and WBC were unable to add any Traffic Regulation Orders until Spring 2009. The Committee expressed its concern over the unprofessional treatment by WBC.
Action: Cllr Harries to check on this

13. Flooding
- Update and Flood Action Plan (Cllr Harries)
- Drainage maintenance response from WBC
Cllr Hudson has written to WBC re drainage maintenance in the Hungerford area. A response had been received by WBC detailing their maintenance programme. Where, the drains are not clear this is causing flooding. Future problems should be reported to Streetcare.

14. Low Flying Night Aircraft
Low flying aircraft noted as an erratic problem.
Action: Cllr Hudson to contact Peter Bish

15. A338 North of Hungerford – Road Safety and Signage
Cllr Acworth expressed concerns that the red eyes at the Folly crossroads are too widely spaced, there is also a sign out, the kerbs need to be painted so they show up better at night. Cllr Acworth has sent an e mail to Cllr Hudson. The chevron sign on the A338 in the front of Eddington House needs replacing. There is also some debris from an accident that needs to be removed, suggested there recovery vehicles remove debris from the accident sites.
Action: Cllr Hudson to send a note to WBC to fix/move eyes in for the first 30 metres. Cllr Hudson to contact Streetcare.

16. Risk Assessments
No update at this meeting

Amendments.........................................................................................................................................

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Signed………………………………… Chairman of Highways and Transport Committee

Date…………………………………..