Minutes of the Highways & Transport committee meeting held on 19th May 2008 in the Corn Exchange Complex, Hungerford at 7.00pm

 

Present: Cllrs R Hudson (Chair), P Harries, E Cardwell, J Booth, R Desmeules, M Wilson, D Liddiard

 

1. Apologies: A Buckwell

2. Declarations of Interests: None

 

3. Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 21st April 2008

D Liddiard proposed we agree minutes. P Harries seconded. 6 in favour, 1 abstention

 

4. Appointment of Chairman and Deputy Chairman for 2008/09

J Booth proposed R Hudson as Chairman, D Gaines seconded. All in favour. There were no other nominations. P Harries proposed D Gaines as Deputy. J Booth seconded. Unan. E Cardwell gave apologies for being late.

 

5. Street Trading Licence Consultations for High Street Vans

R Hudson proposed suspend standing order. M Wilson seconded. Brian Leahy from West Berks Council entered meeting 7.15pm to discuss moving vans to Church St Car Park. Licences are given annually. Vans checked 6 monthly. At present he suggested there are an insufficient number of objections and a lack of evidence to warrant any changes. More information would be needed on the effects on other High Street traders.  Relocation would cost £500 due to a planning application being submitted. Litter problems should be addressed and any problems to be reported. Any complaints should be emailed to Brian (licensing@westberks.co.uk).  On balance RH suggested that a move would too difficult at the current time and unlikely to succeed.

 

Brian Leahy left 7.40pm. R Hudson proposed reinstate Standing Order. Seconded by J Booth. R Desmeules arrived 7.40pm.

 

6. Hungerford in Bloom

M Wilson has leaflets to distribute and will contact last year’s entrants. Advertise in Newbury Weekly and at school fete. Clerk to action putting advert on website.  R Desmeules to approach Town & Manor about putting 3 flower troughs on balcony of Town Hall.

 

7. Christmas Lights

The Town Band need to know date of the switch on. D Liddiard proposed Sat 29th Nov. M Wilson seconded. All in favour. Testing to be completed by mid Sept. If costs exceed £10,000 Section 27 contract 27.1 &27.2 states mandatory to publish and get tenders. Clerk to contact Newbury to see who they use and check wording required for advert.

8. Pedestrian Bridge Crossing of Canal

D Liddiard proposed himself; P Harries, R Desmeules, R Hudson and D Gaines should form the subcommittee, Seconded J Booth. J Booth proposed R Hudson as chair. E Cardwell seconded. Unan. Low level options for crossing are also to be looked at.

 

9. Street Lights

R Harries will talk to West Berks about a solar light for footpath between Prospect Road and Church Way.

 

10. Public Footpaths

Sign to Croft: A Buckwell is in contact with Ultimate Signs and NEC Signs. Motorbikes are illegally churning up footpaths.

Footpath Priory Rd to Sanham Green: R Hudson reported concerns about regular motorcycle use.  RH to speak to Paul Francis of Chilton Way regards type of fence suitable and to liaise with A Buckwell.

 

11. Street Cleaning

Chewing gum: J Booth will speak to Violea re machinery available for removing chewing gum from pavement.

Dog Poo:  P Harries has 2 signs to put up regards clearing up dog mess. West Berks supply free signs. E Cardwell is asking parents to forward their complaints about the dog mess near the Primary School in writing to West Berks. Clerk to action complaint letter to West Berks from HTC and contact Newbury Weekly for publicity. P Harries will erect one sign outside the school. P Harries to clarify law for fining offenders.

 

12. Hungerford Rail Station

Adopt a station - R Desmeules and R Thompson are current members. More members needed. Network Rail need to be regularly advised of the problems. A petition was suggested. R Hudson to speak to Paul Francis about the station.

 

13. Public Seats

R Hudson proposed D Gaines to take over benches. Seconded J Booth. E Cardwell to liaise with D Gaines regards new bench in Bulpit Lane. D Liddiard will store the 5/6 benches that are currently in lockup. E Cardwell and D Gaines to look at use for these.

 

14. Hungerford Area Wide Traffic Regulation Order

Currently awaiting reply from West Berks regards ownership.

 

15. Parish Bids for Highways and Transport Capital Programme

Defer to next meeting.

 

16. Coach Park Location and Funding

Tuttipole to speak to Kennet & Avon to arrange dropping off access from coaches to barge. Action R Hudson to progress idea of lay-by in Charnham Park or A4 for coaches to park.

 

17. 66 High Street

Damage to wall on 66 High Street: Clerk to forward letter to West Berks with covering letter requesting action.

 

18. Risk Assessments:   Nothing to report.

 

Meeting closed at 8.55pm