Minutes of the meeting of the Highways and Transport committee held on Monday 16th March 2009 at 7 pm in the Corn Exchange complex, Hungerford.
Present: Cllrs Hudson, Gaines, Desmeules, Booth, Buckwell, Cardwell, Harries, Liddiard, Parry, Wilson, Bullock, District Councillors Hewer and Holtby, and Clare from NWN.
1. Apologies for absence: none
2. Declarations of interest: none
3. Minutes of meeting held 16th February 2009 were proposed as a true record by Cllr Gaines, seconded by Cllr Parry, all in favour, and signed by the Chairman.
4. Christmas Lights – update & review: Cllr Desmeules reported that there was an overspend of £103 (0.5%).
5. WBC Highways Issues & Progress Programme (see table): Suspension of Standing Orders was proposed by Cllr Liddiard, seconded by Cllr Wilson, all in favour. Cllr Cardwell reported on her meeting with Stewart Sowden and Cllrs Hewer & Holtby. Dog bins, the cost to buy is £308 each incl installation. Robert James of T&M wants a bin on Marsh Lane area, the emptying of which could be included in HTC's schedule. Byelaws no longer include dogs which are now subject to Dog Control Orders, which can be made by local authorities without reference to the Secretary of State. Re Marsh Lane, Stewart Sowden agreed that Highways Agency needs to remove the foliage. It was suggested that the existing gateway to the playpark be used only by service vehicles and that a new pedestrian gate to Marsh Lane could be installed at the apex of the playground. The DCs were asked how much of the S.106 monies does HTC have to spend. Reinstatement of Standing Orders was proposed by Cllr Gaines, seconded by Cllr Harries, all in favour. Cllr Gaines suggested investigating whether grants were available to buy dog bins. Action: Cllr Cardwell will do this and will also advise on locations of bins.
Suspension of Standing Orders proposed by Cllr Liddiard, seconded by Cllr Cardwell, all in favour.
6. Pedestrian Bridge crossing of Canal: Cllr Bullock tabled photocopies of a suggested bridge design. Cllr Hudson reminded the committee that the bridge must be a bespoke structure designed by civil engineers. Miles Roberts of WBC is to give a brief resume on the proposed bridge at the Town Meeting during the District Councillors’ spot.
7. Priory Road/Salisbury Road junction: Visibility at this roundabout is thought to be insufficient. Action: HTC is to write to John Winstanley at WBC asking for a further review. The two DCs supported this.
8. Footpath Consultation: Rights of Way Improvement plan. Response to WBC: A working group consisting of Cllrs Buckwell, Parry and Hudson has considered the document produced by WBC and a series of suggestions is being prepared for forwarding to WBC by the end of April 2009. Paul Francis, Jack Williams and Hugh Pihlens should be contacted. Cllr Harries mentioned the path from the A4 behind the petrol station, and Cllr Cardwell enquired if the paths from Church Way through a garden to Atherton Crescent, and from Bourne Vale to Chantry Mead are recognised rights of way. Councillors should contact the working party members if they know of other pathways which should be included. Action: Clerk to add to next agenda.
9. Travel Tokens – removal of this travel benefit and HTC consideration: This caused great distress to many people of Hungerford. Cllr Holtby said that voluntary services, such as Chain, would receive direct funding from WBC. People with restricted mobility are able to use Dial-a-bus.
Reinstatement of Standing Orders was proposed by Cllr Gaines, seconded by Cllr Harries, all in favour.
10. Special Project: Special project money is available and possible uses include the aforementioned dog-bins and speed reactive signs. Cllr Buckwell proposed that the special reserve for this year buys dog bins and speed reactive signs, seconded by Cllr Gaines, 1 against, 1 abstention and 8 in favour.
The District Councillors left at 8.10 pm.
11. Public Seats – update on benches: Dan continues to do good work upgrading the benches. A bench is required for Chilton Way to replace the damaged one which was removed. The purchase of five benches was voted for at the H&T meeting on 13th October 2008. The community Pay-Back people are available to stain benches. Action: Cllr Hudson to discuss equipment necessary with Cllr Cardwell
12. Litter Pick – set up a day for this: Saturday, 18th April 2009, 10 am at the Town Hall. Cllr Gaines suggested we write to the Scouts, JoG, etc.
13. Access to M4 at Membury for Membury Business Park Users: The clerk read out a letter from Lambourn Parish Council requesting support. Cllr Liddiard proposed support but no seconder came forward. Cllr Gaines proposed we investigate further at WBC, and also make a site visit. Seconded by Cllr Cardwell, all in favour.
14. Street trading Licence – application received: No comments on the application.
15. Parish Meeting – transport issues to raise: none
16. Risk Assessments: none
The meeting closed at 8.40 pm.