Minutes of the meeting of the Highways and Transport committee held on Wednesday 15th April 2009 at 7 pm in the Corn Exchange complex, Hungerford.
Present: Cllrs Hudson, Gaines, Booth, Buckwell, Cardwell, Harries, Parry and Wilson. Mr Blake, Chamber of Commerce, for item 6.
1. Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Desmeules, Liddiard, Werrell
2. Declarations of interest: none
3. Minutes of meeting held 16th March 2009 were proposed as a true record by Cllr Cardwell, seconded by Cllr Gaines, all in favour.
6. A4 diversion through Charnham Park: Cllr Hudson summarised the position: the 2010+ plan gave figures of 81% for and 19% against the diversion, and these figures formed the basis of support by HTC and a submission to WBC for it to progress. It was noted, however, that these figures were taken at a time when the A4 through Hungerford was beset with road works for a considerable time and there were resultant traffic hold-ups. Chamber of Commerce representative Mr Ben Blake was present and Cllr Hudson proposed suspension of Standing Orders, seconded by Cllr Booth, all in favour. Mr Blake said he could see no benefit from a diversion and the Chamber of Commerce would probably object to it on the grounds that the shops would suffer. Reinstatement of Standing Orders was proposed by Cllr Buckwell, seconded by Cllr all in favour. Cllr Cardwell proposed that the matter be removed from the WBC Programme table, and put on hold for review in 2011, seconded by Cllr Buckwell, all in favour. Mr Blake left the meeting.
4. WBC Highways Issues & Progress Programme (see table):
· JoG school: a travel plan is to be done after which the speed limit will be reconsidered by WBC;
· Repairs to the verge by St Lawrence’s were discussed. Action: Cllr Hudson will look at the kerb stones which Cllr Liddiard has. Also John Winstanley to be invited to view the problem.
· Speed limit on the Common is resolved and item to be removed from list.
· Chewing gum machine – can be removed from the list and reinstated when the problem arises again.
· Smitham Bridge access: Cllr Cardwell proposed that we support the footpath with an adjusted entrance to the park, and ask District Cllr Paul Hewer to take the matter forward. Seconded by Cllr Wilson, all in favour. Action: Clerk to contact Dist Cllr Hewer.
· Parking spaces by rail station: Action: Cllr Hudson to remind the District Councillors about the allocation of this additional parking and their revenue potential.
· Discussion took place on the work necessary at Church Way where potholes are dangerous and the flooding causes gravel to run into The Croft. Cllr Cardwell pointed out that, at the Town Meeting on 19th March 2009, Cllr Holtby said that the work would be done by the end of June this year. Action: John Winstanley is to be invited to look at the problem on site.
· Reduced parking charges: HTC supports the CoC on this, but the matter will be taken off the list until WBC completes its area wide traffic review.
· Coach parking - Action: John Winstanley is to be invited to look at the problem on site.
· Speed reactive signs: This could be progressed using special reserve money. Action: Cllr Buckwell to contact Andy Garrett (on 23rd April). Siting of the signs was discussed.
· Action: Cllr Hudson to update the list and produce a second table which includes items of shared responsibility or others involved, such as the railway station.
5. Priory Road/Salisbury Road junction: Cllr Hudson has written to John Winstanley about the problem at this roundabout and he is to be invited to view the problem on site.
7. Footpath Consultation: Rights of Way Improvement plan. Response to WBC: The consultation deadline is 30th April, and Cllr Buckwell has produced a list of key items. Mr Paul Francis (Footpaths Officer) also has a copy of the plan. Discussion took place on a footpath from A4 by the canal to behind Tesco/railway station. Action: Cllr Hudson to speak to Paul Francis, compile the list which will be forwarded to councillors for comments, and send on to WBC.
8. Pedestrian Bridge crossing of Canal: The Corn Exchange is booked for 21st May for Miles Roberts to provide a presentation to the townspeople of ideas for the footpath across the canal. The event needs wide advertising, eg the Adviser, Chamber of Commerce, NWN, Open Door, posters and on the web. Action: Clerk to obtain an agenda for the day from Miles Roberts and to find out how they plan to run the evening.
9. Public Seats – update on benches: Cllr Cardwell said that, after meeting with the Thames Valley Probationary Service leader, Joanna Godfrey, it is agreed that the Community Payback Team will paint benches at the Tragedy Memorial, the Avenue, Bulpit Lane and picnic tables at Smitham Bridge. Cllr Hudson will ask the YOT to do benches beside highways. It was agreed that the benches in the Cricket Field should be cared for by the Cricket Club. Cllr Hudson also suggested that next year we should revert to a single councillor being responsible for overseeing all the benches.
10. Dog bins: WBC will provide one bin to go on T&M land which HTC will pay WBC to empty. Discussion took place on the purchase of 6 bins at £308 each to supply and install. Locations: Bulpit Lane by the gates by the cricket ground; Parsonage Lane corner; at Smitham Bridge road; along Park Street near to the Common; on Priory Road by the sharp bend where there is a footpath; near Fairfields (South View to be resited). Action: Cllr Cardwell to progress this and look at the sites with Stewart Souden. Authority already to spend some funds, but if necessary to bring a breakdown of costs to the next meeting.
11. Brown tourist signs: Cllr Buckwell undertook to report back on the content of a meeting scheduled for 23rd April between Hungerford Chamber of Commerce [G Styles] and WBC [A Garratt] to which he had been invited. This meeting will informally discuss the scope, the regulatory requirements, the costs and the application procedures for obtaining Brown Signs on local trunk and high roads. It was mentioned that an offer, in principle, to cover the application fee had been received from LAPADA, the national antiques dealer association.
12. Chewing gum machine: to be removed from the WBC list of actions.
13. Risk Assessments: the risk assessment list needs to be updated by the committee chairman.
The meeting closed at 8.45 pm.