Minutes of the Highways and Transport committee meeting held on Monday, 20th July 2009

Present:  Cllrs Hudson, Gaines, Cardwell, Booth, Bullock, Liddiard, Parry, Wilson and Buckwell.

1. Apologies for absence:  Cllr Desmeules

2. Declarations of interest:  none

3. Minutes of meeting held 15th June 2009:  Proposed by Cllr Bullock, seconded by Cllr Gaines, 8 in favour, one abstention.

4. WBC Highways Issues & Progress Programme (see table):  The bridge design is expected in the autumn, otherwise no progress to report from WBC. The general opinion was that more than one option was needed.  Coach parking was discussed – coaches trying park in the High Street and drop passengers cause chaos in the town.  6 Bridge Street repairs are under way.  Clerk to chase Dist Cllr Holtby re the legal position.  The problem with the Priory Road junction needs addressing.

5. Parking Proposals in Hungerford and update of Traffic Regulation Order:  Clerk to send out parking review list to councillors.

6. Public Seats – update on benches:  Benches have been painted at Bulpit Lane, the Avenue and the Tragedy bench.

7. Dog bins:  The Town & Manor does not think there is a need for a dog bin in the Croft and have also objected to the one at Marsh Lane.  Need to ask Stewart Souden to confirm that WBC would definitely empty it.  

8. Hungerford in Bloom:  Cllr Wilson reported that there more entries this year.  The NWN photographer did not turn up for the presentation.  Cllr Bullock did a superb arrangement for the flower show in the church.  The display in the town is wonderful this year.

9. Rail station:  The empty buildings make the area look forlorn.

10. Tourist signs:  Cllr Buckwell reported on progress:  the CoC has identified signs and the Council has agreed to support the initiative.  A letter has gone to WBC Traffic Dept to try to find out costs for up to 25 signs.  Cllr Buckwell will report back in September/ October.

11. C of C parking scheme:  Cllr Gaines said that the CoC should be congratulated on the parking scheme.  27 shops are participating.  A letter should go to WBC on behalf of the H&T committee to say how successful has been the Wednesday parking scheme and could it be done again at Christmas (or speak to David Holtby).

12. Risk Assessments:  Nothing to report

13. Finance:  Nothing to report.

This item was discussed but was not on the agenda:

Christmas cards:  Cllr Desmeules to be asked about pictures for the cards which should then be emailed to Councillors for their views.  Cllr Gaines to act as coordinator. Clerk to let Thatcham TC and Newbury TC know of Hungerford Christmas lights switch-on date.  Cllr Cardwell spoke to WBC (Streetcare)  in June to tell them that they had not replaced the plugs and have they arranged it yet.

The meeting closed at 8 pm.