Minutes of the Highways and Transport Committee held on Monday 21st November 2011 at 7.00pm in the Corn Exchange complex, Hungerford.

Present: Cllrs Roger Thompson, Crane, Bumbieris, Wilson, Hopkins, Podger,

Also Paul Frances

Before the meeting started Paul Frances spoke about the takeover of the Bus Service by Go

Ride. There are some changes to the timetable on a Thursday. The bus services are funded

by Local Authorities (WBC and Wiltshire Council) or by a bus service. The kerb is to be raised at

the new bus stop requested outside  Church Street Car park and not outside the office. Action:

Look in to whether kneeling buses can be used. A meeting will take place 12.45

tomorrow with Go Ride. Cllr Thompson and Crane to attend.

1. Apologies for absence: Cllrs Hudson, Colloff, Benneyworth

2. Declarations of interest:  None

3. Minutes of Meeting held on 17^th October 2011: Cllr Crane proposed minutes are a true record, seconded by Cllr Wilson, all in favour.

4. H&T Budget – Labour costs of the Christmas Lights has increased due to less voluntary work. New Equipment budget has been exceeded as many old lights need replacing with LEDs. Storage costs could be cut but extra funds may be needed next year for traffic control. Suggestions were to hold a mid-year draw to raise funds and involve the schools with a mind to H&S requirements. SO were suspended and Cllr Holtby advised costs for signs would be shared. SO were reinstated. Cllr Crane proposed £2000 is added to the budget for signage, seconded by Cllr Hopkins, all in favour. Cllr Hopkins proposed £39,500 budget figure is taken to F&GP for approval, seconded by Cllr Wilson, all in favour.

5. Triangle Field Access – Further to Leadbitter’s presentation HTC have considered all other accesses and Triangle Field is the most economical. Adequate security will be provided. Cllr Wilson proposed we agree the proposed plans as a temporary access, seconded by Cllr Thompson, all in favour.

6. Willow tree – A full independent report of the condition of the tree is needed and WBC will obtain this. SO were suspended and Cllr Holtby confirmed this will be funded by them. SO reinstated. H&T would like to retain the tree if possible and if not would like another planted.

7. Croft Bridge – A meeting is taking place with Network Rail, T&M and HTC at 9.30 on Friday on site.

8. Gas Works– Cllr Crane has written again to Wells & West requesting a donation to a local charity. A start date is awaited from West Berks on reinstating the pavement following the works.

9. Car/Coach Parking – The Croft – Action: Cllr RL Thompson to write to Hungerford Nursery in reply to their letter. No Waiting Areas – There is one new proposed area in Salisbury Road to which HTC has no objections. Action: Clerk to write to WBC to request some ‘no waiting’ areas along Priory Road to create passing places. Pedestrian Bridge – Action: Clerk to recirculate road closure dates.

10. Highways Improvements – 4 Park Street – A Garrett West Berks to advise on traffic management of HGVs. Plane tree – The clerk read out the solicitor’s letter received. Standing orders were suspended and D Holtby confirmed that Jack Williams, HTC planted the tree. SO were reinstated. Action: Clerk to add this to the risk assessments and acknowledge solicitor’s letter which will be forwarded to our insurers. M Visser (next door to E Dickens shoes) asked for trees to be pollarded in High Street. Action: Clerk to advise Town & Manor

11. Siting of Pedestrian Crossing for footbridge – WBC have advised that the footfall is not high enough for a crossing at present and that this will be reassessed after the pedestrian bridge is in place. SO were suspended. D Holtby advised that it would cost £40/50,000 to put in a pedestrian crossing and there is no budget for this at present however he supports HTC in their request.  SO reinstated. Action: Cllr RL Thompson to write to WBC requesting this is included in their next budget, copying it to the District Cllrs.

12. Update from Cllr Crane – Streetlights – We are awaiting results of Town Survey to see if lights could be turned off at midnight. Benches – Tragedy Gardens and Kennet Bridge benches are in progress so too is the Chamber of Commerce bench outside NatWest. Railings – The Cuttings railings will be painted by Community Payback and will be black and gold. CCTV – We await a response from Susan Powell on ownership of old CCTV poles. Flagpoles – Support from the Marketing working party has been voiced for 3 flags on entry to the town. Planning and a safe place will be required.    

13. A4 speeding update – WBC has advised we cannot have repeater signs where there are streetlights. Entry into town needs a flashing speed sign. Could Parish Grant be used? Action: Cllr Hudson to chase.

14. Dog Bins – There is mess by the canal and High Street. Action: Clerk to look into the regularity of emptying bins by St Lawrence. Need plan of where dog bins are. Consider poster campaign and signs to say there is a bin in 50 yards etc. Action: Cllr RL Thompson to do survey of where they are. WBC may have list. Clerk to follow up.

15. Salt Bins – Action: Clerk has list of salt bins. Bring to FCM to request purchase of a salt bin for Newtown as there are none at present. Clerk to check price.

16. Energy Saving Project JOG – Cllr Hudson to action.

Meeting closed 8.55pm