Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 1 MBVenue: Woking Borough Council Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL
Contact: Sarah Goodman / Ruth Brown Surrey County Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Cllr Anne Murray and Mr Colin Kemp. Mr Ben Carasco apologised that he had to leave the meeting early. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record and agree that the Chairman signs the minutes. The minutes will be available in the Council Chamber half an hour before the start of the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting held on 4 December 2013 were agreed and signed. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.
NOTES: · In line with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, declarations may relate to the interest of the member, or the member’s spouse or civil partner, or a person with whom the member is living as husband or wife, or a person with whom the member is living as if they were civil partners and the member is aware they have the interest.
· Members need only disclose interests not currently listed on the Register of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.
· Members must notify the Monitoring Officer of any interests disclosed at the meeting so they may be added to the Register.
· Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest.
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no declarations of pecuniary interests. |
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PETITIONS
To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 68. Notice should be given in writing or by email to the Community Partnership and Committee Officer at least 14 days before the meeting. Alternatively, the petition can be submitted on-line through Surrey County Council’s e-petitions website as long as the minimum number of signatures (30) has been reached 14 days before the meeting.
Petitions received:
a) Safe crossing outside Horsell C of E Junior School
b) Resurfacing of Grobars Avenue
Additional documents: Minutes: Petition A: Safe Crossing Outside Horsell C of E Junior School
Cllr Barker declared a non pecuniary interest in this item.
In accordance with Standing Order 68, Mrs Michelle Morton presented the following petition on behalf of local residents. A hard copy petition received 424 signatures, together with an e petition of 136 signatures.
Residents are asking for road safety measures outside Horsell C of E Junior School. They requested that Surrey County Council install a pedestrian crossing or employ a lollipop person outside the school, to enable the pupils of the school and their parents and carers, to cross the road outside of the school safely. Meadway Drive is an exceptionally busy route with cars, vans and buses travelling in both directions, including parents making their way to and from Woking High School by car, making crossing the road to the school extremely difficult and dangerous.
Mrs Morton introduced the petition and showed the committee some photographs. Although this site is classified as low risk by the County Council, petitioners feel this site is an accident waiting to happen. She explained that in order to cross the road at peak time in the morning, residents need to step out between queuing traffic. There is less congestion at pick up times, but vehicles travel much faster. Additional issues include poor visibility due to parked cars, keep clear markings not being adhered to and a bend on Meadway Drive which affects visibility. Often it is only possible to cross, when waved out by a driver. Residents need to be far enough forward to check the road is clear, but not far enough forward to be hit if it isn’t.
The Chairman invited Duncan Knox, Road Safety Manager, to comment. He confirmed that he had visited the site between 8 and 9am on 27 February 2014. He noted that the existing crossing point is not used by the majority of people which makes Keep Clear Markings redundant and that there are also issues with a parking layby in close proximity. Officers have agreed to use this location as a pilot for the Road Safety Outside Schools Policy assuming its adoption by Cabinet in May. A site visit and report would be completed and brought back to the next local committee, by the Sustainability Community Engagement Team.
Members noted that, if implemented, the new policy will be more flexible and allow schools to employ a school crossing patrol person even if it is a low risk site. They hoped that the policy change would enable this to happen. However, Surrey County Council would not be able to fund this from mainstream funding. The Chairman said that an initial contribution from Members Allocations Funding for the first year would be looked into. It was also suggested that the Horsell Junior School PTA might be able to provide some funding. The road safety policy update will be discussed later in item 11 of this meeting.
Members also commented that other solutions might include a different ... view the full minutes text for item 4/14 |
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WRITTEN PUBLIC QUESTIONS
To answer any questions from residents or businesses within the Woking Borough area in accordance with Standing Order 69. Notice should be given in writing or email to the Community Partnership and Committee Officer by 12 noon four working days before the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: Three public questions were received and tabled. A copy of the questions and answers can be found in Annex 2 of these minutes. Supplementary questions and responses are recorded below.
Question 1: Mr Metcalf asked for clear labelling to be given at the pump to make public aware that petrol which contains 5% ethanol is safe, and to the dangers regarding petrol with 10% ethanol.
Question 2: Mr Hefford said he was advised by a local resident that there is a box alongside public footpath 19 which runs between Brewery Road and Horsell Park which counts the traffic on this path but only on the footpath side - is this true and if so why? A response would be given outside the meeting.
Question 3: Mr Simmons asked a supplementary question as part of the Open Public Question session. See Annex 1.
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WRITTEN MEMBERS QUESTIONS
To receive any written questions from members under Standing Order 47. The deadline for members questions is 12 noon four working days before the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: Two member questions were received and tabled. A copy of the questions and answers can be found in Annex 3 of these minutes. One supplementary question was raised which is recorded below.
Question 2: Cllr Barker asked if the reason why potholes keep needing to be refilled is to do with surface water.
In response it was noted that there has been a doubling of safety defects in a three month period over this winter. It has not been possible to carry out first time repairs properly, so the contractor has had to make temporary repairs in the interim. |
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SURREY TRADING STANDARDS WORK IN WOKING 2013
[Philippa Hatley] (Approximate starting time – 7.10pm)
To provide an update on Surrey Trading Standards activities in the local area. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to note the content of the report and provide feedback to help enhance understanding of, and response to, local needs and issues.
Reason
Since 2013 Surrey Trading Standards has been an intelligence lead service. Feedback from members will help to inform understanding of needs and issues relating to Trading Standards work in Woking. Minutes: Philippa Hatley introduced the report which provided an update on Surrey Trading Standards work affecting Woking borough in 2013/14. Members were invited to provide feedback to help enhance local understanding and Trading Standards’ response to local needs and issues. Members thanked Ms Hatley for such an informative report and the particular focus on Woking.
Member comments/responses · Members asked if test purchasing activity for underage sales on retail premises could be conducted in Woking. There are a number of new shops in and around Knaphill where alcohol is on sale. Test purchasing takes place following the receipt of local intelligence, if residents have information on particular premises, they should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506. · Scam mail is a crime, anyone aware of this type of mail can notify Citizens Advice on the above number. · The Buy With Confidence scheme of approved suppliers could be recommended to victims of recent flooding. · Officers are aware of and are looking into online scams to do with prepayment of passport applications, driving licences and similar scams. · To help avoid receiving telephone calls on potential scams, public can register with the telephone preference service or opt out when signing up to the electoral register. They can also notify Citizens Advice Consumer Services. · Ms Hatley agreed to provide Mr Wilson with further information on enforcement powers to protect livestock on farms. · Ms Hatley agreed to pass on member comments that no cold calling stickers could be changed annually to ensure that they stay fresh and appealing. · There will be some further work with the illegal money lending team regarding specific ‘hotspots’ for loan shark activity in the Woking area in the future. Members of the public can use the following contacts to report activity via the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222, text to LOAN SHARK on 60003 or log on to www.gov.uk/report-loan-shark. · The possible move to join forces with Buckinghamshire to run a joint Trading Standards Service might enable both organisations to pool resources and reduce costs. Options and details are still be explored.
RESOLVED
The Local Committee Woking agreed to note the content of the report .
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[Andrew Milne] (Approximate starting time – 7.30pm)
To update the committee on the delivery of proposed highways schemes within the borough. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to:
(i) Note the progress with the ITS highways and developer funded schemes, and revenue funded works for the 2013/14 financial year (ii) Note progress with budget expenditure (iii) Note that a further Highways Update will be brought to the next meeting of this Committee in June 2014. Reason:
The above recommendations are made to enable progression of all highway related schemes and works. Minutes: Andrew Milne introduced the report which updated on the progress of highways, developer funded schemes and revenue funded works for the 2013/14 financial year.
Member comments: · Mr Milne agreed to circulate the priority list for drainage and ditching to all members. He noted that the unprecedented amount of rain this winter would mean the need to increase expenditure on drainage and ditching in the next financial year, 2014/15. Members raised particular concerns regarding flooding around the junction improvements between Woodham Lane and Martyrs Lane, two big areas of Lockfield Drive and Blackhorse Road. · Members asked for further information regarding how the revised ITS budget for Lockfield Drive and Well Lane of £35,000 breaks down. It was confirmed that design costs are included in this figure, Mr Milne will forward a full breakdown to Cllr Branagan, Cllr Cross and Mr Hussain. · Mr Carasco raised concerns on behalf of the residents of Arnold Road about changes to signs and markings on the road which appear to have been placed without due process and consultation. These concerns will be passed on to the parking team to provide a written response. · Mr Milne agreed to provide Mr Hussain with clarification as to why Woodside Close was cancelled in the capital maintenance programme and signage was still in place.
RESOLVED
The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to:
(i) Note the progress with the ITS highways and developer funded schemes, and revenue funded works for the 2013/14 financial year
(ii) Note progress with budget expenditure
(iii) Note that a further Highways Update will be brought to the next meeting of this Committee in June 2014. |
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ALBERT DRIVE - CHANGES TO TRAFFIC CALMING
[Andrew Milne] (Approximate starting time – 7.50pm)
To agree proposed design changes to traffic calming on Albert Drive. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to:
(i) Approve the proposals for Albert Drive as indicated on the plan at Annex A and the advertising of the intention to introduce vertical traffic calming features on the highway in accordance with Section 90, (a) to (i) inclusive of the Highways Act 1980. (ii) Approve the reduction of the existing 18T weight limit to 7.5T and that this is advertised in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. (iii) Any objections to these proposals be considered by the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Divisional Member. (iv)If any further changes be required to the position of the traffic calming features that would need to be re-advertised, the Committee is happy for officers to progress this without seeking further approval, in consultation with the Divisional Member.
Reason
The design proposals for the Albert Drive traffic calming scheme have been amended in response to comments received about the previously approved and advertised traffic calming measures. The revised positions of some of the features need to be re-advertised. In addition, comments about Heavy Goods Vehicle useage prompted a proposal to reduce the existing 18T weight limit to 7.5T. The Committee requested that officers consult with the Divisional Member regarding any further changes to the proposals.
Minutes: Andrew Milne introduced this report. Statutory consultation has been carried out for the design of traffic calming along Albert Drive. Comments were received that necessitated the re-design of parts of the scheme. The changes to the traffic calming are such that it will be necessary to re-advertise them. These changes also require the relocation of a bus stop, and it is expected that some Local Sustainable Transport Fund bus corridor improvements can be implemented along the section of Albert Drive ahead of similar work elsewhere along the road. The opportunity is also being taken to propose a reduction of the existing 18T weight limit to 7.5T, which is more usual for an environmental limit.
All members agreed to the amendment proposed by Mrs Bowes to (iv) of the recommendations below. It was proposed that officers consult with the Divisional Member regarding any further changes to the proposals for the position of traffic calming features before re-advertising.
RESOLVED
The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to:
(i) Approve the proposals for Albert Drive as indicated on the plan at Annex A and the advertising of the intention to introduce vertical traffic calming features on the highway in accordance with Section 90, (a) to (i) inclusive of the Highways Act 1980. (ii) Approve the reduction of the existing 18T weight limit to 7.5T and that this is advertised in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. (iii) Any objections to these proposals be considered by the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Divisional Member. (iv)If any further changes be required to the position of the traffic calming features that would need to be re-advertised, the Committee is happy for officers to progress this without seeking further approval, in consultation with the Divisional Member.
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OPERATION HORIZON 5 YEAR CARRIAGEWAY MAINTENANCE PLAN
[Andrew Milne] (Approximate starting time – 8.00pm)
To report the progress made in the first year of the Operation Horizon highways maintenance programme and set out the proposed roads for years two to five. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to note:
(i) The success of the countywide 5-year programme in year one
(ii) The progress of Operation Horizon roads, Surface Treatment roads, and changes in year one in Woking in Annex 1.
(iii) The proposed programme of Operation Horizon roads for Woking for year two (2014/15) and the remaining approved roads to be undertaken in years three to five (2015-2018) listed in Annex 1, and requested that Officers attend a future private meeting to discuss the ongoing programme.
Reason
The above recommendations will enable the progression of all works relating to the Operation Horizon five year carriageway maintenance plan. Minutes: Cllr Ali declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item.
Andrew Milne introduced this report which updated on the progress made in the first year of the five year carriageway investment maintenance programme and the supporting surface treatment programme of roads in Woking. Annex 1 sets out any changes to the year one programme and the proposed Operation Horizon roads for year two (financial year 2014-15) along with the remaining approved roads to be completed in years three to five (2015-18).
Member comments:
Members raised the following requests regarding specific roads. Mr Milne agreed that responses would be provided outside of the meeting.
· Dates for resurfacing of Queens Road, Ellis Farm Close, Basset Road to be confirmed. · Hook Heath Rd - needs to be moved to Woking South West (not South East). Asked for confirmation when work will be completed. · Lockfield Drive – as it is a major route into Woking, requested clarification as to why it was in years 3 - 5 and not sooner and why some of the roads off it, which were in need of resurfacing, were not included. · Kestrel Way - this road leads to an industrial estate so why is this on the programme. · High Street - why is this included in the programme when the whole area is up for review with the redevelopment of Victoria Square. · Arthurs Bridge Road and Thornash Road – these roads were agreed as priority schemes but have not been included in the schedule. · Devonshire and Dartmouth Avenue – asked for confirmation regarding what had been previously agreed regarding these roads. · Old Woking Road – asked if the highways team could inspect the whole road as the surface treatment defects are now wider than just the section between Sheerwater Road and Blackdown Road listed. Members asked if officers could be invited to a future informal meeting of the local committee to review the full programme for year 2 and more detail for years 3 - 5.
RESOLVED
The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to note:
(i) The success of the countywide 5-year programme in year one (ii) The progress of Operation Horizon roads, Surface Treatment roads, and changes in year one in Woking in Annex 1. (iii) The proposed programme of Operation Horizon roads for Woking for year two (2014/15) and the remaining approved roads to be undertaken in years three to five (2015-2018) listed in Annex 1. |
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ROAD SAFETY POLICY UPDATE
[Duncan Knox] (Approximate starting time – 8.20pm)
To consult with the committee on new and updated road safety policies. This includes the setting of local speed limits and road safety outside schools including crossing patrols. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Woking) reviewed and commented on the draft policies.
Reasons:
Local Committees are responsible for most highway and transport matters in their areas, including speed limits and road safety measures outside schools. This report presents new road safety policies with respect to speed limits and road safety outside schools. Comments made by the Local Committee will be taken into account prior to the policies being submitted to the county council Cabinet for approval. Minutes: Duncan Knox introduced the report which outlined the updates to the county council policy on setting local speed limits and a new draft policy to address road safety outside schools, including school crossing patrols. He invited members to comment on the policies in advance of them going to Surrey County Council Cabinet in April/May 2014 for final approval and introduced Rebecca Harrison from the sustainability team.
Member comments/responses: · Overall members were positive about the new policy recommendations. · Members felt the tables to show predicted change in mean speeds following a change in speed limit on page 81, were very useful. · They were happy with the approach outlined in the policy that each site should be considered on its own merits. · Members asked for clarification regarding 2.15. Officers confirmed where schools currently have patrol officers on crossings, no action will be taken. When that person retires or moves on, then a new risk assessment will be carried out. · Members asked how easy it was to recruit school crossing patrol officers. Officers confirmed that they have been running with 15 vacancies for the 87 positions across the county. Posts are advertised on the SCC website, and also include parent mail drops and advertising on school websites. · Members asked officers to proactively work alongside local schools to identify areas where parents can safely drop off and reduce congestion outside schools. It was noted that at Winston Churchill School there are two bus stops in close proximity, leading to congestion. Mr Hussain suggested that a cycle lane on Amstel Way which is hardly used and Sussex Road, might be used to ease congestion at peak school times. Officers confirmed that reducing congestion should be covered as part of school travel plans. · Further clarification was requested, regarding the process as to how long it would take to put in place a 20mph zone. · In Mole Valley some advisory 20mph zones have been introduced outside urban and rural schools, officers are awaiting the results of the follow up speed surveys in order to assess how these pilot projects have been working. · There is no central SCC money available to fund the introduction of new speed limits outside schools, money would need to come from the local committee ITS highways budget. · Members requested that once the policy has cabinet approval, they could nominate particular sites to act as pilots for Woking. Each site will be different so it is hard to predict a cost for a new speed limit using signs alone, but it could be anything between £5,000 to £20,000 depending on the length of road and the amount of signing required. A traffic calming scheme could be a lot more, but it will depend upon the size. · It was agreed that Mr Knox and Miss Harrison will be invited to a future private meeting to review potential sites in advance of the next financial year. These would then need to be incorporated into the highways forward programme for 2014-15. RESOLVED
The Local Committee (Woking) ... view the full minutes text for item 11/14 |
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LOCAL SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT FUND (WOKING) AND CYCLE WOKING FINANCE
[Paul Fishwick, Lesley Harding] (Approximate starting time – 8.40pm)
To receive an update on the Travel SMART programme including the community grants process in Maybury and Sheerwater and to note the transfer of Cycle Woking match funding to the Woking station cycle scheme. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Woking) agreed:
(i) To note the transfer of £100,000 of ‘Cycle Woking match funding’ to the Woking station cycle scheme. (ii) To note the processes put in place for the Travel SMART Community Funding programme. (iii)The remaining funding from 'Cycle Woking' of £200,000 is considered through the approved Infrastructure Development Group procedures, based on the direction given by the Joint Committee at an informal meeting. Reasons
The transfer of the funding for the Woking station cycle storage will enable this scheme to be progressed quickly without the loss of third party funding.
Processes for the Travel SMART Community funding programme have been tightened up. Members of the Local Committee Task Group confirmed they were happy with the checks and balances in place at its meeting on 12 February 2014.
Members were keen to have an opportunity to input ideas at an informal Joint Committee meeting regarding how the outstanding ‘Cycle Woking’ funding should be spent. The recommendations will then be considered by the Infrastructure Development Group who will finalise where the money should be allocated.
Minutes: Paul Fishwick and Lesley Harding introduced the report. Mr Fishwick outlined how the transfer of the funding for the Woking station cycle storage will enable the scheme to be progressed quickly without the loss of third party funding and should be completed by end March 2014. He updated that the LSTF capital programme had been suspended until April 2014 as a result of the severe weather which has meant deploying highways resources to tackle flood related issues.
Members proposed an additional resolution (iii) that the remaining funding from ‘Cycle Woking’ of £200,000 be considered through the approved procedures. Mr Fishwick explained that an officer group, the Infrastructure Delivery Group, would meet to agree how any outstanding funding should be spent. Members asked if they could input recommendations for schemes they would like the money spent on. It was agreed that Mr Fishwick would attend a future informal meeting of the Local Committee to discuss member recommendations which would then be put forward to the IDG for consideration.
Mrs Harding explained how the processes for the Travel SMART Community funding programme have been tightened up. Members of the LSTF Task Group confirmed they were now happy with the checks and balances in place at its meeting on 12 February 2014. The Local Committee welcomed the changes and asked that an update on what outputs had been achieved by the projects come to a future Local Committee meeting.
RESOLVED
The Local Committee (Woking) agreed:
(i) To note the transfer of £100,000 of ‘Cycle Woking match funding’ to the Woking station cycle scheme.
(ii) To note the processes put in place for the Travel SMART Community Funding Programme
(iii) The remaining funding from 'Cycle Woking' of £200,000 is considered through the approved procedures. |
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LOCAL COMMITTEE FUNDING - MEMBERS ALLOCATIONS
[Michelle Collins] (Approximate starting time – 9.00pm)
An update on the current Members Allocations spend for information. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to note:
(i) The amounts that have been spent from the Members’ Allocation and Local Committee capital budgets, as set out in Annex 1 of this report. Reason
The allocation of the Committee’s budgets is intended to enhance the wellbeing of residents and make the best possible use of the funds. Greater transparency in the use of public funds is achieved with the publication of what Members’ Allocation funding has been spent on.
Minutes: The allocation of the Committee’s budgets is intended to enhance the wellbeing of residents and make the best possible use of the funds. Greater transparency in the use of public funds is achieved with the publication of what Members’ Allocation funding has been spent on.
The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to note:
(i) The amounts that have been spent from the Members’ Allocation and Local Committee capital budgets, as set out in Annex 1 of this report.
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[Ruth Brown] (Approximate starting time – 9.05pm)
To note the forward programme of the local committee. Additional documents: Decision: The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to note the report with the addition of the following report:
Health and Wellbeing (June)
Reason: Having a list of items Members would wish to have reported will enable a forward programme to be drawn up. Minutes: RESOLVED
The Local Committee (Woking) agreed to note the report with the addition of the following item:
1. Add a report on Health and Wellbeing in June.
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