Agenda item

This report summarises progress with the Local Committee’s programme of Highways works for the current Financial Year 2014-15.

Members are encouraged to start considering the strategy and priorities for next Financial Year.

That the Local Committee [Epsom & Ewell] agreed to:

(i)     continue to keep the two pedestrian crossing improvement schemes at the Spread Eagle and at the junction of South Street with Ashley Avenue on hold pending the outcome of the Plan E Major Scheme bid;

(ii)    authorise the Area Team Manager to advertise Traffic Regulation Orders for a No-Entry and waiting restrictions near the entrance to the new Tesco store in Ruxley Lane, and to consider any objections in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Divisional Member;

(iii)authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and relevant Divisional Member(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.

(iv)consider the strategy for allocation of the Committee’s 2015/16 highways budget at its September meeting and agree the programme of works in December  2014.

Declarations of Interest:None

Officers attending:Nick Healey, Area Highways Team Manager, Alan Flaherty, Engineer

Petitions, Public Questions/ Statements:  A local resident queried the success of the new drain installed in the vicinity of Ashmore Insurance to drain the pavement as it appeared to be too high.  The Area Highways Manager agreed to review the work.

There was no indication of any further public questions or statements so the Committee moved to debate the report.

Member discussion – key points

Noted in paragraph 1.3 “2013-14” should read “2014-15”

Members were keen to progress the proposed work to the traffic signals at the Spring Street junction in Ewell as soon as possible.  The Area Highways Manager advised that it would be advisable to wait for drainage and resurfacing work to be completed to avoid the sensors being damaged.  Members felt that if the work was inexpensive it should be done despite the risks and the Chairman asked to be put in touch with the relevant officer in traffic signals.

It was noted that initial tests on the skid resistant surfacing in Ruxley Lane had indicated that it was not performing satisfactorily although it was not dangerous.  This is a new type of surfacing which has the potential to be longer lasting and better value for money than the conventional anti skid surface and therefore the test would be repeated to see if the performance improves.  If not, redress will be sought from the contractor.  The Area Highways Team Manager undertook to check on progress and report back to the divisional member.

Noted the recent issues associated with the proposed surfacing of Willows Path.  The divisional member indicated that she would be considering alternative solutions possibly funded from her members allocation.

In relation to the proposed safety improvements at the Tesco store on Ruxley Lane there was a query on how delivery lorries will safely get in and out of the site.  The Area Highways Manager indicated that the situation will be kept under review and officers will work with Tesco to ensure an effective solution.

Noted, that Ardrossan Gardens and Stoneleigh Park Road will be included in the 2014/15 Operation Horizon Programme.  The work has been delayed for further assessment but should be completed in this financial year.

The divisional member queried whether Nightingale Drive and Jasmin Road which are marked as complete in the programme had been surfaced.  Officers agreed to check.

Officers agreed to investigate an area of Christ Church Mount where the road crosses a bridge that drains the common and where flooding has occurred to see who is responsible for the drainage channel if the divisional member supplies further details of the issue.

The divisional member was unhappy with the proposal for footway work in Chessington Road as she felt that some of this footway was in good condition having been surfaced fairly recently and that there were more heavily used footpaths in her division that are in a worse condition.  She queried how the condition is assessed and priorities decided on.  The Area Highways Manager indicated that this is a centrally funded programme and is technically driven.  He agreed to put the member in touch with the appropriate team to discuss whether modifications to the scheme would be possible.

Resolved: To:

(i)     continue to keep the two pedestrian crossing improvement schemes at the Spread Eagle and at the junction of South Street with Ashley Avenue on hold pending the outcome of the Plan E Major Scheme bid;

(ii)    authorise the Area Team Manager to advertise Traffic Regulation Orders for a No-Entry and waiting restrictions near the entrance to the new Tesco store in Ruxley Lane, and to consider any objections in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Divisional Member;

(iii)authorise the Area Team Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and relevant Divisional Member(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.

(iv)consider the strategy for allocation of the Committee’s 2015/16 highways budget at its September meeting and agree the programme of works in December  2014.

Reasons for recommendation:  To facilitate delivery of the 2014/15 Highways programmes funded by the Local Committee, while at the same time ensuring that the Chairman, Vice-chairman and relevant Divisional Members are fully and appropriately involved in any detailed considerations.