TVBC

HCC

Mr T Gilmour

(P)

Mr R Chinn

(P)

Cllr D G C Roach

(P)

Mr P Mitchell

(P)

Cllr J E Taylor

(P)

Cllr D A Kirk

(-)

Cllr N R Arnell

(-)

Cllr P A Pierce

(P)

Cllr R J Bailey

(P)

Cllr A G Dowden

(P)

Cllr M D Hatley

(A)

Cllr E S M Barron

(-)

Cllr Mrs C F E Nokes

(P)

Cllr M J Woodhall

(P)

Cllr Mrs S F Leach

(-)

Cllr P A West

(P)

Mrs C Lovelock

(P)

Action

1.

NOTES OF LAST MEETING

The notes of the meeting held on Monday, 19 November 2001 were received. The following updates were made.

Vegetation at Charlton Road to Folly Road Roundabout cycleway had been cleared but Councillor Mrs West requested that this was looked at further as it was still not up to standard. Mr Gilmour to investigate.

TG

Mr Gilmour explained that a proposal for the self-enforcing parking scheme at Silkweavers Close had been submitted to Hampshire County Council.

The design works relating to the drainage problems and road condition along Old Salisbury Lane, Awbridge were nearing completion and work was due to commence March/April. Councillor Mrs Nokes and Cllr Woodhall had asked if it was possible for a weight restriction to be imposed and Mr Chinn explained that the potential for this had been looked at 2/3 years ago and it was found to be unjustifiable. Traffic had not increased significantly but this would be looked at again if members wished. (Post meeting note - Old Salisbury Lane is subject to a 6ft 6ins width restriction throughout its length. A weight restriction, which was looked at previously, was dismissed because of the existing width restriction.)

The pothole which had appeared between Floral Way and the Garden Centre had now been filled. Councillor Taylor expressed his concern over the lack of provision of a pavement/cycle way and asked that this was looked at further. Mr Chinn to investigate.

RC

Mr Chinn had spoken to Councillor Dowden regarding the extension of the footway from St. John's Church, North Baddesley to Nutburn Road and had reached an agreement on the way forward.

The guidance note on the placing of stones on verges, as mentioned in the previous minutes (item 2), is attached as appendix 1.

2.

MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

3.1

Work on the Foxes Lane landslip would commence in March.

3.2

Mr Chinn had met with Councillor Woodhall regarding the highway and land drainage in West Tytherley and actions had been agreed.

3.3

Mr Chinn advised the group that the A.3057 south of Winchester Road was being monitored in respect of the mud and rubbish dropped by lorries at the landfill site. This was from time to time still dirty but not enough for enforcement action. There was a wheel wash available at the site.

3.10

The large pothole in Saxon Way/Anton Close, Halterworth had now been repaired.

3.11

Mr Chinn had identified the owners of the dead trees in Halterworth Lane/Saxon Way (the Order of Monks at Montfort Mission) and would be writing to them as soon as he had obtained details of their agents in London.

3.12

Mr Chinn explained that the Countryside Agency had withdrawn financial support for the Parish Paths Partnership Scheme and this would be broadened to include ramblers groups etc. Contact details are: Jane Noble (Hampshire County Council Countryside Service) 01962 846953.

3.15

Mr Chinn reported that a scheme had been submitted for the priority assessment of re-surfacing works on Green Hill. Once this assessment had been made a decision would be made as to whether a scheme should be included into the programme of work.

3.16

The extension to the new pavement in Sherfield English from Bunny Lane to the village hall, had been included on the rolling programme of capital improvements schemes. The overgrown vegetation on the original pavement had now been cut back.

3.18

Councillor Dowden asked for the large sign on Knightwood Road, near Shannon Way, to be removed, as it is not necessary.

RC

3.19

Work was programmed for the dropped kerbs along Hursley Road, Ampfield. This would be carried out shortly.

3.20

Remedial works had not commenced in Beechwood Crescent. Mr Chinn would put pressure on the contractors if this became urgent.

3.26

The issue of a disabled parking space opposite Knights Enham School had been looked at. It was felt that any disabled residents may use this thus reducing the number of parking spaces available for school pick ups. Councillor Mrs West also raised concerns regarding difficulties experienced by the refuse vehicles. Mr Gilmour explained that the only solution was to seek a car parking order but this would be impossible to enforce and would not be supported by the police.

3.29

Mr Gilmour stated that the dropped kerbs in Nestor Close and Halifax Close were ordered last autumn.

3.

MATTERS RAISED BY MEMBERS

(1)

Councillor Mrs Nokes reported a pothole in Ryedown Lane, at its junction with Pauncefoot Hill. Mr Chinn to investigate.

RC

(2)

Councillor Mrs West enquired if a "no lorries" or "width restriction" sign could be erected in South Street. Mr Gilmour explained that this would not be possible due to Purbecks being situated half way along this road. Councillor Roach asked if the one way system could be reversed, but it was explained that this would cause more problems with traffic blocking routes in the town centre.

(3)

Councillor Mrs West raised the issue of overgrown vegetation along the Upper Drove up to Blendon Drive. Mr Gilmour to investigate.

TG

(4)

Councillor Taylor enquired why the roundabouts in Salisbury Road were being dug up and enlarged when these had not long been created. Mr Chinn to investigate.

RC

(5)

Councillor Taylor raised the issue of a footpath from St. Peters Close to the village shop in Goodworth Clatford. The Parish Council had some funds for this work but were unable to carry out work over a set amount. A partnership with Hampshire County Council could provide the answer. Mr Chinn would raise the matter with the Parish Council.

RC

(6)

Councillor Taylor raised concerns over the amount of traffic in the road in front of East Street school, particularly at home time. This could have a serious effect on the elderly residents of Hanover House if emergency services were required. Councillor Taylor suggested that the car park next to the school could be used to drop off and pick up children. Mr Gilmour to investigate.

TG

(7)

Councillor Pierce informed Mr Chinn of a possible mains water drainage problem in Dunkirt Lane, Abbotts Ann. After experiencing a problem with Southern Water Councillor Pierce enlisted the services of an independent drainage expert. The conclusion was that the drains had been mismatched in this instance and could be repeated along the road. There were indents along the road made by Southern Water's heavy equipment but this would be their responsibility for a period of 2 years. Mr Chinn would investigate and contact Southern Water if necessary.

RC

(8)

Councillor Pierce explained that the Schools Appeal Panel had withdrawn the free bus service between Upper Clatford and Goodworth Clatford for school children. Residents had asked for this to be reinstated but if this failed asked if there was a possibility of a footpath. Mr Chinn to investigate.

RC

(9)

Councillor Woodhall enquired about the possibility of a footpath being created between Butts Green and the Church in Lockerley. Residents had asked for this but there would be a need to acquire the land. Mr Chinn to investigate.

RC

(10)

Councillor Woodhall raised the issue of persistent potholes appearing at the bottom of The Drove, Houghton and on the A3057 at Compton Estate. Mr Chinn to investigate.

RC

(11)

There was a parking problem at Sherfield English Church but a proposal for a car park was blocked by the Parish Council. Councillor Woodhall asked that this be reviewed at a future date.

(12)

Councillor Woodhall asked who was responsible for the maintenance of footpaths in Maryleaze Close, Awbridge. Mr Chinn to investigate.

RC

(13)

Councillor Woodhall enquired at what stage the East Dean footpath was. Mr Chinn to investigate.

RC

(14)

Councillor Woodhall raised the issue of pothole liability following a claim from a driver for a replacement tyre. Mr Chinn explained that the County Council would only be held liable if the claimant could prove negligence. Highways were inspected regularly and records of condition and details of any repairs kept.

(15)

Councillor Taylor raised concerns over the amount of traffic in the road in front East Street school particularly at home time. This could have a serious effect on the elderly residents of Hanover House if emergency services were required. Councillor Taylor suggested that the car park next to the school could be used as to drop off and pick up children. Mr Gilmour to investigate.

(16)

Councillor Bailey raised the issue of parking outside many schools during drop off/pick up times. Mr Chinn explained that a new Safer Routes to Schools Programme had been set up which, alongside other measures, would help to tackle the problem. If there were any particular schools experiencing problems then to let him know.

(17)

Councillor Bailey expressed concern over the increase in parking charges which could lead to a higher number of vehicles being parked in side roads near to the town centre. Mr Gilmour explained that parking charges would rise but that any problems hopefully would be short lived.

(18)

Councillor Bailey enquired whether Hampshire County Council had the authority to enforce the removal of vehicles when, for example, white lines and joints are being repaired. Contractors do a letter drop asking residents to keep the road clear but the Police can intervene if necessary. Any areas for repair marked on the road would be repaired temporarily if permanent repairs were not imminent.

(19)

Councillor Dowden raised the issue of a 'Take Away' van parked in Botley Road. The van was parked on highway land. Litter has been thrown along the cycleway and along Botley Road and Test Valley Borough Council was footing the bill for cleaning. Although this activity is unauthorised, very little action can be taken unless there is a road safety hazard. Mr Chinn would try to speak to the owner of the van.

RC

(20)

Councillor Dowden asked if the gap in the hedge at Manor Farm, Flexford Road could be more effectively marked until the hedge had regrown. Mr Chinn to investigate.

RC

(21)

Councillor Dowden stated that a traffic regulation order was needed at Montgomery Park as white edge lines were now being ignored. Mr Chinn to speak to traffic management colleagues.

RC

(22)

Councillor Dowden raised the issue of graffiti on the walls in Katrine Crescent, Valley Park. Mr Chinn explained that there were companies that specialised in the cleaning of graffiti and he would pass details on to Councillor Dowden for onward transmission to residents.

RC

(23)

Councillor Bailey stated that the residents in Colenzo Drive were getting increasingly annoyed by vehicles parking haphazardly when visiting The Buddha.

4.

MATTERS RAISED BY AREA SURVEYOR

Major works on the A36 at Plaitford were due to take place in April for a period of 4/6 weeks. This would involve the closure of the road due to safety reasons. Councillor Woodhall enquired as to whether one way flow through the works could be maintained, but in order to protect the workforce and motorists this was not being promoted by the Highways Agency.

Wiltshire County Council had expressed concern over diverted traffic and may require traffic calming in Whiteparish. Mr Chinn had been in contact with the consultants and was trying to arrange a meeting. In the meantime the consultants had been asked to write to Parish Councils and local Councillors with respect to proposed diversions for local traffic.

Further consultations and discussion was needed.

5.

MATTERS RAISED BY THE HEAD OF TECHNICAL SERVICES

Mr Gilmour replied that he had no matters to raise.

6.

TERM MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

From 1 May Test Valley Borough Council's Highways Agency arrangements with Hampshire County Council would cease. The County Council had awarded a County-wide Term Maintenance contract to Raynesway Construction Southern Limited for a period of 5 years with an option of extending for up to 8 years.

Staff transfers were under way and the County Council would locate a senior engineer and team within each district for day to day contact on highway matters. Traffic Management Staff would work alongside these staff.

A phased approach would be carried out across the county with all arrangements in place by April 2003.

Concern was raised regarding the contractor sub-contracting work out to a level of inadequacy.

7.

FLOODING WORKS

Mr Chinn handed out an update on the list from the last meeting on Test Valley flooding sites 2001/02. A copy of this is attached as appendix 2.

8.

AGENCY REVIEW

This item was covered by the Area Surveyor in 6. above.

9.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Mr Chinn informed the group that this was the last meeting of the Highways Information Group in its present form. Hampshire County Council would put new arrangements in place. The Chairman of the new group would be the Executive Member for Environment or a nominated deputy, probably Councillor John Waddington from New Forest. Members would be informed of the first meeting which it was hoped would be in July.