Contact: Steve Dungay, tel 01252 398398

1. Summary

1.1 This report is to advise Members of the comments received following an exhibition held for residents of the Ayling Lane, Church Lane West and Rowhill Hill Avenue areas to show them possible traffic management improvements for the area.

2. Background

2.1 The area had been identified for improvement as part of the original A325/West Aldershot Study, but insufficient funding was available at that time to meet all the needs identified.

2.2 The County Council has confirmed that £54,000 is available from off site development contributions and, while not necessarily enough to provide all the improvements wanted by residents, would allow beneficial changes to be introduced in the area.

2.3 Previous consultation has established that the use of vertical measures, rather than horizontal ones, for calming Ayling Lane and Rowhill Avenue is favoured by residents, and there is also a desire for some traffic calming work in Church Lane West.

3. Exhibition

3.1 More than 100 residents and Members attended the exhibition at the Church of Ascension in Ayling Hill during the afternoon and evening of 20 September 2002.

3.2 The exhibition material has been on display at the Council Offices since then, and will be on display at the Panel meeting.

3.3 A letter advertising the exhibition was sent to every house in the surrounding area, and arrangements were made for residents unable to attend the exhibition to see the proposals at the Council Offices.

3.4 83 comment forms were returned at, or following, the exhibition and these are summarised in the attached appendix.

3.5 The majority of comments were strongly in favour of the use of low humps in both Ayling Lane and Rowhill Avenue, and for a narrowing of the carriageway, with chicanes, in Church Lane West near Winton Road and Cargate Avenue.

3.6 A number of suggestions for local modifications and improvements were received and these are being investigated further. Drawings of the area will be displayed at the meeting.

4. Further Action

4.1 Following a meeting with officers, the Members representing Rowhill visited residents in Ayling Lane, which confirmed significant support for the proposals exhibited.

4.2 A feasibility report is being prepared for the Director of Environment, requesting permission for the work to commence as soon as possible.

4.3 Another letter will be sent to the residents of the area updating them concerning progress.

4.4 Additional funding is being sought for supplementary work in Church Lane West and Weybourne Road.

5. Financial Implications

5.1 The works will be funded by the County Council and there are no financial implications to Rushmoor Borough Council.

Recommendation

That the progression of the scheme be noted.

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