Contact: Ralph Grant, tel: 01329 824364

1. Summary

1.1 This report outlines:

(i) progress with the 2002/03 Capital Minor Works Programme; and

(ii) details of the 2003/04 Capital Minor Works Programme.

2. Capital Minor Works Programme 2002/03

2.1 As previously reported, the Minor Works Programme (also known as the Under £10,000 Programme) is funded from the capital allocation based on the Local Transport Plan submission to the Department for Transport. In the 2002/03 programme, £300,000 was allocated countywide of which £20,000 was allocated for Fareham. The schemes included in the programme were:

Portchester - Lorry Controls £10,000

Southwood Gardens Cycleway £10,000

2.2 The Portchester scheme, as originally proposed, required the implementation of a traffic regulation order to provide a weight restriction in Station Road and Hill Road. With traffic calming measures currently being installed within Hill Road that may discourage inappropriate use, further issues of lorry routing along Portsdown Hill Road, and identification of suitable alternative routes, it is considered that the proposal to implement a weight restriction is considered as an area wide traffic management proposal.

2.3 Work on Southwood Gardens cycleway is unfortunately progressing slowly due to delays in the acquisition of land. On completion of purchase, works are likely to be carried out during summer 2003.

3. Capital Minor Works Programme 2003/04

3.1 The funding allocation for the 2003/2004 programme county-wide is expected to be £200,000. Subject to final confirmation of the budget, it is anticipated that this will enable one or two schemes to be implemented within Fareham during this financial year.

3.2 Members may recall that, at the previous meeting on 24 October 2002, they indicated a preference of schemes for the 2003/2004 programme as:

Extension to Cycleway in Gosport Road, £10,000

Western Way to Elmhurst Road

Funtley Lane provision of new footway, £10,000

Roebuck Avenue to Stag Way

Downend Road provision new rural footway £10,000

3.3 Following that meeting there have been amendments to scheme programming which have impacted on these proposals.

(i) The scheme to provide a cycleway in Gosport Road was linked to works to remove the footbridge and provide a Toucan crossing on Western Way. These works have not been programmed for 2003/04 and as such it is inappropriate to complete this section of cycletrack.

(ii) Funding for the scheme to provide a new footway in Funtley Lane has now been allocated from developer funding. The design works are being undertaken by Fareham Borough Council with works expected to start in the new year.

3.4 As such, it is necessary to reassess the schemes to be promoted within Fareham for 2003/04. An updated table of schemes is included in the attached appendix.

3.5 The highest-rated scheme is to provide a section of street lighting in Fisherman's Walk, Portchester. This section will link with a section of lighting for which there is a bid in the community safety lighting programme. This will enhance the safety of the route, which is used by school children and the local community, and is also adjoining the proposed Home Zone.

3.6 A more detailed investigation has been carried out with regard to the provision of a rural footway in Downend Road, to ensure its viability. This has shown that, due to cost, the works need to be divided into phases. The first phase will enable completion of the footway from the railway bridge up to `Fitness First' on the western side of the road.

Recommendation

That Members indicate their preference for minor works schemes in 2003/04 and the Executive Member for Environment be advised accordingly.

7852/RG