27.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.

28.

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 11 April 2003, were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon:-

The Panel were updated on progress on the Hampshire Road Watch scheme, which was to be launched countywide. It was noted that a dedicated contact telephone number had been set up for the public, on (0845) 850 4422. It was expected that an email address would also be established later in the year.

29.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICTIONS

(a) Eastleigh Travel Survey

The Chairman reported that the Eastleigh Travel Survey would be launched

in October.

(b) Special Maintenance Programme

The Chairman provided Members details of the Special Maintenance

Programme which had helped clear much of the road maintenance backlog

this year.

30.

UPDATE ON THE PROGRESS OF APPROVED TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME SCHEMES

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 5 in the Minute Book) updating Members on the progress of transport schemes within the Capital Programme that had been approved by project appraisal for implementation in the Eastleigh area.

The following were among the main issues raised in discussion:-

(i) Chandler's Ford Railway Station

Members praised the design and building of the new railway station and

declared it a good example of partnership projects with Borough Councils.

(ii) Templars Way Junction Improvements

Members were pleased with the progress of improvements at the junction of

Montgomery Way but noted the concerns highlighted by residents which

would need to be investigated further.

(iii) Doncaster Drove Cycle Route

Members expressed concern that the current crossing to the railway station at

Southampton Parkway was unsatisfactory and could possibly deter potential

rail users.

NB It was later confirmed that Eastleigh Borough Council officers had identified funding that could help retain a Toucan crossing that had originally been proposed as part of the scheme, and that they would consult with County Council officers.

(iv) Waitrose Development Package

The Director of Environment was requested to confirm safety audit approval

and confirm the start date for the project.

NB It was later confirmed that a safety audit had been approved by the County Council and that the scheme had been submitted to the Director of Environment for project approval. Formal consultation with residents was to take place and it was anticipated that construction would begin in February/March 2004 .

(v) Fair Oak Road Cycleway

It was agreed that officers should investigate the possibility of staging an

official opening for this scheme to publicise the project's success.

(vi) Eastleigh Bus Partnership

The Panel was advised of three new night bus services to be introduced

on 14 November 2003:

N5 - Chandlers Ford - Eastleigh - Fair Oak

N6 - Bitterne - West End - Hedge End

N7 - Burseldon - Netley - Hamble

The buses were due to run at 12.15 am, 1.15 am and 2.15 am on all three

routes.

(vii) Wildern Lane Zebra Crossing

The Panel was advised that the Executive Member for Environment had

approved this scheme earlier in the week. Construction was due to begin in

December 2003.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

31.

HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE AND MONOR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMMES 2003/04

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 6 in the Minute Book) outlining progress on the Highway Maintenance and Minor Capital Works programmes for 2003/04 and an update on the Highway Maintenance budget for 2003/04.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the officers distribute a list of works programmes to the Panel.

(ii) That the report be noted.

32.

OTHER PROGRAMMES 2003/04

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) outlining other programmes and initiatives within the Environment Department.

The Panel was advised that Eastleigh Borough Council had set aside £1 million towards the Archers Road Footbridge scheme and were now waiting for capital receipts before proceeding with the works.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

33.

EASTLEIGH TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) updating Members on progress made and new issues arising since the last report in March 2003.

Members were advised that implementation of decriminalised parking was running on target and that a number of key milestones had already been achieved. Leaflets advertising the new scheme, named "Park Wise", had been produced and were distributed to Members at the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

34.

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL SERVICE REVIEW AND UPDATE ON DISTRICT AGENCY ARRANGEMENTS

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) updating Members on the current position on the District Agency arrangements and the Highways Development Control Review.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

35.

STREET LIGHTING

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 10 in the Minute Book) describing the progress made on street lighting issues in the Borough.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the Chairman write to representatives of the area committees to ensure

they have confirmed their respective Community Safety Initiative schemes

have been provided to the County Council.

(ii) That the report be noted.

36.

CONTROL OF RAGWORT

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 11 in the Minute Book) outlining the problems associated with common ragwort, measures for its control within the confines of the public highway, and related issues.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

37.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICULAR CROSSINGS FOR PRIVATE ACCESSES

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 12 in the Minute Book) detailing changes to the procedure for dealing with the construction of vehicular crossings for private accesses. The officers expanded upon the appended vehicle crossing flow chart and explanatory leaflet.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

38.

DATE, TIME AND VENUE FOR MEETINGS OF THE PANEL IN 2004

RESOLVED:

That the 2004 meetings of the Panel be held on:

Friday 26 March 2004 at 10.00am in the Committee Room, Civic Offices, Eastleigh Borough Council

Friday 15 October 2004 at 10.00 am in the Committee Room, Civic Offices, Eastleigh Borough Council