25.

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.

26.

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 19 March 2003, were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon:

Minute 20 - Under £10,000 Minor Capital Works Programmes 2002/03 and 2003/04

Members were updated on the status of the top three schemes as follows:

(i) New Footway Link - Kingsclere - will be completed this year.

(ii) New Footway, Foxes Lane, Kingsclere - now completed.

(iii) New Footway Link on London Road - Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will complete this project

As a result, funding was available for a fourth project:

(iv) New Footway link in Burghclere (paragraph 4.3 in Item 6 to this report refers)

27.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICTIONS

There were no communications.

28.

PROGRESS UPDATE ON CAPITAL SCHEMES APPROVED

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 5 in the Minute Book) updating Members on the capital transport schemes that had been approved by project appraisal for implementation in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council area.

The following were among the main issues raised/comments made in the detailed discussion which ensued:-

· the scope for enhanced consultation on the proposed road schemes at an early stage to ensure that, as far as possible, the needs of all prospective users were taken into account;

· there was strong support for a pedestrian phase to be included in the A30 crossing at the intersection with Huish Lane/Byfleet Avenue, Old Basing;

· Members hoped very much that it would be possible to maintain at least the current level of Safer Routes to Schools funding, although it was accepted that this would be dependent on the wider consideration of the Capital Programme in January 2004;

· The importance of the A30 Brighton Hill Roundabout Scheme proceeding on schedule was highlighted having regards to the serious congestion at the location.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

29.

HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE AND MINOR 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 updating Members on the Highway Maintenance Budget for the same period.

The Panel expressed its general dissatisfaction with the weed control measures taken during the summer and in recent years, and felt that the costs had not always represented good value for money. The stricter controls on the chemicals which could be used were noted however.

In answer to questions, the officers clarified liaison arrangements with Parish Councils re: the gritting/salting of roads.

In response to Members questions on problems with footways in the Borough, the Chairman informed the Panel that the County Council had increased funding this year by £3.5 million to address a backlog of problems regarding inadequate pathway and minor road maintenance.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

30.

OTHER PROGRAMMES 2003/04

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

Members congratulated officers on the 11 % decrease in personal injury collisions for the year to the end of March 2003 on Hampshire mobile safety camera routes (paragraph 3.7 refers). News that the decrease was expected to be maintained was also welcomed.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

31.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES 2003/04

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) outlining the main programmes of traffic management work in the Basingstoke area in 2003/04.

The officers undertook to take all practical steps to enhance liaison arrangements with parish councils and local councillors over progress on (and in particular delays) with traffic management schemes.

It was noted that the scope for speeding up the process of making traffic regulation orders was limited given the prescribed legal procedures, and the level and type of responses from the public to advertised orders.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

32.

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.

33.

STREET LIGHTING

The Panel considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 10 in the Minute Book) outlining progress on Street Lighting issues in the Basingstoke area.

Members welcomed news that 99.3% of lights were working in the Basingstoke area at any one time. Members were generally pleased with work undertaken to replace columns (paragraph 3.2 refers), and with the positive effect it had on residents who felt safer when street lighting was installed in their area.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

34.

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.

Members welcomed the report and the efforts taken by officers to deal with the problem.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

35.

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, together with safeguards and methods of payment.

Members welcomed the clarity of the "Vehicular Crossing" leaflet presented in the appendix to the report, and believed it would inform homeowners of the issues, costs and maintenance responsibilities involved in constructing vehicular crossings for private accesses.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

36.

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

RESOLVED:

That the 2004 meetings of the Panel be held on:

Wednesday 17 March 2004, 10.00 am, Committee Room 1, Deanes Building, Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council Offices.

Wednesday 10 November 2004, 10.00 am, Committee Room 1, Deanes Building, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Offices.