Present: Cllrs. Doyle (Chairman), Berger, Mrs Colvin, Mrs Monaghan, Price and Miss Whatmore.
Also in attendance: Clerk, PC Steve Etherington, PCSO Marc Simmonds and ten members of the public.

1.             To receive apologies for absence
None.

2.             Public Forum
Mr Page, Neighbourhood Watch (NW) Co-ordinator, presented the Committee with further signatories to the petition objecting to the proposal to switch off some rural lights after midnight and also written reports on parking issues. Mr Page is concerned that a reduction in street lighting will lead to an increase in crime and interfere with the work of NW.

Most members of the public present at the meeting supported the Parish Council’s decision to reduce the time certain street lights are lit; comments included:

• The issue of youths congregating under street lights and causing a nuisance late at night.
• Vandalism occurring in areas lit by street lights.
• Modern street lighting being too bright and the need to reduce ‘carbon footprint’.
• Other villages have little or no street lighting.

PC Etherington confirmed the Police remain neutral on the lighting issues. The crime rate in Wadhurst is very low with 185 recorded crimes in the past 12 months. The peak time for criminal damage being 9pm, burglary from dwellings 2pm and vehicle crime 1pm. Residents reminded that secure property was paramount.

Cllr. Price drew attention to the statement at the head of the petition sheets which was considered misleading as it indicated the support of NW yet Cllr. Price had been formally advised by Mr de Salis, Chairman of NW, that this was not the case. Neither was the further claim that it had Police support correct. It was felt that this would have had a strong influence on signatories.

Cllrs. noted that the petition was at odds with the supportive public response to the public consultation on the Parish Council’s proposals; the petition was handed in six weeks after the widely published deadline for comments of 26.01.07. The results of the consultation were reviewed at the Highways, Transport & Lighting Committee meeting 30.01.07 and a number of amendments were made to the list of lights to be switched off between midnight and 5am.

3.             To determine matters arising from the previous Minutes for updating and noting
None.

4.             Lighting
To review changes to lighting and consider petition from parishioners
It was agreed to recommend to full Council that the Committee:

• Publicise date when some rural lights will be switched off at midnight.
• Undertake an on-going review following changes to lighting times using Police statistics and other information with a formal review in April 2008.

To approve cost of lighting repairs including works in Deepdene.
Resolved to approve new lanterns/part night cells for two columns in Deepdene at a cost of £746.91 + VAT and a new lantern at column 9 Lower High Street for £367.92 + VAT – payments to be made under PCA 1957 s3.

Work is continuing on the draft Lighting Policy.

5.             To approve cost and design of cycle rack
Various styles of cycle rack reviewed; costs to be obtained.

6.             To approve grass cutting at station
Survey of station users last year identified the issue of safety of vehicles exiting the car park. Whilst it has not been possible to relocate the exit, it was considered that keeping the grass cut would improve visibility at this difficult junction. Arrangements have been made with Ashdown Garden Services to cut grass at station exit every four weeks.

7.             To review progress on VAS on Cousley Wood Road
Site meeting scheduled 30.04.07 to finalise exact siting of VAS.

Other highways/lighting issues
Lights not functioning at columns 100 Monks Lane and 164/165 Snape View.
Damage to bollards and speed restriction sign on grass triangle Monks Lane/B2100 junction.
Uneven paving stones outside vets – believed to be on private land and will be referred to the practice.
Uneven pavement at Snape View.
Rough road surface in centre of road by fire station.
Raised man hole covers outside Kingsley Court and Walters Cottages.
Damage to pavement by The Marlpit.
Complaints of parking on pavements – to be discussed at next Committee meeting.

The meeting closed at 20:05