WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
THE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT and LIGHTING COMMITTEE
HELD AT THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN ON THURSDAY 5 July 2007 AT 19:00

Present: Cllrs. Mrs Monaghan (Chairman), Berger, Mrs Colvin, Doyle, Miss Gadd and Miss Whatmore.
Also in attendance: Two members of the public.

1.To receive apologies for absence
None.

2.             Public Forum
Malcolm Williams and Alan McGee spoke of how the Rotary Club wish to build on the success of last year’s Christmas event. Grants of £1600 were received and a number of lights were purchased which provided a limited display and required considerable effort to install. It is hoped to work towards having further lights that will last for many years; the Parish Council is to be approached for a further grant. Many Christmas events and decorations in other communities are organised by the local Chamber of Commerce. Cllr. Miss Whatmore volunteered to help with the organisation of the Wadhurst Christmas event and it was hoped that village clubs and associations will provide manpower to assist with the setting up arrangements.

The funds from last year’s event went towards the purchase of a defibrillator. Cllrs. considered that there needs to be a balance between giving the proceeds to a local cause and retaining some funds towards expenditure of future events.

3.             To determine matters arising from the previous Minutes for updating and noting
Grass cutting at station – Grass has been cut on a monthly basis and this has greatly improved visibility and safety at the exit from station; there is a charge of £20 for each cut.

4.             Lighting
To review comments following change to lighting times
Only two comments have been received following the switching off between midnight and 5am of some rural lights.

To authorise lighting repairs
Quotation received of £764.21 + VAT for new column and lantern for column 51on B2099. This column is one of a few remaining traditional columns in the parish; it is situated on a grass triangle adjacent to a fingerpost. Discussion on various styles of columns and lanterns; facility for switching light off at night is not required. Resolved to approve a new column and lantern for £764.21 + VAT with additional cost of installing a swan neck bracket – payment to be made under PCA 1957 s3.

5.             To consider traffic and parking issues in Lower High Street
Complaints received about the issues of parking for residents in the Lower High Street and the speed of traffic; these concerns are shared by the Uplands Eco Group. Some vehicles are parked on the pavement; PCSO needs to enforce legislation. The minibus at the Youth Centre takes up three parking spaces. It was considered that parking issues are associated with Uplands staff and pupils. Principal at Uplands to be consulted to see if there is any capacity for additional parking on site and to discuss possibility of encouraging older pupils to continue using public transport.

6.             To consider congestion in Washwell Lane and parking on pavement
Motorists park on the tarmac area adjacent to the pavement at the top of Washwell Lane; some physical barrier would be required to stop this practice. Agreed to defer any further discussion pending a review of the junction at Washwell Lane/High Street as part of the affordable homes development proposal.
Comment that replacement trees should have been planted as part of the housing development at the top of Washwell Lane – Cllr Berger to investigate.

7.             To consider action for overhanging trees
A number of trees are overhanging the footpath making access difficult for pedestrians. A list to be drawn up and property owners to be approached individually before the matter is reported to ESCC.

8.             To draw up list of works for Parish Maintenance Team
Possible works for Parish Maintenance Team discussed; list to be finalised and forwarded to ESCC.

9.             To review ESCC Speed Policy
Proposed ESCC Policy on Local Speed Limits reviewed. The suggested policy may be of benefit to the primary school and Station Road.

10.          Pedestrian surveys for Sparrows Green Road and the High Street
ESCC is to undertake pedestrian speed surveys at Sparrows Green Road and the High Street to access the need for a road crossing.

11.          Progress with Police traffic speed enforcement
Deferred to full council meeting 10.07.07.

12.          Maintenance of fingerposts and twittens
The fingerpost on B2099 opposite Dewhurst Lane had been straightened but is now leaning again following bad weather - to be reported to contractor.
The twitten between Station Road and Jonas Lane has been cleared by Ashdown Garden Services; this path does not appear to be owned by ESCC or WDC.
WDC has been conducting  a survey on twittens.

13.          To approve cost and design of cycle rack
Dome style cycle racks approved. Resolved to approve expenditure of £200 for cycle racks under Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 s57 with installation by WDC.

14.          To review progress of VAS on Cousley Wood Road
Installation of sign is still outstanding.

Other highways/lighting issues for noting
Meeting about bus services 14.07.07 at 2pm at Hawkhurst.
Bus shelter opposite station has suffered graffiti – Cllrs. Mrs Monaghan and Doyle to repair.
‘No smoking’ signs have been installed in bus shelters.

The meeting closed at 21:16

Next meeting 23.08.07 19:00
Council lighting round 31.08.07 21:00