minutes

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 15th June 2009 (Minute Nos. 72 - 88) were taken as a read, approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record, subject to Minute No. 77 (Progress Update, Page 5 - 104/06/08), to read Wises Lane, not West Lane, Sittingbourne.

The second paragraph to read:

The Kent Association of Local Councils representative stated that he had had a site meeting regarding the work that had been proposed at Oad Street, Borden and was awaiting feedback.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

public session

Mr Macdonald, Minster Parish Council, raised concern with the lack of progress on the re-instatement of the B2231 as an 'A' road. He tabled his statement to Members and explained that there had been a fatal accident and serious injuries recently on the road. He also raised concern with the effects of increased use of the road by lorry movements if the proposal for a grain storage unit and processing plant went ahead.

The Community Delivery Team Leader explained that a report had recently been written which had stated that there was not enough volume of residents in the B2231 area to upgrade the road. He reported that he would meet with the local Parish Councils to allow them to view the report before it was finalised.

Community Delivery Team Leader

A Member suggested that the County and Ward Members also be invited to meet with the Parish Councils to ensure that local knowledge was received.

The Community Delivery Team Leader explained that the proposed grain store would not increase traffic in the area, as much of the grain that would be processed on the site originated from the Island.

Members discussed the classification of the road.

In response to a question, the Community Delivery Team Leader confirmed that as the B2231 was a main road, it was inspected once a month, which was the same as if it was an 'A' road.

A Ward Member spoke on behalf of Mr Lynch, a local resident who was unable to attend the meeting, but had submitted a letter regarding item number six, the replacement of seating in the bus shelter in East Street, Sittingbourne. Mr Lynch had raised concern regarding anti-social behaviour that had occurred when the seating had been present. The Ward Member explained that the Police had reported that anti-social behaviour had decreased since the removal of the seating.

Mr Hardy, a local resident, spoke in support of the proposed reduction from 40 mph to 30 mph on the A251 in Faversham. Local Members spoke in support of the reduction in the speed limit. The Chairman acknowledged that speed restrictions needed to be enforced.

part a minutes for confirmation

progress update

Members considered the report which gave an update on the progress made regarding various schemes in the Borough and Officers answered Members' questions.

A summary of the responses is set out below:

Page 4 - 103/06/08

The Engineer confirmed that the corner protection on Wises Lane had been completed.

Page 5 - 298/09/08

The Community Delivery Team Leader confirmed that he would forward the response sent to Mr Morgan, to the KALC representative.

Community Delivery Team Leader

Page 9 - 743/03/09

The Engineer reported that a letter had been received from the football club with regard to alternative parking options along Salters Lane.

Page 9 - 745/03/09

The Partnership Officer reported that a report on the Swale Transport Strategy would be submitted to the Board for Members' comments.

Items on the Progress Update report were deleted as follows:
Minute No. 188/06/07
Minute No. 193/06/07
Minute No. 714/12/07
Minute No. 971/03/08
Minute No. 977/03/08
Minute No. 298/09/08
Minute No. 305/09/08
Minute No. 532/12/08

Discussion ensued with regard to the traffic flow in Faversham Town Centre. The Head of Environment and Amenities reported that the County Member had agreed, in principle, to fund the survey work that was needed to carry the scheme forward. The Chairman brought Members' attention to a letter from Faversham Town Council which looked to re-consider the option for closure of the town centre on market days. The Head of Environment and Amenities reminded Members that the JTB had previously agreed to the reversal of traffic flow in Preston Street which should reduce the amount of traffic in the town centre. He suggested that other options could be re-considered following the results of the traffic flow survey.

petition received

Members considered the report on a recently submitted petition requesting the reinstatement of the seating in the bus shelter in East Street, Sittingbourne.

Members considered that anti-social behaviour could be a problem when seating was provided in bus shelters.

The Chairman suggested that an item on specific bus shelter issues be added to the next agenda for the meeting on 14th December 2009.

Democratic Services Officer

petition received

Members discussed some of the problems that had resulted from the Swanstree Avenue extension works. A Ward Member brought attention to the sharp turn at the end of Highsted Road and suggested that a mini roundabout be added. A Member acknowledged that the addition of a traffic island on Swanstree Avenue had presented parking problems to local residents.

petition received

Members considered the report which advised them of a petition from residents of Sunny Bank, Honeysuckle Walk and Thistle Walk in Murston for the existing grassed verge to be removed to increase parking capacity in the area.

peitition received

Members considered a report on a petition received requesting a reduction in speed limit on Tunstall Road, Bredgar.

A Member considered the speed limit in this area was disjointed and too varied.

The KALC representative questioned the justification of the proposed 50mph limit for the whole stretch and stated that this would mean an increase in the speed limit in part of the area. The Partnership Officer explained that a review on speed limits throughout Kent was being carried out and this would be presented to the next JTB meeting.

budget implications on traffic orders

Members considered the report on anticipated implications on the procedure for Traffic Regulation Orders, due to limited funding.

waiting restrictions - various locations

Members considered the report on various waiting restrictions in the Swale area.

In response to a question, the Engineer explained that the cones along Wises Lane had been replaced once and were being monitored by SBC's Enforcement Team.

sheerness parking review

Members considered the report which gave an update on the Sheerness Parking Review. A tabled report contained the results of the consultation.

In response to a question, the Head of Environment and Amenities explained that Ward Members had been made aware of the consultation process that had taken place. He advised that he could report the findings of the consultation to the Ward Members.

sittingbourne residents' parking review

Members considered a report following consultation on the Sittingbourne residents' parking scheme review which included Rock Road, Burley Road, Epps Road, Ufton Road, Park Road, Albany Road, Belmont Road, Connaught Road and Unity Street.

The Head of Environment and Amenities reported that feedback from the scheme had been positive. In response to a question, he explained that parking in the area was a real problem as there were many terraced houses, with limited parking outside them. He explained that although residents may not be able to park directly outside their house, they could usually find a space within the overall zone. He reported that the roads were patrolled to enforce the restrictions and confirmed that a report would be submitted to the next JTB on enforcement generally within Swale.

signage on the eurolink, sittingbourne

The Partnership Officer introduced the report which considered the lack of signage on the Eurolink Estate in Sittingbourne. She explained that there was lack of space for signage, problems with updating the signs and funding.

The Chairman considered that signs would decrease the amount of time that a lorry had to stop when they were unsure where to go and felt that land could be made available for the signs.

The Partnership Officer confirmed that she would look into signage becoming part of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road contracted works.

Partnership Officer

highway works programme 2009/2010

Members considered the report page by page.

With reference to Appendix B2, Abbey Street, Faversham, the Community Delivery Team Leader advised that funding would be found for the work that needed to be done.

integrated transport scheme

This item was withdrawn.

integrated transport scheme

Members considered a report following consultation on the Integrated Transport Scheme on Borden Lane, Sittingbourne.

The KALC representative confirmed that Borden Parish Council had been consulted.

integrated transport scheme

Members considered a report following consultation on the Integrated Transport Scheme on Priory Row, Davington.

integrated transport scheme

Members considered a report following consultation on the Integrated Transport Scheme on Richmond Street, Sheerness.

A Ward Member considered that there was no justification for traffic calming measures as cars parked on both sides of the road which made speeding more difficult.

integrated transport scheme

Members considered a report following consultation on the Integrated Transport Schemes at Swale bus stops.

integrated transport scheme

Members considered a report following consultation on the Integrated Transport Schemes on Sittingbourne's Cycle Network.

review of speed limit and waiting restrictions

Members considered the reports which investigated the speed limit and waiting restrictions on The Broadway, Minster.

iwade school keep clear

Some Members questioned the proposed delay in relocating the keep clear markings.

environment, highways and waste policy overview committee reports (kent county council)

A Member raised concern with the proposed increase in the speed limit, from 50mph to 60mph on the A2, near Love Lane and Brenley Corner.

Discussion ensued on the minibus application procedure to be used in response to requests from Parish Councils and community groups for the procurement, delivery and maintenance of minibuses. A Member explained that bus usage had increased and the withdrawal of Post Bus services had caused problems. A dedicated bus service would be expensive to operate and the proposed scheme would allow local people to apply for their own scheme. A Member confirmed that other options were being looked into, especially with regard to the use of other organisations' mini buses for transport options when they were not using them.

exclusion of the press and public

part a minutes for confirmation

disabled persons' parking bay scheme - bay installations