Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies for absence were received from Essex County Councillor Karen Clempner and Harlow Councillors Tony Hall and Mark Wilkinson.

To receive Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

None.

To elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Panel for 2014/15.

The Chairman called for nominations for Chairman of the Panel 2014/15.  Councillor Tony Durcan nominated Councillor Eddie Johnson and Councillor Muriel Jolles seconded the nomination.

RESOLVED that Councillor Eddie Johnson is appointed Chairman of the Panel 2014/15.

The Chairman called for nominations for Vice Chairman of the Panel 2014/15.  Councillor Tony Durcan nominated Councillor Mike Danvers and Councillor David Carter seconded the nomination.

RESOLVED that Councillor Mike Danvers is appointed Vice Chairman of the Panel 2014/15.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2014.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2014 are agreed as a correct record.

With reference to minute 67 Councillor Mike Danvers reported that one year appears to be a long time for road improvements at the Clock Tower roundabout.  David Sprunt advised that the works involve the underpass being lengthened and strengthened and that delays are often encountered by the utilities, however subject to ongoing discussions with contractors, completion of the Clock Tower roundabout improvements are likely to be reduced to nine or ten months.

Two members of the public had submitted written questions (attached) and were in attendance to address the Panel.  The following responses were provided:

a)    David Bracey, 8 Churchgate Street, Harlow, CM17 0JS

The Chairman thanked Mr Bracey for his question and advised that the Panel were not aware of the issues raised however the problems would be rectified as soon as possible.  Mr Bracey drew the attention of the Panel to two lampposts which have never had numbers on them and are in need of replacement bulbs.  Officers invited Mr Bracey to point out the exact location of the lampposts after the meeting so that the bulbs can be replaced. 

b)    David Bracey, 8 Churchgate Street, Harlow, CM17 0JS

Officers advised Mr Bracey that his question did not fall within the remit of the Panel, however a list of proposed road closures could be found at www.roadworks.org.

c)    John Wright, Waterhouse Moor Residents Association

A written response to Mr Wright’s question was circulated to the Panel and is attached to these minutes. The Panel discussed ways of preventing traffic using Waterhouse Moor as a through road.  Councillor Tony Durcan, Harlow Council Portfolio Holder for Enterprise and Regeneration, suggested that a road block may be considered as part of the wider redevelopment review at Elm Hatch and the Hummingbird Public House in conjunction with Essex County Council and Harlow District Council.

d)    Councillor David Carter asked two maintenance related questions that did not fall within the remit of the Panel.

The Panel received a report from Essex County Council on the status of schemes approved 2012/13 and 2013/14.

Rissa Long, Highways Liaison Officer, provided some further updates on several of the listed schemes as follows:

i)             Estate Parking , District Wide, Harlow District Congestion Relief – an additional £50k was agreed in relation to Tendring Road.

ii)            Mulberry Green/Gilden way – an additional £5k was agreed

iii)           School Safety, District Wide – a traffic order has been sent to NEPP and will be advertised.

iv)           Manston Road – an additional £5k was agreed

v)            A414 fifth avenue j/w Burntmill Lane – design works are now complete

RESOLVED that the report is noted.

The Panel received a report from Essex County Council on the status of minor schemes previously approved by the Panel for 2014/15.

Rissa advised that the implementation of echelon parking scheme at Moorfields had been completed.

Councillor Muriel Jolles reported a near miss involving a pedestrian at Gilden Way at the junction between Newhall and Old Harlow.  Action:  Councillor Jolles to send details of the specific location to Rissa.

The initiative for a feasibility study at Altham Grove was included in the approved schemes list for 2014/15 at the June meeting but was absent from the list of approved schemes for 2014/15 in the agenda pack for this meeting.  Action: Rissa to ensure that this initiative be included at the next meeting of this Panel.

RESOLVED that this report is noted.

Summary of schemes for potential consideration in 2014/15.

The Panel received a list potential schemes for 2014/15 from Essex County Council.

The Third Avenue – at exit of Water Gardens car park was discussed.  Part time traffic lights were discussed as a potential solution.

The Chairman advised the Group that since the last meeting of this Panel £32k had been allocated for bollards to be erected at Riverway (£17k from the Local Highways Panel budget and £15.000from Harlow Council).

RESOLVED that:

£12k is was agreed for feasibility studies for casualty reduction schemes 1-5 listed in the report.

£1,100 is agreed for speed surveys from revenue funds. 

The Panel received a report on the Harlow Rangers service.  Details of how to request the services of the Highway Rangers are on page 12 of the report pack.

David Sprunt, provided a verbal update on the following major highways schemes:

1)    Works at the Burnt Mill roundabout have been completed.

2)    Improvement works at the Clocktower roundabout have begun.

3)    Enterprise Zone monies have been agreed which will allow new access to River Way, works commencing November 2015.

4)    Formal consultation on the proposed M11 7a has been delayed to January – March 2015.  The consultation will include the cost benefits analysis of options.  The theoretical timetable of works is 2018 start and 2020 completion.

a)    Councillor Muriel Jolles drew the Panels attention to blocked drains on Southern Way which appear to be causing flooding at Kingsmoor Road.  Joe McGill, Property and Facilities Manager, advised that this highways issue has been reported and is potentially serious due to the flooding risk to nearby houses.

b)    Councillor Muriel Jolles also advised that defective lampposts at specific locations had been reported but not yet rectified. Action: Joe McGill to follow up with Councillor Jolles outside of the meeting.

c)    Joe McGill advised that Holy Cross Primary School has started an initiative to encourage parents to park at Nicholls Field car park. The School would like barriers to be erected along the road outside the school.  Rissa advised that the School should contact the local ward Councillor in the first instance.

d)    Councillor David Carter reported concerns with vehicle speeds and dangers at junctions along Katherines Way.  A speed survey was requested at Katherines Way as the limit is 60mph but vehicles have been seen travelling at 100mph and accidents have been reported at this location.     

RESOLVED that: a study and speed survey at Katherines Way/Paycock road junction is funded from revenue budget.  .

It was noted that additional potential schemes should be included in the list for 2014/15.

It was agreed that the date of the next meeting would be arranged and Councillors would be notified appropriately.