Agenda item

The Chairman will provide information about: 

·         Pest Control Service

·         What matters to you survey

·         Carers’ small grant scheme

The Chairman drew attention to the written announcements included in the agenda pack, which were:

Pest Control Service

The announcement included a link to the relevant webpages where further details on the services offered could be found.

What matters to you survey

All attendees were urged to complete the survey which was an opportunity for residents to give their views on what services were important to them.  Hard copies of the survey could also be provided where required.

Carers’ small grant scheme

The next round of the grant scheme had now been launched applicable to groups and organisations (but not individuals) for projects and activities which demonstrated a tangible difference to the lives of unpaid carers.  The deadline for applications was 30 November 2013.

Waiting Restrictions Review

Although not included within the agenda, the issue of the waiting restrictions review had been raised.

The Area Board had fed comments received from councillors, officers and the blog site back into the consultation that had now been completed.

Attendees were asked to note that the identification of areas to be considered had been devolved to town and parish councils and, as such, the Area Board had not been involved in the process beyond promoting the consultation.

However, in noting the above, the Chairman was aware that several members of the public were in attendance and wished to express their views regarding a proposal to impose a parking restriction in North Street.  The Chairman, with agreement of the fellow Board members allowed people to speak; the following concerns were raised:

·         That implementing the proposals could result in faster traffic in the town centre, noting that currently parked cars had an effect of slowing down the traffic;

·         The impact on pedestrian safety, including those walking to school;

·         Residents would not be able to park as close to their homes which could have a detrimental affect on those with young children;

·         The potential economic impact on shop owners;

·         That the congestion in Curzon Street would not be affected by the proposed changes and that a solution to this problem should have been factored into the proposals made;

·         The proposals were likely to have a detrimental affect on North Street; and

·         There would be less parking for customers using the town centre.

The Chairman thanked the residents for their comments.  Several letters had been received from residents by Cllr Tony Trotman raising these same concerns and these had been passed on to the appropriate Highways Officer for consideration as part of the consultation that had taken place.

The Chairman clarified that the review had begun approx 18 months ago and that it was worth noting that the proposals, as well as setting restrictions also included a lifting of some others.

Once the process was complete the relevant Highways Officer would then investigate the cost implications for any works required.

As indicated, the comments received had been considered as part of the consultation process.  However the Chairman would also draw attention to the fact that the issue was again raised at this evening’s meeting.

Skateboard Park Working Group

As Cllr Howard Marshall was unable to attend the meeting due to illness there would be no update provided under Item 10 – Your Local Issues for the Skateboard park working group.

However Cllr Marshall had asked that the Chairman announce that a meeting of partners, interested residents and young people would be held at 5pm on 23 October in the Calne Community Hub.