Decision details

To approve £11,000 of the funding previously allocated to the Malmesbury Area Community Area Transport Group to be used to carry out works at High Street Malmesbury to aid social distancing.

The Government guidance in connection with the easing of restrictions in connection with Covid-19 has encouraged road space to be reallocated for walking and cycling to enable social distancing, especially as shops and businesses reopen.

A locally promoted scheme has been developed to temporarily widen footways in the upper High Street at Malmesbury by the use of cones, barriers and signing and by amending legal traffic orders as necessary.

Initial indications are that there will be limited funding available from the Department of Transport for this purpose, and the proposed scheme is unlikely to qualify for the funding currently available.

In order to allow the scheme to proceed £11,000 of the funding previously allocated to the Malmesbury CATG will be used to fund the works to facilitate the reallocation of road space. The Town Council will be carrying out further signing and amenity improvements to improve the attractiveness of the town for shoppers and visitors.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements: Yes - this is not a key decision

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): Yes

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers):
Yes

Consultation with local members (as appropriate):
Yes

Consideration of the area boards and delegated decision checklist for officers on the issue of when and how to involve local councillors and area boards in decisions about local services:
Yes

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Yes

Consultation in accordance with requirements and expectations of consultation with the public: Not Applicable in view of current Covid-19 restrictions

Range of options available: Yes

Staffing, financial and legal implications:Yes

Evidence of due regard having been given to the Public Sector Equality Duty:
Yes

Risk assessment:
Yes

Involvement of statutory officers and/or directors:Yes

Regional or national guidance from other bodies:
Yes

The council’s constitution:Yes

This contract is suitable for execution under the e-signature process: Not applicable

The option not to proceed with the works was not considered to be acceptable, as it is important that these changes are made to aid social distancing and to enable the Council to fulfil its statutory duties to keep the highway network safe.