Area Forum

Monday, 18 December 2006 7.30 pm

Present:

Cllr Valerie Ashenden (Vice-Chair)

Councillors: Ronald Bowman Ernest Brook John Burden Jean Christie Kenneth Jones Narinderjit Singh-Thandi Richard Target

Co-opted Members :

Ronald Hills Anne Jenkins Mukhtar Singh Goraya Canon Tony Smith

Christopher Woodley Head of Policy and Partnerships Nick Channon Democratic Services Officer Gurneet K Thandi Policy and Projects Support Officer

Also in attendance:

Mr Kevin Hawkins Commercial Director, Southern Counties Mr Terry East Area Manager, Mr David George Project Manager

18. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from the Chair - Councillor Raymond Parker, The Mayor - Councillor Henry Smith, Ann Aldous Dunn and Brian Kilcullen.

19. Declarations of Interests

No declarations were made.

20. Public Transport in Northfleet - 'Bus Services'

The Vice Chair (in the Chair) welcomed Kevin Hawkins (Commercial Director, Arriva Southern Counties), Terry East (Area Manager, Arriva Southern Counties) and David Northfleet Area Forum 18.12.2006

George (Fastrack Project Manager) who gave a presentation to the Forum on Bus Services in the Northfleet Area.

Fastrack, which operated between and , had been launched in March 2006 and had recently carried its millionth passenger, four months earlier than forecast. Passenger numbers were thus very encouraging and during this period 99.7% of the service had been run. 95% of passengers surveyed had stated that the service was either excellent or good.

It was stated that Fastrack was building for the future and the focus was to provide a service to the new developments taking place in the area, particularly Dartford. Fastrack would also serve Ebbsfleet International station when it opens on 14 November 2007. Additional bus lanes will be provided along the route between the Overcliff and Springhead Road. It was crucial that the Fastrack Service remained sustainable in the long term and continued to attract external funding.

The 480 and 490 services were still vital and ran as parallel services to Fastrack. Passenger numbers were holding up well. The buses operating this service are due to be upgraded, with support from .

The 307 service had introduced mini buses to target station-users/shoppers in the Rosherville and Crete Hall Road area. The service was increasing in terms of passenger numbers. Arriva would welcome the support of the Council in promoting this service.

The 489 Perry Street/Painters Ash service had incorporated the use of mini buses which were more passenger friendly. A more frequent service had now been provided.

Buses would also be upgraded on the 499 service, however concern was expressed by Arriva on the speed reduction measures introduced in Dene Holm Road and the effect it had on the 495 service. The measures introduced would be more effective if vehicles were not parked at the side of the speed cushions. Arriva would be monitoring the situation.

Improvements would be made to the 495 service as the development at Springhead gains momentum.

The 308 service was well used by school passengers and KCC funding supported the evening service.

Indicators used by Arriva showed that improvements had been made to services over the last 2-3 years and that standards would continue to rise.

At the conclusion of the presentation Members of the Forum raised the following points:-

The 306 service from Bluewater to , which incorporated Istead Rise, often had buses withdrawn. As this was an hourly service people often had a long wait of over an hour for a bus.

The 306 service was a long route that is prone to delays. Arriva would monitor the situation.

A difficulty was perceived in travelling from North to South from Northfleet.

Local churches and community centres would display posters promoting the 307 Service. Northfleet Area Forum 18.12.2006

The bus service from Northfleet to Cygnet Leisure Centre was fairly poor with people needing to change buses at least once.

It was also stated that display screens in bus shelters showing bus times, detailing expected times of arrival or delays would be beneficial to passengers in all shelters. It was also stated that the shelter serving the Coldharbour Day Centre was a fair distance from the centre resulting in a lengthy walk for elderly passengers. Arriva stated that they would look at the issues raised but pointed out that the provision of bus shelters was the responsibility of the County Council.

Problems were also caused by second hand car sales operating in bus lanes/laybys.

In respect of the Fastrack Service, concern was expressed that priority was being given to new developments to the detriment of residents in Rosherville and Northfleet.

The Fastrack Project Manager stated that it was the remit of Fastrack to serve new developments in the Dartford/Gravesend element of Kent Thameside.

Kevin Hawkins, Terry East and David George were thanked for attending the meeting.

21. Northfleet Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plan (NNRAP)

The Head of Policy & Partnerships introduced Gurneet Thandi who had recently been appointed to the post of Policy and Projects Support Officer who will help develop the council's work with communities. Miss Thandi will work with the Theme Groups established at the last meeting of the Forum to take forward the ideas and develop an action plan for each of the elements identified in the report.

The theme group meetings have provided an opportunity to consider a number of ideas across all the topic areas which are detailed in the bullet points below. There was a high degree of synergy e.g. transport issues impact on leisure and culture; environmental issues affect community safety etc.

Summary of ideas.

• Develop and implement A Neighbourhood Charter, setting out the minimum residents can expect from the relevant public agencies.

• Explore possibility of a pilot Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

• Consider local hotline to report criminal activity.

• Late hours bus service to Gravesend.

• Community transport service, including micro-bus.

• Fitness Shuttle Bus.

• Explore agreements with private sports facilities owners for community access.

• A 'microbus' service. Northfleet Area Forum 18.12.2006

• A cheap car rental service.

• A car share scheme.

• Plant swap/seed donation scheme.

• A 'good garden' competition.

Resolved that the report be noted.

22. To determine the date and location of the next meeting of the Forum to be held in February 2007

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Northfleet Area Forum be held on Monday, 5 February 2007 at 7.30pm at a venue to be determined.

Close of meeting

The meeting ended at 8.45am.