Buckinghamshire County Council

Wycombe Local Committee

AGENDA ITEM:

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF WYCOMBE LOCAL COMMITTEE HELD ON TUESDAY 20 APRIL 2005, IN THE MAIN HALL, THE HUB, EASTON STREET, COMMENCING AT 6.03 PM AND CONCLUDING AT 7.58 PM

MEMBERS PRESENT

Council Organisation or Society Representative

Buckinghamshire County Council Mrs L Clarke (Chairman) Mr D A B Green Mr M B Oram Mrs C C Martens

Wycombe District Council Mr P Morris

Members in attendance

Little Marlow Parish Council Mr T Juby

British Motorcyclists Federation Mr I M Jennery

Hambledon Parish Council Mr T Nixey

Jacobs Babtie Mr S Tinnelly

Hughenden Parish Council Mr D L Davis

Medmenham Parish Council Mr D Clark Mrs H Reed

Lane End Parish Council Ms S Wright

Pedestrians Association Mr T Samson

Thames Valley Police Traffic Mr D Humphries Management

Cyclists Touring Club Mr N Coates

West Wycombe Parish Council Mr D Callaghan Ms D Smith

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Downley Parish Council Mr J Gowen

Great and Little Hampden Parish Council Mr S Appleby

Great Marlow Parish Council Mr M Blanksby

Princes Risborough Town Council Mr L A Benifer

Officers

Buckinghamshire County Council Mr M Knight Mr I Reed Mrs K L Jones Mr S Averill Mr M Rogers Mr D Chapman Council Mr O Kelly Mr R Marshall Mrs C Steven

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Mr F Downes, Mrs V A Letheren, Mrs E M Lay, Mr R C Pushman, Mr P Rogerson, Mr T Fowler, Dr B Stenner and Julia Wassall Buckinghamshire County Council, Mr F V J Sweatman Marlow Town Council and Mr J Hambly Town Council.

2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None were declared.

3 MATTERS ARISING

It was with sadness that the Chairman reported the death of John Dalton who had been a member for Wycombe District Council and Chairman of Parish Council.

The Committee stood in silence.

4 MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 25 January 2005 were confirmed.

5 QUESTION TIME (including Parish Questions)/ PETITIONS

Petitions A petition covering all the headings set out below was submitted to the meeting of the Full Council held on 27 January 2005. The issues raised were being addressed by the County Council before the submission of the petition and the comments reflect that issues have been resolved or are on-going.

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Questions

(a) Petitions

A petition covering all the headings set out below was submitted to the meeting of the Full Council held on 27 January 2005. The issues raised were being addressed by the County Council before the submission of the petition and the comments reflect that issues have been resolved or are on-going.

(i) Abbey Park Residents’ Association Petition against Traffic Congestion caused by local schools in Daws Hill Lane and other local roads:-

St Augustine’s Catholic School

St Bernard’s Catholic School

Jackie Palmer Stage School

Reply

The information provided by the Residents Association set out above clearly shows a large amount of work has been done by Buckinghamshire County Council and to address the issues raised by the residents. A number of issues still require solutions.

A member of Abbey Park Residents’ Association asked for an assurance that things were progressing. The Chairman replied that as the local member she would personally ensure that the Residents are kept informed and that progress would be made. The Local Coordinator added that the number of buses on Knights Temple Way has been reduced to four and that the Local Schools were participating in the Safer Routes to Schools Scheme. The Chairman invited the residents to attend the July meeting if they were not satisfied with progress.

Petition requests to BCC Highways Department

Following subsequent meetings with BCC Highways and Passenger Transport departments - the Abbey Park Residents’ Association have agreed to considerably pull back from some of the original requests. Petition requests are:-

BUSES

1. BCC to continue to reduce numbers of Buses using Knights Templar Way as a “turning facility”. N Ongoing

Buckinghamshire County Council comment - The number of buses scheduled to collected students from St Bernard’s School and Marlow Hill which are likely to need to turn round in the Daws Hill Area has been reduced to four.

Buckinghamshire County Council do not schedule any bus to use Knights Templar Way, these decisions are made by contractors for operational reasons. The decisions will be influenced by depot location and where the vehicle is travelling from and it’s next destination.

All operators have been advised of the wishes of the residents and they have been asked that vehicles do not make three point turns on Knights Templar Way. 3

2. BCC to adopt shared pick-up and drop off points for St Bernard’s, Wycombe High and John Hampden Schools. The Lay Bys on Marlow Hill to be used. N Under negotiation with Schools and BCC

3. BCC Passenger Transport to find alternative “Turning Facility” for all Buses - Knights Templar Way too congested with school traffic. N Under negotiation with BCC

4. Jackie Palmer Stage School Buses to be stopped from using Daws Hill Lane and Knights Templar Way as pick up/drop off points. Request BCC to instruct JPSS to use suitable facility, such as Leisure Centre coach park. N Under negotiation

CAR PARKING

1. Double Yellow Lines to be placed at both entrances of Knights Templar Way N BCC requesting

2. Single Yellow Lines requested with Time Restrictions (20 minutes only between 2.00pm and 4.00pm) N BCC say they cannot approve Single Yellow Lines at present. N BCC looking into all possibilities regarding “Time Restrictions” N Under negotiation with BCC

3. White Lines to be place in front of all Driveway entrances to enable passage of traffic and access by Residents. N Under negotiation with BCC

4. Thames Valley Police Management to educate parents on parking N Ongoing with TVP

5. Community Police Constable to patrol Daws Hill Lane and Knights Templar Way on weekly basis during school pick up time. N Ongoing with TVP

6. BCC to work on School Travel Plan with St Bernard’s and St Augustine’s Schools. N Ongoing and under negotiation between BCC and Schools Buckinghamshire County Council Comment - Pedestrian training for pupils at St Augustine’s School will begin as soon as final clearances for the volunteer parents have been obtained.

7. BCC to look at all aspects of reducing School Parking in Abbey Park (at present 100 vehicles between 2.00pm and 4.00pm), including possible parking within St Augustine’s School grounds. N Under negotiation

8. Schools to provide improved turning capability in Daws Hill Lane adjacent to school buildings. N Under negotiation

9. BCC to work on Business Travel Plan with Jackie Palmer Stage School N Under negotiation – no progress to date

10. BCC to look at traffic generated by Jackie Palmer Stage School – parking facilities within grounds need to be found for this Commercial Business. N Under negotiation 4

Residents request that BCC communicate with all Schools and the Diocese to gain an understanding of all future developments. The two Catholic Schools have at present 1,000 pupils in this confined area, with only one access point feeding both schools. Potentially there is a “Risk” to both School Pupils and Local Residents. In addition the Residents are concerned that the Commercial Business of Jackie Palmer Stage School has been permitted to in effect create a third school in this same confined area, with subsequent traffic generation and noise nuisance.

(b) Questions

(i) From Parish Council

“During the recent snow, none of the coaches would use our roads, hence parents risked the journeys to school. Please could we have some more definite indication that our main route from Hambleden to , via Pheasants Hill and Rockwell End will be included in the salt route for next winter. We are aware that the routes are under review and we have been asking for at least 5 years.”

The Chairman of Hambleden Parish Council expressed concern on behalf of the children attending Frieth School that the main route from Hambleden to Frieth is currently excluded from the salting route. He requested that the route be extended between the villages before a fatality occurs.

Reply

A report will be submitted to the July meeting on all the Winter Maintenance routes.

(ii) From Parish Council

“We would like to know if the positioning of the Mix 107.4 travel signs are going to be reviewed. We feel that the one placed on the West Wycombe Road just past the Pedestal is far to big and that once drivers are there they will already be in the traffic jam. We feel that they need to be placed further out to give advance notice of traffic problems and give drivers a chance to diver. Once you are on the West Wycombe Road you are stuck. Prior to the Pedestal and Piddington would be far more appropriate.”

Reply

The signs have been positioned within an ‘urban’ area and do not impact on the rural environment. Ideally the signs would have been placed before the start of the queues but in many instances, these would have been quite a way outside of Wycombe and for example coming down the A4128, in the AONB, which we did not feel was acceptable. In terms of giving drivers advance warning and alternative routes, this is something which is some way off and would require use of more hi- tech solutions such as variable message signs and the like, but the siting of these would need to be much further out where route choices were available. The Traffic Information signs are about trying to inform drivers through the media of different travel choices and incidents on the network etc.

In terms of the size, these are based on the height of the lettering which in turn is based on the speed and nature of the road. It is paramount that the lettering is clear and concise for divers for safety purposes.

As far as we are aware there are no plans to change size or location of signs.

The Area Manager explained that the signs were part of a project currently being trialled and that the signs will be moved after a year. He added that the contractor 5

incorrectly sited the original location of the signs and that there were many complaints subsequently. The height of the signs is correct for the location.

(iii) From West Wycombe Parish Council

“We are currently waiting for some pavement work in the High Street, West Wycombe, this was promised well over 18 months ago. Since then the pavement on the south side of the road is badly in need of resurfacing, please could this be looked at? We would like an expected date for work to be carried out; we do know that it is weather dependant. Also pavements at Chapel Lane and junction with West Wycombe Road require attention.”

Reply

These sites were inspected on Tuesday 19 April 2005 and no major problems were detected. (Chairman’s note – at the meeting it was established that the repairs had taken place the previous day).

In response to a complaint that the police were frequently turning right in Chapel Lane despite this being forbidden the representative from Thames Valley Police reported that individuals have been contacted and he asked for the registration numbers of any vehicles that were seen turning right.

The works will be included on the list for repairs for 2006/07.

(iv) From Parish Council

Bockmer End, Medmenham “Below, recent photos show that traffic, larger vehicles particularly cannot use the highway safely. The overhanging encroaching hedge forces traffic to drive off the highway onto the grass of the triangle to safely negotiate the bend. This is now damaged, severely eroded by some 2 metres and disappearing fast. The hedge impedes safe vision for pedestrians and vehicles on this corner.

The former Clerk, Julia McQueen-Turner has made repeated efforts since Xmas to draw this to your attention for some action. The residents show no interest themselves in reducing their hedge to within their boundary.

1. Could officers and members tell Medmenham Parish Council when and what action Buckinghamshire County Council will take to restore the highway and sightlines to its original and safer dimension?

2. Could officers and members tell Medmenham Parish Council when and what action Buckinghamshire County Council will take to restore the triangle to its former and safe state?”

Reply

The highway technician for the area has been asked to visit the site, and if necessary issue a notice to the householder to have the hedge cut back. The real problem appears to be that the bend is too tight for larger vehicles. One of the solutions may be to get rid of the triangle, but this is likely to meet with objections. We will work the Parish to come to a satisfactory solution.

The Parish Council would like to request the installation of a new footpath on Henley Road along A4155 from the south side outside the boundary fence to the Mill.

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Reply

There is insufficient room on the south side to create a footway as there is insufficient land available. The Parish submitted a number of minor questions about issues that are being dealt with by Highways on Call. v. From Parish Council

“It has been noted that over the winter months a lot of potholes have appeared in the roads within the parish of Hazlemere (and within Wycombe District). This is something which occurs after most winters. Would it be possible to use a superior quality of material to that used at present for repairing the potholes so that the same problem does not reoccur after every winter.”

Reply

Bituminous surfaces will, over time, exhibit signs of fatigue, especially on busier type roads. The fatigue takes the form of hairline cracks which widen over time as material is fretted out. In warmer periods this causes few problems, however as you are aware problems do occur in the winter months. Typically, water enters into the cracked surface, freezes and expands forcing the crack to widen and for further failure of the material to occur. Trafficking of the material then causes catastrophic failure and a pothole occurs. Prolonged periods of wet weather also cause problems, as the sub-grade becomes saturated and water is forced, under pressure, to the surface again weakening and eventually destroying the material. Once a pothole has formed we then need to execute a repair. It is imperative that a repair is carried out in a timely fashion, especially on the busier parts of the network, as this helps to mitigate any claims received by the authority. In the Wycombe area the majority of these repairs are made using "deferred set" material, generally a 6mm sized material that allows us to use it in many situations. As you have found this does not constitute a permanent repair. On busier roads these defects should be made good within 10 working days and on side roads during our next programme of patching, I will ensure that this is once again made clear to our Technicians as repeat visits to defects by our contractor not only costs more money but also sends out the wrong message to the general public.

6 LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2

The Chairman welcomed Marcus Rogers, Team Leader Project Development to the meeting. Marcus gave a presentation on the Second Local Transport Plan (LTP). A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes as APPENDIX A.

A member noted the proposed housing developments in Milton Keynes and Aylesbury and asked if there were any plans to improve the road links to the south of the county. He explained that currently the main north south road link was the A4010. Marcus Rogers replied that it was proposed that housing development is matched by an increase in the number of jobs. The objective is to minimise the amount of commuting out of Aylesbury. He acknowledged that this was not on the Government’s priority list at the present time. Therefore until these issues are recognised no additional funding will be provided. The most likely realistic result is that there will be improvements on the A4010, A413 and the A418. The Chairman suggested that members complete the questionnaires issued by SEERA.

A representative from the Cyclists Touring Club noted that currently it is possible to cycle into the centre of High Wycombe. He explained that he has 7

been in discussion with the developers and BCC and that he that hoped there would be adequate cycle routes into the newly developed town centre.

During a discussion on the services provided by bus companies a representative from West Wycombe Parish Council reported that recently two bus services had been cancelled without prior notification. The Area Manager expressed surprise. He explained that scheduled bus companies have strict targets to arrive on time and are fined for failure to do so. This was noted.

A member from Town Council expressed great concern about safety on the A4010. He noted that there had been a fatality in the autumn and requested that an impact study is performed before the situation deteriorates. This was noted.

7 OPEN SPACES STUDY

The Chairman welcomed Ollie Kelly from Wycombe District Council Planning Urban Design to the meeting. A copy of the presentation is attached as APPENDIX B.

The Area Manager asked if ponds were included. This was confirmed conditional on them being larger than 0.2 hectares. The Chairman hoped that the developers would not be allowed to buy amenity spaces.

8 DELEGATED BUDGET SCHEMES/ LOCAL PRIORITIES

The Committee received the report of the Area Manager informing them of the final list of bids received for highway schemes and recommending the programme of works to be funded from the Local Committee delegated budget. The Local Committee RECOMMENDED approval of the list of nominated schemes.

A member asked for reassurance that the construction of the new footway in Peters Lane, would allow for farm vehicles gaining access to the adjacent field. This was given.

9 NEW LICENSING RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chairman welcomed Rod Marshall from Wycombe District Council Environmental Services and Caroline Steven from Wycombe District Council Licensing to the meeting. A copy of the presentation is attached to the minutes as APPENDIX C.

The Chairman asked if an application was refused would the applicant have the right to appeal. Rod Marshall replied that it would be possible for a decision to be changed and for costs to be awarded. Wycombe District Council calculates that there would break-even position in 2005/2006.

The representative from Princes Risborough Town Council asked whether Parish Councils would receive notification of change of licensees and if they are no longer required to comment on an application. Rod Marshall replied that the applicant is responsible for providing multiple copies although there is no requirement to consult with the Parish Councils. Rod Marshall suggested that comments are forwarded to the police. Local members will be informed of all changes.

Caroline Steven reported that after a licence has been issued the police could call a review. It is possible that at this stage a licence could be revoked. 8

A member from Buckinghamshire County Council reported that he had received training and cautioned that difficulties may arise with using the local member on a panel in their area. This was noted.

10 LOCAL MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME

The Local Committee noted the contents of the Local Maintenance Programme and were asked to send their comments to Mark Averill.

11 WYCOMBE LOCAL DELIVERY PLAN 2004/05 & 2005/06

The Area Manager reported that the Local Delivery Plan had not been updated and that a final programme will be tabled in due course. The area Manager apologised that the plan for 2005/06 was not currently available including assessments for the structural maintenance programme. Members were advised that they would receive a report on a quarterly basis.

12 NEWSLETTER

The Committee received the Local Committee Newsletter.

The Local Committee were advised that Thames Valley Police have reported that resources have been increased to enable parking enforcement to be more proactive. Three hundred penalty tickets have been issued at Wycombe Wanderers and Wasps compared to thirty the previous season. The clubs will meet to discuss shortages of car parking spaces.

The Local Coordinator reported that the Wycombe Wanders believes there would be a greater take-up of the Park and Ride service if positive steps were taken to advertise the service. New plates will be introduced for the next season carrying parking restrictions for match days. This scheme has been successful at other grounds.

The Local Committee were advised that the upgrade of Chapel Street, Pedestrian Crossing in Marlow would take place in the current financial year. A petition had been presented at the last meeting.

The Area Manager reported that he had written to the Programme Manager at requesting a start date. He had been advised that the work was likely to commence in June/July 2005.

13 DATE OF NEXT AND FUTURE MEETINGS

The Committee noted that the next meeting of the Committee is Wednesday 13 July 2005 at 6.00pm at Court Garden, Marlow.

CHAIRMAN

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