Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from the Senior Engineer (Streets and Open Spaces) regarding the Environmental Improvement Programme (EIP). The report outlined progress of existing schemes within the east area and outlined decisions needed around future spending priorities.

 

Existing Schemes: Progress

The Senior Engineer referred to progress on approved schemes as set out in his report.

 

New Schemes That Require Decisions

Members considered a number of 2017/18 schemes put forward for approval.

 

In response to questions and comments the Senior Engineer (Streets and Open Spaces) said the following:

 

i.        The cost for providing hanging baskets had already been spent in 2017, subject to area committee approval the cost would be met by the Environmental Improvement Programme Scheme via a recharge.

ii.       Between 10-15% of the cost incurred in providing hanging baskets was in the provision of the basket and the plants; the remainder of the cost was the servicing, though the cost would fluctuate dependent on the weather. Efforts had been made in recent years to conserve water through the type of baskets that had been purchased.

iii.      Stated items 11 and 35 were linked.

iv.      Would investigate why the highway outside of the Post Office on Mill Road had not been improved.

v.       Acknowledged the Executive Councillor’s for Planning Policy and Transport approval to undertake a feasibility study to investigate the potential for introducing screening of the Elizabeth Way Bridge from Abbey Road (E2).

 

The Committee:

 

i.        Resolved unanimously to:

          Note progress, and delays where experienced, in delivering    the identified programme of projects since 2011-12.

 

ii.       Resolved unanimously to:

iii.      Support the allocation of £10,890 in 2017/18 and 2018/19       towards the provision of 66 summer hanging baskets along      Mill Road, subject to 2018/19 budget approval.

 

iv.      Resolved unanimously to:

          Continue with the following schemes as outlined in 5.4 of the Officer report which are as follows:

(11) – Garlic Row / Stanley Road access restrictions (£4,000) –       formal Road Safety Audit needed from County Council, in   order to inform further consideration of viability for funding          through EIP.

(32) - Mill Road footway grants (£5,300) – continue to offer      opportunity to part-fund selective improvements to private          shop frontages where supported by traders.

(35) - Oyster Row / Garlic Row access restriction (£23,500) – formal Road Safety Audit needed from County Council, in   order to inform further consideration of viability for funding      through EIP.

 

v.       Resolved unanimously to:

          Stop the following scheme as outlined in 5.4 of the Officer’s    report which is as follows:

(36) - Riverside parking management (£12,500) – no longer    needed in light    of developing County Council residents’   parking area proposals.

 

iv.      Resolved unanimously to:

          Support the allocation of up to £3,000 funding towards the      cost of a feasibility study to investigate the potential for      introducing screening of the Elizabeth Way Bridge from         Abbey Road (E2).

 

v.       Resolved unanimously to:

          Approve the allocation of remaining EIP funding available in   2017-18 to           projects E3 – E11 for implementation, subject to    them being viable, obtaining consents as necessary, positive consultation and final approval by Capital Programme         Board and Ward Councillors where       required.

 

vi.      Resolved (8 votes to 2) to:

          Not to consider a further application invitation round early in    2018.