TRANSPORT COMMITTEE

Minutes of the meeting of the Transport Committee held at 7.45pm on Thursday, 18 March 2004 at The Institute. Councillor Chambers, Chair, presided over Councillors Blessett, Helyar, Warrick and the clerk. No members of the public were present.

001    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE    None.

002    OF INTEREST None.

003    DISCUSSION WITH MR PHILIP NORWELL AND MR JIM SIMPSON FROM STAGECOACH ABOUT PROPOSED CHANGES IN LOCAL BUS TIMETABLE

    Chambers welcomed the representatives from stagecoach. The proposed changes were discussed in detail. Members expressed regret at the proposed reduction in the morning peak time service due to the possible effect on some customers. They were however pleased to note that there was still going to be a service in the evening peak time which would suit most users. Cllr Chambers, on behalf of the Members, thanked both for attending the meeting.

004     MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2003, having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chair.

    
005    RESPONSE TO LETTER FROM PETERBOROUGH CITY COUNCIL SUGGESTING A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION FOR A POSSIBLE NEW EVENING BUS SERVICE

    letter was considered carefully by the members but as no budget had been set, it was proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed to recommend to the Council to decline.

004    CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING LOCAL BUS SERVICES
    
It was agreed to continue to investigate funding opportunities and report back at a later meeting.
Members considered that liaising with Market Deeping Town Council was essential with regard to transport issues and it was proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed to recommend to the Council that joint liaison meetings should restart.

005    BUS SHELTERS AND MAINTENANCE

The Clerk reported another inspection and clean of the shelters had taken place. Some vandalism had taken place in the form of graffiti and egg throwing. It was agreed that specialist cleaning could be undertaken. The Clerk is to contact the manufacturers to require about suitable cleaning chemicals.
Cllr Warrick was authorised to continue with minor repairs to timetable covers and signs.    
    It was agreed to investigate the removal of seats at the shelter on Thackers Way/Crowson Way as it was reported that groups of young people were congregating in the evening and depositing rubbish.
    
006    COMMUNICATION WITH LOCAL BUS COMPANIES

Due to time restrictions, it was agreed to defer this to the next Transport Committee Meeting.




007    REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CALMING ON EASTGATE

Due to time restrictions, it was agreed to defer this to the next Transport Committee Meeting.


008    REQUEST FOR SHRUBBS TO BE PLANTED AT REAR OF BUS SHELTER ON BURCHNALL CLOSE     
    
It was proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed to recommend to the Council that suitable plants be purchased for this purpose and the resident concerned be requested to plant and maintain them on behalf of the Council.


009    UPDATED ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN
    
Due to time restrictions, it was agreed to defer this to the next Transport Committee Meeting.


010    DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday, 20 April 2004 at 7.45pm.

There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 8.30pm.