Agenda item

Bridleway

Jacqui Wheeler referred to the report in the meeting papers updating the position with the new bridleway.  A site meeting to visit the route took place in April 2008.  Works were subsequently ordered to deal with surface issues, vegetation clearance, vandalism/graffiti and signage.  JW will visit again soon to check the works and assess any further remedial works.  A letter is to be sent chasing the Highways Agency about raising the height of the M4 bridge parapets and thereafter publicising the route to members of the public will be the focus of this project.   Jacqui Wheeler to note.

Cycle Training

Clare Robinson the Sustrans Bike It Officer explained that Bike It is the Sustrans training scheme which aims to encourage schools to improve the cycling awareness and ability of children through playground training, events, and assemblies.  Laurie Tucker asked if the scheme was for both primary and secondary schools.  CR advised that it was and that she was provisionally accredited to deliver off road and on-road cycle training.

Ian Houghton asked if there would be any training provided for adults.  CR answered yes, training was to be provided for council employees in the future.  Several members felt that Police Community Support Officers would benefit from cycle training.  Cllr Dodds suggesting that the police could be asked about this.  Laurie Tucker volunteered to contact the police on this matter. 

Laurie Tucker to note.

Cinder Track

Jacqui Wheeler referred to the report in the meeting papers, the updated list of ongoing works for the Cinder Track.  The main points to note were as follows; a new inspection of the track needed to be arranged soon, an upgrade of the route was being planned this year as part of the walking and cycling strategy (See agenda item 7 – Savio Decruz)and graffiti removal was being progressed.  JW would circulate a date for the visit to members and invite officers from Environmental Services, Housing and Community Safety (including the relevant Community Safety Wardens).  Jacqui Wheeler to note.

Several members expressed their concerns about the state of the Cinder Track with rubbish, dog fouling and fly tipping being cited.  JW indicated the importance of the Cinder Track as a major off-road thorough fare was recognised by the LAF and that is why it is a rolling item on the work programme with regular inspections by members.  Community Wardens were now issuing Penalty Charge Notices to any persons caught allowing their dogs to foul.  The wardens are aiming to target the Cinder Track in the near future dependant on resources. The lack of any substantial budget to improve the route was also acknowledged by the Forum.  Members felt strongly that the budget for maintenance of this route in particular ought to be increased. 

Concerning graffiti removal, JW advised that disclaimer letters would be sent to all properties backing onto the Track between Cumberland Avenue and Sheffield Road with a month for any responses.  The painting over of graffiti would then be due to start at the beginning of September 2008. 

Checking Accessibility – Canal Tow Path

Gerald Pleace told the meeting that at a recent site meeting along the towpath, British Waterways had been referring to the list of problems forwarded to them by the LAF as a result of the previous LAF audit.  It was agreed this was a positive outcome that British Waterways were taking notice of the LAF’s advice.

It was also agreed that the other section of the towpath between Goodman Park and Langley would be walked in the summer and a date would be circulated to all Members.  Jacqui Wheeler to note.

Discovering Lost Ways

Concerning the possible claim of a route in Poyle, Laurie Tucker advised that local residents were still interested in completing an application for a Modification Order to be made to add the path to the Definitive Map and Statement.  A meeting with the Developers whose hoarding is currently blocking the route resulted in them agreeing to move the hoarding but within no fixed timescale.

Gating Orders Update

There is no further update on the Weston Road Gating Order proposal.

Vinay Vyas and Nahid Moghul introduced themselves as newly appointed Community Safety Officers and VV went on to explain that there is a proposal for a gating order on the path between Mildenhall Road and Lerwick Drive, due to anti-social behaviour and a serious stabbing incident recently at this location.  Local residents seem to be in favour and a consultation will be carried out to gauge support as per the Gating Order Regulations.

Cllr Dodds reported an issue in Bunton Meade  and Summerlea, Cippenham, where a short cut used by a local pensioner  through a garage site has recently been gated off preventing access. She asked if the man could be given a key.  Vinay Vyas agreed that he would investigate this issue with Anne Farmer on her return from leave.  Vinay Vyas to note.

Walking and Cycling Interactive Map

Jacqui Wheeler informed the meeting that up to date OS aerial photography is now available for this project.  Most of the data required had now been digitised and work is progressing on putting together the text info.  It is anticipated that the map will be completed by the end of the summer.