Agenda item

Big Path watch – though the project has come to an end JK confirmed that the data is still being looked at and that members could see the results by searching on Rambler’s Big Path watch to access the information.  DM made it clear that any report/observations about public rights of way in Slough are welcome.

AP informed the group about an overgrown tarmac path adjacent to the Marriot hotel in Chalvey linking to the Chalvey Receation ground along Damson Grove.  JW stated this is a private route not maintained by the council and she would investigate ownership/status to see if it needs to be dedicated.

Huddle – TH mentioned an interesting online discussion currently taking place on Huddle and suggested that it be a regular feature on the LAF agenda.

The new NE contact for LAF’s is Angela Hennell and JW would invite her to come along to a future meeting.  Members discussed the potential value of Huddle and agreed having it as a standing item with the intention of increasing familiarity with the way it works and keeping up to date with issues affecting rights of way nationally like the Deregulation Act changes.

Resolved – to arrange time for a refresher on use of Huddle and registering members who do not have login’s yet.

South Bucks Local Plan - TH asked that the LAF monitors this as it has included sites within the greenbelt where there are right of way issues.  It was notable that the old football site between Wexham Rd and Stoke was not included.  There are huge areas of land that have been announced to be included in the Bucks Local Plan.  DM noted the loss of greenbelt is becoming a concern with the pressure on housing construction in the SE, though TH felt that South Bucks has not given up any green belt for quite some time and now is being pushed to do so. 

Resolved – to investigate the consultation documents for South Bucks Local Plan and seek to make representations if necessary to protect the local row network adjoining/linking to Slough.

Pavement Parking Scheme - TA raised the fact that problems with the first phase have not been rectified still and the expansion of the scheme not taking into account the worst areas.

JW updated that the scheme would be implemented in Elliman and Central wards will be started at the end of May 2016 as an experimental scheme open to public consultations for a 6 month period.  The scheme is being rolled out to adjacent wards.  TH noted that vehicles have been parking on the grass verge on Uxbridge Rd and planters have been located in an attempt to stop this practice under the PPS.  However, this and Goodman Park scheme are causing displacement parking further along the central verge and at the bus stop.  TA felt that the scheme is not being policed sufficiently.  Members are keen to ensure the scheme continues to be sensible, flexible, fit for purpose and prevent obstruction of the pavement across the borough.  JW agreed to send minutes on this issue to Head of Highways & Transport and Parking Enforcement Manager.

Specific locations where there is a problem with pavement parking are noted as:

-  Cowper Road

-  Uxbridge Road central reservation

Resolved - All agreed that a request is made to have an officer present the roll out scheme to the LAF at a future meeting and all would feed in specific location problems to JW to be forwarded to Parking team. 

Linear Park - Members approved the draft chase up letter to the Chief Executive.