To make any decisions required to ensure that works are carried out as effectively and efficiently as possible.
3
Report
3.1
Castlegate Car Park
Archaeological assessment has recently been completed. The report is now being submitted to English Heritage and it is hoped that formal permission can soon be granted for the works to progress. Once approval has been received it is planned to carry out the works over the winter period.
3.2
Marygate
Paving works to upper Marygate have now been completed apart from the section where building operations are being carried out. These works are programmed to finish towards the end of the year. It is proposed to return to the site and complete the paving works early in 2008.
Discussions are continuing regarding finalising the plans for the proposed improvements in Castlegate.
3.3
Entrance to Co-op, Main Street, Tweedmouth
Sometime ago the Post Office carried out a reorganisation which resulted in a number of premises being closed with a new facility being provided at the Co-op, Main Street, Tweedmouth. This has resulted in pedestrians [mainly elderly] having to cross the busy main street to access the premises.
Concerns have been raised regarding pedestrian safety in this area. Some members may recall that improvements to this junction have been included in our Local Transport Plan 5 Year Programme Bid for several years.
County Council as Highway Authority have been looking at ways of improving traffic flows and pedestrian safety and following discussions at Area Committee and meetings on site with residents, they have produced a plan showing a signalised junction with a pedestrian phase [see attached plan].
Local residents have been consulted on the proposals and are against the scheme for a number of reasons i.e. loss of parking, excessive traffic noise, cause more disruption, etc.
The proposals appear to be overly complicated and are likely to cause congestion as a result of the pedestrian phasing.
Some members may recall that the original proposals were to improve the access by providing a mini roundabout along with improvements for pedestrians.
It is recommended that further discussions should be held with the County Council regarding these improvements, and that Town Committee should submit a view on the matter.
3.4
Lady Jerningham Statue
Heritage Lottery Fund has recently awarded a grant of approximately £47,500.00 to carry out extensive repair works to the statue. The works will include improvements to the access and provide floodlighting. The project also includes research into the history of the Jerningham family and the provision of an interpretative panel which will be lead by pupils from Longridge School.
4
Implications
4.1
Comments from the Council’s Section 151 Officer
This report should be read in conjunction with the report “GF Capital Budgetary Control Report to end June 2007” that will be on the Policy Committee agenda for 25th July 2007 to be fully aware of the financial implications.
4.2
Comments from the Council’s Monitoring Officer
No comments.
4.3
Comments from the Head of Paid Service
None arising directly from this report.
4.4
Local Agenda 21
Environmental issues are taken into account when considering all environmental maintenance projects.
4.5
Equality
Equality and diversity issues are taken into account when considering all environmental maintenance projects.
4.6
Crime and Disorder
Crime and disorder issues are taken into account when considering all environmental maintenance projects.
3
Report Author
5.1
Chris Budzynski, Environmental Maintenance Manager (01289) 301810 email cjb@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
