Agenda item

The following comments were made in relation to items on the Action Sheet.

·  It was noted that the 20mph speed limit in the vicinity of St Oswalds RC Primary School and St Peters CE Primary School in Accrington was now in place and would be monitored for a period of 3 months before its effectiveness was evaluated. Concern was expressed that the issue at the schools was related to the volume of traffic rather than speed and it was suggested that if the evaluation did not indicate an improvement then the Area Committee may consider funding some physical traffic calming measures.

·  The repair of potholes was discussed and it was suggested that Officers investigate the condition of the carriageway along the Cranbrook Avenue in Oswaldtwistle together with potholes in Paddock Lane/New Lane where it was suggested that poor quality materials/workmanship had resulted in additional repairs being required.

·  It was noted that in future the Forum would receive information regarding pothole repairs in such a way as to show both those identified by Highway Safety Inspections and by the public via PEMS which was hoped would provide a more realistic picture.

·  Concern was expressed in relation to the condition of the carriageway on Burnley Road where initial resurfacing work had been undertaken but subsequent poor weather had meant it had not been completed. It was reported that the temporary surface was now deteriorating and members of the Forum asked for the carriageway to be resurfaced and the white lining reintroduced as soon as possible.

County Councillor P Britcliffe and M Haworth left the meeting at this point due to another commitment.

·  It was noted that officers had been unable to identify the blocked drain in the Church Kirk area and Councillor Smith undertook to investigate the matter and advise the Superintendent.

·  It was noted that a proposed one way system at Fern Gore would need to be considered as a possible future scheme.

·  Several members of the Forum expressed their concern regarding the location of a pedestrian crossing on Milnshaw Lane in Accrington which was felt was causing traffic to back up on the roundabout towards King Street.

·  A request was made for the Martholme Viaduct to be reopended as a public footpath and it was suggested that this should be considered as an item for discussion at the next meeting.

·  Reference was made to the discussion at the last meeting in relation to the Walton Arms junction and concern was expressed that the statement in the Action Sheet regarding the lack of Police support for traffic signals contradicted information which the Parish Council had received from a Police Officer. It was noted that the Parish Council had also raised concerns with the Borough Council regarding traffic on the A678 and the need to upgrade the junction with the business park access road.

·  There was also disappointment in connection with the lack of progress by the County Councils Legal Services with regard to encroachment onto County Council land at Whinney Hill by local residents.

Agreed:

1.  That the above comments in relation to the updates set out in the Action Sheet are noted and where appropriate further responses are provided to members of the Forum.

2.  That with regard to the Walton Arms junction the Locality Officer is requested to arrange a meeting between Councillor R Pinder, an Officer from the Environment Directorate Highways Section and representatives from the local Police in order to discuss the current traffic conditions and potential improvements, including the introduction of traffic signals.

3.  That in view of the lack of progress to date the County Councils Legal Services is requested to provide the Forum with a timescale regarding action to be taken to resolve the current encroachment onto County Council land at Whinney Hill by local residents.