Agenda item

The following points were raised by members of the Forum in relation to the updates set out in the Action Sheet.

·  It was noted that works on Durham Drive were virtually complete with only some road markings still outstanding and local residents were happy with how the scheme had progressed.

·  With regard to the 20mph speed limit in the vicinity of St Oswald's RC Primary School and St Peters CE Primary School in Accrington it was noted that the new limit would be monitored for a period of 3 to 4 months before its effectiveness was evaluated. It was suggested that the Forum receive a further update in relation to the findings of the monitoring and traffic conditions in the area at the next meeting.

·  In response to a query regarding the status of Three Brooks Way in Oswaldtwistle Mr Wardale undertook to look into whether the highway had been adopted by the County Council and report back.

·  It was reported that a previous repair to a pothole in Cranbook Avenue in Oswaldtwistle had deteriorated to such an extent that the pothole was now in the same condition as before the repair. In response it was suggested that the repair may have been a temporary one until such time as a more permanent repair could be done, though it was acknowledged that a significant failure of even a temporary repair was unsatisfactory.

·  With regard to the potential reopening of the Martholme Viaduct it was noted that the landowner was still reluctant to permit walkers to gain access to the Viaduct and there was some concern about the possible future cost to the County Council of maintaining the Viaduct if a public footpath were established .It was suggested that the route over the Viaduct may have been in use for a number of years prior to its closure at the time of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak and Mr Wardale stated that he would ask colleagues from the Public Rights of Way Section to clarify whether a public right of way existed over the Viaduct and would report back via the Action Sheet.

·  The successful removal of private gardens which had encroached onto County Council land at Whinney Hill was welcomed and it was noted that the Parish Council was in the process of establishing what, if any, contracts existed in relation to use of existing allotments/garages on the land before proceeding with taking on responsibility for the future management of the site.

·  Recent repairs to footways in the Milnshaw area were welcomed, through it was noted that a response was awaited in relation to some areas where it had been suggested that the reinstatement of the footway may be the responsibility of private contractors following works associated with utilities.

·  The issue of unauthorised absence from schools was discussed and it was acknowledged that whilst the Government considered this was an issue for individual schools to determine there was a lack of clarity as to what constituted a 'special circumstance' where such an absence could be permitted. It was also felt that the lack of clarity could put some schools in a difficult position as permitting absences could lead to scrutiny by Ofsted.

Agreed: That the updates set out in the Action Sheet are noted and where appropriate further responses provided to the Forum in relation to the comments made at the meeting as set out above.