Minutes:
Chloe-Jane Ross, Chairman of the Town Team, attended to provide the Town Team update.
The Town Team had recently held an AGM, where the work of the last two years had been reviewed.
Ms Ross went through a checklist of issues and requirements for the Major Scheme. She raised the issue of decluttering, and stated that this had been delayed so that the matter could be incorporated into the funding for the Major Scheme. She pointed out that extra loading bays had been promised, without loss of parking space, and was seeking assurances that this would still be provided. She was also seeking assurances that the current parking signs would be simplified.
Ms Ross referenced the Major Scheme proposals for bike stands, and asked if it would be possible to provide rain covers and locks. She asked if sensor-activated lights for perception of security for after-dark use could be incorporated. She also asked if a Town Centre bike audit had been considered. It was noted that, as much as possible, the Town Centre Team would like to see step-free access to shops.
Ms Ross referenced bus stops and asked if the proposed move of the bus stop from outside Em & Lou’s to outside M&S was still going ahead. The Group heard that the Town Team would like to have ‘No Smoking’ signs at bus stops to reduce littering.
Ms Ross highlighted the various issues around ‘communication’. She asked what had been the response to the paving choices. She asked if East had adequately defined why each improvement was being made and facilitated feedback from the group(s) affected. The Town Team expressed the view that it would be a good idea for prototypes or models to be displayed with the plans, including a comment wall. Ms Ross queried who would be handling the public relations for the scheme.
Mr Oliver responded that FM Conway would be providing a PR person to advise local businesses and residents. There would be a weekly reporting exercise that would provide all round updates. The Chairman asked if this would be the same person that carried out this function for the Bromley Project, and the response was that this would be investigated, but other options may provide a more appropriate solution. Ms Ross referenced Thornton’s Corner/Kelsey Park, and requested clear plans to be shown (not just ideations) for Thornton’s Corner, including flower beds.
Ms Ross asked if there was a way to encourage cars to take wider turns by Rectory Road, and Mr Oliver responded that this would happen automatically once the junction was widened. Ms Ross asked what would happen to the proposed illumination of the water pump at Kelsey Square. Mr Oliver responded that coloured lighting would be provided at this location. The Group heard that, at the Sainsbury’s forecourt, the principle of the works had been agreed for the installation of new paving, benches, cycle racks and bin enclosures. It was also noted that agreement had been reached to move the telephone kiosk outside the entrance.
Mr Oliver stated that Lidl appeared unwilling to communicate or participate in the scheme. Dialogue had been with the owner’s managing agent not the supermarket itself. The building landlord considered a foyer ‘street piano’ to be out of keeping with their corporate aspirations. It was suggested that Lidl’s be lobbied, and perhaps a meeting could be arranged between Lidl’s and local residents. The Chairman stated that it was good news concerning Sainsbury’s, but bad news as far as Lidl’s was concerned.
Ms Ross asked if the roundabout wall was being removed and the answer to this was no. Many people in the Group wanted the wall removed. Mr Goy expressed the opposite view, and felt that the wall protected the memorial. The Chairman asked the Group to indicate with a show of hands if they would prefer the wall to remain or to be removed. Six people indicated that they would like the wall to remain, and nine indicated that they would like it removed. Stephen Oliver advised that the removal of the wall had not formed part of the scheme since it was decided to leave the shape of this junction as it is. The issue seemed to be the planting height and its appropriateness. The Chairman suggested that new planting on the island be investigated.
Stephen Oliver agreed to answer all of Ms Ross’s questions in writing as he had only received a written copy that evening.
RESOLVED
(1) that new planting at a more visible height on the war memorial island be investigated
(2) that Mr Oliver responds in writing to the questions submitted by Ms Ross on the evening.