Minutes:
An A3 colour document was tabled which was the Revised Beckenham High Street Improvements Programme. It was noted that the current completion date was 7th September 2018. ‘Snagging’ would be finished as each stage was completed.
It was noted that the High Street Phase 5 and work around the War Memorial (Phase 8) would both be initiated at the same time on 1st May 2018. At the Memorial it was proposed to work on one corner of the roundabout at a time.
Gillian Morphy pointed out that during Phase 5, it would be important to support both standard pedestrian access as well as disabled access. Mr Warner mentioned that an agreement had to be negotiated with Lidl’s with respect to deliveries. A meeting had been arranged with Lidl’s for the following week.
Ms Berg (asking a question on behalf of Jackie Groundsell) enquired if temporary speed restrictions could be enforced. Mr Warner responded that this would require a traffic order. This was something that he could pursue with the Traffic Section if required. An alternative option would be to set up a prominent ‘SLOW’ sign.
Ms Berg asked another question on behalf of Ms Groundsell and enquired if business rates could be reduced whilst the improvement works were ongoing. It was noted that this was a matter for the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue. It was also noted that the Group was disappointed with the tree lights on Beckenham Green, and the Chairman commented that they were dim, bland and hardly noticeable.
The Group advised that they were not happy with the effect of the brickwork sign around a tree base in the vicinity of the Green, where the wording, ‘Beckenham Green’ had been incorporated into the brickwork. They felt that this work was ineffective and of poor quality and wondered what could be done about it.
Mr Munnelly suggested undertaking an acid wash and then re-assessing. The Chairman moved to resolve that the green brickwork had been a failure. He suggested that perhaps the green bricks could be painted over or that something else be used to obscure or replace the green brickwork. Mr Warner suggested the use of ceramic tiles.
Councillor Phillips suggested that the officers be given time to go away and to consider practical alternatives. Mr Munnelly agreed with this and suggested that the Design Team reflect and consider options.
Susan Ryall pointed out that the temporary tarmac footpaths in the vicinity of Phase 7 were in a poor state, and asked if they were going to be sorted out. Mr Oliver confirmed that improving the footpaths in this area was part of the scheme.
Mr Goy stated that the 227 bus turning left at Thornton’s Corner entered into the cycle box on the opposite side. The Chairman responded that this matter should resolve itself when two-way traffic was resumed. Mr Goy expressed the view that in the areas where granite had been used for parking bays, the area was knobbly and uncomfortable to walk on. Mr Warner explained that this area was not the main footway, and that it was designed to be tactile to support pedestrians who had sight problems. Mr Goy then stated that the cycle racks should be spread more evenly around the High Street. Mr Warner responded that the existing racks were not being used. Mr Goy also commented that the cycle racks had been installed with not enough space in-between each rack.
Mr Goy highlighted that at Beckenham Junction Crossroads, some signs were missing. It was noted that signs would be delivered six weeks after the order date. It was agreed that signs would remain on the agenda for the next meeting.
Ms Pender referred to budget issues with respect to re-surfacing. New ‘Principal Roads Network (PRN)’ funding had been deferred by TfL for two years affecting Beckenham by £250k despite this having already been approved by TfL. It was noted that a separate funding application had been made to TfL under a different scheme to compensate for this.
Ms Pender asked if new bus diversions would be implemented with respect to Phases 6 and 7. It was clarified that this was the case, and that new bus diversions would come into effect from 20th June. Ms Pender informed the Group that a letter of apology had been received from Stephen Hoskings (TfL) as a result of previous poor communications from TfL regarding bus diversions. Mr Warner assured that TfL had already been consulted with respect to the bus diversions for Phases 6 and 7. The Chairman commented that with respect to Phase 6, the main change would be to the route of the 352 bus.
Jonathan Laidlaw informed the Group that the main bus stop opposite Fairfield Road was currently just tarmac. Ms Pender pointed out that as this would be one of the main bus stops in Beckenham, it should be installed with a Countdown Unit. Mr Munnelly remarked that many people were now using mobile bus Apps, which offset the need for Countdown Units. A member of the group said that using phones and smart devices at bus stops etc. made easy targets for widespread moped-enabled thefts. The Chairman noted that a Bus Countdown Unit had existed previously outside of La Rascasse, and he was expecting this to be restored.
The Chairman requested that the matter of Bus Countdown Units be kept as an agenda item for the next meeting.
Ms Niblock asked if there could be a celebration event when the works were completed. The Chairman felt that this was a good idea, and that representatives from TfL and Bromley’s Mayor should be invited. The Chairman requested that a report proposing this should be provided to the next meeting.
RESOLVED that:
1-The green brickwork be noted as a failure, and that the Design Team consider and bring forward an alternative.
2- Street signs would remain on the agenda for the next meeting.
3- The matter of Bus Countdown Units is kept as an agenda item with an update for the next meeting.
4- A report concerning a celebration/launch event at the conclusion of the Scheme should be provided to the next meeting.