Agenda item

An update was provided by Helen McConnell from FM Conway.

With respect to phases 1, 2 and 3 of the scheme, the chipped kerbs between Beckenham Junction and Bromley Road had now been replaced. These were chipped kerbs that had been damaged by FM Conway machinery. There were other kerbs that were chipped, but FM Conway had decided that not all of the damage was caused by their machinery—some was down to normal wear and tear. The remaining chipped kerbs would be assessed by FM Conway, and where it was judged that any damage had been caused by FM Conway plant, the damage would be made good.

Ms McConnell referenced an email that she had sent out to various stakeholders, informing them that work on snagging around the planters would be commenced on 30^th July. This was estimated to last for three weeks. The email had stated that all of the area would be closed off during this period. However, it was possible that the work could be done in stages so that the whole area may not need to be closed off at once. She was awaiting confirmation of this.

Thames Water was due to arrive in the near future to make the connections with the surface bollards. FM Conway had left a blue pipe fitting exposed in Beckenham Green at the request of Thames Water, as this would help in facilitating the new connections.

Phase 5 was the phase incorporating Burnhill Road as far as the junction with the High Street; this was now open to pedestrians. There were however, some ongoing improvements still being undertaken, including improvements to the paving behind Prezzo. It was anticipated that this work would be completed by the end of the following week.  Some members commented that the bin area for the area by Prezzo was untidy and smelly. The Chairman wondered if  an ‘Untidy Site Notice’ could be issued.

An attendee referred to Kelsey Square and stated that in the original scheme plan, all of the paving around Kelsey Square should have been replaced, but this had not been done.  He stated that the area looked like a frame without a picture, and looked ridiculous. The Chairman responded that he was not aware of this, and that the BTCWG should have been informed along with local residents. The Group felt that there had been no proper consultation about this and that it should be reviewed.

The Chairman asked when the High Street would go two ways as far as Village Way. Ms McConnell responded that this would not be until the end of August at the earliest. Work in the area between Sainsbury’s and Village Way would be undertaken over the next two weeks. Work was commencing on phase 7 which was the roundabout to The Drive, and this would take approximately six weeks to complete. Work on replacing traffic islands would commence after phase 7 was completed. 

A discussion took place about the War Memorial wall. Mr Wood was under the impression that it was part of the original scheme plan that the wall should be replaced. However, it was the general view that this had never been agreed. Ms Pender stated that the wall was unloved, dirty and despised, and she hoped that LBB would clean it in the near future. The Chairman requested that the matter of the War Memorial wall be added as an item to be discussed at the next meeting.

RESOLVED that :

1) The proposed paving to be laid in the vicinity of the Odeon Cinema be reviewed urgently.

2) The paving that had been laid in the vicinity of City Gate Church be checked to see if the paving had not been terminated at the correct boundary.

3) A review take place of the paving in the vicinity of Kelsey Square.

4) The War Memorial wall be added as an agenda item for the next meeting.