Minutes of the Highways Committee Meeting

9 February 2021, 7.00pm

Held via Zoom

Present: Cllr John Last (Chairman)

Cllr Selena Levermore

Cllr Lesley Hill

Cllr Tony Cooper

Cllr Phil Harle

Cllr David Bailey

Cllr Colin Ginger

Cllr Nicky Corbett

Cllr David Morsley

Cllr Lesley Hill

County Cllr Russ Rainger

Mrs Caroline Rinder (Town Clerk)

	Action
1. PUBLIC FORUM Mr Boast asked if the Committee would consider purchasing another speed sign for the town. This will be discussed further at item 8.
2. APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Peter Sparrow, Community Liaison Engineer for Suffolk Highways. He was supporting the night gritting programme.
3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 10 NOVEMBER 2020 It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Bailey and agreed that the minutes were a true record.
4. MATTERS ARISING Seaward Avenue Grass Verges – Mrs Rinder spoke with Flagship and no new signs will be put up as they are subsequently vandalised and removed. Dropped Kerb at Lime Tree Avenue – Cllr Harle advised the resident had decided not to pursue this. Responsibility for Mud on the Road at Saxmundham Road Housing Development – Mrs Rinder contacted the Planning Officer at ESC regarding the responsibility of mud on the road and ESC subsequently spoke to the developers who took action and the situation improved. A further issue was raised recently with mud on the road and Mrs Rinder contacted Persimmon directly and was assured that the road sweeper would attend more frequently to clear the road. Speed Survey Results in Red House Lane – Mrs Rinder responded to the resident with regards to the speed survey results. Haylings Road/Kings Road Drainage Gulleys – Mrs Rinder advised that drain covers had been repaired last November and no current reports of floods/blocked drains had been received. KGA Footpath/Cycle Path – Cllr Levermore clarified that white lining is not required and barriers are being removed from cycle paths. Councillors were pleased that the solar bollard had been installed. Red House Lane Junction – Highways have raised a work order to remove vegetation but there is still the question of ownership/responsibility on the hedgerow and the configuration of the junction. County Cllr Rainger suggested a site meeting with Highways be arranged when restrictions allow.	CR
5. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON ALDEBURGH ROAD UPDATE Mrs Rinder advised we are still waiting for the quote for the pedestrian and road traffic surveys and will again chase this up. Due to Covid19, there is a backlog of work but she will try and get this delivered with a timeline for when the survey could be done. As we are currently in lockdown with schools closed we need to ensure the surveys are done when the schools are open as this is the busiest time.	CR/Highways
6. HIGH STREET BUS STOP UPDATE Mrs Rinder was very pleased to report that work is due to commence on 15 March to have the dip in the road removed.
7. REVIEW OF SAFETY ISSUES AT STATION ROAD CROSSING Following concerns regarding the height of the chevron sign, Highways had checked and confirmed it is situated in the correct position and height for the gradient on Station Road and the constraints at the junction. The Traffic Calming report had been circulated again for review of any further recommendations. County Cllr Rainger suggested ‘slow’ white lining could be refreshed and within the report it is noted the ‘Level Crossing Ahead’ sign should be illuminated and not the ‘Road Humps’ sign and on a proposal from Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Corbett it was agreed Mrs Rinder will ask Highways to action this at their expense to concur with the regulations.	CR/Highways
8. SPEED SIGN REQUEST a) It had been suggested by Mr Boast to purchase a new speed sign for use in the town to complement our existing sign. Mrs Rinder advised a new speed sign would cost around £2,000. It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Harle and agreed to recommend this to Council for approval. b) Cllr Levermore suggested having a speed sign at the recycling centre to encourage motorists to slow down. Cllr Levermore advised Sizewell A would support this proposal and they had offered to fund it. There is a temporary 30mph limit while bookings for recycling centre visits are taking place. County Cllr Rainger felt Highways should be challenged on the temporary speed limit as a temporary TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) may well need similar criteria to a permanent one. After some discussion it was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed for Mrs Rinder to investigate this further with Highways and include the concerns of Sizewell Power Stations and get quotes on the possible costs involved. Cllr Levermore declared an interest in this item.	Council CR
9. YELLOW LINING AT ENTRANCE TO SIZEWELL POWER STATION Further to the concerns raised by Cllr Harle regarding cars parked along the entrance to the Power Station, Mrs Rinder contacted EDF for their views. They confirmed they did not want to progress the idea of yellow lining. No further action required.
10. SEAWARD AVENUE PARKING ISSUES/RAISED ROAD Mrs Rinder had spoken with Flagship regarding the recurring issues of parking in that area and confirmed letters had been sent to all residents. Cllr Levermore suggested perhaps installing a long layby along the north side of the road. Parking bays had been investigated 4 years ago but the costs made that option unfeasible. Cllr Ginger asked if we could have plastic matting installed to avoid cutting up the verges and Mrs Rinder advised we had been told in the past Highways did not support plastic matting. After a lengthy discussion it was proposed by Cllr Ginger, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to arrange a site visit with Highways to look at the options available and to perhaps include UK Power Networks if required. Mrs Rinder will arrange when restrictions allow. Cllr Last raised concerns regarding an unmarked hump in the road towards the Catholic Church. Mrs Rinder will send photos to Mr Sparrow for him to investigate further. It could be added to the Highways Reporting Tool to obtain a reference number for tracking.	CR/Highways CR/Highways
11. CHARLES ADAMS CLOSE PARKING ISSUES County Cllr Rainger explained a resident had contacted several councillors, the Clerk and himself regarding cars parking near the entrance to Charles Adams Close, mainly during school drop off/pick up times. Some residents living in King Georges Avenue use the track at the back to park their vehicles which again causes problems to the residents. Flagship owns the site and have put up signage stating residents parking only. Further to the issues raised by the resident, ESC Parking Services did visit the site and Flagship are assessing the best way forward. Cllr Ginger proposed a site visit should be arranged with Flagship to discuss further, which was seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed. Mrs Rinder will arrange when restrictions allow. Cllr Cooper will investigate school street status.	CR TC
12. FOOTPATH 8 – STOCKS FAIR FENCE LINE Mrs Rinder had received some complaints recently regarding possible encroachment onto the footpath by Stocks Fair, who are putting up new fencing with concrete posts and erecting a metal structure. The Rights of Way team are investigating these concerns and will take the necessary action to resolve these issues. Mrs Rinder will feedback in due course.	Highways RoW
13. UPDATE ON FOOTPATH 16 ALONGSIDE THE PRIMARY SCHOOL Cllr Ginger had raised concerns regarding the state of the gravel footpath running alongside the primary school. Mrs Rinder had reported the problems to Highways and was informed it was not at intervention level. County Cllr Rainger is trying to progress this further with Highways. After a lengthy discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Ginger, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to obtained quotes for scraping/levelling the path from the tarmac section by the corner property (Sylvester Road side) to the school entrance and also a quote for tarmacking it. Mrs Rinder will action.	CR
14. FLOODING ISSUES ON B1119 SAXMUNDHAM ROAD This has been an ongoing problem for many years with flooding by the level crossing. Highways have assessed the work required, which involves a significant work programme and the Strategic Drainage Team are currently working on it as a priority. The scheme involves re-establishing the open drain line to allow water from the level crossing to escape into the former sand pit on the south side of the road and replacement pipework from the north side under the road where it will join the ditch on that verge. The scheme will also involve work by the landowner to assist with clearing the ditches on both sides which will allow the excess water to find its way into the Hundred River. County Cllr Rainger did not have a timeline for the work but is chasing. He confirmed an article will be in the Newsletter to advise residents of the works.	Highways
15. FUTURE PLANNED HIGHWAYS WORKS No further major works planned at present.
16. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Limetree Avenue Parking Issues Cllr Harle raised concerns regarding parking problems in Limetree Avenue and it was suggested a further site visit with Flagship could be arranged. Cllr Harle will confirm the location and Mrs Rinder will arrange when restrictions allow.	PH CR
17. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Date of the next meeting is Tuesday 11 May 2021, 7.00pm.
Meeting closed at 9.25pm

Action

1. PUBLIC FORUM

Mr Boast asked if the Committee would consider purchasing another speed sign for the town. This will be discussed further at item 8.

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Peter Sparrow, Community Liaison Engineer for Suffolk Highways. He was supporting the night gritting programme.

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 10 NOVEMBER 2020

It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Bailey and agreed that the minutes were a true record.

4. MATTERS ARISING

Seaward Avenue Grass Verges – Mrs Rinder spoke with Flagship and no new signs will be put up as they are subsequently vandalised and removed.

Dropped Kerb at Lime Tree Avenue – Cllr Harle advised the resident had decided not to pursue this.

Responsibility for Mud on the Road at Saxmundham Road Housing Development – Mrs Rinder contacted the Planning Officer at ESC regarding the

responsibility of mud on the road and ESC subsequently spoke to the developers who took action and the situation improved. A further issue was raised recently with mud on the road and Mrs Rinder contacted Persimmon directly and was assured that the road sweeper would attend more frequently to clear the road.

Speed Survey Results in Red House Lane – Mrs Rinder responded to the resident with regards to the speed survey results.

Haylings Road/Kings Road Drainage Gulleys – Mrs Rinder advised that drain covers had been repaired last November and no current reports of floods/blocked drains had been received.

KGA Footpath/Cycle Path – Cllr Levermore clarified that white lining is not required and barriers are being removed from cycle paths. Councillors were pleased that the solar bollard had been installed.

Red House Lane Junction – Highways have raised a work order to remove vegetation but there is still the question of ownership/responsibility on the hedgerow and the configuration of the junction. County Cllr Rainger suggested a site meeting with Highways be arranged when restrictions allow.

5. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON ALDEBURGH ROAD UPDATE

Mrs Rinder advised we are still waiting for the quote for the pedestrian and road traffic surveys and will again chase this up. Due to Covid19, there is a backlog of work but she will try and get this delivered with a timeline for when the survey could be done. As we are currently in lockdown with schools closed we need to ensure the surveys are done when the schools are open as this is the busiest time.

CR/Highways

6. HIGH STREET BUS STOP UPDATE

Mrs Rinder was very pleased to report that work is due to commence on 15 March to have the dip in the road removed.

7. REVIEW OF SAFETY ISSUES AT STATION ROAD CROSSING

Following concerns regarding the height of the chevron sign, Highways had checked and confirmed it is situated in the correct position and height for the gradient on Station Road and the constraints at the junction.

The Traffic Calming report had been circulated again for review of any further recommendations. County Cllr Rainger suggested ‘slow’ white lining could be refreshed and within the report it is noted the ‘Level Crossing Ahead’ sign should be illuminated and not the ‘Road Humps’ sign and on a proposal from Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Corbett it was agreed Mrs Rinder will ask Highways to action this at their expense to concur with the regulations.

CR/Highways

8. SPEED SIGN REQUEST

a) It had been suggested by Mr Boast to purchase a new speed sign for use in the town to complement our existing sign. Mrs Rinder advised a new speed sign would cost around £2,000. It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Harle and agreed to recommend this to Council for approval.

b) Cllr Levermore suggested having a speed sign at the recycling centre to encourage motorists to slow down. Cllr Levermore advised Sizewell A would support this proposal and they had offered to fund it. There is a temporary 30mph limit while bookings for recycling centre visits are taking place. County Cllr Rainger felt Highways should be challenged on the temporary speed limit as a temporary TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) may well need similar criteria to a permanent one. After some discussion it was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed for Mrs Rinder to investigate this further with Highways and include the concerns of Sizewell Power Stations and get quotes on the possible costs involved. Cllr Levermore declared an interest in this item.

Council

9. YELLOW LINING AT ENTRANCE TO SIZEWELL POWER STATION

Further to the concerns raised by Cllr Harle regarding cars parked along the entrance to the Power Station, Mrs Rinder contacted EDF for their views. They confirmed they did not want to progress the idea of yellow lining. No further action required.

10. SEAWARD AVENUE PARKING ISSUES/RAISED ROAD

Mrs Rinder had spoken with Flagship regarding the recurring issues of parking in that area and confirmed letters had been sent to all residents. Cllr Levermore suggested perhaps installing a long layby along the north side of the road. Parking bays had been investigated 4 years ago but the costs made that option unfeasible. Cllr Ginger asked if we could have plastic matting installed to avoid cutting up the verges and Mrs Rinder advised we had been told in the past Highways did not support plastic matting. After a lengthy discussion it was proposed by Cllr Ginger, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to arrange a site visit with Highways to look at the options available and to perhaps include UK Power Networks if required. Mrs Rinder will arrange when restrictions allow.

Cllr Last raised concerns regarding an unmarked hump in the road towards the Catholic Church. Mrs Rinder will send photos to Mr Sparrow for him to investigate further. It could be added to the Highways Reporting Tool to obtain a reference number for tracking.

CR/Highways

11. CHARLES ADAMS CLOSE PARKING ISSUES

County Cllr Rainger explained a resident had contacted several councillors, the Clerk and himself regarding cars parking near the entrance to Charles Adams Close, mainly during school drop off/pick up times. Some residents living in King Georges Avenue use the track at the back to park their vehicles which again causes problems to the residents. Flagship owns the site and have put up signage stating residents parking only. Further to the issues raised by the resident, ESC Parking Services did visit the site and Flagship are assessing the best way forward. Cllr Ginger proposed a site visit should be arranged with Flagship to discuss further, which was seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed. Mrs Rinder will arrange when restrictions allow. Cllr Cooper will investigate school street status.

12. FOOTPATH 8 – STOCKS FAIR FENCE LINE

Mrs Rinder had received some complaints recently regarding possible encroachment onto the footpath by Stocks Fair, who are putting up new fencing with concrete posts and erecting a metal structure. The Rights of Way team are investigating these concerns and will take the necessary action to resolve these issues. Mrs Rinder will feedback in due course.

Highways

RoW

13. UPDATE ON FOOTPATH 16 ALONGSIDE THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Cllr Ginger had raised concerns regarding the state of the gravel footpath running alongside the primary school. Mrs Rinder had reported the problems to Highways and was informed it was not at intervention level. County Cllr Rainger is trying to progress this further with Highways. After a lengthy discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Ginger, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to obtained quotes for scraping/levelling the path from the tarmac section by the corner property (Sylvester Road side) to the school entrance and also a quote for tarmacking it. Mrs Rinder will action.

14. FLOODING ISSUES ON B1119 SAXMUNDHAM ROAD

This has been an ongoing problem for many years with flooding by the level crossing. Highways have assessed the work required, which involves a significant work programme and the Strategic Drainage Team are currently working on it as a priority. The scheme involves re-establishing the open drain line to allow water from the level crossing to escape into the former sand pit on the south side of the road and replacement pipework from the north side under the road where it will join the ditch on that verge. The scheme will also involve work by the landowner to assist with clearing the ditches on both sides which will allow the excess water to find its way into the Hundred River. County Cllr Rainger did not have a timeline for the work but is chasing. He confirmed an article will be in the Newsletter to advise residents of the works.

Highways

15. FUTURE PLANNED HIGHWAYS WORKS

No further major works planned at present.

16. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Limetree Avenue Parking Issues

Cllr Harle raised concerns regarding parking problems in Limetree Avenue and it was suggested a further site visit with Flagship could be arranged. Cllr Harle will confirm the location and Mrs Rinder will arrange when restrictions allow.

17. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Date of the next meeting is Tuesday 11 May 2021, 7.00pm.

Meeting closed at 9.25pm