HANWELL AREA COMMITTEE. PRESENT: Councillors Costello (Chairman), Greenhead, Kapoor, Oxley and Rosa Popham.

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1 HANWELL AREA COMMITTEE ITEM NO 3 Tuesday 12 th February 2008 at 7.00pm PRESENT: Councillors Costello (Chairman), Greenhead, Kapoor, Oxley and Rosa Popham. ABSENT: Councillor Clements-Elliott, from whom apologies were received Item No. Action 2. Urgent Matters: None 3. Minutes of the meeting held on 6 th November 2007 Following amendment to reflect Mr Wallis s comments that there were two issues involved in the replanting of Churchfields Correct spelling of Benham Road and amendment of Greenford Road to Greenford Avenue That the minutes be agreed as a true and correct record: GW 4. Matters arising from the minutes There were no matters arising 5. Public Forum (i) The Future of Hanwell Community Centre Nigel Bakhai, on behalf of the Hanwell Steering Group, asked that given that the existing lease for the Hanwell Community Centre was due to run out in March, what were the Council s proposals for the future of the building, and was the Council planning to extend the current lease arrangement with the board of Hanwell Community Centre 1

2 The chairman confirmed that Hanwell Community Centre was very much a part of the Council s future plans. A conditions survey was due to take place and the Council was planning to use part of the building to house some services. The chair of the management committee added that Councillor Stacey had confirmed that a 25 year lease had been agreed for the centre. That the Committee note the press release setting out proposals to invest 2 million in Hanwell Community Centre and the Leader of the Council s confirmation that the centre would be given a 25 year lease. (ii) The Future of Hanwell Area Committee David Blackwell, on behalf of the Hanwell Steering Group asked as the cabinet & more recently Overview & Scrutiny Committee had now endorsed plans to make this the last area committee and establish new ward forums to take its place, would the Hanwell councilors confirm their willingness to hold joint meetings of Hobbayne and Elthorne ward forums in the future, given that these two wards were so closely linked and decisions made in one ward had a knock on effect on the other. The chairman stated that most members would be happy to have maybe two of the meetings together but there would possibly be occasions when issues affecting Cleveland or Northfields would need to be discussed. Councillor Oxley agreed with the chairman. Councillor Rosa Popham commented that things couldn t be agreed at this stage as there were time constraints. Councillor Kapoor agreed and said more flexibility was needed to be able to work with neighbouring wards. Councillor Greenhead added that there was a need to look at the practicalities dependent on the issues at hand. That members acknowledge residents wishes to hold joint meetings of Elthorne and Hobbayne Wards but could not at this stage confirm any arrangements until firm decisions had been made. The committee reminded residents that there would inevitably be issues in neighbouring wards which require flexible working partnerships (iii) Les Wallis asked what the progress was with the replanting of trees in Churchfields and the results of the soil analysis. He was anxious that the 2000 allocation would be lost if the planting wasn t implemented by March Officers explained that the allocation of 2000 would over cover the replanting of 6 trees and that could go ahead without the results of the soil analysis if the trees to be planted were known to be unaffected by the 2

3 disease thought to be in the soil. Bearing this in mind they would be planted in existing gaps. The chairman of the Scouts Association informed the meeting that that they would be prepared to donate 2000 to the scheme Councillor Costello informed the meeting that there would be a public meeting soon which would be seeking views on the Park Action Plan and urged residents to attend (i) (ii) That the committee agree to allocate 2000 to the replanting of trees that would not be affected by the contaminated soil in Churchfields and thank the Scouts Association for their goodwill for their offer of fundsof 2000 for trees in the memorial section. That the committee would encourage residents to attend the forthcoming public meeting about the Park Action Plan (iv) Hobbayne Primary School Liz Russell a parent governor of Hobbayne Primary School had stated that currently there were no parking restrictions across the back entrance of the school, and no visible warning whatsoever that there is a school entrance there.in the School Travel Plan, reference was also made to consider a zebra crossing on Greenford Avenue. Currently they had a crossing patrol person outside the main gates, but no contingency was made if she was ill or could not work. The school was asking for these alterations to be made in response to the Safer Routes to School agenda, and simply out of a duty of care for the children attending Hobbayne Primary School. Members agreed that there was an urgent need to progress the minor schemes which could be implemented without consultation including the yellow lines at the back and front of the school and the flashing lights. Mike Donnellan reported that TfL funding had been released and that some of the work including the flashing lights would be implemented by the end of March. Other works would require consultation. Keiran Flynn was the officer co-ordinating the scheme. The issue of the school crossing officer was separate and would need to be taken up SM 3

4 That the following traffic calming measures around the school be implemented: As soon as possible Investigation into the provision of a crossing point on Greenford Avenue; Keep clear markings, and zig zags to restrict parking on Greenford Avenue; School signage including flashing lights at the rear school entrance on Dryden Avenue to alert motorists that they are entering a school zone. Renewal of existing yellow lines. 6. (v) Footway Parking in Drayton Bridge Road Jennifer Grainger expressed concerns that cars were taking up increasing amounts of pavement space making it difficult for pedestrians including pupils of Drayton Manor School. Mike Donnellan explained that footway parking was very expensive to implement. Councillor Rosa Popham commented that the cars were parking on the pavement due to the buses and asked whether TfL could be asked to fund this. Mike Donnellan said he could investigate this. Resolved : The committee whilst acknowledging that footway parking schemes are expensive ask officers to investigate implementation and if feasible seek funding from TfL NS Scrutiny 7. Topics for Scrutiny. Nigel Spalding introduced the report which sought suggestions from Area Committees about topics for scrutiny during the municipal year 2008/09. He gave a brief overview of current scrutiny arrangements and outlined topics currently being scrutinised by committees. He emphasised that the council was looking for topics of widespread interest but specific in nature. He asked that residents fill in the forms which were being distributed and confirmed that feedback would be given once the topics were agreed by members The Chairman asked whether any residents had topics they would like to put forward. That the following topics be put forward for consideration by Scrutiny Panels (i) Footway Parking KP/GR Edn Planning & Resource 4

5 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Warden protected Housing Community Centre Leases Traffic Congestion in Hanwell Ealing Homes (noted that Ealing Homes was currently being scrutinized) Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Kim Price introduced the report which set out the progress made in the development of Ealing s BSF plans. A consultation paper attached to the report sought residents views on the proposed programme particularly with regards 8. The expansion of places at some schools early in the programme and the possible new school to meet the growth in the demand for high school places from September 2015; All schools to have school 6 th forms; Proposals to establish a number of additionally-resourced provision for children with special educational needs attached to high schools; More in-borough provision for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties; and Special Schools providing for children with complex needs and providing out-reach support to other schools in the borough. Beryl Pankhurst asked for assurances that any new build would be sympathetic to the environment. Kim Price replied that lessons had been learned throughout the PFI schemes. Ray Wall asked how robust the roll projections were. Kim Price stated that projections were generally quite accurate and the LA was working closely with the GLA using their projections as well as the LA s model 9. To note the contents of the report and urge that biodiversity issues are not overlooked Streetlighting PFI Mike Donnellan introduced the report which summarised the progress that had been made over the past two years. David Blackwell stated that Browning Road needed to be included in the scheme Lauren Wall and Les Wallis expressed concerns about the removal of heritage lamp standards from the cottage hospital. 5

6 That officers investigate what has happened to the two lamp standards removed from Hanwell Cottage Hospital Proposals for the Allocation of S106 Monies 10. Marianne Downie introduced the report which set out details of all available S106 monies received by the Council for the Hanwell area together with recommendations for expenditure. The chairman went through the three proposals. He commented that the funds available wouldn t really cover what was required in Connelly Dell and suggested that Lottery or Heritage funding be sought. Margaret Majumdar said she supported option 1. The chairman atated that Brent Lodge and Elthorne Park were popular and well used. that officers implement the proposals as set out in option 1 Brent Lodge / Elthorne Park i.e. Reline the pond in Brent Lodge Park - 24K. Rationalise shrub beds/flower beds in Elthorne Park - 5.5K Improve the entrances to Elthorne Park - 8K. 11. Local Implementation Plan (Transport) Mike Donnellan introduced the report which outlined plans to submit schemes TfL. Appendix A detailed a summary of the criteria used by TfL to determine funding. He invited residents to submit schemes which would be considered against the relevant criteria. Councillor Oxley suggested that schemes should be linked with regeneration within Hanwell. Beryl Pankhurst stated the need for designated (off road) cycle schemes. Ray Wall added that there was a need for more bicycle parking sites. The chairman suggested that the rest of the High Lane be resurfaced for the benefit of cyclists That the report be noted and suggestions for schemes be sent in to Mike Donnellan and Gordon Williams Hanwell Walkability Project Mike Donnellan introduced the report on progress relating to approved measures to improve walkability in Hanwell town centre and conclusions of an investigation into the impact of better pedestrian facilities and 6

7 alternative traffic management arrangements in the vicinity of the town centre. Consultants Steer Davies Gleave gave a presentation which detailed three schemes 12. (i) that further work is commissioned on option 2 in the report namely the introduction of an all red crossing phase at the Uxbridge Road/St Georges Road/Church Road junction, which allows pedestrians to cross in safety over all arms of the junction whilst traffic is held at red. Officers are requested to investigate resiting the bus stop at the junction and also look at the possible usage of the land at the junction (ii) that members authorise the Director of Built Environment to carry out works to provide a raised crossing area at Uxbridge Road/Station Road and Uxbridge Road/Half Acre Road subject to the satisfactory outcome of public consultation and to progress a raised crossing area at Netheravon Road/Church Road to implementation subject to the satisfactory outcome of consultation Station Access Hanwell 13. Mike Donnellan introduced the report which summarises the results of consultation on station access improvements and recommended implementation of the favoured scheme which would be funded by TfL. Ray Wall asked why the south side entrance could not be opened. Mike Donnellan replied that it was not in the council s remit to open the entrance. TfL felt there were security issues in opening the south entrance That the committee i) note the results of the consultation; ii) authorise the Director, Street Environment to prepare final designs and implement the scheme; ( with single yellow lines in Station Road)and iii) authorise the Director, Street Environment to advertise necessary traffic orders and, in the event of no objections being received, to proceed to implement the changes in waiting and loading restrictions. iv) Requests officers to inform TfL that the majority of residents would like access to the south side entrance reinstated. Hanwell Transport Projects Update Mike Donnellan introduced the report, which set out the progress of current 7

8 Transport schemes in Hanwell The schemes fed into the Hanwell Area Traffic Study. Margaret Majumdar commented that the Boston manor CPZ was proving successful and that residents in Clitheroe Avenue and Cardiff Road now wished to be included in the scheme. The chairman stated that CPZ z were usually reviewed annually and that both the roads concerned came within Northfields Ward so would have to be agreed by Ealing Area Committee Discussion ensued on the kerb buildouts in Greenford Avenue. The cost of removal of the build outs was in the region of 12.5K. The chairman reported on the site visit on 18 th January and commented that a number of observations had been made. The alignment of the kerb forced cars turning left when exiting the side road out further, across the white line than if there was no build out. The buildouts made it harder for vehicles to park, some were parked badly because of the buildouts thus causing more congestion. Cars still parked on the buildouts Councillor Greenhead stated that she was against the removal of the build outs which slowed traffic down and helped pedestrians. It was felt that when the build outs were originally agreed it was the best option. Ray Wall stated that cars should be able to reverse into the spaces and Lauren Wall said that the build outs could be modified to deal with the difficulties cars had parking. After further discussion members agreed to remove the buildouts. (i) (ii) That any proposals to extend Boston Manor CPZ to Cardiff Road and Clitheroe Road would need to be submitted to Ealing Area Committee as both roads were in Northfields Ward That officers implement option 2 in the report namely the removal of kerb build outs on Greenford Avenue Environment and Transport Budget 2007/08 Update. That the remaining 5500 be used to supplement S106 spending in Elthorne Park Date & Time of Next Meeting Members noted that the future structure of meetings had yet to be determined Vote of Thanks 8

9 That a vote of thanks be recorded for the courteous and efficient manner in which Councillor Costello had chaired meetings throughout the municipal year The Meeting concluded at 22.00hrs Councillor Colm Costello, Chairman:.. 9