Issue - items at meetings - Petitions

Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached).

85(i)       Petition – Parking Zones M. N and O

85.1               Councillor Watkins presented a petition signed by 120 people requesting that controlled parking zones M, N and O be merged.

85.2               The Cabinet Member stated that as there was also a deputation relating to the same matter, he would deal with them together late on the agenda.

85.3               RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

85(ii)      Petition – Traffic in Ditchling Rise

85.4               Councillor West presented a petition signed by 170 people requesting a meeting with traffic engineers to discuss measures to reduce the amount of traffic in Ditchling Rise.

85.5               Local resident, Mr Steve Foster, explained the problems of rat-running in Ditchling Rise and use of the road by heavy vehicles.

85.6               The Cabinet Member advised that arrangement had already been made for officers to meet with local residents and councillors to discuss the issues and that officers would report back on possible measures.

85.7               RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

85(iii)     Petition – Use of bus travel cards for the disabled

85.8               Councillor Phillips had submitted a petition signed by 45 people with disabilities requesting the right to use their travel cards in order to get to work.

85.9               Councillor Phillips was unable to attend the meeting.

85.10          RESOLVED – That the petition be noted and a written response be provided.

85(iv)     Petition – communal bins in Brunswick Town

85.11          Councillor Elgood had submitted a petition signed by 35 people requesting that pedal assisted communal bins be returned to Brunswick Town.

85.12          Councillor Watkins presented the petition on behalf of Councillor Elgood, who was unable to attend the meeting due to Council business.

85.13          The Cabinet Member explained that one of the main problems with the communal bins with the foot pedals was that the pedals would frequently break and residents ended up having to lift a larger and heavier lid instead. He stated that the council advised residents to take smaller amounts of rubbish to the communal bins and that where residents could not use the bins the council was able to offer assistance.

85.14          RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

85(v)      Petition – gating order, Farman Street

85.15          Councillor Elgood presented a petition signed by 70 people requesting that the Council agree to fit a gate to the Western Road end of the Farman Street alley to prevent improper use at night.

85.16          Councillor Watkins presented the petition on behalf of Councillor Elgood, who was unable to attend the meeting due to Council business.

85.17          The Cabinet Member reported that officers had met with local councillors and residents to listen to the concerns and discuss possible ways forward; the setting up of a local working group had been agreed. The council had an agreed Gating Order protocol to follow and officers were working with the local community to gather information in support of a potential Gating Order and identifying the specifications of a feasible scheme. He advised that officers hoped that the information gathered, along with the residents’ incident reports, would enable a draft scheme to be produced for consultation and which could form the basis of a Gating Order.

85.18          RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.