Agenda item
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC OR COUNCILLORS - TO RECEIVE STATEMENTS, PETITIONS OR QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OF THIS MEETING
At the time of publication no notifications had been received.
Minutes:
The following members of the public made a statement to the Panel. Panel members asked some questions.
Mike Earle made a statement regarding the data from the trial and access to information on this issue.
Councillor Heijltjes asked if Mr Earle lived in Southlands, Mr Earle stated that he did not and that his concern was with the democratic process.
Councillor Player asked if Mr Earle had been refused data when he had requested it. Mr Earle stated that yes on several occasions, he was advised to submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
Angie Paddock(statement attached to these minutes)
Councillor Player asked why Ms Paddock thought the 3 weeks of the data collection period was particularly quiet. Ms Paddock explained that during those 3 weeks there was only 1 event at the RUH (Royal United Hospital) when there were usually 3 or 4 per week.
Councillor Heijltjes asked if Ms Paddock felt supported by the ward Councillors. Ms Paddock stated that the ward Councillor is listening.
Councillor Player asked why Ms Paddock thought groups of cyclists appeared when the cameras were installed. Ms Paddock stated that she believed the cycling group had been contacted.
Councillor Player asked if the aim of the scheme of a safer, healthier environment had been achieved. Ms Paddock stated that it worked for one side of Southlands but was a two-tier situation.
Meg Collin(statement attached to these minutes)
Councillor Heijltjes asked if Ms Collin believes the outcome of the survey would be different if parking issues are resolved. Ms Collin stated that she does not know but would like to say yes.
Councillor Wait asked if she believed 21 cyclists per day is reasonable, Ms Collin stated that she had not counted but his seems reasonable.
Councillor Gourley asked about the public transport in Weston. Ms Collin stated that it was a better service then anywhere else she had lived but could still be improved.
Peter Heywood - Chair – Future Weston (statement attached to these minutes)
Councillor Heijltjes asked how Future Weston would suggest the streets could be made safer. Mr Heywood stated that this was not a problem in the first place. Restricted parking may be looked at.
John Chapman made a statement mentioning that, in his view, the scheme had created an ‘unliveable neighbourhood’. He explained that there are now reversing vehicles and it is the wrong scheme in the wrong place. It has caused division.
In response to a question from Councillor Player, Mr Chapman stated that the planters should be removed and the money spent on the High Street.
In response to a question from Councillor Wait, Mr Chapman confirmed he was not a resident.
Councillor Wait confirmed that members of the public are able to register to make a statement at Panel meeting. Nobody was stopped from making a public statement.
Councillor Malcolm Treby made a statement and urged the Panel to uphold the call in and recommend removal.
Councillor Heijltjes asked how Councillor Treby had supported his residents. Councillor Treby explained that he held a monthly surgery, public meetings and email correspondence.
Councillor Halsall asked if any of the 71% could be non-residents. Councillor Treby explained that the second report did ask if people were residents, and this showed 57% against the scheme.
The Chair thanked the speakers.