Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood Services which presented further findings in relation to a petition request for a pedestrian refuge at Rotary Way, Pity Me (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Strategic Highways Manager informed the Committee that the issue had been considered at previous meetings of the Highways Committee on 23 March and 19 April 2012 where decisions had been deferred to enable a site visit to be carried out in order for the Committee to familiarise themselves with the layout of the area and to enable further research be undertaken on other possible options available, together with a further traffic survey.

A further risk assessment had been undertaken of the various options discussed by the Committee in April 2012 and were presented in Appendix 3 of the report.

Councillor Martin informed the Committee that he had raised the issue as a private matter as a resident of the Hag House estate and not as a Councillor and provided the following representations to the Committee:

·         many residents crossed the location at the point currently;

·         questioned the proposed cost of the footpath detailed in the report;

·         people would still cross the road at the same location, regardless of whether the unrecognised cut was not in place at the ‘Pets at Home’ store;

·         the actual location of where people would cross was currently hatched and was appropriate for a pedestrian island and would allow motorist to turn right or left from Hag House Estate;

·         since the original petition had been submitted the Draft County Durham Plan contained an actual crossing point at the location in question;

·         a reduction in the speed limit for the area, not referred to in the report would provide for sense of comfort for residents and the general public crossing the road.

In summing up his concerns, Councillor Martin commented that residents felt very strongly about the issue.

The Strategic Highways Manager informed the Committee that he was comfortable with the cost of the £15,000 quoted for the installation of a footpath, with 160mm depth with kerb edging. This would be the preferred option and would be achievable for the costs quoted in the report.

Councillor Foster commented that there could be future possibilities as alluded to by Councillor Martin during his representation and a crossing may be part of a future programme of works. Under the circumstances, Councillor Foster stated that there was no budget for any work to be undertaken and could only support the recommendation contained in the report.  Councillor Naylor seconded the proposal.

Councillor Wilkes expressed concern in relation to an option that appeared to suggest that pedestrians should walk to the nearest roundabout to cross the road which was an option difficult to comprehend given the level of foliage and the amount of moving traffic that used the roundabout.  Councillor Wilkes suggested that a facility be provided in accordance with the wishes of the residents, by way of the installation of a pedestrian refuge which was seconded by Councillor Thomson.

Upon a vote being taken for each proposal it was,

Resolved

That the recommendation contained in the report be agreed.