Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Randall Anderson and Michael Hudson.

Sylvia Moys, Marianne Fredericks and Alderman Hall declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of item 10 due to being Governors of the City of London School.

To elect a Chairman for the ensuing year in accordance with Standing Order 29.

The Sub Committee proceeded to elect a Chairman, and Jeremy Simons, being the only Member expressing a willingness to serve, was declared to be duly elected Chairman of the Sub Committee for the ensuing year, and he took his place.

The Chairman welcomed all those present to the meeting and expressed his thanks to those Members no longer on the Committee.

Further to the appointment of Chairman, one Member made reference to having not received the Agenda for the meeting as their position as an ex-officio Member was officially vacant until the appointing Committee had met, in this case the Police Committee. The Open Spaces & City Gardens Committee also were still to meet to make their appointment to the Sub-Committee. The Members concerned felt they should serve a complete year from their appointment. The Town Clerk agreed to look into the matter and report back to the next meeting of the Sub-Committee. Should Standing Orders not permit ex-officio representation to be without interruption, then Members were minded to seek a change to Standing Orders.

To elect a Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year in accordance with Standing Order 30.

The Sub Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman, and Marianne Fredericks, being the only Member expressing a willingness to serve, was declared to be duly elected Deputy Chairman of the Sub Committee for the ensuing year, and she took her place.

To note the Terms of Reference of the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee.  

N.B: This is subject to the approval of the Planning and Transportation Committee on 14 May 2013.

RESOLVED: - That the Terms and Reference of the Streets and Walkways Sub Committee approved by the Planning and Transportation Committee on 14 May 2013 be received.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 22 April 2013.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 22 April 2013 were approved as a correct record subject to the following amendment to item 4.2. –

“Members also considered that the name of the event should perhaps be changed as it did not reflect the purpose, and that it be a one-off event.”

MATTERS ARISING

Item 3 – Blackfriars Bridge – The Assistant Director informed Members that he would be meeting with Transport for London (TfL) next week regarding the design of the road layout to the north of Blackfriars Bridge and a further update would be provided to the next meeting.

Item 4.2 – Special Events on the Public Highway – Beating the Bounds – The discussion with the event organisers had been positive in particular with regards to the road safety element.  The branding of the event was not a matter for the Sub-Committee. 

In order not to lose sight of issues raised at meetings it was suggested and agreed that an actions list be produced for future meetings which would be updated on a regular basis showing the current status of issues.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of the Built Environment which sought consideration of the detailed design and authority to start work (Cheapside Stage 4A Gresham Street).

During discussion, reference was made to the use of ‘silver grey’ granite which Members noted had been used in the City for some time and had proven to be effective.  Further reference was made to ensuring adequate safety measures were in place at the junction and the need to include signage for the benefit of cyclists crossing into Gresham Street from the shared use area on the west side of St Martin’s le Grand.  It was also noted that by narrowing the entrance to Gresham Street, southbound traffic turning left from Aldersgate Street into Gresham Street would be slowed, which should improve safety.

RESOLVED – That,

a)     the detailed design be approved;

b)     Officers be authorised to implement the detail design, subject to the City Surveyor approving strengthening works to the pipe subway; and

c)     a trail of the raised crossing be undertaken and Officers be required to report back to Members after 12 months of operation.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the removal of car park ramps at Middlesex Street Estate.

RESOLVED – That

a)     Option 3 be approved – Removal of 2 ramps at a total cost of between £300,000 to £425,000 with a 25% tolerance to be funded by 100 Bishopsgate S106; and

b)     The project be authorised to proceed to Gateway 4 (detailed options appraisal) funded by £30,000 from 100 Bishopsgate Section 106 agreement.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of the Built Environment in respect of the Riverside Walk Millennium Bridge.

Members were informed that the Project Sub Committee had considered this report at their recent Meeting and were keen to seek clarification on wider risk issues. 

Members were happy to approve Option C on the basis that if there were issues with the test borehole then the matter should be referred back to the Committee.  It was suggested to involve students at the City of London School in the recording work at the borehole.

RESOLVED – That,

a)     The additional costs of £18, 200 (fees and staff costs) for Option C to enable the necessary ground investigations to take place on Paul’s Walk, to be funded from the approved project budget;

b)     Should there be issues with the boreholes, then the matter should be referred back to the Committee; and

c)     It be noted that the project programme would be extended by nine months.

Questions on matters relating to the work of the Committee were asked as follows –

Pedestrian crossing at St Paul’s (Millennium Bridge) – One Member raised concern regarding this crossing (which was a single very wide pedestrian crossing) and suggested it may be a safer option to include count down timers.  The Assistant Director advised that the crossing itself was safe; however, if it was proven not to be it could be reverted back to being a standard crossing.

Closure of Jewry Street – Concern was expressed regarding the need to improve the diversion signs which had been put in place as a result of the closure of Jewry Street.  The Assistant Director confirmed he would investigate and ensure the signage was revised if necessary.

Ludgate Hill – The Assistant Director advised he would report back to the Committee in respect of the timing of the experiment at Ludgate Hill.

Friday Street – Reference was made to the safety of pedestrians and Members were informed that the assessment of the safety of this area up to Cannon Street was being given priority.

The Chairman was pleased to inform the Committee that the Corporation had been awarded the Cycle Award for its two-way cycling initiative, by the City by the London Cycling Campaign and congratulated Officers on this achievement.