Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee considered the report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest. The Chairman welcomed Mr Chris Bowers and his colleague from the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Mr Bowers informed the Members that the project was a joint effort by the London Boroughs of Enfield, Kingston and Waltham Forest who had together been designing and developing the programme. The City of London Corporation and London Borough of Hackney had also been included in the consultation of this scheme. The programme was born out of a desire to provide a gateway to the borough at Whipps Cross roundabout whilst balancing the needs of public and road users.

Members noted that the provision for cyclists to use the roads safely would be included in the programme and Officers confirmed that accessibility for cyclists would form part of the programme. Members noted that the provision for bus stands was accounted for, along with raised kerbs and the need for safe crossing points close to bus stands. Officers confirmed that they were in talks with London Buses to ensure that the programme suited their needs. Officers confirmed that these provisions would be delivered within the £3.5million programme budget.

Officers said that although Forest School was situated outside of the London Borough of Waltham Forest, they would still be included in the consultation programme. The School had also recently hosted a Road Safety Programme run by the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

The Chairman informed Members that he regularly met with Councillors from the London Borough of Waltham Forest which provided a good opportunity to hear about planned projects and proposals.

Resolved: Members agreed to delegate authority to the Superintendent in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman to agree any formal responses to public consultation and to enter into any agreements required to implement the remodelling (subject to the terms being in the best interests of the Forest).