Agenda item

Questions on matters relating to the work of the Sub Committee

Minutes:

A Member raised the issue of anti-social behaviour on the public ramp at the back of the City of London School, which was a considerable cause for concern, posing security, safety and reputational risks for the school and City, and asked what could be done to address it.

 

The Director of the Built Environment responded that the issue had been raised by the school to the City Surveyor and Transportation and Public Realm teams. As there were fire exits and access points in the vicinity, the City of London Corporation would need to engage with BT and the Mermaid Theatre before taking action. Officers would meet with the relevant parties to see what appetite there was to take action without causing any adverse impact. There had been other problems in the area including break-ins. A joint response would be required, and officers would look into the matter and report back to Members.

 

A Member raised a question about the City’s new Lighting Strategy. Certain types of light were known to disrupt circadian rhythms, and it was asked whether the appropriate research and amelioration could be undertaken to ensure there was no adverse impact on public health.

 

The Director of the Built Environment responded that officers were aware of issues relating to ‘blue light’. There was a lot of ongoing research on the subject and officers would take this into account during implementation.

 

A Member raised the issue of cameras on and under the City’s bridges, which had been intended for use to prevent suicides. It had been suggested that the cameras be installed whilst work was undertaken on the Illuminated River installation. However, the project had been incorporated into the City of London Police’s ‘Ring of Steel’ project, and the Member asked what progress had been made.

 

The Director of the Built Environment responded that he would look into this. The cameras would need to be incorporated into the City of London Police CCTV network, as there would be no location to receive the images apart from the City of London Police control room.

 

A Member reported that Westminster City Council had recently installed a 3D zebra crossing in a bid to slow traffic, and suggested that officers look into the possibility of using a 3D zebra crossing at the junction of Ludgate Circus.