Agenda item

Questions on matters relating to the work of the committee

Minutes:

Telephone Kiosk – Fleet Street

A Member referenced a telephone kiosk situated on Fleet Street outside the Old Bell public house. He stated that this traditional style telephone box had now been defaced by various advertisements and, given that it was situated in a narrow space he, regrettably, questioned whether this could be removed and, if possible, re-located elsewhere.

 

The Chief Planning Officer and Development Director reported that this had been a BT telephone box but had been sold to an advertisement company and now had no telephone function – Officers were currently seeking legal advice as to whether or not they could pursue prosecution. She added that this Committee had previously taken a view that they were keen to preserve such telephone boxes following a lengthy report on the matter two years ago. She stated that she believed that this particular telephone kiosk was a category ‘K6’ but not a listed ‘K6’ but undertook to clarify this and report back on the matter.

 

Another Member reported that the wider issue of telephone boxes had been discussed at a Homelessness and Rough Sleepers breakfast event earlier this morning. There had been a plea to have those situated along Mansell Street removed given that they were no longer utilised (other than for criminal activity) and obstructed the pavements here.

 

Cannon Street

A Member commented that many retailers at Cannon Street (which was situated within his Ward) had complained about the disruptive and long running utility works in the area. They questioned whether they were able to reclaim or receive a discount on business rates as a result of this. The Comptroller and City Solicitor undertook to liaise with colleagues in the Chamberlain’s Department and report back to the Member and his Ward colleagues on this matter.

 

Signage at Bank Junction

A Member questioned whether Officers felt that the type and arrangement of signage at Bank Junction, particularly at Queen Victoria Street, was sufficient and met national standards.

 

The Transportation and Public Realm Director responded that this junction had been scrutinised more than any other and that he was therefore content that the signage here was sufficient and met legal requirements, something which had previously been independently verified. He added that he would, however, be happy to review the matter further and report back to the Member concerned with further reassurances.

 

RMT Strike Action

A Member questioned whether there ought to be some City information/public communication on this and the routes likely to be affected/available as alternatives.

 

Bow Lane Traffic

A Member referred to this area which was often crowded with drinkers outside establishments. She highlighted that it was often used by minicab drivers and other vehicles to avoid Bank Junction as it had different operating times (which finish at 6pm). The Member highlighted that this was causing issues when vehicles used this road whilst pedestrians were still in the road. She urged Officers to look again at the timings here and urged the need for these to be made consistent. Officers undertook to review the matter, look at scope for consistency, and report back to the Member.

 

Yellow Line on Coopers Row

A Member referred to yellow lines at Coopers Row which were situated outside the new Novotel Hotel and directly opposite a taxi rank. Vehicles parked on the single yellow lines which obstructed the road and stopped free flow when taxis were also parked up in the rank area. She asked that Officers look to ensure that no such obstruction continued. The Transportation and Public Realm Director undertook to look into this matter and report back to the Member.