Present

County Councillors

Councillors Biederman, Edmunds, Chugg, Davis, Edgell, Mathews and Yabsley

North Devon District Council

Councillors Cann, Manuel and Spear

. Apologies

Councillor Greenslade (Devon County Council),

*34 Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman

RESOLVED

(a) that Councillor Yabsley be elected Chairman for the ensuing year; and

(b) that Councillor Chugg be elected Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year.

*35 Minutes

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2014 be signed as a correct record.

*36 Bus Barrier Opposite North Devon Crematorium

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Yabsley had requested that the Committee consider a request from the North Devon and Torridge Joint Crematorium Committee for use of a transmitter (used by drivers for bus only access) by the Crematorium Manager in respect of a rising bus bollard to allow access for funeral hearses through the Roundswell Industrial Estate when there were delays at the roundabout at the top of Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple.

The Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager reported that the Traffic Regulation Order specified bus only access and therefore it would need to be amended through the legal process and in any event mourners would be delayed during congested periods or when the road was closed. He also reported the local police view that an exemption to the TRO should not be made in view of the enforcement issues.

The Group Manager would discuss the matter further with the Crematorium Manager in respect of modifying the TRO allowing access for hearses whenever exceptionally the road was closed for any significant period, together with funding arrangements for the legal process and purchase of the transmitter. The way forward would be agreed in consultation with the Chairman and local County Councillor.

*37 Road Signage in the North Devon District

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Edgell had requested that the Committee consider a remedy following recent vandalism and theft of a local finger post sign.

The Group Manager reported that there was a small budget for local teams for maintenance and replacement according to priority criteria.

Members were requested to inform their local Neighbourhood Officers of any finger post direction sign issues and that the District Council would also be asked to inform parish councils (via the District Council weekly newsletter for example) to report any concerns.

It was MOVED by Councillor Cann, SECONDED by Councillor Yabsley and

RESOLVED that a report be presented to the next meeting on the known finger post road sign issues across the district and estimated cost of repair and replacement, to facilitate a strategic review by this Committee.

*38 A361 West Buckland junction on the North Devon Link Road

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Yabsley had requested that the Committee consider a request from East and West Buckland Parish Council for safety improvements at the West Buckland junction on the A361.

The West Buckland junction would be included in the investigation to junction improvements along the A39/A361 corridor as agreed at the last meeting (Minute 27).

It was MOVED by Councillor Yabsley, SECONDED by Councillor Chugg and

RESOLVED that a report be made to the next meeting on the safety and capacity issues, options and proposals relating to this junction.

*39 Grass Cutting in Urban Areas

(Councillors Yabsley and Spear each declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being members of North Devon Homes)

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste (HCW/14/63 - text only | pdf HCW/14/63) on the contractor s performance and current management action being taken by the County Council in conjunction with its partners to address issues.

Members requested further information on the rural and urban grass cutting (rural cutting undertaken by SW Highways) policies of the County Council and local contacts which the Neighbourhood Highways Group Manager undertook to provide. Members also referred to the scope for the use of Town and Parish (TAP) funding for local grass cutting and weed clearance arrangements.

It was MOVED by Councillor Yabsley, SECONDED by Councillor Chugg and

RESOLVED that the County Council s position in respect of the urban grass cutting contract within North Devon be noted and a report on performance in both rural and urban areas during this summer be considered at the next meeting of this Committee.

*40 Atherington Petition requesting a 20 mph speed limit

(Mr T Riley and Cllr White attended the meeting under the Council s Public Participation Scheme and spoke in favour of a 20 mph speed limit)

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste (HCW/14/64 - text only | pdf HCW/14/64) on a petition from Safer Atherington Streets Group requesting a 20mph speed limit in the village. The report also outlined the County Council s speed limit policy and the collision history within the Village. The Head of Service reported the Police view that, following a speed survey, a 20 mph limit was not appropriate and he also reported that a case as an exception to County Council policy would have to be referred to the Council s Cabinet for determination. The local County Councillor also reported on the local concerns and an offer from the Parish Council to contribute towards the costs of a Traffic Regulation Order.

It was MOVED by Councillor Edgell, SECONDED by Councillor Cann and

RESOLVED that all members of the committee be invited to a site meeting (details of which to be agreed in consultation with the Chairman and local County Councillor) before further consideration of this matter.

*41 Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

The Committee noted the report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste (HCW/14/65 - text only | pdf HCW/14/65) on actions taken under Delegated Powers since the last meeting and, where appropriate, in consultation with the Chairman and Local Members.

*42 Dates of Future Meetings

The Committee noted the following dates: 18 November 2014 and 21 April 2015.

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

Minutes of this Committee are published on the County Council s Website at:

The meeting started at 10.00am and finished at 11. 40 a.m.