Present: Cllrs. Mrs Monaghan (Chairman), Berger, Mrs Colvin, Doyle, Miss Gadd, Phipson and Miss Whatmore.

No members of the public were present.

1.             To receive apologies for absence
None.

2.             To approve Minutes 1.05.08
Resolved to approve Minutes 1.05.08 as a true record.

3.             To determine matters arising from the previous Minutes for updating and noting
Request for pavement outside the recreation ground – comment received that the recreation ground cannot be used as a safe short-cut to access the pavement in South View Road by parents with pushchairs, due to the steps. It has been suggested that parents concerned about the issue of a pavement should contact ESCC.

4.             Public Forum
None.

5.             Lighting
To consider street lighting at new affordable homes development off Courthope Avenue
Contractors anticipate installing three street lights at the new affordable homes development. The Parish Council is being consulted as it will be expected to adopt the new lights. It was considered that straight columns should be installed, painted green and numbered, with low energy white bulbs and part night cells. Lanterns similar to the one on column 20 at Courthope Avenue should be installed to provide a direct light beneath the column.

To authorise lighting repairs
ESCC has confirmed that road improvement works at the junction of Washwell Lane/High Street will not affect street light no. 16 outside The White Hart. Resolved to replace column 16 with a conservation style column; expenditure of up to £2500 + VAT authorised under PCA 1957 s3.

Other lighting issues
Recent lighting inspection undertaken. It was noted that the lights in Little Park are very bright; these are owned by ESCC (see Minutes 7.02.08 item 4).
A spotlight at The Greyhound appears to have been repositioned and is causing a hazard for motorists. Situation to be monitored and owners approached if this is considered necessary.
Complaint that the street light opposite The Greyhound is not switching off until 1.20am; complaints have also been received that other lights in the parish are not switching off until after 1am. It was thought that the switch-off time may vary during the summer months. ESCC to be consulted.

Replacement of column 51 is almost complete at the junction of Station Road/Three Oaks Lane. Cllr. Mrs Monaghan advised that she no longer wished to purchase the old column.
Comment that the conservation lights in the High Street need to be cleaned. [Post meeting, ESCC confirmed that all lights are cleaned during a general assessment every two years].

6.             Highway matters
To note removal of railings/bollards outside One Stop
Railings and bollards outside One Stop have been removed by ESCC following damage caused by vehicles. It was noted that when railings were in position, many pedestrians walked in front of them and crossed Washwell Lane too close to the junction with the High Street.
Improvements to the junction are scheduled under a Section 106 Agreement associated with the new affordable homes development.

To note response to traffic calming request on Osmers Hill
ESCC advises that there have not been any injury crashes recorded at Osmers Hill. Following a site visit, a missing speed limit sign at the junction with Woods Green will be replaced and one repeater sign installed.

To note reply from ESCC concerning the issue of large vehicles exiting onto B2100, Cousley Wood Road
ESCC is working on a new Freight Strategy to identify routes suitable for HGVs and is working closely with Ordnance Survey who supply mapping information for satellite navigation systems.

To note change of criteria for assessment of new pedestrian crossings
Following a change of criteria, the High Street in Wadhurst has been prioritised as second in the county for a new pedestrian crossing. Some members considered that a crossing was not required as it would result in a reduction in on-street parking which would allow the traffic to travel faster in the centre of the village as parked cars act as a form of traffic claming. It was considered that pupils at Uplands and other pedestrians would not walk to the designated crossing in order to cross the road. It was suggested that pedestrian crossings are required on B2099 by The Marlpit and B2100 near Manor Cottage to support children walking to school. ESCC to be consulted.

7.             To review North Wealden & Lewes Local Accessibility Assessment
Report reviewed and noted.

8.             To consider budget requirements for 2009/10
Budget for street lighting maintenance/energy to be increased following notification from ESCC of an anticipated rise in costs. A budget of £19500 for 2009/10 to be presented at Finance Committee meeting.

9.             Urgent issues at the discretion of the Chairman for noting or inclusion on future agenda
Some overgrown foliage obscuring highway signs in the Lower High Street has been removed following a direct approach to the land owners.
The location and timing of SID sessions questioned – to be considered at the next meeting

The meeting closed at 20:45