To elect a Chairman.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Gurpreet Bhangra be elected Chairman.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Da Costa.

To receive any Declarations of Interest.

None.

To consider and discuss the work programme.

It was agreed that Ben Smith, Head of Commissioning, Communities, would convene a meeting with Ward Members regarding the potential for installing crossings along Oldfield Road and Stafferton Link Road where it was deemed hazardous for pedestrians to cross during peak times. An update on progress would be brought back to Panel for Members to review.

v  Action – Ben Smith, Head of Commissioning – Communities, to meet with Ward Members and devise a plan for safer crossings to be installed at Oldfield Road and Stafferton Link, and provide an update on progress at a future Infrastructure Overview & Scrutiny meeting.

To consider the above Call-in.

Adam Bermange, a resident of Boyn Hill stated he had spoken to residents that had raised concerns about the junction as it was a big route up to Boyn Hill. The alternative route would be to drive past Stafferton Way roundabout and back past the station. He added he was worried about bus users as the number 5 went up to Boyn Hill and to Cox Green as concerns had been raised by the bus company, as stated in the last Maidenhead Town Forum minutes, about the route due to the changes to the junction. Adam Bermange confirmed he had sent substantive points regarding his objections to the Panel Members prior to the meeting.

Councillor Del Campo stated he had received and read Mr Bermange’s email and a particular point raised was a procedural one. Maidenhead Town Forum mentioned that Courtney Buses had indicated changes would increase time and costs to their route. She had received a letter dated 28 June 2019 outlining Courtney Buses concerns. And she also read out the formal objection from Courtney Buses. Councillor Del Campo said Courtney had implemented an emergency route diversion so some routes did not service the train station. The new routes for those buses were contrary to the Local Transport Plan and the Town Centre Plan. Ben Smith, Head of Commissioning – Communities, stated the Council had not yet made a Traffic Regulation Order. He was aware of the objection and if it could not be resolved, then a public enquiry would be raised. The Borough had been working with Courtney to try and resolve the objection and the intention was to integrate the buses with the train station far better than it currently was. The Head of Commissioning – Communities stated where the bus stop was currently situated was less convenient for passengers to use the train so it was a benefit to have buses stopping in the train station and a new bus stop would be installed at Broadway which would make up the three minutes they lost travelling around the Stafferton Way roundabout. He added that buses currently went down Frascati Way and around the roundabout in the same way they did with the new layout near the station at Queen Street.

Councillor Johnson stated it was a project in inception for a while and it was now at the end of the process. The change was to increase pedestrian safety and if Cabinet wanted to keep the layout to the road as it was, then no Traffic Regulation Order would be raised. He stated public enquiries were costly to hold and any enquiry would mean a continuation of works. The Council wanted to seek a resolution with Courtney Buses.

Councillor Johnson said many people had concerns regarding the removal of the right turn at Queen Street, but he had received positive feedback as safety for pedestrians and cyclists was being prioritised. He added there needed to be a more holistic approach to the traffic system and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.