Agenda item

To invite questions from the public present at the meeting on subjects other than those on the agenda.  The Committee would encourage members of the public with more complex issues to submit their question before the meeting to allow a substantive answer to be given.

9.1     The Chairman introduced the item and advised that the open forum was an opportunity for comments and questions to be raised on items not already on the agenda, and over which the County Council has jurisdiction.

9.2     The following issues were raised and the Chairman explained that, in view of their number and length, he would be giving an outline of the questions asked and then get Officers or Members responses and comments due to time constraints, and that the full question text would be published as appended to the Minutes.

·       Mr Bob Marson attended to ask the committee a question regarding the effectiveness of the West Sussex County Council Inter-Authority Air Quality Plan. The Committee agreed that this would be a question for the cabinet Member and would follow this up for Mr Marson for a response.

·       Mrs B Teasdale attended to present the committee with a petition regarding the installation of a crossing at St Paul’s Road. The Petition contained 492 signatures and had only been placed in the local chemist. The local member stated that she was grateful to Mrs Teasdale that she had brought the petition in and will continue to support the issue through a Community Highways Scheme Application.

·       Mrs Mary Iden attended to ask the committee/highways a question regarding the cutting of verges and the regularity of the bus out to the Weald and Downland Museum.  Chris Dye agreed to get full written responses to her at a later time.

·       Mr P Maber attended to ask the committee about the commitment to the cycle link particularly from West Gate to the Chichester Town centre as this is currently unsuitable and a safety issue and will only increase with the Whitehouse Farm Development. The local member confirmed that she has been in West of Chichester Infrastructure Steering Group meetings and this route, starting from Fishbourne is being discussed.

·       Mr Roy Briscoe attended to ask a question regarding some Traffic Lights in Westbourne which have being causing some issues and concerns with local businesses and residents. Chris Dye confirmed that the local works management company are trying to minimise the disruption and the works, but Chris will follow this up to see why there were no notifications out.

·       Mrs Sarah Sharp attended to ask a question regarding the repairing of pavements in Chichester City Centre. Chris confirmed that Highways are doing all they can for the repairs with monthly assessments taking place. The local member invited members of other authorities to meet with him to work collaboratively to find a solution to a longer-term resolution.

·       Mrs Ann Stewart attended to ask the committee about West Sussex County Council’s commitment to climate change. The committee assured her that they are fully committed to mitigating climate change and fully accept that something needs to be done to make the differences needed.

·       Mr Jason Kirk attended the meeting to ask the committee what can be done about the parking situation in Lake Road. The local member confirmed that as part of the review of the Parking Management Plan, Officers would look at extending the double yellow lines into Lake Road, although this would require the permission of the land owner as this is a private road.

·       Mr Tupper attended to alert the committee to the availability of the Passenger Benefit Fund. The Chairman confirmed that the committee would follow this up with the Cabinet Member urgently.

·       A representative from King George Gardens Residence Association to ask about the time scales of a recent successful TRO. Chris Dye assured them that the TRO is in the system, it is currently with legal and their deadline is March 2020.