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.
Minutes:
37.1 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. The following issues were raised, and responses made.
37.2 There was 1 questions sent in advance as follows:
Ms Polly Gaskins sent in a question in advance with the following: Would West Sussex County Council agree to investigate working with BID (Business Improvement District, Chichester) and our public transport providers to introduce a trial price reduction scheme to encourage commuter and leisure travel into the Chichester area, with a view to boosting visitor numbers, the local economy and improving the uptake of sustainable transport? Mr Bill Leath, Transport Bureau Manager, responded in advance: We would of course be happy to discuss this with the business community, local councils and bus companies. There are already some products that could be of use with further promotion. The business case would have to stack up for the commercial providers to take any risk to revenue, but they have worked with us on such things in the past. In addition, we have worked and continue to work with key employers such as the University and Western Sussex Hospitals Trust and the bus companies to look at how public transport can be delivered and promoted. The U7/8 service that runs between Bognor and the sites is a very good example.
37.3 There were 3 questions asked at the meeting:
A Petition for the Bognor Road Crossing was handed to the committee and received by Jenna Barnard, Democratic Services Officer.
The
following comments were made:
- The Chairman asked if there was scope to widen the pavement at
the required locations for a crossing to be possible. Chris Dye,
Area Highways Manager, agreed to look at the various options and
report back to the Committee.
- Cllr Jamie Fitzjohn stated that he wholly supports the scheme for a crossing at the location and will do everything he can to investigate the different options including the widening of pavements and speaking to land owners.
Ms
Lade Barker, Parish Councillor for Westbourne
attended to express concerns on behalf of her residents surrounding
the recent changes at Havant Amenity Tip (Hampshire residents only
and charges) mean residents of the Bourne area now have to drive
all the way to Westhampnett, which for some of the older residents
is a concern. The Chairman responded: Sadly this is
Hampshire’s decision, but that there are currently talks in
process with Hampshire & Surrey to work with West Sussex to
reciprocate the services for those living on the borders, but would
all come down to charges.
Roger England asked a question regarding the Oving Crossroads consultation, he asked Matt Davey, Director of Highways, Transport and Planning if West Sussex County Council will be passing responses to Highways England as part of their consultation. Matt Davey responded that the Highways and Legal teams would need to check with regards to Data protection and GDPR and they will then communicate this out with Highways England’s process and timescales when available.