Notes From Meeting Re State Of The Roads

Notes of a meeting about the condition of the roads in Seaton Ross, Melbourne, Everingham, Bielby and Allerthorpe held on Wednesday 20 February 2013, 9-10.15am in Seaton Ross village hall.

Nigel Leighton opened the meeting and explained the problems caused by the winter weather and that the Highways teams hope to get on top of the winter damage in 8 to 12 weeks. There are still austerities but the Government is giving £2.5 million extra over 2 years and hopefully roads will get some extra funding from any Authority underspend.

Proposed works Carl Skelton announced that funding will be available for the rest of Ash Lane to a similar standard as the existing at a cost of £650,000 (Phase 3). Work should start in September and last 6 to 8 weeks. In the next financial year they will lever in funding for the road from the Mill to Rythamgate (Phase 4). If there is any underspend on Phase 3 then they would try and use it to start on Phase 4. Teams of engineers are still inspecting regularly in the area. Pothole repairs are being done. They are also looking at the road from Rythamgate to Scamland and are concerned about the road from Rythamgate to Everingham.

Survey The Strategic Transport Team has a 5 year plan with an overview of traffic flows, accidents, the significance of rural businesses and how to access them, etc. Their policies have to be fair to all villages. They also have to manage the expectations of residents. They are currently looking at vehicle movements in our area. At present the movements seem to be spread fairly evenly through the villages. Nigel will let us know when the survey is completed and is happy to have another meeting with us to share the results. Action: Meeting to be arranged

Impact of Kemps composting business John Scott Whiteley, on behalf of Everingham Action Group, reported that they feel Everingham has reached lorry capacity and queried whether Kemps is a suitable place for composting. Nigel replied that a reprocurement exercise for all waste removal is ongoing with new contracts starting in April 2014 and lasting 10 years. Tenders have to be returned by July 2013. This may or may not have an impact on Kemps facility. The Council is encouraging some smaller haulage firms to tender, to help local employment. This may also have an impact on road journeys. It is important to support local businesses.

Safer journeys There was a discussion about speeding and what sort of calming measures and improvements might be possible. 20mph speed limits are not currently enforceable in law. A 40mph limit on the straight going into Everingham was suggested, also passing places on the road from Thorpe-le-Street to Everingham if lorries continue to travel that way. Chris Taylor reported that Melbourne is installing two flashing signs at £6000 and is happy to provide information to other villages. It may be possible to put up “Unsuitable for HGVs” signs to try and discourage lorries. Local communities can talk with transport managers about safe journeys