Decision details

Chair of the Task and Finish (T&F) Group, Councillor Layfield, shared his gratitude to the stakeholders, Councillors and officers involved, outlined the key considerations and some of the key recommendations from the groups findings. Engagement with Parish and Town Councils had been undertaken to identify current projects and how SDC could support them. The T&F group received submissions from approximately 45 projects that were in varying stages of development and consisted of projects such as footpath improvements, improved signage, pedestrian crossings, towpath widening and cycling and wheelchair improvements.

Councillor Sutton suggested that notices should be placed along canal paths advising cyclists to use audible devices for means of warning to which Councillor Mossman echoed support. Councillor Layfield advised better infrastructure for cyclists was needed as towpaths were not suitable for walkers and cyclists. Councillor Brown agreed with Councillor Layfield and advised Committee of his doubts in terms of te improvement signage would make.

Councillor Watson commended the group for putting ‘walking’ first in the T&F group title and not wholly focusing on cycling.

Councillor Brown asked for a comment to be made on the T&F group priority list and the Cam and Dursley greenway in relation to Councillor Tippers comment on multi-use roads. The Head of Planning Strategy and Economic Growth advised that GCC had a prioritisation tool. The group had thought about creating a similar tool for local schemes that considered criteria such as modal shifts, catchment areas, deliverability, links to strategic routes and deliverability.

Proposed by Councillor Watson and seconded by Councillor Layfield.

Councillor Tipper asked whether an annual report was sufficient. The Chair, Councillor Turner advised in addition to the formal annual report she and the Vice-Chair, Councillor Layfield would regularly check with Officers on the budget spending. The Head of Planning Strategy and Economic Development reminded members that it was an objective in the Council Plan and included in performance monitoring.

On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried unanimously.