Agenda item

Decisions of the Chipping Barnet Residents Forum

Chipping Barnet Library, 8 January 2020

Members and Officers Present: - Councillor Lisa Rutter (Chairman), Councillor Felix Byers (Vice-Chairman); Jamie Cooke - Interim Street Scene Director; Dane McKnight - Member Liaison Officer; Naomi Kwasa - Governance Officer

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

The Chairman introduced herself and the Officers present and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1.     Title: To Install CCTV at Mount Parade, EN4

Lead Petitioner: Thurailingam Pavanakumar

Ward: East Barnet

Number of signatures: 44

The petition was introduced by the Lead Petitioner and was discussed with the Panel. The Chairman noted that Officers have suggested a CCTV camera would be appropriate to tackle the problem the residents are facing. It was therefore resolved that;

The Chairman referred the petition to the Chipping Barnet Area Committee to consider installing a CCTV camera at Mount Parade.

2.     Title: Traffic Safety Petition: Hadley, Clifford and Woodford Road.

Lead Petitioner: Dan Hamilton

Ward: High Barnet

Number of signatures: 134

The petition was introduced by Paul Clark who provided additional evidence to the panel highlighting the need for traffic calming measures. The Lead Petitioner Dan Hamilton was also present. The petition was discussed with the Panel, Ward Councillors and other residents. Jamie Cooke discussed the potential costs of different options and it was agreed that perhaps the Area Committee could fund some cheaper traffic calming measures whilst the specified roads went through the LIP funding prioritisation process. It was also agreed that Ward Councillors, residents and Officers would liaise together to ensure the process didn’t stall. It was therefore resolved that;

The Chairman referred the petition to the Chipping Barnet Area Committee to consider a feasibility study on traffic calming measures on Hadley, Clifford and Woodford Roads. 

3.     Title: Barnet Hospital Controlled Parking Zone

Lead Petitioner: Owen Jones

Ward: Underhill

Number of signatures: 70

The Lead Petitioner introduced the petition and thanked Councillors Paul Edwards and Tim Roberts for their work in ensuring the petition had a successful outcome. The issues surrounding the lack of on-site parking for hospital staff and the negative effect this is having on the surrounding roads and the residents who live in them were discussed at length with the panel, Ward Councillors and residents. Residents felt that the Council should do something to get the hospital to build and provide additional parking for their hospital staff. At this point Councillor Alison Cornelius informed residents that the previous Leader of the Council Councillor Richard Cornelius tried to negotiate with the Chief Executive of Barnet Hospital offering some funding for extra parking but the Chief Executive declined the offer. Councillors Edwards and Roberts also commented that they tried to discuss this problem with the Chief Executive of Barnet Hospital but without success. As Barnet Hospital is in close proximity to Underhill Ward and High Barnet Ward, the Chairman suggested that Councillors for both Wards should liaise together on this matter and work with residents. Councillor David Longstaff commented that he has been working hard on this matter and is happy to work together with the Underhill Councillors on this matter.  It was also noted that many residents had not received the consultation on the CPZ which may explain why there was a low response rate in some areas. Jamie Cooke took note of residents’ complaints and said he would look into what has been agreed previously. The Chairman noted that although the original issue in the petition has now been resolved, there was a clear need for action to be taken to prevent double parking in Bells Hill and make the surrounding roads safer and ensure they can be accessed by residents, emergency vehicles and refuse trucks.

It was therefore resolved that;

The Chairman referred the petition to the Area Committee to discuss the ongoing problems with parking around Barnet Hospital and to consider putting in double yellow lines the whole way down Bells Hill.

4.     Title: Pedestrian Crossing Oakleigh Road South

Lead Petitioner: Leanne Hall

Ward: Brunswick Park

Number of signatures: 44

The petition was introduced by Helen Daugherty on behalf of the Lead Petitioner and was discussed with the Panel. Jamie Cooke suggested that a survey needs to be undertaken to establish the numbers of people crossing the road at the specified road, however it would make sense to wait until the footpath is back in service which may not be until early summer. In the meantime, it was agreed that Officers would meet with residents and Ward Councillors to further discuss the issues. It was therefore resolved that;

A Chief Officer would respond within 20 working days to the Lead Petitioner and residents to arrange a meeting.

5.     Title: Pelican crossing for Stapylton Road

Lead Petitioner: Eamonn Rafferty

Ward: High Barnet

Number of signatures: 42

The Lead Petitioner did not attend the meeting, however the issue was discussed with the panel, Ward Councillors and other residents who expressed concern that a pelican crossing would in fact be more dangerous than a pedestrian crossing and that the main issue was with the lighting in the area. Jamie Cooke agreed to speak to the lighting engineer to review the lighting at the crossing and the surrounding area. It was therefore resolved that;

A Chief Officer would respond within 20 working days to the Lead Petitioner.

6.     Title:  Street Cleaning in East Barnet

Resident: John Dix

Ward: East Barnet

The issue was presented by Mr Dix who showed the panel and other residents photos of the specified area which he felt needed further cleaning. Mr Dix agreed to send the photos to Jamie Cooke and Cllr Byers in order that they could ensure Officers were cleaning the area as requested. Jamie Cooke agreed to bring the issue to the attention of the Service Manager to ensure it is actioned. It was therefore resolved that;

A Chief Officer would respond within 20 working days to the resident.

The meeting finished at 8.06pm.

Future meeting dates:N.B Issues and Petitions must be received by the Governance Service by 10am on the fifth working day prior to the meeting for the item to be discussed at the Forum.

Contact:  Governance Service, Assurance Group, London Borough of Barnet, London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale NW9 4EW.

Tel: 020 8359 6146, Email:  chippingbarnet.residentsforum@barnet.gov.uk