Agenda item

CHIPPING BARNET RESIDENTS FORUM

Minutes

Thursday, 3^rd September 2020 – 7.00 PM

 

Chairman:  Councillor Lisa Rutter

Vice Chairman: Councillor Felix Byers

Governance Service Contact: 020 8359 6452

 

 

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

1.    Title:Pedestrian Crossing in Barnet Road

Resident: Jonathan Hoffman

Ward: High Barnet

The Issue was introduced by the resident who added that Barnet Road had a bus route that was very busy during rush hour.  The resident pointed out that there was not a single pedestrian crossing between Hendon Wood Lane and Bells Hill which was very dangerous for pedestrians. A 13 year old was involved in a major accident when he was hit by a car near Arkley Drive and had sustained serious injuries.

The Chairman advised that Cllr Longstaff one of the Ward Councillors had already been looking into this matter with Highways and they are currently looking at a potential crossing between Arkley Club and Quinta Drive as a crossing between bus stops would be more beneficial to residents. Highways however have advised that a feasibility study was required for the crossing to be put at the right place.

 

It was RESOLVED that the issue be referred to the Chipping Barnet Area Committee for a feasibility study.

 

2.    Title:Speed Control Park Road

Resident: Matthew Plunkett  

Ward: East Barnet

The resident was not present at the meeting.  The Chairman advised that one of the Ward Councillors, Cllr. Felix Byers, had already requested that it would be helpful to get a history of traffic calming measures along that road as it was previously introduced but following resurfacing and consultation, calming measures were removed.

Therefore, it would be helpful to obtain some context before reintroducing new measures. The Highways Officer confirmed that following resurfacing of the road, speed measures had been taken out.

 

It was RESOLVED that the issue be referred to Officers for further investigation together with Ward Councillors and the resident.

3.    Title: Cattley Close Keep Clear Signs

Resident: Carrie Norris

Ward: Underhill

The Issue was introduced by the resident who added that a large senior care home was being built and that in a year’s time, there would be increased traffic flow in that area. Therefore, with a Keep Clear sign, flowing traffic could be alleviated. One of the Directors of Signature Homes confirmed they would be prepared to fund the road marking signs. The Chairman asked one of the Ward Councillors presentCllr. Tim Roberts for any comment and he added that he was fully aware of the hold up taking place on Wood Street, preventing people from entering and exiting the close and was fully in support of the petition.

 

It was RESOLVED that the issue be referred to Chipping BarnetArea Committee to install the ‘Keep Clear’ markings.

 

4.    Title: Make Staplyton Road Safe from Speeding 

Resident: Simon Radford

Ward: High Barnet

The Issue was introduced by the resident who said that cars were seen speeding down Staplyton Road as well as other roads like Union Street and Salisbury Road.  Appropriate measures were needed to be put in place to slow down drivers. The Chairman advised one of the Ward Councillors –Cllr Longstaff was already having talks with Highways regarding the traffic in the Alston Road area which runs parallel with Staplyton Road. This matter was also previously raised at the last forum in March but because of Covid-19 lockdown actions had to be suspended. Officers therefore now need to re-start investigations and suggested a speed survey to be considered first..

 

It was RESOLVED that the issue be referred to the Chipping Barnet Area Committee for a Speed Survey to be considered.

 

5.    Title:Objection about the redevelopment of the Old Veterans Hall

Resident: David Henao

Ward: Brunswick Park

Youth Pastor Alvaro Baeza introduced the petition and talked about the Christian based church at Veterans Hall that served the local community for the last 12 years.  350 members from a variety of backgrounds supported the church with funding and donations which also went towards youth work in the area.  The Chairman pointed out that planning applications were not dealt with at residents forums but read an email response from the Principal Planner with regards to the draft local plan which confirmed that a public consultation was noted to be scheduled for early 2021.

 

It was RESOLVED that the petition be noted and take no action.

 

6.    Title:A formal review of the movement of traffic around High Barnet town centre is requested.

Resident: Ken Rowland

Ward: High Barnet

The issue was introduced by the resident who said that a comprehensive route to route traffic review was required to improve traffic flow and improvement to the high street. The new 384 bus had been re-routed down Salisbury road bringing new problems, making an already dangerous junction much worse. There was a traffic management problem which called for a full review of the high street and its neighbouring roads. The Chairman agreed that a wide review was required with close investigations. 

 

It was RESOLVED that the issue be referred to Officers and Ward Councillors to discuss together with the resident for the best way forward.

 

7.    Title: Resurfacing Loring Road

Resident: Mark Freegard

Ward: Oakleigh

 

The resident was not present at the meeting. The Chairman advised however that Ward Councillors – Cllr Rajput and Cllr Sowerby were in support of the resident and have commented in an email to the Chairman that the carriageway and footway are appalling. Highways however suggested at the forum that as there will be Councillor Ward walks soon that this matter can be reported to officers to investigate with the Councillors and resident.

 

It was RESOLVED that the issue be referred to Officers to discuss with Councillors and the resident

 

8.    Title:Hillside Gardens EN5 - Dangerous lack of speed limiting

Resident: Alex Woods

Ward: Underhill  

The issue was introduced by the resident who explained the great concern of the speed of motorists between Mays Lane and Wood Street all the way from Bedford Avenue to Bells Hill. The long, winding residential roads had poor vehicle visibility with many school aged children in the area.  One of the resident’s neighbours had lost pets through collisions and if traffic calming measures were not introduced at some point, there would be a much worse incident involving a person or a child.

The Chairman asked Ward Councillor – Cllr Roberts if he had anything to add and he reported thatit was evident that many cars went beyond the 30mph speed limit. The very narrow road with cars parked on both sides made it more difficult as an access point for pedestrians. The road was in urgent need of some form of speed control and the Ward Councillor was in full support of the issue.

The Chairman advised that speed humps are not a preferred measure in Barnet but suggested that residents contacted Community Road Watch to get involved in monitoring speed and also suggested that perhaps the installation of speed activated signs can also be considered.

 

It was RESOLVED that the issue be referred to the Chipping Barnet Area Committee.

 

9.    Title: Gainsborough and Holden Road N12 Residents Group Concerns

Resident: Allison Roche

Ward: Totteridge (Holden Road N12

The issues were presented by residents Allison Roche and Peter Petzal. It was highlighted that the areas around Gainsborough Road, Woodside Road, Lodge Road and the junction of Holden Road were very unpleasant to live in. Anti social behaviour of motorists, damages and dangers of accidents were taking place in the area.

It was noted that a manual count of approximately 2000-2500 moving vehicles took place each way down Gainsborough Road and approximately 800 vehicles each way on Holden Road both of which are narrow roads and therefore traffic calming measures were needed soon.

The Chairman asked one of the Ward Councillors if they wanted to add anything. Cllr. Alison Cornelius added that she was concerned about the accidents occuring and confirmed that Gainsborough Road was not located in the Totteridge Ward but in West Finchely Ward. There was only a very small section of the road located in Totteridge.

 

The Chairman advised that as the majority of these requests fall within Finchley & Golders Green location and across Chipping Barnet, responses must be consolidated with the other forum. The Chairman advised that it was important Officers discussed all the issues raised together with the Ward Councillors to identify ALL the hotspots raised so that Ward Councillors can comment and work together for the best way forward. The Chairman further added that some of the other issues raised should be reported to the Police.

 

It was RESOLVED that the issue be referred to Officers to discuss with Ward Councillors and the residents directly to identify the relevant hotspots and issues.