Issue - meetings
De-Cluttering of Medway's Streets Task Group
Meeting: 09/07/2013 - Cabinet (Item 9)
9 De-Cluttering of Medway's Streets Task Group 
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Minutes:
Background:
This report presented the final report of the De-cluttering Streets in Medway Task Group, which was attached at Appendix A to the report. The Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee had recommended the review document to Cabinet following consideration on 27 June 2013.
It was noted that the cross party Task Group of the Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee, had considered current legislation, government policy and established best practice in relation to street clutter. It had also reviewed the current picture in Medway and held a De-Cluttering Stakeholder Event to understand the needs of local interested parties.
The proposed way forward focused on the development of a Streetscape Manual for Medway, with supporting policy documents, a quality assessment process and a pilot scheme in Strood High Street. The Task Group had proposed a systematic approach to de-cluttering public spaces, with de-cluttering undertaken in association with future maintenance work or new capital schemes.
It was noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment screening form had been completed and was attached at Appendix 1 to the review document. It was reported that in taking forward the actions arising from this review officers would be asked to ensure that they comply with equalities obligations in line with good practice and legislation. The screening form showed that it was not necessary to undertake a full assessment on the review document.
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Decision number: |
Decision: |
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111/2013 |
The Cabinet agreed: 1. That Medway Council systematically de-clutters its public spaces on a case-by-case basis and in association with future maintenance work or new capital and developer initiated schemes. That all Ward Members are consulted before the removal of any street furniture in their wards as part of the de-cluttering programme.
That an overarching Streetscape Manual, supported by policies relating to street furniture, traffic signs and road markings, would guide this process and these policies be tested as part of a pilot de-cluttering scheme in Strood Town Centre.
Streetscape Manual
2. That the Director of Regeneration, Community and Culture develops a Streetscape Manual to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to the design, management and maintenance of our public spaces. The Streetscape Manual would include policies relating to street furniture, traffic signs and road markings.
Street furniture
3. That a Pedestrian Guardrail Policy for Medway be developed and implemented. Prior to the implementation of this policy, pedestrian guardrail assessments should be undertaken in accordance with Transport for London’s ‘Guidance on the Assessment of Pedestrian Guardrail’, May 2012.
The Integrated Transport team within the Regeneration, Community and Culture Directorate to lead on proposals to retain or remove pedestrian guardrails.
A record of all street furniture removed, will be recorded in CONFIRM (the Council’s Asset Management System), so that collision monitoring can continue at sites where street furniture is removed.
4. That sections of bollards and railings be removed on a case-by-case basis. Where parking restrictions exist bollards should not be required and it is recommended that they be removed. At locations ... view the full minutes text for item 9 |