MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE FOOTPATHS COMMITTEE

 

HELD 7th March 2005 AT 7.15 p.m. IN THE BUSH ROOM

 

PRESENT: -      Mr B Davis, (Chairman), Mr J Head, Mr J Cutland, Mr P Taylor,

                             Mr M Perry, Mr M Watson

                             Mr R Fergyson (Clerk)

                                      

1.      APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: -

                   None.

                                      

2.      MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10th January were approved and signed by the Chairman.

 

SCHOOL BUS USE OF DAVID’S LANE.

                              No further reports matters rests.

 

FLY TIPPING

                        A map marked with popular tipping sites has been given to Councillor Gary Fox who has informed South Gloucestershire Council. Various sites had been cleared, but are now being used again. The matter will be reviewed at the full council meeting on 21st March.

 

3. Public Participation.

            Mrs Jessica Williams requested to address the meeting. The members agreed to hear her comments at this point.

Mrs Williams explained her concern over the state of the footpaths in the area, particularly the difficulties she, and other elderly people, have in negotiating stiles on the various footpaths. Her request was for stiles to be replaces by kissing gates.

            Mr Watson replied that he liases, on behalf of the council, with various walking groups and South Gloucestershire Council. The duty of the farmer or landowner is not to obstruct the use of a footpath, but on the other hand to be able to protect his interests on the land. South Gloucestershire Council policy on stiles is, where possible, a stile is replaced by a Kissing gate. Alveston Parish Council and South Gloucestershire Council are currently working together to upgrade a walk. Starting in Alveston and then crossing the A38 and continuing across the fields in a circle back to Alveston. Money is to be spent to provide easy access and a reasonably flat 4 to 5 Km walk. This topic is on the agenda further on in tonight’s meeting.

 

 

4.          FOOTPATH REPORTS

            The clerk reported that after a letter had been sent to Anita Walker, a further request had been made for a copy of the CAMs data base for entries on footpaths in Alveston Parish. This had been sorted first by date order, and footpath order, a copy was given to each councilor present.

            There followed a full discussion on the material presented with the following points highlighted.

a)     What was the meaning of the column “Type”?

b)     The grid location could be used to identify the farmer. It is the same references used by Defra to identify the field on the farmer’s returns, and thus the farmer. As such, South Gloucestershire Council could find out either the landowner or the tenant farmer. The farmer can therefore be identified if enforcement action is needed.

c)      What is South Gloucestershire Council policy of supplying farmers with stiles or kissing gates? The meeting suggested free gates or stiles would encourage the farmer to maintain the footpaths.

 

The clerk was instructed to contact South Gloucestershire Council with the above comments.

 

 

5.         TEN TRAILS

              Mr Mike Watson reported that at a recent meeting Richard Keating, of Local Heritage Initiative, had suggested that there seems to be a good chance of the Parish Access trails project being eligible for funds. The project will be broken down into two parts, the improvement of the rights of way and access, the other part the interpretation of the local heritage, and production of educational material (in this case a leaflet).

              South Gloucestershire Council will handle the practical improvements to the trail. The Heritage aspect will need to be handled by a local group, with as much community involvement as possible. Funding of research may be available.

 

              Councillor Head suggested that the local History Society Chairman should be sent a copy of the letter and assistance requested from them. The clerk was requested to do this.

 

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6.         Bus Shelters

 

            The clerk reported his investigations into advertising had not been fruitful. Adshell were the main players, they replace bus shelters free of charge and then have the advertising rights. Contact had not been easy and not very forthcoming. The clerk will continue to pursue the subject.

 

            The Chairman reported the bus shelters (5 in total) are going to need to be replaced or maintained at some time in the future. There is no fund building up for this eventuality. The Committee propose a fund is set up and a contribution of £750 is made annually from the precept. This will mean in about 5 years a bus shelter could be replaced.

 

            The Cycle box is still locked with the same lock. South Gloucestershire Council will again be contacted to discover how the system is to operate.

 

6.         Any Other Business.

 

            None

 

The meeting was closed at 8.10 pm.