Meeting documents

Mr A Clark, Chilterns Society, asked for clarification on the headings in the Definitive Map update and when the orders went out for public consultation.  Ms Taylor said it would depend on the stage of the investigation as there would be an initial gathering of evidence/assessment, followed by any necessary consultation before publication of an order.  He also asked whether he could discuss the ROW report with the Chilterns Society.   It was confirmed that the ROW group report was a public document as it was published in the agenda pack and the Chairman agreed the parishes should be made aware.  Mr J Clark said he would ask Ms Francis to provide a definitive answer.

Action:  Mr J Clark

Section A - Matters Previously Determined by the Committee

Mr A Lambourne asked about Item 1 – Edgcott.  Ms Taylor said that the application to record Lawn House Lane as a public footpath was not confirmed due to lack of evidence. Mr J Clark said he would send a copy of the determination to Mr Lambourne.

Action: Mr J Clark

Section E - Strategic Access Update

Mr J Clark highlighted the following points:

• HS2 – the ROW closures were being kept to a minimum and to date there had only been one closure of a bridleway next to the M25; other routes had been slightly diverted.
• Mr J Clark had resolved the issue of using metal protective matting on bridleways due to the danger to riders. 
• Heathrow third runway – some of the access around Heathrow would be displaced out to other areas, particularly around Iver.  Heathrow Airport Limited was looking to improve the existing routes and have short diversions where possible. 
• Oxford to Cambridge Expressway – a linear project and concerns had already been raised around the ROW crossings, bridges and diversions.  A decision on the route would be made in the summer 2018. 
• Mr J Clark advised that "higher rights" mentioned at the end of item 4 meant the change from a footpath to a bridleway.
• Mr J Clark highlighted the great work the RIPPLE group continued to do.  
• East/West Rail – there was no further update but it would be included in the report for the next meeting.

Section F – Rights of Way Operations Update

Ms Taylor highlighted the following points:

• The team was now at full strength.
• Appendix 1 – The interim survey results showed 76% of paths were rated as easy to use; 91%, structures were rated as easy to use; and 92% routes with roadside signs. 
• The matrix target times had shown a slight dip due to staff numbers.
• The number of volunteer jobs completed was slightly lower than last year but was still good.  This was mainly due to the Chiltern Society being involved in helping with the devolved services and therefore losing some hours from the volunteers.
• Currently, there were approximately four bridge closures but they should be open in the near future.

• The list of paths the Capital work money would be spent on.
• Over 300 bridge inspections would be undertaken in financial year 2018/19 which was slightly less than anticipated due to staff restrictions.
• Reed’s Bridge in Iver, which had been closed for three years, would be replaced by the Canal and River Trust in the summer of 2018.
• Camsweb - There had been a slight delay but the order should be placed imminently and be in place by May/June 2018.

In response to a comment by Mr Hurworth who said that Hampshire County Council had two staff dedicated to liaising with volunteers and asked whether this could happen at BCC; Mr Chapple said that BCC worked well with their volunteers and Ms Taylor added that working with the volunteers was a priority for everyone in the ROW team.