Agenda item

Updates to be provided by the Action Group Chairmen.

Improving our Environment Action Group

Councillor Dev Dhillon spoke of the two ongoing projects. He advised that there was air quality monitoring equipment available and banners and posters to discourage idling engines. The Community Board Manager could be contacted for more information.

Councillor Dev Dhillon commented that it was great to see the new footpath on Blackpond Lane. It had been done to a very good standard, the road had not been closed whilst the work was taking place and some free drainage gullies had been put in, at no extra cost. This had encouraged residents to walk to the shops, to the surgery and the library, wheelchair users could now use the footpath and it had also reduced the speed of drivers. He thanked Members and the Board.

The Chair asked about the progress of the local cycling and walking infrastructure plan and was informed that more time had been given to collate feedback. The Community Board Manager suggested that the Community Board put one submission in, and he was happy to put all comments together and submit.

ACTION: Send A Chapman any comments as soon as possible

The Burnham Beeches Parish Councillor commented that the maps in the infrastructure plan were not a true representation of the area. The Jubilee River was not shown on the maps. Cyclists could not cycle on the roads with so many potholes, these needed to be repaired first.

The Members discussed an old travel plan for the area which was due to be part of the Neighbourhood Plan submission and reintroducing this as it had been put together by Roger Home. It connected pedestrian and cycle lanes by connecting farms.

ACTION: Paul Rowley to discuss with Roger Home

It was reported that the dropped kerbs in Burnham High Street were really useful but had prevented wheelchair users using the pavement, which was not very helpful. This would be followed up by the Community Board Manager.

Wellbeing Action Group

Councillor George Sandy reports that discussions had progressed and updates on the projects had been received as below:

·       Farnham Common Village Hall refurbishment, this was with Members for voting.

·       Sound & Song CIC - Singing for Mental Health & Wellbeing for New Mothers, the Parish Council and Clare Foundation had agreed to part fund the project and the Board contribution had been approved.

·       Learning & Sharing Together – The Monday Club & Lent Rise School Intergenerational Project – the Board contribution had been approved.

·       The Well @ Lent Rise – The Meeting Place and the Stitchers group proposals: the final costing were still being awaited for the purchase of outdoor parasols; the exhibition trip had been rejected.

·       Event to provide Group and Board members had provided support to the new Arbour Vale and Rotary Club partnership, which supports pupils with special educational needs to access employment and training opportunities, with offers of assistance and introductions to Bucks Business First and the Clare Foundation.

·       Members of the group have continued with planning for a roundtable event for local groups working with young people. The date for this event would be circulated.

Farnham Royal Parish Council Chairman informed all that the Parish Council would be moving into the Village Hall.

Infrastructure & Highways Action Group

Councillor Ralph Bagge comments that the two ongoing projects had been completed, the Blackpond Lane footpath and the dropped kerbs on Burnham High Street. Further projects were still in the process of costings and discussions will continue when the Council’s new highways are in place.

Councillor Bagge thanked the Community Board Manager for liaising with all teams to get these projects completed.