Agenda item

Forward Plan Ref: 2014/194

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Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial & Delivery (CMDE5).

This report considers responses to a consultation for a proposed zebra crossing on Witney Road, Eynsham.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED toapprove the proposed zebra crossing on Witney Road. 

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE5) a report setting out responses to a consultation on a proposed zebra crossing on Witney Road, Eynsham close to Bartholomew School.

Speaking in support of the scheme and as a governor of Bartholomew School Michael Ryan referred to the school’s consistent outstanding Ofsted rating, as a result of which the catchment for its current intake had extended considerably. Most of those children travelled to the school by public transport and were then deposited on the pavement in Witney Road opposite the school and despite a recently installed 20 mph speed limit indicator there continued to be frequent near misses of pupils being hit by motor vehicles. That had prompted the school to press for a crossing. However, he was now concerned at an apparent rise in costs of the scheme from an initial £15 - £20,000 (later £20 - £25,000) towards which the school had agreed a donation of £5,000 to somewhere in the region of £35,000 and that the County Council would be looking to the school to fund the gap.  As a result of its own success the school currently required an additional eight-classroom block in September 2015 to cover an increase in pupil numbers from 950 to 1200. That put considerable pressure on funding and the school would need to seriously consider whether it could afford to increase their donation to this much needed scheme.

Councillor Charles Mathew endorsed those comments and emphasised the strong case for this scheme. He regretted the inconvenience which would be suffered by residents of the house adjacent to the proposed site but there was  a need to make children as safe as possible not only when crossing to get to school but also when accessing the playing fields, which were also on the other side of the Witney Road.  A balance needed to be struck against the obvious risks and whilst proposals for a 20 mph speed limit scheme throughout Eynsham would obviously help this crossing formed a vital element in ensuring the safety of many children.

Responding to a question from the Cabinet Member Mr Turner confirmed that he was not aware of a request to the school for further funding and he was confident that the additional funding would be found.

He then confirmed that resiting of the crossing had not been a viable option due mainly to health & safety issues.  The proposed siting was the safest option.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged that the adjacent residents would be inconvenienced but felt that would be marginal as there was alternative parking available to them.  He would also be seeking confirmation from officers with regard to potential funding issues highlighted by Mr Ryan but in the meantime and having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him, the representations made to him and the further considerations set out above he confirmed his decision as follows:

to approve the proposed zebra crossing on Witney Road as detailed in the report CMDE5. 

Signed………………………………...

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date……………………………………