RUGBY DISABILITY FORUM
Chair: David Foster – Tel: 01788 544991 Secretary: John Burrell – Tel 01788 533796
Website:www.rugbydisabilityforum.org
Minutes of Ordinary Meeting held at Hamilton House on Tuesday 16th December 2008
Presentation – “Pedestrianisation of Rugby Town Centre” Adrian Hart WCC
A verbal presentation was given by Adrian Hart from the County Council’s Transport Planning Group. A summary of the work which has been undertaken to develop a number of options for the town centre can be found in the appended note to these Minutes.
Questions And Answers on presentation
Q. Is a bus station being considered?
A. The County Council has looked at the possibility of providing a Bus Station on a number of occasions in the past, but there is no site appropriate/ available within close proximity of the town centre. The main bus operator within the town has only shown a passing interest in having a bespoke facility within the town centre.
Q. How will the possible re-routing of buses and taxi service to Regent Street affect what is already a busy street with parking etc for the shops and the Baptist Church.
A. There would be a reduced level of parking facilities on Regent Street under two of the options, however we would look to retain access for taxis and private hire vehicles.
Q. Its very difficult to manoeuvre around the Market Place on Market day, will there be better provisions for wheelchair users and people with disabilities on the new scheme.
A. Any expanded pedestrianised area around the Clock Tower will be designed with all users in mind. It is envisaged that the Market will be more spread out to allow more space for people to negotiate around and through the area.
Q. Are Bank Street and Henry Street going to be pedestrianised?
A . These streets do not form part of the current proposals, but may come forward at some point in the future.
Q. Would the current bus shelters and associate infrastructure on Church Street/North Street need to be moved?
A. Yes, however this will be dependant on which of the three options is pursued.
Q. Is it definite that the Town Centre will be pedestrianised.
A. This will depend on the outcome of the forthcoming public consultation. Doing nothing is still an option.
Q. What is stopping the restriction to traffic being abused by unauthorised car users etc?
A. Rugby Borough Council enforce on-street parking restrictions on behalf of the County Council within the town centre. Legislation to enforce moving traffic offences will also be in place in due course.
Q. Why can’t North Street car park be Disabled parking only.
A. This would be a decision for Rugby Borough Council and the future development of North Street car park
Q. Why can’t we make the whole of the town area completely pedestrianised and only allow disabled parking.
A. Under two of the proposed options a large area stretching from the Style Bar on North Street to the junction of Church Street/Regent Street would be pedestrianised. Further Pedestrianisation could follow, including the remainder of North Street as far as Evreux Way.
David Thanked Adrian for his presentation.
Present- Derek Hillman, Sue Hillman, Mala Solanki, Manisha Vadgama, Daphne Johnson, Joyce Carter, Sarah Hay-Jananas, Suzanna Vandervelden, Jackie Hart, Janet Law, Fiona Bennington, Andrew Cowan, Peter Elliot, Betty Russell,Marion Hersey, Maria Drake, George Farthing, Pat Clark, Anthony Warlow,Brian Edwards, Mary Clarke, Margaret Martin, David Foster,
Apologies- Martin Eversfield, Jill Atkinson, Molly Toy, Pam Siddue, John Burrell, Sheena Corbett
Reports- Not Discussed.Any other business. – D. F.- Single Equalities Development-
We will be having a meeting with it as an extra discussion in January 09. Derek Hillman informed everyone that Alan Markland of WCC dealing with Public walks has had a Heart Attack But is making good progress.We wish him well.
Jim Corbett Died on Saturday of last Week, our Sympathy’s to his wife and family.
Paul Cooper is back in hospital.