Agenda and minutes

12.1     The Lead Member approved as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 17 August 2020.

Disclosure by all Members present of personal interests in matters on the agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the Members regard the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

13.1     Councillor Godfrey Daniel declared a personal interest in Item 5 in that he lives near Alexandra Park, but he did not consider this to be prejudicial. 

14.1     Reports referred to in the minutes below are contained in the minute book.

Report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

15.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

15.2     Ms Lucinda Woodward and Ms Julia Hilton, as the Lead Petitioners, spoke in support of the petitions’ aims.

15.3     The Lead Member set out that she wished to amend the recommendation to highlight joint working on alternative solutions with other local authorities. 

DECISIONS

15.4     The Lead Member RESOLVED (1) to inform the Petitioners that East Sussex County Council (ESCC) will continue to safely use a Glyphosate based herbicide until a suitable alternative becomes available, and will work with neighbouring authorities to continue exploring alternative options and work towards introducing new methods as part of the next highways maintenance contract in 2023 as appropriate; and

(2) to note that Glyphosate is on the list of European licenced and registered products and that ESCC is actively researching alternatives.

Reasons

15.5     At present using a Glyphosate based herbicide is the most effective and efficient weed control measure and is an approved licenced product applied in accordance with best practice.

Report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

16.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport, together with the written comments of the objectors.

DECISION

16.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) note the responses received to the Notice to convert existing footways on Dordrecht Way to shared use as part of the Alexandra Park shared pedestrian pedestrian and cycle scheme; and

(2) agree that the shared pedestrian and cycle route within Alexandra Park and on Dordrecht Way, as set out in the Notice, should be taken forward to construction as part of the 2020/21 Capital Programme for Local Transport Improvements subject to any delivery risks and delays arsing from the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Reasons

16.3     Two objections were submitted on safety grounds.  The scheme has been subject to a thorough detailed safety audit to ensure all users are safe to use the facility, and in addition the route will be monitored post-implementation.