Latest Parish Council minutes...
Access issues and a replacement padlock for the Meadow Lane gate were discussed. The Chair had contacted Karen Champion, rights of way officer at the County Council. She had confirmed that the public had a right to walk on the public footpath. Prams and disabled buggies, etc, were included in the right to walk. The Road Traffic Act made it illegal to drive on the footpath, but as landowners had private vehicular rights over the land, the PC may allow certain vehicles to access the land by invitation. She advised the council to check that the council had private vehicular rights over the land carrying the footpath by checking the deeds. Consequently, evidence had been requested from our solicitors. Councillor Manley had provided a written report.
The Chair reported that in discussions with Caroline Derbyshire, principal of LVC, it was agreed that the college was happy to allow parking at the college as long as it did not interfere with college business. The gates would be open until 10pm during the week. The Chair had agreement that at weekends the gates would be shut at 6pm and not 5.30pm as previously reported to the council.
As this agenda item was such an emotive subject, the Chair asked each councillor for their views. The general consensus of opinion was that much thought should be given to the overall background, the parking situation at the village college, including communication with the caretaker, access for emergency and utility vehicles, access for the disabled, reduction in speed, and, most importantly, public consultation. The Chair stated that after listening to all the differing opinions, and that further information was clearly required, that public consultation seemed a positive way forward. Councillor Dew proposed that the PC arrange a public consultation to discuss access issues and padlocks for the Meadow Lane gate, and to discuss access to the pavilion and the recreation ground as a whole. This was seconded by Councillor Bald and resolved by the Council. Councillor Potter then proposed that the Council purchase three identical padlocks with a master key facility, along with approximately thirty numbered keys. There will be no limit to the numbers issued. Each key must be signed for with the understanding that keholders must always lock the gate after them and that the Council can take them back at any time if misused. this was seconded by Councillor Hunt and resolved by the Council. Resolved.
