Agenda item

Consideration of recommendations of the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee in respect of the Riverside Improvement Project in Tonbridge.

Recommendations of the Scrutiny Select Committee are to follow

(Decision Notice D250054CAB)

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee in respect of a List C Capital Plan Evaluation for riverside lighting between Town Lock and Vale Road in Tonbridge.  The  report sought approval to move the project forward for construction later in the calendar year and requested that Cabinet recommend to Council that the scheme be transferred to List A of the Capital Plan.

Cabinet had due regard to the views of the Scrutiny Select Committee, the feasibility study report (Annex 2) and the Capital Plan Evaluation (Annex 1) and welcomed the provision of high-quality lighting for pedestrians, the opportunity to create a safe and secure environment and reduce crime. The lack of lighting, combined with a narrow path lined with trees and shrubbery and unprotected river edge, made this an uninviting section of the route.

Discussions had taken place with Kent County Council Public Rights of Way and it was confirmed that lighting might be installed on the route using powers under s161 of the Public Health Act 1875.

On the grounds of enhancing the area and improving safety of pedestrians, Cllr Mehmet proposed, seconded by Cllr Taylor and Cabinet

RESOLVED:   That

(1)            Phase 1 of the project be taken forward through the design stages up to and including the preparation of tender documents;

(2)            the use of the Borough Council’s powers under s161 of the Public Health Act 1875 for the delivery of the project, with agreement from Kent County Councils Public Rights of Way Team, be authorised; and

(3)            arrangement be made for Members to have physical sight of the likely intended lighting columns by means of a demonstration in a low light at a future meeting or a site visit.

*RECOMMENDED:  That

(4)            the scheme be transferred to List A of the Capital Plan.

*Recommended to Council