PRESENT: Cllr Smith, Cllr Wells, E Anderson, H Armstrong, S Ball, G Dixon, G Hoey, S Jackson, M Jenkinson, M Nixon and F Ross.
Also in attendance: T Allen and A Greener (Environment Team) and S Whittemore (Democratic Services)
APOLOGIES: Cllr Regan, R Alderson, K Hammond, A Towns and C Wilkinson.
124 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR - Resolved - That E Anderson be and he is hereby appointed chairman for the meeting.
E Anderson thereupon took the chair.
125 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTEREST – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interest in respect of items on the agenda.
126 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 August 2007, having been circulated among the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded.
127 MATTERS ARISING
Minute 121 – Mr Allen advised that the council used the same definition of the Humber Estuary as Natural England which extended as far as Keadby and Goole.
128 PROGRESS OF NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL’S RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN – Mrs Greener reported that very few representations had been received on the draft plan. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust had raised issues regarding protection of wildlife and opportunities for habitat creation. Mr Allen advised that when creating new paths consideration would always be given to any wildlife habitats.
A discussion took place regarding the most suitable materials for rights of way sign posts.
The issue of charging for footpath orders was raised. Mr Allen advised that where an order was for the benefit of the public there would normally be no charge. A statement to this effect could be incorporated in the plan.
The plan would be considered by the council’s cabinet in November. The plan would need to be embedded in the Local Transport Plan by 2010.
129 FOOTPATH NUMBERING – The forum considered correspondence between the secretary and the Service Director Highways and Planning which suggested that there was no urgency in determining this issue.
Resolved – That the position be noted.
130 DEFRA NEWSLETTER – The August 2007 newsletter was circulated and noted.
131 DATES AND TIMES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
- 23 January 2008
- 7 May 2008
- 24 September 2008
(all meetings at 2pm)