Present at the meeting:

Forum members:
Mrs Sheila Weedall (Chairman)
Mr David Howarth (Vice Chairman)
Mr Mark Earp
Mr David Farnham
Mrs Anne Noon
Councillor John Hobart

Forum Secretary:
Darrel Clarke from the IWC Public Rights of Way Section (PROW)

 

(i) Recruitment Update: DC reported that seven applications for membership have been received following the recent advert in the County Press. Five of the applicants are from completely new people and the other two were from ME and DF. The new persons represented two horse and carriage drivers, one horse rider, one landowner and one general user (walker). Copies of the applications are to be forwarded to SW and DH for consideration. DC commented that it was unfortunate that a cyclist had not applied. SW confirmed that she would contact a possible candidate in this respect. ME mentioned that a 4x4 driver could be represented and Councillor Hobart suggested that the Chamber of Commerce/Tourism should be represented.

(ii) LAF logo: The draft logos prepared by Lee Skinner of Signpost Express were then considered by the members. The second design was the clear favourite although reservations were made about the lettering. SW requested that DC ask Lee Skinner to provide variations of design number two with different fonts. (Action DC)

(iii) Copies of “Sustrans Information Sheet re Cycle Path Surface Options” were made available to the members.

(iv) SW explained that she recently met David Ashcroft, Chairman of the Hampshire LAF who did a very good talk at the BHS Access Conference. He has agreed to attend at the March meeting to give a talk to the IW LAF.

(v) Copies of “HUDDLE” help sheet published by Natural England were made available to the members.

(vi) Copies of “Paths Communities” email from Martin Gilchrist were made available to the members.

(vii) SW reported on an email from Richard Benyon MP, Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries, urging all Local Authorities to allow horse riders to use cycle trails, routes and any other ways where it is their power to do so and to encourage that permission or dedication to happen where it is not in their power. It was further stated that horse riders are particularly vulnerable road users, and cycle routes can provide appropriate and important opportunities to avoid busy roads.

(viii) Councillor Hobart raised a query in respect of poor visibility splays where bridleways meet roads making it a dangerous situation for horses, their riders and road users. SW explained that there is an ongoing problem with a Bridleway at Island View. PROW have been looking into it for 6 or 7 years. The Highways department have looked into it but nothing has been done. The IW Bridleway Group have contacted the Police for their opinion. Councillor Hobart suggested that there should be a legal standard for visibility where bridleways meet roads in the same way as visibility splays must be formed and maintained if a householder wishes to form a driveway. The members agreed that the issue is the responsibility of the Highways department and that a letter should be sent to Councillor Giles and Peter Hayward explaining the situation and requesting action. It was agreed that the members should identify a number of problem crossings to refer to in the letter. Island View and N109 Whitcombe Road could be used. SW agreed to provide details of the problem crossings and for DC to prepare a draft letter for her approval.

(Action SW & DC)

(ix) ME raised a query in respect of the cross Newport cycle route. He had heard that the section of the track running alongside Matalan will not be coloured green i.e. it will simply be tarmac. SW asked DC to make enquiries about this. (Action DC)

Thursday 8th March 2012 at 4pm, Arreton Community Centre.

DC also confirmed the other 2012 meeting dates:

7th June 2012

6th September 2012

6th December 2012