Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2023 as a correct record.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2023 are approved as a correct record.

To consider objections received and approve the implementation of the Zebra Crossing located along the A4030 High Street in Smethwick outside the Red Cow Public House.

Following approval by the Director of Borough Economy and the Section 151 officer, a capital funding bid was made to the Department for Transport (DfT) in Round 3 of the Safer Roads Fund for the A4030 in Smethwick and Bearwood.

A Public Consultation was carried out on the proposals along the route between 16th November 2023 and 7th December 2023. Ward members along with all residents and traders affected by the proposals received a letter and a plan of the proposals for consideration. A decision relating to the objections and subsequent petition was required.

No objectors were in attendance.

Resolved:-

(1)        That the objection and petition received via the public consultation process are noted but that approval be given to implement the Zebra Crossing located along the A4030 High Street in Smethwick outside the Red Cow Public House, as advertised and shown on drawing No. 41152 S/1 (Rev A);

(2)        that, subject to (1), the Director – Borough Economy be authorised to complete the necessary statutory procedures.

To consider objections received via the public consultation process and approve the implementation of the pedestrian and cycle infrastructure improvement scheme between Dudley Port Railway Station and Great Bridge along the A461 corridor.

Sandwell Council, in coordination with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) submitted a bid to Government for Active Travel Fund Tranche 3 funding for a cycling and walking scheme along the A461 from Peake Drive, past Dudley Port Railway Station and to Great Bridge in accordance with the funding guidelines. The funding grant agreement stipulated that the project would need to be completed by 30 June 2024. If not carried out, there was a risk of the funding being withheld and not provided to the Council.

Consultation was carried out between 25th September 2023 and 13th October 2023, with Public Engagement events also held on 4th October 2023 and 7th October 2023 at Dudley Port Railway Station.  Ward members and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the local Member of Parliament also received notification of the consultation period and associated proposals prior to the public consultation.  Objections had been received via the statutory consultation process and therefore, required consideration before proceeding with the scheme.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways was minded that the width of the road in question would not be narrowed and that, instead, the existing footpath and cycle path space would be used instead. The scheme would increase road safety for cyclists and pedestrians whilst having very little impact on vehicle users on highway. It was also noted that both the existing parking and right-turn lanes would remained.

No objectors were in attendance.

Resolved:-

(1)          That overall feedback received via the public consultation process is considered and that approval be granted to implement the pedestrian and cycle infrastructure improvement scheme between Dudley Port Railway Station and Great Bridge along the A461 corridor, as shown on drawing No. 52632 1/1 S/0, using funding awarded to Sandwell MBC by the Department for Transport;

(2)          that subject to (1), the Director – Borough Economy be authorised to complete the necessary statutory procedures;

(3)          that the Director – Borough Economy informs objectors of the decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways.