Agenda item

Report of the Head of Property and Regeneration

Councillor Woodman, Portfolio Holder, presented the report,

During discussion several questions of clarity were asked by Members and responses provided by officers.  The following concerns were raised:

-       The pedestrianised north side of the square was not being adhered to as cars used the road continuously.  Members asked if this could be enforced.  Officers acknowledged the issue and following several surveys conducted in the area, conversations were ongoing with Leicestershire County Council Highways to address the matter.  Options included bollards which could be raised during pedestrian hours.

-      To accommodate events in the square a costly and timely road closure from Leicestershire County Council was required which could be deterring event providers from using the space.  Officers acknowledged the matter and confirmed that they were working on a programme of events which would make road closures more beneficial, as well as a guide to help with the application process.

-      Without the roundabout on Belvoir Road, cars often travelled down the highway above the speed limit, which was dangerous, especially when the square was being used as an event space.

-      Several issues were now apparent with the surface material and street furniture.  Firstly, the contrast colour of the kerbs was not distinct enough and was a regular trip hazard.  A request was made for an assessment to be carried out for visually impaired pedestrians.  Secondly, during the winter months the surface water was not running off the square and becoming icy, which was a slip hazard.  Finally, disappointment was shared on the choice of surface material, as other areas in the County with the same material was notoriously difficult to keep clean.  Therefore, maintenance of the square was essential.  Members felt there were lessons to be learnt and should be taken on board with the development of retail on Marlborough Square and Belvoir Road.

A discussion ensued on the matter of the surface material and contrast colour of the kerbs, during which officers confirmed that all specifications were signed off by Leicestershire County Council Highways prior to installation, plus a road safety audit undertaken.  It was also acknowledged that Leicestershire County Council did record slips, trips and falls, so Councillors were encouraged to report incidents so they could be passed on.

Comments were made on the lessons learned as highlighted in the report and the approach regarding assessing budgets was discussed.  Members requested to see the full commercial breakdown of the final costs when available.  Officers agreed.

Members thanked officers for the report and acknowledged the quality of responses given by officers to questions regarding a difficult project.

At the conclusion of discussions, the Committee considered the comments made and agreed on the recommendations to Cabinet as set out below.

RECOMMENDED TO CABINET:

1)    Negotiation be undertaken with Leicestershire County Council            Highways regarding setting up a blanket road closure to remove the   cost barrier to potential event providers.

2)    The surface colours of the square be assessed in relation to the safety          of visually impaired users, the committee suggested Vista for the       assessment.

3)    That checks are made with Leicestershire County Council Highways on         the pedestrian and highway safety, in particular the number of slips,     trips and falls reported in the            square and any speeding traffic concerns.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Committee receive the final accounts from the project once the contractor account had been settled including a commercial breakdown and final outturn figures.