Agenda and minutes

Venue: Easthampstead Baptist Church, South Hill Road, Bracknell, RG12 7NS

Contact: Lizzie Rich  01344 352253

Items
No. Item

70.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 157 KB

To receive and note the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 February were approved as a correct record.

 

The Chairman informed the Group of David Ariss’ death, who had been a member of the Access Group for several years. The Group noted their appreciation of David’s participation on access issues, and were saddened by this news.

71.

The Lexicon Update and Disabled Access

Presentation from Simon Russian, Development Manager, Legal and General

 

Minutes:

Simon Russian, Development Manager at Legal and General gave an update on disabled access at The Lexicon.

 

In response to questions, the following points were noted:

·         A new taxi rank would be situated behind the green area outside Waitrose, and would open at the same time as The Lexicon.

·         A new secure bike store and multiple bike stands would be located around the site.

·         The bus station redevelopment had been completed, with bus stops also located on Market Street. There were plans to increase the frequency of buses.

·         It was hoped that the Safe Place scheme would assist anyone having difficulty in the town centre, and the group agreed that this scheme required more publicity once the new shops had opened. It was hoped that the new shops would adopt the scheme.

·         The height and accessibility of new ‘flower’ benches would be checked, as the group raised concerns over their use for the elderly.

·         It was noted that Shopmobility was more easily accessible from High Street and Princess Square car parks, and that the routes between these should be promoted.

·         Group members commented that builders in the town centre had been helpful and courteous in assisting people with the new routes around town.

72.

Town Centre Accessibility Visits

To discuss accessibility visits for the new Town Centre.

Minutes:

Fiona Goodhand informed the group that a preview orientation visit of The Lexicon had been arranged for individuals with sensory needs, and Access Group members were invited to attend.

 

The date of this visit would be circulated to group members when known.

73.

Disabled Go 2017/2018 Surveying and Retailers Guide

To be informed of plans for the the Disabled Go 2017/18 Survey.

Minutes:

Sam Wood informed the group of the Disabled Go 2017/2018 Survey and Retailers Guide.

 

Disabled Go had been sponsored by Bracknell Regeneration Partnership to lead on disabled access in a new contract beginning in 2016. Disabled Go had surveyed more than 500 premises in Bracknell Forest, and were due to survey selected buildings in The Lexicon. A launch meeting was discussed to promote the beginning of The Lexicon Disabled Go survey.

 

In response to questions, the following points were noted:

·         The contract with Disabled Go specified that 25 properties be surveyed each year, but the surveys from 2016/17 had been banked to allow for up to 50 properties to be surveyed in 2017. It was hoped that this would cover the majority of The Lexicon units.

·         Disabled Go undertook annual reviews of the properties, but this was done by telephone interview and compliance was not investigated.

·         It was hoped that Disabled Go would also survey the access in and around the town centre, as well as the units themselves.

·         It was suggested that Disabled Go survey areas of Bracknell which had recently been renovated, such as the train station and Coral Reef.

·         It was noted that the Retailers Guide in which the Access Group had been so instrumental would be circulated to all new town centre retailers.

74.

Transformation Update

To be informed of Bracknell Forest Council’s ongoing Transformation Programme.

Minutes:

The Transformation item was deferred as Abby Thomas had tendered her apologies.

75.

Green and Grey Project

Minutes:

Anneken Priesack informed the group of a new project run in conjunction with ConnectTVT, called Green Meets Grey. The project saw 16 to 18 year olds who were either in education or unemployed meet with business people to create a new initiative, and the topic for 2017 was making a town centre inclusive for the visually impaired.

 

Young people would pitch ideas to business people, and the winning idea would receive mentoring from ConnectTVT for 6 months to implement the idea.  

76.

Any Other Business

David Ariss

Minutes:

Sharon Bowden, The Ark and Healthwatch raised the ongoing issue of parking on Market Street, as delivery drivers had been using the bays allocated for The Ark. Alison Sanders commented that although the Council was sympathetic and had investigated all opportunities to deal with this issue, it was really difficult to resolve the matter as parking enforcement seemed to be the only solution and the parking patrol team were struggling to recruit. The situation would be kept under review.

77.

Items for Future Meetings

To consider any additional items for discussion at future meetings.

 

The next meeting of the Access Advisory Panel will be held on  11 October 2017 at 19:30.

 

Minutes:

The following was proposed as items for future meetings:

·         The new transport strategy (including new developments)

·         Update on the accessibility of the home library service

·         Feedback on the new town centre

·         Bracknell and Wokingham College now accepting students with Down Syndrome

 

Group members were asked to send any further items for future meetings to Lizzie Rich, at lizzie.rich@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

 

 

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk