To receive and note the questions asked and statements made from members of the public on issues relating to the responsibility of this Forum.
Members of the public and visiting councillors may speak at the Forum, provided they have registered to speak three working days in advance. Please contact Democratic Services by 5pm on Friday, 21 January 2022 via democracy@winchester.gov.uk or (01962) 848 264 to register to speak and for further details.
Minutes:
Three members of the public spoke regarding various agenda items, with two of those speaking at this point on the agenda, as summarised briefly below.
James Batho (Safer Streets for Winchester)
Mr Batho sought the Forum’s continued support with the campaign to reduce traffic speeds in Winchester with the proposal for the implementation of a default speed limit of 20mph. He made reference to the county council’s Review Group that had recently met to consider a review of the policy for 20mph speed limits where there was community support. He stated that demonstrating widespread community support was critical to securing the county council’s agreement to implement a 20mph limit widely. Mr Batho requested that the Forum pass the motion calling on the county council to implement a default speed limit of 20mph in Winchester and propose the allocation of ring-fenced funding to enable 20mph speed limits to be implemented county wide within five years. He further requested that the Forum write to Hampshire Highways to request that they consider placing signage at all road entry points to Winchester to alert motorists that there are 20mph speed limits in the town and that it repaints all 20mph repeater signage on roads where this was in force to ensure safer streets for Winchester.
Following Mr Batho’s presentation, members gave their support to the principle of a default speed limit of 20mph in the town area and raised a number of points in relation to increasing and improving existing road signage and markings, the quality of path and road conditions, enforcement, monitoring of the speed of traffic, speed transitions, feedback from the Walking Strategy Group to the Winchester Movement Strategy, infrastructure and active travel with reduce vehicular movements.
In conclusion, the Chairperson thanked Mr Batho and clarified that whilst a motion could not be agreed at the present time, the matters raised would be considered and responded to in due course.
Emma Back (on behalf of the Winchester Sport, Art and Leisure Trust (SALT)
Ms Back addressed the forum regarding the lack of Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) in the town area and urged that the Forum correct this deficit using the 15 minute city principle. She referred to the recent article in the Hampshire Chronicle which stated that Winchester compared poorly with other areas of Hampshire. She welcomed previous support of the Forum on this matter but suggested a lack of planning by failing to address the needs of adolescents and young people from inadequate MUGA provision, leisure facilities and health and wellbeing services. In conclusion, she suggested the formation of an adolescent and youth strategy for Winchester, working in partnership with relevant organisations to engage younger residents in the process.
Following Ms Back’s presentation, members commented on the need to review the integration of younger residents in its decision making and investigate affordable leisure activity options and facilities for young people in the town area.
In conclusion, the Chairperson thanked Ms Back for her contribution and clarified that this matter should be referred to the Health and Environment Policy Committee for further consideration as a district wide issue.