The Chair allowed Cllr Rana, Cllr Croxton and Cllr O’Malley to raise several issues at the meeting.

a)         Old Road East pavement between Pine venue and St John's School entrance

Cllr Rana stated that there was a kerb that was to parked on that was a blind spot to drivers; there had been few near misses and one car accident so far on that piece of land. There were concerns that children crossing the road to go to St Johns School could be hit; Cllr Rana requested a review of the area.

b)         Echo Square Roundabout

Cllr Rana stated that there was discussion several years ago regarding revising the layout of the roundabout; motorists found the layout confusing and often ending up cutting across Sun Lane.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) explained that Claire Venner was looking into that before she left KCC; he agreed to follow up the matter and provide a response to Cllr Rana.

c)         Old Road West – Singlewell Road – Old Road East – Prince of Orange Junction

Cllr Rana described a resident’s concern over the lack of pedestrian crossing lights when crossing the road from the Prince of Orange to Wrotham Road/Windmill Street.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) was aware of the resident’s concern and agreed to look into the matter.    

d)         Hillingdon Avenue and Singlewell Road

Cllr Rana advised that there had been a number of near misses when residents crossed the road to go towards the shop Hillingdon Avenue; Cllr Rana requested a pedestrian or zebra crossing be installed.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) agreed to look into the matter.

e)         Chantry School – Ordnance Road

Cllr Croxton described a resident’s concern over the 30mph speed limit outside Chantry School on Ordnance Road; neighbouring schools had a 20mph limit and Cllr Croxton requested similar limits or ‘wigwags’ imposed on the area outside Chantry School.

Cllr Croxton agreed to share the residents details with the Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) so that he could update them directly; KCC were already looking into that matter and had contacted several residents previously.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) agreed to bring a response back to a future Board meeting.

f)          Brown Road and Old Road West

Cllr O’Malley and Cllr Rolles had met with residents of Brown Road and Old Road West to investigate resident concerns over a footpath not being restored safely, large pieces of cement and other related rubbish left near the kerb following recent gas works. Photos and videos from residents could be forwarded if necessary.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) explained that he would send the Street Team to review the area and talk to the utility company responsible as it wasn’t acceptable to leave the area in the state described.

Cllr O’Malley added that there was a three metre gap in the green railing between the path and the road, near the junction on Old Road East, which was a hazard for young children; the broken railing was lying on the grass verge but it had been taken since it was first spotted.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) explained that a street cleaning crew may have taken the broken railing to stop it being stolen; he agreed to look into the matter.

g)         Dropped Kerb Query

Cllr Rana queried who was responsible for maintaining the pavement when a resident paid for a dropped kerb in which a utility company had to dig up and move a cable.

The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) explained that KCC approved dropped kerb requests and once the work was completed, there was a two year maintenance period on the footway and then it was transferred to Kent Highway Services. Utilities companies were made aware of any planned works in the area although emergencies works were always a possibility.

Following a Member question regarding challenging utility companies that didn’t complete works satisfactorily, the Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) expanded that Street work Inspectors visited the majority of sites where works occurred to ensure utility companies were complying with regulations and completing all works to a satisfactory standard. A section 64 fine could be given to utility companies that did not complete the work to a satisfactory standard. The Dartford & Gravesham District Manager (KCC) asked Members to email him were aware of any areas where they were a utility company hadn’t completed works properly.