Issue - meetings

The Executive at its meeting on 6 June 2018 resolved that this report be considered by Council.

Council received a report which had been referred by the Executive at its meeting on 6 June and sought endorsement for the refresh of the A5 Strategy. During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         The problem of lorries regularly colliding with the railway bridge on the A5 – it was requested that this be addressed in the strategy

·         The use of Nutts Lane as an alternative route in the event of an issue on the A5 which led to heavy vehicles using local roads to access the industrial estates

·         The relatively short time given to consider the report.

Councillor Wright left the meeting at 7.49pm.

The Leader confirmed he was happy to include the points about the railway bridge and Nutts Lane in the action plan but would like more evidence in relation to the Nutts Lane issue. He also agreed to accept comments until the end of the following week. It was moved by Councillor Hall,

RESOLVED –

(i)            The A5 Strategy be endorsed, subject to final formatting and minor amendments as agreed by the Leader with other members of the A5 Partnership;

(ii)           The abovementioned points in relation to the railway bridge and Nutts Lane be included in the action plan following receipt of additional evidence in relation to the latter;

(iii)          Continuing support to and lobbying for the upgrade of the A5 through the work of the A5 Partnership, engagement with national and regional bodies, MPs and Ministers be endorsed;

(iv)         Partner authorities be encouraged to fully support the A5 strategy and actively engage in promoting its objectives.

Report advising on the refreshed A5 Strategy 2018-2031.

The refreshed A5 Strategy 2018-2031 was presented to the Executive. Discussion ensued on engagement of other partners. Members noted and endorsed the leading role that the Council had taken on the A5 partnership over the previous seven years and the regional and national profile that it had secured with the aim of securing major investment in improvements to the A5. Members felt that the strategy document was excellently produced and that the profile of the document should be raised and the matter should be brought to Council for debate. It was moved by Councillor Hall, seconded by Councillor Morrell and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The A5 strategy be endorsed subject to final formatting and amendments;

(ii)           The Executive continues to express support and to lobby for the upgrade of the A5 through the work of the A5 Partnership;

(iii)          The report be referred to Council for consideration.