Agenda item

5.1

The Committee received the following questions from members of the public who attended the meeting to raise them:-

(a)  Dave Crawley, resident of Oughtibridge

There are inadequate road signs on Station Lane and Oughtibridge Lane as the road crosses the railway bridge. This can be a very busy road, with blind bends and no footpath. There are no clear road signs to advise motorists that pedestrians may be on the road. This is a lethal section of road for pedestrians.

Councillor Lewis Chinchen noted his concerns about pedestrian safety in this area. He believed this would only be fully resolved with the construction of a footbridge adjacent to the current road bridge,  but noted that lack of funding prevented this. He explained that the Sheffield Local Plan, which was currently at public consultation stage, included a site at Platts Lane which, if developed, had the potential to require provision of a footbridge. In terms of ensuring adequate safety measures in the short to medium-term, Councillor Chinchen explained that road signage had to comply with national standards so the options available were limited. He added that ‘slow’ markings had been added to the road and a warning sign was in place for drivers approaching the bridge. He confirmed that he would raise these concerns with Highways again to see what could be done in the short to medium-term.

Mr Crawley stated that there was one small triangular sign in place that he did not consider was helpful and was not recognised by many motorists. He believed that a further sign was needed alerting motorists to the potential for pedestrians to be on the road ahead.

Councillor Alan Hooper noted that there had been an increase in pedestrians and cyclists using nearby woods, and agreed to carry out a site visit.

(b)  Liz Swann, resident of Hollow Meadows

On the A57 from Hollow Meadows through to Moscar the speed limit is 50 mph, but speeds seem to often be higher than this and accidents have occurred, also causing damage to walls and farming property. We would like to see some speed cameras so we can evidence that speeding is happening, and traffic calming is needed.

Councillor Will Sapwell thanked Ms Swann for the support she had given during incidents, and acknowledged her concerns about safety and impact on local farms. He advised that there would be a review of the vehicle activated speed sign locations to allow one to be installed in this area based on risk assessment.

A representative from South Yorkshire Police was in attendance at the meeting and advised that, as well as advising motorists on their driving speeds, vehicle activated speed signs also provided information on average and fastest speeds. In relation to the suggestion of a ‘community speed watch’, he noted his concern about the safety of participants on a 50 mph limit road, and advised that he would discuss speed enforcement options with his colleagues.

(c)   Phil Harris, resident of Grenoside

When the new school was built in Grenoside, the old school was left to rack and ruin. The building has been forgotten and has now fallen down due to lack of maintenance and repair. It seems that the Council has not taken an interest in this. What powers does the Council have to develop/enforce the site?

Councillor Hooper confirmed that the old school building had been empty since 2006 and that over the years various sale agreements had fallen through. He noted its current state of repair due to neglect, vermin and vandalism. He advised that a full response would be provided to Mr Harris.