Agenda item

RESOLVED:  That Members agreed to:

1.    Consider the inclusion of Active Travel routes in the draft Area Chapter for 21/22.

2.    Release funds allocated in the area reserve for Community Planning, Derelict sites (Castle Cary), Rural business units and the Retail Support Initiative and ring-fence £35,370 to be held in reserve and used towards the development and delivery of Active Travel Schemes in Area East.

3.       Award a total of up to £20,000 (£10,000 from the Community Grants and Discretionary budgets, £10,000 from the area reserve) towards the Wincanton to Bruton Active Travel route feasibility study, subject to standard community grant conditions, regular updates and DX agreement.

Reason:          To update Members of the Area East Committee on a number of local schemes which, combined appear to be an emerging theme as a priority for the Area.   

(Voting Unanimous)

The Locality Manager presented the report which asked Members to consider the inclusion of Active Travel routes in the Area Chapter for 21/22. He explained that this will show a clear indication of SSDC support for this type of project and will establish a local fund to enable other schemes to move forward. There was a request to fund the Wincanton to Bruton Rail to Trail project. A representative from Rail to Trail was in the meeting to answer any questions. He explained that the project did meet the criteria of the grant scheme but because of the scale of the project, and the relationship it would have with similar projects in the area, it was being suggested to create a programme of work for Area East. Funds would be used from the Area Reserve to fund the feasibility study. This project would have significant health and wellbeing benefits as well as economic and environmental benefits.

Representative from Rail to Trail highlighted funding issues due to Covid. Local surveys and surveys across the county showed people are in support of this project.

There is the potential for the trail to reach further across Somerset.

There was a long discussion on the subject and several Members spoke in support of the project. A number of comments included:

·         Despite there being positive feedback from local residents, there were landowners that voiced their concerns at Parish Council meetings and there were reservations on how the trail would be physically feasible.

·         What would the money for the study be spent on as £20,000 seemed a lot of money for a feasibility study.

·         Would there be safe parking places for bikes and scooters etc.

·         Any more information on the ongoing project would be greatly received so we can help gather support on the project.

·         This would be a great area for walking and cycling and is beneficial to everyone’s health and is also safe.

·         Hoped that the start of this Active Travel project in Area East would spread to other Areas in South Somerset.

·         £10,000 up to £20,000 sounded like good value for money for the feasibility study and the amount reflects the huge amount of work that would need to be undertaken.

In response to queries the Locality manager clarified that the recommendation should be amended to say up to £20,000 and base it around a phased approach to ensure the feasibility of the route first. A breakdown of the study would be circulated to members. An ongoing update would be given as part of the Area Chapter Update and give detailed feedback on how the money is being spent and what the need is going forward.

After no further discussions it was proposed and seconded to approve the recommendations, and on being put to the vote, was approved unanimously.

RESOLVED:  That Members agreed to:

1.    Consider the inclusion of Active Travel routes in the draft Area Chapter for 21/22.

2.    Release funds allocated in the area reserve for Community Planning, Derelict sites (Castle Cary), Rural business units and the Retail Support Initiative and ring-fence £35,370 to be held in reserve and used towards the development and delivery of Active Travel Schemes in Area East.

3.       Award a total of up to £20,000 (£10,000 from the Community Grants and Discretionary budgets, £10,000 from the area reserve) towards the Wincanton to Bruton Active Travel route feasibility study, subject to standard community grant conditions, regular updates and DX agreement.

Reason:          To update Members of the Area East Committee on a number of local schemes which, combined appear to be an emerging theme as a priority for the Area.   

(Voting: Unanimous)