A19NAG
A19NAG Meetings
The A19NAG group holds regular(monthly) meetings to discuss developments and strategy.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 18th May 2011 at Billingham Golf Club at 0930hrs.
If you would like to contribute or attend a meeting please email Howard Gill howardlgill@ntlworld.com
Summary of previous meetings
Notes of A19NAG Group Meeting held on 9 March 2011
Present:-
Andy Hatton from the Billingham Free Community Newspaper was welcomed to the meeting.
It was noted that the waste site in the old mines under Billingham is to go ahead. It is thought that Billingham Town Council may receive some money as a result of this project. Whilst the materials to be dumped will arrive my road in 18 deliveries spread over the day, it does not appear that this will have a significant effect on the section of the A19 with which we are concerned.
Alex Cunningham has received a response from Mike Penning, the Secretary of State,
to his letter about the road. Athough this recognises that the section concerned
is an Important Area it is not among the First Priority Locations. The impact of
the Tyne Tunnel twinning will be monitored, but even so it would appear that they
consider other areas on the route to have greater priority for investigation. MK
has put the letter on the website together with summary comments. It will also be
sent out to e-
There was a suggestion that we should hold a meeting for residents to be updated on the current situation. This will be considered at a future meeting.
Andy Hatton offered to have an article in the Billingham Community Newspaper about the road. Ken Charlton will be the contact for him for information.
H Gill will contact Bob Cook to see if there is any further information on ANEC following his contact with Richard McGulkin.
It was reported that the planning application for the Hospital Development still stands, although there will be some consultations on modifications to the proposal. Billingham Town Council will be discussing the possible effects.
Letters on the planning issues of the development will be going to the Northern Area Partnership, Billingham TC, Stockton BC, and Wolviston Parish Council. (HLG/BMcl to make contact with Wolviston PC to check on their likely response.)
A meeting is still to take place with David Salkeld of Wynyard Estates.
The next NAG group meeting will be on 6 April at 9.30 at the Golf Club.
Coming soon, notes from meetings in January February
Notes of Meeting of A19NAG Group with Autolink on 15 December 2010
Present : M Womphrey, H Gill, B McLean, K Charlton, R Pocock
From Autolink Keith Polson (General Manager), Neil Raper (Operations Manager)
The meeting had been arranged to enable an exchange of views and information on the history and background to the concrete section of the A19 at Billingham, and for the A19NAG group to have a greater understanding of the present position and any future developments.
There was a general discussion during which the following points were noted.
There has been general recognition of this stretch of road being a problem particularly regarding noise. This resulted it being included in the programme for resurfacing concrete roads which was subsequently cancelled. Although residents have been complaining for many years the cancellation of the programme has resulted in A19NAG becoming an active group to pursue action to deal with the problem.
Autolink confirmed that the Billingham job has been designed and documents are ready
should the go-
Although we have been informed by the HA that they do not believe that there will be a need for the road to be reconstructed for any structural reasons before 2025, Autolink believe that the road will need something doing before that time because of the increase in traffic volumes.
In discussing trigger noise levels Autolink confirmed that 68dba was always the threshold
for noise modification measures (such as double glazing). This figure was built into
long-
The value of 76dba was set for concrete sections of road to deal with serious problems which affected properties which were constructed after the road was built.
It was pointed out by KC that some of the houses on the estate were completed before the road was in use.
Autolink argued in October 2009 that the A19 be included in a fiscal stimulus scheme. The Government decided to spend money (very inefficiently) on strengthening the hard shoulder.
The HA is currently doing a study on this section of the A19. Autolink are not involved in this.
There is a general expectation that traffic volumes will increase. Specifically the
new Tyne Tunnel was originally predicted to generate a 5-
Whilst the future construction projects at Wynyard may well generate addition traffic flows above present levels, the developments on these sites do not bring associated contributions to any necessary roadworks. This is because of the original conditions agreed at the time of the Samsung development which are still applicable and have not been exceeded.
Should the A19 require to be widened this could take place with a fairly minimal requirement for additional land. The bridges would however require to be reconstructed.
Autolink have 3-
Autolink gave a presentation to the meeting. This confirmed
Traffic volumes on the A19 are similar to those on the A1.
Autolink have a concession for operating and maintaining the A19 for 30 years from February 1997.
HA are responsible for bids for future improvement works. They are aware that Autolink have a scheme ready but have taken no action to date.
HA are the route managers for the A19. Relevant contact staff includes Mandy Foster who we have been dealing with.
Autolink was originally set up as a consortium in a joint venture which included Amey, R McAlpine, and Taylor Woodrow. Since then R McAlpine has bought out the others progressively and has had 100% ownership since 2007.
Locally, Tees Valley Unlimited is now the organisation which is the successor to One North East. It is a joint organisation for the Stockton, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool areas. It has input to road links and flows which are affecting the various parts of the region.
(MW will speak to Ken Lupton on possible input and our interest in the A19)
A19NAG were very appreciative of the time and input given by Keith and Neil and for their very friendly and helpful approach.
Notes of A19NAG Meeting on 1 December 2010
Present:-
Meeting with A Cunningham
The meeting had established a very useful contact and hopefully was the beginning of a more effective contact with Government bodies.
Following the meeting AC had organised an article in the Evening Gazette which set out the position very well.
There has been no formal contact with AC since the meeting and it was agreed that KC would send a letter expressing our thanks to him.
We will give AC a further update and specific comments to assist him, and us, in his approach to the Minister. This will be sent following our meeting with Autlink which is arranged for 13 December.
MK advised the meeting that he had not received any response to his letters to MPs or the Department of Transport. He will write again to chase them up.
MK has e-
He will also put the article on the website.
Meeting with Wynyard Estates
We have an offer of a meeting with David Salkeld, a Director, and HLG will seek to arrange this. It would be helpful if this could be before the meeting with Autolink.
(Unfortunately he is on holiday until 13th December and a meeting will be arranged when he returns.)
It was agreed that our main points for discussion with Wynyard Estates centred around the effects on traffic flows and any associated roadworks. It is of particular interest if there are any plans for alterations at the A19 junctions including any possibility of road widening of the A19 and the establishment of new exit lanes.
Points for meeting with Autolink
Details of their contract period and the extension that took it to 2025
Information on traffic volumes. What are the predicted increases particularly due to developments at Wynyard and the new Tyne Tunnel?
What do traffic volumes compare with those predicted?
Are there any works predicted to arise because of the increases?
Speed limits – who sets and controls?
Costings for replacement of concrete surfaces.
Why was our section placed so late in the programme which was subsequently cancelled?
Why did Thirsk section get priority for replacement? Also the section recently done near Osmotherly supposedly for noise reasons?
What would be involved in getting rid of the noisy concrete – resurface or remove and rebuild?
How common is the ribbed concrete?
HA report says that it was an experiment which turned out to be noisier that expected. What do they know of noise levels from different finishes to concrete or are all concrete roads similar? Were all the same in the previous abandoned programme?
The next meeting of our group is arranged for 12th January 2011.
Notes of A19NAG meeting held on 20 October 2010
Present:-
Apologies from G Davidson, D Rickaby
Discussion on agenda for A Cunningham meeting
It was agreed that the script which had been prepared for Hilary Benn would form the basis for the meeting. Other documentation should be available and where appropriate sent to Alex Cunningham for him to read before the meeting. The HA Noise Report and Matt’s dossier are the two most important items for this.
The original of the petition was given to Frank Cook. MW has a copy and will bring it to the meeting with A Cunningham.
We need a map showing the FPLs from the DEFRA report and BMcL will bring a good copy to the meeting.
There are a number of points which we would wish to highlight to AC. These include
The fact that the HA Report is in error stating that the A19 construction was done before any houses were built
Noise levels higher than predicted
History of broken promises
KC will lead the presentation to AC based on his two outline papers.
We will have a pre-
Other discussion
There are still problems with e-
MW will include an update on A19NAG in his next newsletter which will probably be in March.
MW will contact Autolink and invite them to a meeting.
HLG will set up a meeting with Wynyard Developments.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 1 December 2010 at 9.30am at the Golf Club.
Notes of A19NAG Meeting held on 22 September 2010
Present: B McLean, K Charlton, M Womfrey, R Pocock, H L Gill, D Richaby
Apologies were received from M Kerridge and G Davidson
Diane Rickaby from Billingham Town Council was welcomed to the meeting.
Meeting with MP
The meeting with Alex Cunningham has been arranged for 4.30pm on 29th October. It was agreed that it would start on site at the bridge over the A19 and then have the meeting in the Golf Club.
An agenda for the meeting will be prepared at the next group meeting on 20th October.
Feedback and contact with residents and others
KC reported that MK had been around to his house to set up his computer with the
e-
It was hoped that MW would include an update on the situation in his next newsletter
which goes to all the local residents. Whilst MW had some concerns that this was
unwelcome publicity for those trying to sell their properties the group felt that
the problem was already well-
The Billingham free newspaper is to be delivered by the end of this month and it includes comment by KC on the planned meeting with Alex Cunningham.
RP has spoken with Dick Cains who is the councillor whose ward includes the Crooksbarn estate. The comment was made that Stockton BC have little input and control over the major road issues.
BMcL has spoken to Fiona Hall’s office and will contact her with an appropriate update when appropriate.
MK will continue to maintain contact with the Doveridge groups.
Wynyard Hospital and Developments
HLG to contact Chris Musgrave to try to set up a meeting.
It has been reported that the hospital will go ahead with private funding, although the identity of the funder is not known at this time. It will require a new planning application which will be dealt with by Hartlepool. A19NAG needs to give Billingham Town Council as much supportive information as possible to assist with their input into the planning process.
The Highways Authority have already stated that there will be a need for a road update if the hospital goes ahead.
Highways Authority Noise Survey and Report
The report from the HA has been circulated to members of the group. Members need to study it to assemble our detailed comments and glean any useful points from it.
Points so far include questions as to where the level of 76 db came from and also the effect of the 5m/sec wind speed limit. It also has incorrect facts about the construction of the road relative to affected housing.
A major point has been the failure to find any record of the original predicted noise
levels from pre-
Finance
To date the group has developed without any finance. The question was raised as to how any legal advice may be funded. DR offered to speak to someone to check out how we might become recognised as a voluntary group which might then enable us to attract funds if needed.
Contact with Autolink
MW has spoken to Autolink and they will be happy to come to one of our meetings.
Their general manager is Keith Poulson and MW will e-
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 20th October at 9.30am at the Golf Club.
Notes of a progress meeting held on 18th August 2010
Present at meeting: K Charlton, R Pocock, M Kerridge, G Davidson, B Mclean,
Guest : Town Councillor Mrs O Milner
( Billingham Town Council rep )
Apologies for absence were received from Howard Gill.
Contact with Alex Cunningham MP
Before the General election, our current MP, Mr Frank Cook, helped us raise the
profile of our cause to a level where we were about to get an audience with the
Transport Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hilary Benn.
A meeting was being arranged for us to present the petition and explain our cause
which was cancelled in the run up to the General election. With the changes in our
local MP and central Government and it is imperative that a meeting with our current
MP Mr Alex Cunningham is arranged ASAP.
Arrangement of this meeting is an outstanding action on from the July MOM.
Action : Councillor Womphrey ( not present at Aug meeting )
Communications
· Contact with Wolviston Court residents.
The group agreed that contact should be made with residents on the petition to let
people know that A19NAG Is still around.
Actions : 1. Matt Kerridge will look at e mail contact where possible.
2. Use Councillor Womphreys’ newsletter to inform all residents of this
important issue
· Contact with Billingham Town Council
Colin Pollard was contacted by B.McL and arranged for a BTC rep to attend our
meetings.
Mrs Olive Milner attended the August meeting and agreed to report her
observations back to BTC.
Further Action: B.McL will contact Dianne Rickaby the BTC Exec Officer to
arrange for MOM and Data from the NAG team to be fed into the BTC system for inclusion in their newsletters/magazine.
· Contact Wolviston Parish Council (WPC)
Action : Invite Wolviston PC rep to our meetings and send MOM to WPC.
This is an outstanding action on Councillor Womphrey from July MOM.
· Contact with Norton East residents
Action : Robin Pocock will attend SBC Councillor Ann Cains next ward surgery.
· Contact MEPs for advice on EU Noise Legislation
B.McL has contacted Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall. Admin office says it will help
where possible.
Action : We need to write to Fiona Hall again to update her with our post election
position.
· Contact Doveridge A50 Bypass Campaign MP for advice
Doveridge in Derbyshire has a similar problem to us with road noise from the A50
bypass.
(Albeit not as severe as the A19 in terms of properties affected and noise levels.)
They have the active support of their MP who has spoken in parliament on behalf of residents.
They also have the formal active support and involvement of
Derbyshire County Council.
Action : Matt Kerridge will contact Patrick McGloughlin MP.
Wynyard Hospital and Wynyard Park Developments.
We are seeking to develop a relationship with the Executive of Wynyard Park to
take advantage of any infrastructure improvements that may need to take place to
improve traffic flow to Wynyard Park Developments. This could include the
New Hospital should it go ahead with private funding.
.Outstanding action from July meeting : Howard Gill to contact Chris Musgrave,
Chief Executive Wynyard Park
Highways Agency
Ken Charlton will continue to contact Mandy Foster of the HA on any local
A19 issues.
We also need to keep up contact with HA head office to pursue our criticism of
their first pass definition of local First Priority Locations (FPLs).
Our main objective is to get the A19 Billingham By pass on to the
Dept of Transports FPL action list
Noise Measurement Surveys
At the time of writing we were still waiting for the results of the McAlpine Noise
Survey done in March this year.
The survey results have been received subsequent to the meeting.
The results will be discussed in detail at the next meeting to decide what response
there should be from A19NAG.
Autolink.
Autolink own the contract for maintenance of the A19.
It was suggested at the July meeting that we should invite Autolink along to our
meeting to discuss relevant dates on their contract. Councillor Womphrey has good contacts with some of their local team.
Action : Investigate possibility a rep attending our meeting.
AOB
It was suggested we should investigate whether the group should have legal r
epresentation. Can we use SBC legal department for advice? Can BTC help?
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held in Billingham Golf Club on
Wednesday 22nd September at 09.30hrs
A19NAG Group
Notes of meeting on 18th July 2010
Present:-
It was agreed that the meetings should be structured and that B McLean would act as chairman and H Gill would take notes as secretary.
Keeping the issue alive
It is important that the meeting with Alex Cunningham takes place. M Womphrey has
sent an e-
There are still a number of unanswered questions, particularly in relation to the interpretation of the noise surveys. These need to be put together and raised with Alex Cunningham at the meeting with a view to using him to pursue the issues.
We also need advice on raising the profile of the campaign.
Communications
It was agreed that individuals be identified to action certain things. Other members of the group to be kept up to date by the actioner circulating other members of the group.
K Charlton will continue to be the one who deals with Mandy Foster.
M Kerridge will deal with central government and government organisations.
R Pocock will be the contact person for the Cains and will also go the Ann Cains ward surgery.
H Gill/B McLean will speak to Colin Pollard about Billingham Town Council involvement in support of our campaign.
It was agreed that we seek to invite someone from Wolviston Parish Council to our meetings. M Womphrey will pursue this. Copies of our minutes will also be sent to Wolviston PC.
B McLean will re-
Wynyard Hospital and Developments
Lobby groups are likely to come into being associated with issues arising from the developments (or not, as the case may be). We should keep aware of any such and seek to get on any bandwagon in relation to the infrastructure.
It was agreed that we should still seek a meeting with Musgrave. H Gill/K Charlton to pursue.
Noise measurement surveys
The detailed results from Assadi have been received.
However, although promised we have not yet had anything from the McAlpine study for the Highways Agency. M Kerridge will deal with this in writing to the Dept of Transport.
K Charlton has the details of the timeplan for the noise action planning programme. This will mean that from April 2011 the HA’s will implement or secure budget for action, including liaison with stakeholders. From April 2012 relevant HA’s will investigate the remaining important areas and implement any actions, or secure budget for actions.
Autolink
We should invite Autolink to a meeting and have details of contacts and knowledge of the relevant dates for their contract.
Next meeting to be on Wednesday, 18th August at 9.30am at Billingham GC.