To answer questions asked after notice in accordance with the provisions contained within Part 4 of the Council Rules of the Constitution on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the District:
(a) to the Leader of the Council;
(b) to any Portfolio Holder; or
(c) to the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Any further questions, will follow if not received in time to be incorporated into the agenda.
Question by D Rye to the Contracts and Technical Services Portfolio Holder
“At the last council meeting I attended, when questions were put to this council regarding the TFL issue in Chigwell. Members were clearly told that the work that was being undertaken by TFL was, and I quote ‘ Emergency work to the embankment with regard to the subsidence’.
I wish to inform the council that since September, apart from erecting hoarding, there has been absolutely no work carried out on the embankment, nor will there be until, quote ‘Spring 2020’.
Considering that potentially no work will be carried out for at least 6 months, at a time when there is more chance of subsidence due to adverse weather; does the council still consider this as emergency work and what action will it take to ensure that any extension on the lease of land in Lechmere Ave is adhered to by TFL and that TFL will not be allowed continuous extensions to this lease for months or years to come, regardless of the amount of money it is paying EFDC for the privilege to use this land?”
Minutes:
Transport for London (TfL)– Works to the Central Line, Chigwell
Question by D Rye to Councillor N. Avey (Contracts and Technical Portfolio Holder)
“At the last council meeting I attended, when questions were put to this council regarding the TfL issue in Chigwell. Members were clearly told that the work that was being undertaken by TfL was, and I quote ‘ Emergency work to the embankment with regard to the subsidence’.
I wish to inform the council that since September, apart from erecting hoarding, there has been absolutely no work carried out on the embankment, nor will there be until, quote ‘Spring 2020’.
Considering that potentially no work will be carried out for at least 6 months, at a time when there is more chance of subsidence due to adverse weather; does the council still consider this as emergency work and what action will it take to ensure that any extension on the lease of land in Lechmere Ave is adhered to by TfL and that TfL will not be allowed continuous extensions to this lease for months or years to come, regardless of the amount of money it is paying EFDC for the privilege to use this land?”
Response given by Councillor A. Lion (Strategic Projects Portfolio Holder) on behalf Councillor N. Avey (Contracts and Technical Services Portfolio Holder)
“I would like to thank the member of the public who submitted a question and are present to address the Council this evening, regarding ongoing work to the Central Line in the Chigwell area. I may not be able to fully answer the questions raised tonight, as I need to rely on Transport for London (TfL) for some of the responses, but I will endeavour to address residents’ concerns in this regard.
The Central Line offers a key mode of transport for our residents, businesses and visitors. Due to the usage and age of the Central Line, it is necessary to carry out routine as well as any urgent repair works to the line in the Chigwell area should the need arise. Regarding the question relating to ‘Emergency work to the embankment with regard to the subsidence’ and the fact that despite hoarding being erected since September, no work has currently been carried out by TfL, I would like to clarify the definition of works, in that TfL consider the works to be ‘Urgent’ and not emergency, as has been quoted in your correspondence. The embankment in question is electronically monitored by TfL and therefore should works be required prior to the proposed Spring 2020 date, then they will be aware of the requirement to attend.
As further explanation, TfL have responded and provided the following explanation:
‘The works are considered as urgent. In the interim prior to construction works commencing slope monitoring is being carried out on monthly basis until the start on site date to ensure there is no further slope movement since vegetation clearance.’
With regards to the licence granted to TfL by Epping Forest District Council, the licence is for a two-year period from 12 December 2018 and therefore expires on 11 December 2020. Therefore, the use of the area for the works planned in the Spring of 2020 will be covered by the existing licence.”
Supplementary question by D Rye to Councillor A. Lion (Strategic Projects Portfolio Holder)
“If the permit was extended how would residents be able to submit comments on the extension and as set out in the permit conditions would the Council ensure that TfL informed residents at all stages.”
Councillor A. Lion (Strategic Projects Portfolio Holder)
“ The Councils website would continue to be updated with the latest information provided from TfL. He understood the residents concerns although it was in the hands of TfL.”