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1. Welcome & Introductions
Anthony Austin (Chair), Andy Braben, Stephen Craven, Julian Dobson, Sarah Ellis, Derek Mark, Stuart Parkins, David Senior.

Apologies from Liz Delap and Chris le Breton.

Also present – Donald Anyiam, London Borough of Greenwich (LBG)

2. Minutes of Last Meeting.
Approved

3. Matters Arising
Anthony reported that he had written to LBG as agreed last time.

4. Planning Issues

a) Old Royal Naval College
The college had completed their work within the site but the path awaited finishing at each end by LBG. The proposal was to use one of the two 'Lewin' gates at the north-west corner of the site for cyclists and the other for pedestrians. Because of proposed redevelopment of Cutty Sark gardens, an alternative gate on King William Walk might be used instead. The gates would be open 24 hours a day but shut one day a year to avoid creating a legal right of way. Because it is not part of LCN+ there will have to be signs marking the end of the cycle route – usually "cyclists dismount" but it was suggested that "pedestrians have priority" would be better in line with Sustrans' suggestion for a shared use area around the gate.

Donald hoped the internal delay in LBG to finishing the path at the east end of the site could soon be resolved and the work done this financial year. Action – Anthony to write to LBG requesting a reply within 28 days.

b) Greenwich Reach East
The section 106 agreement for the site was believed not to have been signed as social housing provision was still being negotiated. There appeared to be no proposal for a bridge in the latest plans but LBG Highways department expected the developer to build a bridge as the developer of Greenwich Reach West had paid a contribution towards it. Action – Anthony to discuss with Cllr Sidhu and write to Fred Brown (West Greenwich ward councillor).

c) Greenwich Park
The inquest on the fatality earlier in the year had been set for 22 January at Southwark Coroners Court. Stephen said he would attend as an observer if possible.

d) A102/A2 CRIM
TfL had decided the dual carriageway was too dangerous for cyclists and proposed to build on earlier CRISPs for local roads in the area to develop a parallel route. It was agreed that since cycling is legal on the A2 (though not on the A102 where local restrictions apply) a case needs to be made for improving safety for those cyclists who do use it. The CRIM will happen unless TfL decides to withdraw from it.

e) Mast Pond Wharf
The dangerous bridge (slippery wooden planks with raised central strip) had not been improved yet. There was an argument between LBG and the developer whether the path had been officially handed over yet. It was agreed that something should be done by one of those bodies as it remains a hazard.

f) Hexagon development
A retrospective planning application for the wall that had been built without permission was not possible under planning rules. The developer could be forced to demolish it and then apply for permission for a permanent wall. Highways department supported a pedestrian path but not a cycle route.

5. Rides
Rides discussed at the previous week's meeting were on the website. Bromley local group is now involved in the planning as well as Greenwich, Southwark and Lewisham.

6. Website
There had been no progress on the development of the new site yet. Julian asked fro maintenance classes in January to be advertised (exact dates yet to be decided).

7. Pedal Power
The planned December issue would be held over to February as there was unlikely to be any significant news to report before then.

8. Forthcoming Dates

a) Christmas Social 15 December.
The cost of the buffet had been set at £5.50 per head.

b) Next Meeting
It was agreed not to meet in January (proposed Anthony, seconded David). The 2nd would be too soon and the 9th clashed with Bromley group meeting with some people wishing to attend both. Instead Anthony would seek a meeting of Greenwich Cyclists representatives with Cllr Sidhu in week commencing 7 January. Action – Anthony.

c) Date for 2008 AGM
There had previously been discussions about moving the AGM from June to February or March, but since LCC had moved their financial year end from December to March, June is still appropriate for local group AGMs.

9 Maintenance
Julian said he would run classes in January (dates to be agreed). Due to too many "no-shows" in the past he would only add people to the list when they had paid.

12 Any Other Business

a) Sustrans Mileposts
Julian reported that Sustrans was conducting an audit of their cast metal mileposts and asked people using the Thames Path to report whether they were present and in good condition.

b) LCN+
The total length of LCN+ routes being planned across London was now in excess of the 900km target, but rather than develop all the routes, TfL wished to drop certain routes including the Thames Path from the list. It was agreed that the Thames Path should be a priority route and Donald said that Link 60 in Eltham would be a more sensible candidate if cuts were necessary.

c) Connect2
Julian urged members to cast a vote for the Sustrans Connect2 project in the National Lottery "People's Lottery Giveaway" running to 10 December.

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