MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE HELD IN THE RECREATION GROUND ON FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2005 AT 5.00 PM
Present:
Mr M Rollé (Chairman), Mr G Bisson and Mr J Wilding.
Clerk to the Council: Mrs M H Weston
Apologies:
None.
Minutes:
The Minutes for the meeting held on 24 September 2004, having been circulated, were approved as a true and accurate record.
Matters Arising:
Grazing Land – This had now been returned to the Forestry Commission.
Filtration pond – The District Council had now provided a depth gauge close to the open pipe work and warning notice on the fence.
Small bridge - Hand rails had been fitted.
Goal net in Practice Area - This had now been taken down.
“No Dogs” Signage – Signs had been placed on the main gate and at the “unofficial” cut through from the adult football pitch.
Condition of Play Area:
(a) Potential for Repair
The existing play equipment, safety surfacing and perimeter fencing were inspected. The play equipment was considered to be in a dilapidated condition and reaching the end of its lifespan. The swings were in urgent need of repainting.
The bark safety surfacing needed to be raked to level it but was otherwise considered in reasonable condition although it was noted that it became very wet in the winter months. The perimeter fencing had been repeatedly vandalised and was costing a good deal of money to repair.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the Clerk contact the Probation Service to see if it would be possible to have unpaid workers to paint the swings and rake the bark level.
(ii) That the Clerk ascertain whether it was a legal requirement to have a perimeter fence surrounding a children’s play area. If it was not necessary she would also ask the Probation Service if they could dismantle the perimeter fence.
(iii) If the necessary arrangements could not be made with the Probation Service a voluntary working party would be organised to undertake these items.
(b) Possibility of changing location
This subject was discussed at length, with no obvious choice coming to light, other than land at the Community Centre.
RESOLVED: That a questionnaire be conducted among parents of children likely to use the play area (up to eight years of age) to see if they had any ideas about whether they thought a play area was necessary in the village, location and type of equipment, etc they would like to see.
Forestry Commission Rent Increase:
Although the new lease with the Forestry Commission had yet to be signed it was known that the annual rent would increase by 100% to £600 per annum. It was noted that the Boys Football Club used a large portion of the Recreation Ground and kept the grass cut. The Parish Council made a contribution towards the cost of this work.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk write to the Secretary of the Football Club explaining that due to the rent increase it would no longer be possible for the Parish Council to make such a substantial contribution to the cost of grasscutting. A contribution of £150 per annum would be made in future.
Trees, Overgrown Areas and Fencing:
It was noted that the Forestry Commission would be providing 36 trees for planting in the area where trees had previously been removed. This area had now been sprayed for weed growth, as had the ground adjacent to the rear gardens in Wellands Road and some areas containing Japanese knotweed.
The fencing was inspected and it was agreed that no action was necessary at the present time although the hedge at the back of the skateboard ramp was considered to be overgrown.
RESOLVED:
(i) To see whether the spraying already undertaken was enough to mean no further action was necessary.
(ii) That estimates be obtained for hedge trimming, chipping and mulching into base.
Skateboard Ramp/Basket Ball Hoop:
(a) Skateboard ramp - This was considered to be in reasonable condition.
(b) Basket Ball Hoop - This was considered to be in reasonable condition.
(c) Potential for moving Ramp - It was considered that there was nowhere more suitable to accommodate the skateboard ramp to at the present time.
Estimates 2006/2007:
The following estimates of expenditure for the financial year 2006/2007 were made:
Skateboard provision |
£2,000.00 |
Rent
|
£600.00 |
Skimming, grasscutting, etc |
£500.00 |
Maintenance |
£2,500.00 |
Insurance |
£400.00 |
Legal fees – new lease |
£500.00 |
Replacement |
£1,000.00 |
Total |
£7,500.00 |
Any Other Business:
In the absence of any other business the Chairman thanked those present for attending and closed the meeting.
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