1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Mr M Böckle, Mrs A Trend and Mrs P Wyeth.
2. Declarations of Interest
None.
3. Minutes of the Previous Committee Meeting
The Minutes for the meeting held on 16 October 2010, having been circulated, were approved as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chairman.
4. Matters Arising
(a) Aerial Runway
The Chairman reported that this was now working satisfactorily.
(b) Fencing
It was noted that although Brett Wateridge had undertaken some work to the picket fencing around the children’s play area free of charge, some remedial action was still necessary.
5. CCTV
The Chairman had prepared a specification which had been handed to three companies, two of whom had provided estimates, one of these being only a rough verbal estimate. It was considered that this matter had become urgent.
RESOLVED: That the Chairman consider both estimates and provide guidance as to the best value. A decision would then be taken.
6. Existing Play Equipment
Existing play equipment was inspected. It was noted that one bucket swing had been removed as it was broken.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Clerk obtain an estimate for weeding and relevelling of the play bark.
(b) That the Clerk obtain an estimate for giving the play trail equipment and picnic tables a coat of Sadolin.
(c) That the Clerk contact Timberline regarding a new trim for the slide on the buccaneer ship, a new porthole surround and the possibility of putting an extra porthole in the ship.
(d) That Mr Cornell tighten up any loose parts of the play trail equipment.
(e) That the possibility of moving the bucket swing frame into the proposed new area be explored as well as providing new swings.
7. Proposals for New Play Equipment
At the October 2010 Committee meeting it had been decided to purchase play equipment for toddlers. However, due to the fact that a bucket swing had broken, it was considered appropriate to also provide a basket swing for older children to replace the two bucket swings. Various catalogues were considered.
RESOLVED:
(a) To purchase a basket swing, approximate cost £1700.
(b) That the Clerk ascertain the cost of providing picket fencing to three sides of the new area (to match existing fencing on the fourth side.
(c) That the Clerk ascertain the cost of providing and laying membrane and play bark to the area.
(d) That Mrs Klaassen consult with Mrs Trend regarding suitable items of play equipment to be purchased for the new play area.
8. The Small School
It was noted that the Small School were using the facilities of the Recreation Ground on a regular basis and for considerable periods of time.
Photographs of pupils using equipment, playing football and using the skateboard ramp also appeared on the school website.
It was also felt that on occasions children of the wrong age group were being allowed by supervisory staff to use play equipment.
Concern was expressed regarding the extra wear and tear this was placing on the facilities.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk write to the school inviting them to attend a Parish Council meeting.
9. Signage
The Clerk reported that following a request made at the Annual Parish Meeting she had contacted NFDC to ascertain whether a directional sign could be placed in the High Street to show the way to the Recreation Ground but had not yet received a reply.
RESOLVED: To ask for assistance from Councillor Keith Mans.
It was noted that the sign stating No Vehicles Beyond This Point had disappeared.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk obtain a new sign and arrange fixing.
10. Any Other Business
Mr Cornell said he had received a request from Mr Herbert to ask for an assurance that play equipment would not be placed on Great Mead.
The Chairman said there were no plans to put any play equipment on Great Mead but an assurance could not be given that this would never take place as the Parish Council only had fifteen years to run on their lease at Coles Mead Recreation Ground and the Forestry Commission were within their rights not to renew the lease.
Although there was no reason to think the lease would not be renewed, if this did prove to be the case alternative land would have to be sought and the only suitable land in the Parish Council’s ownership at this time was Great Mead.
In the absence of any other business the Chairman thanked those present and closed the meeting. |
