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RECREATION / LEISURE COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY 18TH JULY 2011
Present:- Cllr M. Blake (Chair), Cllr P. Allen, Cllr J. Godwin, Cllr N. Hastings, Cllr M. Johns,
Cllr D. Linney, Cllr D. Yates
1. Apologies for Absence
Cllr G. Barbour, Cllr J. Lynch, Cllr C. Stanger, Cllr A. Wardle
2. Declarations of Interest
None.
3. Open to the Public
Mr Norris of Docklewell Close attended the meeting to address the committee with his concerns regarding anti-social behaviour on the open area to the rear of Docklewell Close. He said he has been reporting problems to the TC since 2004 and is disappointed with its response over this time. He referred to his previous request for the bench to be removed and the subsequent correspondence sent by the TC to all residents of Docklewell Close asking for their views. He said that not all residents of Docklewell Close are affected. He referred to the area with the bench (Area 1) and a second area further along where young people have been camping inside a copse of trees/shrubs (Area 2). He said there are steps the TC could take to make these areas more open. The police were called two weeks ago and confiscated alcohol from youngsters congregating in this area; they agree that improving visibility may reduce the problems. Mr Norris said the police had been very good in responding to complaints but he wants more support from the TC.
4. Docklewell Close Open Areas
Anti-social behaviour and overgrown shrubbery
The Clerk referred to communications between herself, Mr Norris and the police concerning the open area to the rear of Docklewell Close. She said the last issues were in 2009 when the TC agreed to monitor the situation. There were no complaints regarding anti-social behaviour throughout 2010. Since the beginning of 2011 there have been a couple of complaints made to the TC concerning litter. At the last JAG meeting, the police confirmed there had been 1 call made to them this year with respect to Area 1 and 3 calls on Area 2. In addition to this, there had been a couple of complaints concerning noise nuisance on Area 2 when the police surveyed residents as part of its ‘Have Your Say’ campaign.
The Clerk has met with the TC tree surgeon on site and he has confirmed that Area 2 can be opened up to becomes more visible from the path; hopefully this will make it a less attractive gathering point. Area 1 presents a different problem. It is densely planted down to the footpath at the bottom and to reduce the density would require the removal of most of the established shrubbery. The Clerk re-iterated there had been almost no problems concerning this area in the past two years.
Cllr Yates asked if Mr Norris was also representing his neighbours in Docklewell Close and he confirmed this was not the case. The Clerk confirmed there had been no complaints received from other residents. Cllr Allen said the area is an open space to be used by all members of the community and asked at what age someone qualifies as a member of the community. He said there are lots of little nooks around this area, particularly in the vicinity of the pocket park, where youths can congregate. He did not see it as a problem provided the police are aware and continue to observe these areas.
The Clerk asked the committee if they wished to consider opening up the shrubbery around Area 2 to give more visibility as suggested by the contractor. Cllr Godwin questioned whether it would be preferable to take some of the shrubbery out completely to make it a more permanent and cost-effective. Cllr Hastings was in agreement adding that problems with anti-social behaviour will only get worse during the summer months.
Proposal
Cllr Linney proposed that the TC cut back the shrubbery around Area 2 to make if more visible;
seconded by Cllr Johns; all in favour
The Clerk said Area 1 could be cut back from where it is encroaching on the path. She suggested that the TC contact Ian Lorman of SNC to discuss a management plan for this area as it is growing so rapidly.
Proposal
Cllr Johns proposed the TC contacts Ian Lorman for advice on the future management of the Docklewell Close open area;
seconded by Cllr Linney; all in favour.
The Clerk advised Mr Norris that she would inform him of any decisions made by the TC concerning the area.
5. Tree Surgery
The Clerk recently carried out site visits with the TC tree surgeon to look at a number of trees that require attention. The committee agreed for the following works to proceed:-
Removal of two dead eucalyptus trees from Clare Crescent/Alchester Court
Cutting back of a large tree on the open area overhanging 7 Linnet Road
Cutting back of the laurel at Keats/Kipling Drive
It was agreed that Ian Lorman of SNC would be asked to inspect a large tree at the rear of Sandringham Close. This tree is routinely cut back but because of its close proximity to dwellings it may be better to remove it entirely.
Cllr Yates reported that the branches of a large cherry tree on Buckingham Way, opposite the entrance to Byron Close, are overhanging the path and obstructing pedestrians. The Clerk will follow this up.
6. N. C. C. Libraries Review
Cllr Blake referred to the last FC Meeting when Grace Kempster of the N.C.C. Libraries Service briefed the TC on the Libraries Review 2012 – 2015. The TC has the option to respond to the initial review via five questions prepared by the Libraries Service:-
Q1 From your knowledge of local developments to March 2015, is there potential change
of use for your library which would be of greater benefit to the community?
No. The committee agreed the library is of the correct size and utilises the whole of its existing
site. It is extensively used by the community and has expanded on this by displaying exhibitions for local groups.
Q2 Do you have any plans/proposals/suggestions to make for the future of your library to
March 2015?
Plans are impending for the development of Moat Lane, Towcester and the relocation of the library
and other N.C.C. community services to a new civic centre in this location.
Q3 Are there any local changes that we should take account of?
The proposed southern expansion of Towcester over the next 20 years could see the number of
homes increase by a further 3,300.
Q4 Are there any other partnerships for sponsorship/support we should take forward?
There are a great deal of worthy causes in the town competing for a very small share of funding; the
library does not fall within the same category. Towcester Business Club may be able to provide
a list of business contacts for the area; however the town does not have a major employer. The TC
is concerned about the reliance of sponsorship to maintain the service as this support could be
withdrawn at any time.
Q5 What contribution could you make in the next four years to your library, in funding support or other
resources or support?
The TC is not in a position to provide funding support.
Cllr Godwin said the TC should write to N.C.C. to express its dissatisfaction with the way the library service is being treated particularly in view of it being commended for its excellent performance.
7. Public Toilets
The Clerk confirmed Cllr Lofts had requested that the absence of public toilets in Towcester be revisited. The Clerk said that the TC had not received a single complaint concerning the closure of the Moat Lane facilities but there had been a couple of complaints from elderly residents when the toilets in the Co-op car park closed. Cllr Hastings strongly objected to the onus being put onto town centre businesses to provide toilet facilities when this should be the responsibility of the local authority. Cllr Johns said that this issue was raised by many people during the local election campaigns. He wondered whether SNC would be prepared to enter a partnership arrangement with the Co-op to re-open the toilets. Committee members acknowledged that the facilities were not always used for their intended purpose, particularly in Moat Lane. Cllr Linney said he would not be opposed to re-opening the Moat Lane toilets if SNC were prepared to refurbish the building. Cllr Allen was not surprised no-one had complained as the facilities are predominantly used by visitors. He said a town the size of Towcester should have public toilets but this issue needs to be addressed properly and this will involve a substantial sum of money. The Clerk suggested that businesses in the town centre contact SNC directly on this issue. Cllr Linney proposed that the TC write to SNC advising that it has received representations from residents, visitors and businesses concerning the absence of public toilets in the town and ask that they look again at whether the facilities in the Co-op car park can be re-opened.
8. Towcester Youth & Community Centre
Financial Update
The Clerk confirmed the balance of the Community Centre account is currently £4,412.00. The Clerk needs to calculate the recharge sum due from N.C.C. for its percentage of shared services. This will be done based on the 6 month period since Sure Start occupied as the sum due can be calculated more accurately.
9. Health & Safety Inspections
The Clerk confirmed that a seat of the flood plain requires a minor repair. The vandalised springer equipment on Sandyhome Road Play Area has been replaced. Shrubbery on Belle Baulk Adventure Play Area is now overhanging the equipment and the Clerk will arrange for this to be cut back. Once the transfer of the Shires Estate has been completed the equipment in the lower play area will need to be repainted.
10. Litter Picking
The Clerk confirmed that TC Litter Picker, Larry Davis, returned to work from sick leave on 6th June. The RL Committee will need to make a request to the RP Committee for £3,200 from its contingency fund to cover the additional expenditure.
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