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RECREATION / LEISURE COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2010
Present:- Cllr H. Wright, Cllr P. Allen, Cllr D. Bain, Cllr M. Blake, Cllr C. Dryden,
Cllr J. Godwin, Cllr J. Hart, Cllr M. Johns, Cllr D. Linney, Cllr J. Lynch
Cllr D. Yates
1. Apologies for Absence
Cllr C. Lofts
2. Declarations of Interest
None.
3. Open to the Public
No members of the public were present.
4. Nicholas Hawksmoor Pocket Park
Cllr Wright and Cllr Yates attended the last meeting of the Nicholas Hawksmoor Pocket Park Committee in March. Cllr Wright confirmed the school is proposing to increase the depth of the planted hedge to double width but wishes to leave the fence in situ. From now on the park will be locked whilst pupils are taking lessons inside and will remain unlocked at all other times. Cllr Wardle is looking into potential grant funding for a new notice board.
Cllr Allen considers the fence makes the pocket park much more secluded and therefore at greater risk from vandalism. Cllr Godwin suggested the school be instructed to remove the fence which was installed on TC land without prior consent.
The Clerk referred to previous discussions on the fence where the TC agreed it could be retained for a period of time (2 years) and be removed once the hedge is established. Cllr Linney pointed out that the hedge is already growing through the fence and it may not be possible to remove it at that juncture without causing damage to the hedge. He added it is the school’s responsibility to protect its premises and the fence should be relocated to the school boundary.
The Clerk confirmed that the school is seeking a formal agreement for use of the pocket park to progress funding applications. Jonathon Kingsley-Smith is experiencing some problems in advancing his plans for improvements to the pocket park as Nicholas Hawksmoor School has no formal agreement to use the site.
Cllr Hart suggested the TC ask its contractor to inspect the hedge and advise whether it will be possible to remove the fence at the allotted time without causing significant damage; the school can then be instructed accordingly. She pointed out that the TC may need to take over the management of the Pocket Park if it does not wish to make concessions regarding its responsibility for the site.
Cllr Yates referred to the infrequency of committee meetings; this allows the school to control the pocket park schedule and move things forward unchecked. Cllr Hart suggested the TC write to Nicholas Hawksmoor School to request a regular report, possibly bi-monthly, to be incorporated into R/L Committee meetings.
5. Health & Safety Reports
The Clerk referred to the most recent health and safety inspection reports. She confirmed the dome on the new play equipment is still taped up having been vandalised for a second time. Cllr Dryden is discussing alternatives to replace this part with the play equipment provider.
The TC contractor reported the following items:-
Shrinkage around the edge of the wet pour surface on the Recreation Ground and Belle Baulk adventure playground; this is to be monitored.
The spring animal on Sandyhome Road play area has been repaired.
The wooden slide on Belle Baulk toddler play area is rotten. The seat on the spring animal is loose. Two slats were missing from the picket fence.
The cargo net on The Shires playground is becoming worn. The Clerk confirmed that the two play areas on The Shires will need to be inspected by Rospa prior to the areas being transferred to the TC.
6. Towcester Recreation Ground
a) Football pitch repairs
The Clerk has been approached by TJFC regarding damage to the pitches on the Recreation Ground. In order to make it safe to continue play; there are a number of deep holes that need to be filled. The Clerk has obtained a quotation of £350.00 from the TC contractor to carry out the necessary repairs.
Proposal
Cllr Lynch proposed the TC contractor be instructed to carry out repairs to the football pitches on the Recreation Ground; seconded by Cllr Linney; all in favour.
b) Replacement window for play unit
Following discussions with Monster Play Equipment, Cllr Dryden confirmed they have recommended replacement of the vandalised bubble panel on the new RG equipment with a flat transparent panel. This will continue to give the effect of a window but, because it is flat, can be manufactured from more durable material that comes with a 10 year warranty on breakage. This part is now on order.
7. The Shires
The Clerk referred to her recent site meeting with Mark Gatehouse of Persimmon Homes and Grant Perks of SNC concerning the transfer of open areas on The Shires. The Clerk gave comprehensive details of works currently being undertaken to bring the area up to standard prior to its transfer to the TC. She confirmed there is a strip of land still in the ownership of David Wilson Homes where no works have been carried out; Persimmon has undertaken to resolve this issue. There is also a strip of land on Senna Drive which the Clerk agreed the TC will adopt as no-one is currently responsible for it. A number of trees planted in close proximity to fences were noted and Ian Lorman of SNC will be asked to inspect these. The Clerk anticipates that works will be completed for the adoption to take place around August time.
8. Land to the rear of Sandringham Close
The Clerk confirmed that the completion statement relating to the transfer of land to the rear of Sandringham Close has been received from Arnold Thomson Solicitors. The Clerk advised that the fees incurred to settle this matter amount to £2384.00.
9. Seats
Cllr Wright referred to correspondence from a resident of Docklewell Close regarding the seat located at the rear of Docklewell Close. The Clerk has received confirmation from Towcester SCT that they have received no complaints concerning anti-social behaviour related to the seat. The committee agreed that the seat will not be relocated elsewhere; the Clerk will send a written reply to confirm this decision.
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