RECREATION / LEISURE COMMITTEE MEETING

MONDAY 20TH APRIL 2009

Present :-   Cllr C. Dryden (Chair), Cllr P. Allen, Cllr M. Johns, Cllr D. Linney,

                 Cllr C. Lofts, Cllr J. Lynch, Cllr C. Stanger, Cllr H. Wright, Cllr D. Yates

1.    Apologies for Absence

Cllr J. Godwin

2.    Declarations of Interest

None.

3.    Open to the Public

No members of the public were present.

4.    Brackley Road Safety Barriers

The Clerk confirmed there was little further to report on this issue since the Full Council Meeting on 6 th April. S. N. C. and N. C. C. are working towards a compromise with all parties to resolve this issue. Consideration is being given to the installation of a retractable barrier; to which the owners with vehicular access rights will be issued a key.

5.    Towcester Youth & Community Centre

a)    Report back from the site meeting with Sure-Start

The Clerk referred to her recent meeting with Jane Pitchfork and James Ellis, Architect from Lambert Smith Hampton. James felt it may be possible to extend the existing accommodation by infilling the porch at the front of the building. Jane will put forward a number of options for the architect to draw up 2-3 different plans. A site meeting will then be arranged with the TC to consider the proposals.

The Clerk met last week with Karen Bricknell of the N. C. C. Youth Service. She is interested in hiring the TYCC on a Monday afternoon / evening for a 12 week course. The income from this additional booking would be welcome.

b)    Financial Update

The balance of the TYCC account stood at £847.00 on 20.04.09.

6.    Recreation Ground

a)    Lighting for the skateboard area

Works to install lighting on for the skateboard area are due to commence next week. A light sensor will prompt the lighting to come on but the TC need to agree the time it will switch off.

Proposal

Cllr Yates proposed that the timer for the skateboard be lighting be set to switch off at 9.30pm . This can be reviewed after a period of time; seconded by Cllr Lofts, 8 in favour, 1 absention.

b)    Cradle swing

The Clerk confirmed that the cheque has been received from the TC insurers to replace the vandalised cradle swing. An order will be placed this week.

c)    New play equipment

Cllr Dryden confirmed that once the precept is received funds will be available to replace the small climbing frame/slide on the Recreation Ground as recommended in the last ROSPA report. Cllr Dryden suggested the possibility of installing a roundabout in its place as there is currently no equipment of this type in the town. She referred to previous discussions on providing a youth shelter for older children. With the Belle Baulk site now coming into the TC ownership, it may be possible to bring this item back for further discussion; although it was acknowledged that the TC does not have a budget for this and there would need to be some consultation.

7.    Health & Safety Inspections

The Clerk confirmed that the inspections were being carried out today – minor repair works previously reported have been carried out with exception of those with parts on order. Paving has been laid underneath the gate on the Recreation Ground play area. Cllr Allen confirmed that a new padlock needs fixing to the gate as it is now being used as the main entrance. The contractor has ordered the anti-slip paint for the Belle Baulk Bridge . He has confirmed that the bridge will need to be closed for approximately 4 days so notices will need to be erected whilst the work is carried out. Cllr Dryden queried whether the TC needs to audit the work of the contractor with respect to playground inspections to safeguard itself. The consensus of the committee was that the works were being carried out in accordance with the instructions of the TC insurer and provided the inspections are properly recorded this would be sufficient.

8.    Nicholas Hawksmoor Pocket Park

Keys to the Pocket Park were handed to Cllr Wright on her recent visit to the school. The Clerk queried whether the TC will now carry out opening/closing of the Pocket Park when the School Caretaker is on leave? These dates have yet to be established so further enquiries will be made. Cllr Stanger has already volunteered to carry out opening/closing duties when available. The Nicholas Hawksmoor Pocket Park Committee has agreed to change its constitution to allow 2 representatives of the TC on the committee; its next meeting will take place on 17th May, Cllr Yates and Cllr Wright will attend.

9.    Request for the siting of a memorial bench

Employees of S. N. C. have approached the TC with respect to the siting of a bench they have purchased in memory of their late colleague, Mark Smith. They had initially suggested it be sited on the open space at York Close; however, the Clerk has already explained that benches have previously been removed from this location due to problems with anti-social behaviour. Previously the committee identified a bench on the Riverside Walk that is sloping and needed replacing.

Proposal

Cllr Lynch proposed that the sloping bench on the Riverside Walk be replaced with the bench purchased by the colleagues of the late Mark Smith;

seconded by Cllr Johns, all in favour.

10.    B. T. C. V

Correspondence from B. T. C. V. confirms its status as a registered charity which inspires people to improve their local areas. Skilled leaders organise groups of dedicated volunteers to carry out practical conservation work including footpath creation, hedgelaying, woodland management, wildlife garden creation etc at a fraction of the usual cost. The correspondence includes a list of previous employers from whom references can be obtained. The Clerk confirmed that the TC had used B. T. C. V in the past and it was agreed the correspondence would be held on file for future projects.

11.    Towcester Sign

Cllr Dryden referred to correspondence from the owners of Lucas Bridge Business Park . If confirms they have paid to clear the overgrown frontage to the offices to reveal the previously hidden Towcester sign. It requests the TC take over the responsibility for future maintenance of this area. The committee agreed with Cllr Lynch's suggestion that the TC should write to thank the owners of Lucas Bridge Business for undertaking the works to clear this area and confirm that the TC will take over the responsibility for its future maintenance.

Proposal

Cllr Allen proposed that the meeting move into Closed Session;

seconded by Cllr Stanger, all in agreement.