MINUTES of the Recreation, Amenities & War Memorials committee meeting held on Wednesday 5th September 2007 in the Magistrates Room, Town Hall, Hungerford
Present: David.Small (Chair), Mrs Gwynneth.Bullock, David Liddiard, Mrs Margaret Wilson, Glenn.Humphrey, Ron Tarry, Roger Beard, Martin Digweed, Steve Mills, Andy Bell
1. Apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Peter Harries, Elizabeth Cardwell and Rod Desmeules
2. Declaration of Interests
GB and MW (St Lawrences)
3. Minutes of meeting on 26th June 2007
Approved without amendment
4. Triangle Field
4.1 Steering Committee report - SM and MD reported that building work had started and was progressing well, with the walls already up to roof level. The site needed a clear-up but security was being maintained and there had been no incidents. DL said that he had arranged the release of sanitary ware from Norland Nurseries for installation in the new building and the meeting thanked him for his assistance in this connection.
4.2 Tournaments - AB and GH confirmed their agreement to pay a fee of £200 for each of the two football tournaments. The fee payable by Wickham Wanderers had been paid and the cheque for the fee payable by Hungerford Juniors had been signed and would be sent to the Clerk.
4.3 Pitch fees for next season - it was agreed that GB will send to DS a breakdown of what it costs to maintain the TF each year after which DS will liaise with AB and GH in the hope of provisionally agreeing annual fees for the approval of the Committee at its next meeting. As regards the Rugby Club all present indicated that they were happy with the current annual fee subject to an inflationary increase.
4.4 Quote for clearing guttering and painting door - in the absence of PH this could not be discussed - deferred to next meeting.
4.5 Mini-rugby - SM said that the Rugby Club wish to run mini-rugby events on Sunday mornings. This was approved although concern was expressed about parking congestion as the football clubs also play on Sundays. Agreed to see how it goes on the first such occasion and to discuss again at next meeting.
4.6 Grass cutting - RB asked who is currently responsible for this in view of the temporary arrangements for the grass to be cut by Mr James while the Cricket Club's mower was being repaired. Agreed that Mr James should continue until the end of the growing season in October after which the Cricket Club will resume, the mower having been repaired. Also agreed that the Clerk should send Mr James a letter thanking him for his help.
4.7 Grants - SM reported that the Council's grant to the Rugby Club of £300 hadn't been received. Agreed that GB will look into this and make sure that a cheque is sent.
5 War Memorial Recreation Ground
5.1 Strimmer - RB reported that he had bought a new strimmer as the old one had broken down and was incapable of repair, and that this had cost £399 less a £50 discount. Agreed that the Town Council will reimburse him for this.
5.2 Access over lower recreation area - RB admitted that some Cricket Club members had driven their cars over this area to get to and from the cricket ground as discussed at the last Committee meeting. He said that this practice has been discontinued and would not be resumed except in case of emergency.
6. Skateboard Park
5.1 General condition - this was reported to be poor with all the usual problems still occurring in relation to rubbish, alcohol consumption and general anti-social behaviour. It was agreed to make contact with our PCSO and also with Emily Roberts of Thames Valley Police and to ask them to visit the area.
5.2 Alterations - in principle it was felt that the skateboard park would be easier to maintain if the rear fence bordering the lower recreation area were to be removed and also that the benches should be replaced and other improvements carried out. Agreed however to consult with our PCSO and with Thames Valley Police before making any decisions and to discuss the position again at the next Committee meeting.
5.3 User's Committee - also agreed that there ought to be a user's committee and that the Youth Council should be contacted - agreed to speak to our PCSO about this as he has come to know many of the users and could play a useful role in helping to organise this.
7. Playgrounds - in EC's absence it was noted that work at Bulpit Lane is expected to start shortly and that the contract for refurbishment of the Smitham Bridge playground will be discussed at the next full Town Council meeting.
8. St Saviour's Cemetery
6.1 Gates - DS reported that these had been dismantled and sent away for repair - the cost is expected to be £850.
6.2 Rabbits - it was resolved (GB proposed, MW seconded, all in favour) that Mr Mills' quote be accepted.
6.3 Tree surgery - agreed that a third quote would be needed and that this should be requested of Richard Cripps - DL agreed to organise this in conjunction with the Clerk.
6.4 Explorers - GB reported that the Explorers have completed their mapping exercise and were now transferring the data to a computer. Agreed (GB proposed, DS seconded, all in favour) that the Town Council will send them a donation of £100 and a letter of thanks for their help.
6.5 General maintenance - all agreed that this is poor. Agreed that the tender specification needs to be reviewed along with the contractors to be asked to quote for next year's contract. Also agreed that there will be a site visit which GB, DS and DL will attend before the next meeting in order to agree a list of outstanding work that needs to be done.
9 Bridge Street War Memorial - nothing to report
10 Tragedy Memorial - nothing to report
11 St Lawrence's Churchyard - nothing to report
12 Swimming Pool House - confirmed that a revaluation of the house is being carried out, report awaited - otherwise nothing to report
13 Accounts for authorisation - none
The meeting closed at 8.45 pm
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Date of next meeting: Tuesday 25th September
Signed……………………………………
David Small, Chairman
25th September 2007