Minutes of the Recreation, Amenities and War Memorials Committee meeting held on Tuesday, 17th June 2008 in the Corn Exchange Complex, Hungerford at 7.00pm

 

Present: E Cardwell (Chair), Cllrs P Harries, G Bullock, M Wilson, D Pope, M Nesbitt,

T Werrell. Also present B Boulton, S Skipworth, R Beard, S Edgar

 

1. Apologies: D Liddiard, R Tarry

 

2. Declarations of Interests: G Bullock and M Wilson declared St Lawrence’s

 

3. Minutes of the Meeting held on 22nd May 2008:

M Wilson proposed agree minutes, seconded by M Nesbitt. All in favour.

 

4. Triangle Field – Maintenance Repairs

The entrance will be closed for 9 days. Some vandalism has occurred and must be reported to police. R Beard has seeded field and will obtain quote for treating clover. An incident involved a man being robbed at knife point near the Triangle field. A record is being kept of all incidents.

 

5. Skate Park - graffiti event (M Nesbitt report)

                        - youth behaviour 

The decoration of the skate park by its users has been a success however the Cannabis leaf and WC references are not appropriate and should be painted over. A monthly check should be made on ramps to replace rivets and check for broken panels etc.

Residents of Parkway have complained of anti-social behaviour including loud music, littering, a smashed window and cars being driven around the skate park late at night. There is lack of policing and names of those involved are not known. G Bullock proposed a trial period of employing Roger Ballard to lock all 3 sets of gates at 9pm and unlock them in the morning. Seconded by M Wilson. All in favour. Notices will need to go up stating closure times. M Nesbitt to report back on progress.

 

6. Tragedy Memorial An excellent job by Tony lavers. The area is looking very colourful.

 

7. War Memorial and Recreation Ground – football goals

 A car was driven down the avenue towards D Taylor. The incident is to be reported to the police. A few trees need replacing. There should be 28. J Handy has planned this for November. New goal posts have been ordered and old posts to be removed. S Skipworth to replace padlock on gate near school.

 

S Edgar, B Boulton, S Skipworth and R Beard left meeting at 8pm.

 

8. Smitham Bridge Play Area – report following inspection by Lappset

Inspections have been carried out at both playgrounds. Contractors are keeping the areas smart. A quote has been received for another Insurance claim for vandalism. It was suggested Open Door could report on vandalism costs and their effect on future precept. Photos will be taken of tags and emailed to the Police. Community Service youths have not been available to do any jobs. Knife found in Smitham Bridge park will be taken to the Police. E Cardwell proposed and P Harries seconded put in order for new equipment and at the same time order stepping stones to save on installation costs. All agreed.

 

9. Bulpit Lane Play Area

                        – Report following inspection by Lappset and pending insurance claim

– Quotation for toddler slide

Vandalism caused to the multiplay equipment. Agreed to place order for the replacement pats while awaiting the insurance settlement.

Iron benches to be renovated. Quote for toddler slide is £3605. Alternative quotes to be obtained.

 

10. Bridge Street War Memorial 

Advise Tony Lavers that patches of grass need removing with Round up. A purchase order is to be given to T Lavers to buy a tool to remove grass from in between slabs. P Harries to look at metal posts that need fixing.

 

11. St Saviours Cemetery – wall repair

 We had not budgeted for £7,000 brickwork costs. It was agreed to use money from the new equipment budget., as we have received £6.600 from the insurance claim for the swing at Smitham Bridge Road. G Bullock proposed J Handy removes the tree damaging the wall and Aelle repair the brickwork. D Pope seconded. All in favour.

Our rules and regulations reviewed in 2005 state Grave Surrounds are not allowed. This is for ease of maintenance with the mowing. HTC’s burial and cremation charges may be too cheap. Clerk to ring Pewsey, Marlborough, Lambourn and Wantage for comparison and this will be put on the next meeting’s Agenda.

Clerk to approach WBC regards obtaining litter bins as to purchase 6 new plastic bins would cost £1736 as per estimate from Playground Services.

 

12. St Lawrence Churchyard

We are still waiting to hear about the path. J Handy’s quote for the tree work has already been agreed. Check how often A D King cuts the grass.

 

13. Swimming Pool House – resurfacing of garage flat roof and replacement of fascia

This is to be forwarded to the next meeting because of other issues. We have had quotes to repair the roof.

Clerk to write to all contractors and request copies of their Public Liability Insurance. Risk Assessments should appear on every agenda as an item in future.

 

Meeting closed at 8.40pm

 

Amendments_________________________________________________________________

 

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Signed_______________________________Chairman of RA&WM

 

Dated_____________________