ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held at 8pm on 11 March 2004 at The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue , Radlett.

Present:
Councillor J. Howley (Chairman)
Councillor Mrs A. Baker
Councillor S. Burke
Councillor Mrs V. Charrett
Councillor D. Lambert
Councillor Mrs S.A. Reith
Councillor Mrs F. Turner
Councillor R.T.A. Worthy

Officers:
Ms. Carrie Lloyd (Clerk)
Mr Fred Hills (Head of Grounds Maintenance)

1. TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 3rd FEBRUARY 2004

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 rd February 2004 were signed as a true and accurate record.

2. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 3 RD february 2004

• RAIFA Gardens – The Chairman undertook to raise the matter at the RAIFA A.G.M. (Action: Chairman and Head of Grounds Maintenance following contact by a representative from RAIFA)

• Squirrels in Fir Spring Wood – A further 7 squirrels had been killed. Mr Hobey had confirmed that no further cull would be required until a migrant population had established itself.

• Cradle Swings at Letchmore Heath – The swing and safety surface had been fixed into position.

• Signpost – The signpost had been concreted into position that day and the finger posts would be added once it was secure.

• Screening of compound – Edwards, the suppliers to Slazenger of the wind break netting, had been contacted and would be sending their new catalogue once it had been printed. It was suggested that tarpaulin would not be a suitable alternative as it would screen the compound from the security patrol too much. (Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)

• Christmas Lights – The Clerk had not yet been successful in obtaining a current opinion on the suitability of the lamp posts in Watling Street for holding Christmas decorations. Members requested that she continue to press Hertfordshire County Council Highways. Councillor Mrs Reith advised that she would be asking Lamps and Tubes for their opinion due to the lack of assistance from Hertfordshire County Council. (Action: Clerk/Cllr Mrs Reith)

• Area in front of Post Office - Councillor Mrs Reith advised that no further progress had been made in contacting the person responsible for contracting out the grounds maintenance at Radlett Post Office. It was suggested that the Clerk write a letter advising the Post Office that due to the unsightly nature of the site, the Council will be forced to take further action to have the site cleared and the Post Office invoiced for the cost. (Action: Clerk)

• Area rear of the War Memorial - The Head of Grounds Maintenance advised that the area behind the war memorial had been enclosed with concrete bollards to prevent parking by shoppers and local residents.

• Excel Sports – The Clerk had sent a letter to Mr Morris. No verbal or written response had been received but the shed had been cleared by Excel staff.

• Works to Trees – The contracts had been let and the work would commence shortly.

• Cricket Club Car Park Sign – The sign had been repaired. Members requested that a Clear up after your dog sign be placed on it. (Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)

• Pathway adjacent to 53 Cobden Hill - The grounds staff had cleared and tidied along the pathway and a letter had been sent to the owners of 53 Cobden Hill requesting that they clear the brambles from their property that block the footway.

3. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned to enable Mr Willis of The Cottage, Letchmore Heath to speak.

The meeting re-commenced at 8.30pm

4. FOOTPATH 31A

Members had been circulated a letter from Bryony Whittle, Hertfordshire County Council Countryside Access Team Leader and a letter from Mr Willis of The Cottage, Letchmore Heath.

Members RESOLVED that the present enforcement action was entirely a matter between Mr Willis and the County Council and that, once the Parish Council had been assured that those issues had been settled, the Council would be prepared to consider an application for diversion.

The Chairman undertook to discuss the matter with Mrs Whittle. (Action: Chairman)

5. HEAD OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE’S REPORT

The Head of Grounds Maintenance advised that the vandalised benches in the Recreation Ground and Radlett Gardens had been fixed by Grounds Staff.

The main task at present was potting up of plants ready for the hanging baskets.

Members noted that Radlett Gardens would require some attention this year not least the possible relaying of at least one plant bed.

The Head of Grounds Maintenance was requested to plant some small shrubs such as hebes around the Radlett Centre. (Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)

6. PARISH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN

Councillor Lambert advised that John Elvins and Tony Bradford from the Countryside Management Service and the Letchmore Heath Village Trust were taking more samples from the pond before further action could be taken.

7. HERTFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE SITES PROJECT - SCRUBBITTS PARK WOOD

A letter had been received from Groundwork regarding the assessment of Potential Projects and Sites within Watling Chase Community Forest . Councillor Lambert undertook to ensure that the Countryside Management Service were aware of the survey of Scrubbitts Park Wood. (Action: Councillor Lambert)

8. GRAVEL ALLOTMENTS

Members noted that no action had been taken regarding the Gravel Allotments for some time. The Clerk was requested to write to the Charity Commission regarding dissolution of the Trust and de-designation of allotment land and to call a meeting of the Trustees once a response had been received. (Action: Clerk)

9. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND CABLING

The Clerk was still pursuing Hertfordshire County Council Highways for a decision on the suitability of the lampposts for Christmas Lights. Councillor Mrs Reith advised that she had approached Lamps and Tubes for guidance and it was hoped that through either means an answer would be forthcoming shortly. (Action: Clerk)

The Clerk was requested to carry out a risk assessment on the hanging baskets at the War Memorial and around the street lamp posts and to copy County Councillor H.M. Saunders in on all correspondence. (Action: Clerk)

10. FESTIVAL SUB COMMITTEE

Councillor Mrs Charrett advised that plans for the weekend of 12 th and 13 th June were progressing well with an enthusiastic Sub Committee. The minutes of the meetings were publicly available and detailed the proposals for the event including an open air concert, battle re-enactment by a medieval group, dancers, actors and singers from many local groups. A big prize had been donated by Cunard and other prizes were being offered by local businesses.

11. LIGHTING AT RADLETT GARDENS

Some information about a lighting scheme had been received but required detailed analysis by Cllr Mrs Charrett. Members noted that Councillor Mrs Charrett was still fully engaged with the Radlett Festival until after 13 th June.

12. PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND – PAVILION UPGRADE

The Clerk advised that Mr Bedowes had been engaged to draw up the plans but was on leave for a week. On his return from holiday Mr Bedowes would be visiting the site for further detailed inspection prior to drafting some plans.

13. TABARD RUGBY CLUB

Councillor Burke advised that there appeared to be some confusion as to the exact details of the lease with Tabard Rugby Club. Councillor Burke was requested to ask the Rugby Club to put their request and comments in writing to the Clerk. (Action: Councillor Burke)

14. REINSTATEMENT OF GRASS VERGE REAR OF 4 LINKS DRIVE

Councillor Worthy undertook to raise this issue again with Hertfordshire County Council Highways Department next time he had a meeting with them. (Action: Councillor Worthy)

15. BARBED WIRE ON FENCE – GIRL GUIDE AND SCOUT HUT SITE

The Clerk confirmed that she had written twice to the owners of the fence but had not received a reply. Members requested that an item be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. (Action: Clerk)

16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting was scheduled for 8pm on 15 April 2004 .

Closure: 9.00pm