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ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held at 8pm on 7 March 2006 at The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

Present:
Councillor Worthy (Chairman)
Councillor Howley
Councillor Mrs Baker
Councillor Mrs Balen

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

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Burke, Councillor Mrs Charrett and Councillor Lambert.

2. TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 FEBRUARY 2006

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2006 were signed as a true and accurate record.

3. UPDATES FROM ACTIONS IN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 FEBRUARY 2006

1. Lights around the War Memorial, Letchmore Heath – The Clerk would be contacting another electrical contractor in due course.
   
   
2. Phillimore Recreation Ground Large Roundabout – The Head of Grounds Maintenance had packed the spindle with oil and grease and it appeared to be turning more smoothly.  It was agreed that it should continue to be greased at regular intervals to see if there was an improvement. (Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)
   
   
3. Cost of Servicing the Gang Mowers – The Head of Grounds Maintenance advised that the gang mowers had gone away for repair.
   
   
4. Basal Growth – Some work had been carried out to the trees along Gills Hill Lane but a resident had complained to the Highways Authority.  Head of Highways had requested that all such work cease until a written Service Level Agreement could be set up.
   
   
5. Correspondence Received – The Clerk had responded to the young people and an agenda had been sent to them for the next meeting of the Festival Sub Committee.  A further letter requesting skate/BMX facilities had been received, Councillor Howley and the Clerk had responded accordingly.

4. TO NOTE THE MINUTES OF SUB COMMITTEES

The minutes of the Festival Sub Committee held on 9 February 2006 were noted.  Members expressed the view that Council staff should not be expected to carry out the work of the Sub Committee volunteers.

5. HEAD OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE’S REPORT

RADLETT GARDENS – The Head of Grounds Maintenance had not yet looked at a small alarmed motion sensor as a deterrent to the recent vandalism to the lights.  The lights had been fitted with small clamps to the bulbs to prevent them being smashed but this had resulted in vandals kicking the bollards even harder.  One bollard was kicked over and another was almost on its side as the rawl bolts were coming out of the concrete bases.  85 new bolts would be needed if replacement was necessary.  The constant kicking was also stripping the threads on the lamp heads.  Members hoped that Councillor Mrs Charrett could ascertain the installation instructions given to Primafox by Design Plan regarding installation of the bollards with a view to repairs being carried out and the Clerk was requested to ensure that the police, P.C.S.O. and Ward Constable were made aware of the re-occurring vandalism. (Action: Councillor Mrs Charrett / Clerk)

SALTER’S FIELD – The Grounds staff had finished removing the dead elms from around Salter’s Field.

LETCHMORE HEATH – The missing or damaged posts around Letchmore Heath had been replaced and the others were being cleaned and painted.

PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND – The goal nets had been vandalised again on a Friday night.  Whilst there was no clear evidence to the vandalism being carried out by youths attending Re;sound at St John’s, it was noted that the vandalism of the nets appeared to occur mainly on Friday nights.  It was agreed that the Clerk would approach Sue Civval, Youth Work Leader, to see if she could offer any advice or support to the Council. (Action: Clerk)

6. HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORTS

Members noted that no accidents had been recorded in the accident book since the last meeting.

All inspections had been carried out with the exception of PAT testing.

7. PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND – IMPROVEMENT WORKS

The bid to Barclays Spaces for Sport had been successful.  The Clerk was authorised, within budget, to progress the scheme to its conclusion.  It was suggested that quotations should be obtained for a couple of skate board items for the free tarmac area in the scheme to see if such an option was feasible. (Action: Clerk)

8. PARISH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN

The Clerk had met with CMS to discuss the information board and leaflets.  The leaflets would now form part of the Hertsmere Walks Leaflets in conjunction with Hertsmere Borough Council.  Work on the information board was progressing.

Hertsmere’s Officers had agreed that, provided they were informed at all stages of the project, the Parish could progress the Tykesglade Bridge project with the CMS.  The Clerk had contacted Andy Hardstaff - Area Manager from the CMS and he advised that her would allocate a member of staff to the project as soon as possible. (Action: Clerk)

9. REQUEST FOR A POLYTUNNEL ON THE ALLOTMENTS

Members considered a request to erect a polytunnel 10 feet wide, 20 feet long and 6 feet 6 inches high on plot 18.  It was noted that permission had been given to other allotment holders in the past but Members were also concerned that this polytunnel may adversely affect residents of Elm Walk who backed onto the plot.  The Clerk was requested to write to the affected residents of Elm Walk.

RESOLVED that subject to no adverse comments being received from residents of Elm Walk directly adjacent and either side to the plot, the Head of Grounds Maintenance be authorised to approve the erection of a polytunnel on plot 18 to be used within the terms and conditions of the use of allotments. (Action: Clerk/Head of Grounds Maintenance)

10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Committee would take place on 11th April 2006 at 8pm.

Closure:  8.50pm
Chairman