Download a PDF file of this page here (right-click and 'save target as').

ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held at 8pm on 11 April 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 7 MARCH 2006

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2006 were signed as a true and accurate record.

3. UPDATES FROM ACTIONS IN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7 MARCH 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 advised that since he had packed the spindle with oil and grease and it still appeared to be turning smoothly.
   
   
3. Request for a Polytunnel on the Allotments – Members were advised that two residents had objected.  Members requested that the Clerk advise the plot holder that they could not put up a polytunnel but a small shed or green house would be acceptable.

(Action: Clerk)

4. TO NOTE THE MINUTES OF SUB COMMITTEES

The minutes of the Festival Sub Committee held on 16 March 2006 were noted. 

5. HEAD OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE’S REPORT

RADLETT GARDENS – Three lights around the large rocks had been smashed over the weekend and the area around the fountain damaged.  Councillor Mrs Charrett was writing to Design Plan regarding the bollards not being vandal resistant.  Primafox had visited the site and advised that a new trip switch was required.  The Clerk had spoken to the Ward Constable who had suggested using CCTV in the area.  Members suggested that if the vandalism was not stopped then they may have to consider installing the lights in another location such as the recreation ground.

NOTICE BOARD – The Grounds staff had made a new board that would be erected in Battlers Green Drive after the school holidays.
 
TREES – Following a complaint from a local resident, the trees had been cut back along The Pathway to allow vehicular access by an ambulance. 

A large branch had fallen at Aldenham Green and the grounds staff had cleared it away. 

The drive way to the Rose Field had been cut back. 

A resident of Scrubbitts Park Road had complained about trees overhanging his garden from the Guide and Scout huts sites.  The Clerk had referred him to the Guides and Scouts as their leases required them to maintain the site. 

Ken Scott had been requested to attend and carry out his visual inspection of trees in the woods and on Council land to see what work was required in the coming year.

Ian Gray had passed his chainsaw licence test.

PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND – The plugs of plants had arrived from Delamore’s and had been potted up.  New staging had been made for the polytunnel ready for the hanging baskets.

Work had been carried out to the bowls green in preparation for the new season.

In view of the hosepipe ban every effort was being made to reduce water consumption.  Although hosepipe watering of allotments was permitted, Members’ views were requested on provision of watering facilities at Phillimore allotments.  Members requested that prices be obtained for larger water tanks with a view to purchasing them but not providing a tap on them.

(Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)

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 Hertsmere Borough Council had not been successful but the bid of £5,000 to Awards for All had been.  The Clerk had placed the order with Monster Play Systems and was awaiting a meeting with their contracts manager when the equipment was ready to install.  Monster had confirmed that they would supply the security fencing for the site.

8. PARISH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN

The Clerk had placed the order for the information board with the manufacturer of the similar board at Aldenham Country Park.  Before production of the Board, CMS had been advised to contact the Local Heritage Initiative.  The leaflets would now form part of the Hertsmere Walks Leaflets in conjunction with Hertsmere Borough Council, however, this would not commence until after the Board had been produced.

The Chairman undertook to contact Andy Hardstaff - Area Manager from the CMS to ask for a member of staff to be allocated to the Tykeside Bridge Project as soon as possible.

(Action: Clerk/Chairman)

9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Committee would take place on 9 May 2006 at 8pm.