Minutes of the meeting of the Recreation and Leisure Committee held at

The Stevenson Centre on Monday 26^th November 2007.

Present:        Councillors:    M D Newman – Chairman

                                                P K Beer

                                                J F Millins

                                                N H T Proctor

                                                D R G Thomas

                                                H N Todd (substitute for Mrs C A Todd)

                                                R I Wade (substitute for R R Sims)

                        Clerk:              Mrs S M Brotherwood (Sudbury) (Deputising for M J Fitt, Council Manager)

1)         Apologies for absence

Apologies were receievd from Cllrs R R Sims and Mrs C A Todd and M J Fitt, Council Manager.

2)         Declarations of Interest, Gifts or Hospitality

Cllr Beer declared that he is a Suffolk County Councillor, Babergh District Councillor and Sudbury Town Councillor.  Cllrs Newman and Todd declared that they are Babergh District Councillors.  These members also asked that it be noted that their views expressed at this meeting would be based on information available at the time and might not be the same as those expressed at meetings involving other councils.

3)         Chairman’s Announcements

The Chairman was delighted to announce the official opening of the Hedgerows play area.  This had received very good press coverage.  However, one parent had complained that there was not any equipment for toddlers.  The equipment is already being well used by local youngsters.

The Chairman also noted the excellent ongoing partnership with Sudbury Town Council in respect of the Community Warden and that a second warden would soon be employed.  On behalf of Great Cornard Parish Council (GCPC) the Chairman offered the use of the GCPC van by the second Community Warden.  It was agreed that Mrs Bortherwood would liaise with Mr Fitt on this matter and that should Mr Fitt require the van, from time to time, for a specific purpose this could be accommodated.

Continued

            Meeting of the Recreation & Leisure Committee – Monday 26^th November 2007                              

4)         Items Brought Forward

a.      Shawlands Nature Reserve

The Chairman advised the committee that a site visit had been made to this area and, although there was a considerable amount of litter there, it was still considered a major asset for that part of Great Cornard.  The area required the clearing of blackthorn and then the litter; it was agreed that this area should be targetted for clearance of all unwanted materials.  It was also agreed that the Council manager should liaise with Babergh District Council and the Community Warden to resolve this issue and to keep the matter on the Items Brought Forward list.

b.     Country Park Review

Ongoing

c.      Hedgerows Play Area

As noted in Chairman’s Announcements, this area is now open, but it was agreed to retain this matter on the Items Brought Forward list as a reminder that more equipment may need to be purchsed for this area in due course.

5)         Items for Inclusion in the 2008/09 Estimates

Members discussed requirements for the new BMX/skateboard area planned for construction on land adjacent to Shawlands Avenue.  Mrs Brotherwood advised members that she had obtained quotations for site clearance and the erection of high grade security fencing, as required.  She also provided an estimate for moving the BMX equipment from its existing location in Sudbury to the new site.

It was noted that highways signage indicating a play area would be required and it was noted that the entrance to the site would be from Shawlands Avenue and that the proposed fencing would preclude access to and from the A134.

It was agreed that the existing lighting columns would need to be reconnected and members hoped that a youth shelter could be built at the site.  It was sugegsted that the lights could be timed to operate so as to discourage usage of the site late at night.  It was also agreed that CCTV would be desirable at the site, but this may need to be installed at a later date.

Mrs Brotherwood advised members the the estimated cost of providing the new site would be £12,000 and members agreed to include a sum of £3,000 in the 2008/09 estimates for this project, in addition to the £3,000 already set aside for it, and that Sudbury Town Council would be asked to contribute the remaining 50% of the cost.

It was stated that £1,000 would be required for improved litter bins and a permanent barbecue area in the Country Park. Grants have been applied for to provide wooden tables and benches.  It was suggested that some of the wood from felled trees could be utilised for this.  It was also noted that litter bins for the barbecue area are in the process of being made.  Members noted that a gate to separate the Park from the allotments was required.

Members noted that litter bins, seats and a roundabout had been removed from this area and asked that the Council Manager advise members of the whereabouts of this equipment.

Members requested that £2,000 be included in the 2008/09 estimates for improvements at the Country Park.

The meeting closed at 8.15pm.