Thakeham Parish Council

OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE MEETING - Tuesday, 12^th September 2006

Meeting opened:         4.00 p.m.

Present                         Mr A Harwood                            Rev P Messenger                      

Mr N Prince      

In attendance                 Mr J Denman                             Clerk to the Council

36.        Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Cllrs Berry and Maggs.

37.        Interests of Members

            No interests were declared.

38.        Minutes of the last meeting

Minutes of the last meeting held on 8^th August 2006 were approved and signed.

39.        Report on action items from previous meeting

39.1      (27.1) Stuart Stone has completed the outstanding job at the playground.

39.2      (28.1) Clerk has contacted HDC regarding straw spillage in The Street. They have inspected and advised it will be swept. Clerk to suggest to HDC that they write to contractors requesting use of tarpaulin or other suitable action to avoid problem in future.

39.3      (28.2/28.3) Clerk has shown bus shelter damage and notice boards to Stuart Stone who will submit a quotation.

39.4      (28.2) Cllr Prince has inspected the neighbouring tree to 40 Crescent Rise. Clerk to contact Will Jones/HDC to see if anything can be done.

39.5      (29.3) Work on the bark area in the playground delayed due to injury suffered by Mike Summers but will be undertaken in due course.

39.6      (35) New owners have moved in and trimmed the hedge on the corner of High Bar Lane.  

40.        High Bar Lane playground

40.1      Members have visited frequently, playground being used but not extensively.

40.2      New/replacement equipment not considered appropriate at present but to be reviewed after the footpath has been re-opened. In the meantime concentration will be on regular maintenance of existing equipment. Playground Fund strategy to be considered by Parish Council. 

40.3      Cllr Harwood to arrange for Mike Summers to clear overgrown vegetation around large gate.

40.4      Last inspection reports from HDC and Mrs Harman were circulated. Clerk to send HDC report to Stuart Stone for quotation including self-closing mechanism on pedestrian gate.

40.5      Cllr Harwood advised that a resident has agreed to monitor the toddlers playground.           

41.        Vegetation encroachment on B2139 between Merrywood Lane and Little Thakeham Farm

            WSCC Highways have been contacted and will inspect the area.

42.        Community Payback Scheme

            Cllr Prince will contact Darren Rolfe, WSCC Access Ranger, to arrange inspection of whole Strawberry Lane/Muddy Lane area and advise what specific work can be done within the scheme umbrella.

43.        Parish walks

            To be publicised in newsletter and website.         

44.        Any other business for noting or inclusion on a future agenda

44.1      HDC finally emptied dog bin after chasing by clerk.

• 44.2 Clerk to follow up the removal of the waste bin by the bus shelter in The Street with HDC.

44.3      Residents concerns regarding telegraph poles/wires in The Street resolved; appropriate action taken.

            Meeting closed:           4.45 p.m.