MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE held on Thursday, 12 April 2007 in the Parish Room, Village Hall, South Darenth  at 7.30 pm.

 

PRESENT:       Cllr G Piller (Chairman)

                        Cllrs R Valentine and I Wescombe

                        Mr I Blackamore and Mr D Chambers

IN ATTENDANCE:    C Allart, Parish Clerk

 

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllrs P Bradley and D Snape

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None

 

 

52        MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

 

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the last meeting held on 9 February be approved and signed as a correct record.

 

 

53        MATTERS ARISING

 

Shrubbery Road - Area Where Concrete Base Was

 

Following complaints about the state of the area left after the concrete base was removed, Members discussed the matter at length.  The problem was that the concrete area had been lower than the surrounding grass because it had been covered in thick safety tiles.  Much more topsoil would be needed to bring it up to level and members did not want to spend too much on an area that was likely to be redeveloped for play in the not too distant future.

 

RESOLVED that

  1. the former site of the concrete slab be rotovated with the edges blended in as much as possible before seeding;
  2. the minimum amount of top soil be used to help the grass seed germinate;
  3. the area be fenced temporarily to keep the youngsters off it and
  4. locals be asked to try and help keep this from being pushed over or taken away to give the grass the best chance of taking.

 

Play Areas Repairs

The clerk reported that she had checked with the Sevenoaks District Council officer who had carried out the play area inspections. He stated that he had noted the absence of the fencing and bench at Shrubbery Road on his work sheet but apologised that this had not been transferred to the document sent to us.

 

RESOLVED that

  1. the weekly checks be started now even though the main repairs had yet to be done;
  2. two more quotes for the repairs be obtained for consideration at the next meeting.

Heathside Entrance

Two quotes were received for the fencing and gate works to be carried out at the entrance.

 

RESOLVED that the quote from Lothlorien Landscape Services in the sum of £658.06 + VAT be accepted and the work carried out as soon as possible.

Ian Blackamore left the meeting during consideration of this item.

 

 

54        WESTMINSTER FIELD

 

Smoking Ban from 1 July 2007

It was reported that standard No Smoking signs will be needed on the entrance to the pavilion and each entrance door to the public conveniences.

 

Football Pitch – Re-Seeding

Derek Chambers reported on improvements he would like to do to the near pitch.  However, he realised that there was probably not enough time to do the grading and seeding works before the Summer Fayre on 9 June so decided to put the work back to 2008 when he could make a start in March.

 

RESOLVED that permission be given to Horton Kirby FC to carry out grading and seeding works to level the near pitch next year.

 

 

55        HEATHSIDE

 

New Hedge Along Boundary with Environmental Centre

Tim McGregor attended the meeting to explain the Centre’s intentions regarding a new hedge along the boundary. which would entail the removal of some elder and hawthorns.  Temporary chestnut paling would be necessary each side of the hedge but in 5 years or so this would be removed.  Members supported this idea and were surprised that the village hall committee had been opposed to it.  It was suggested that the village hall committee be asked to reconsider.

 

RESOLVED that approval be given to this new hedge and to the removal of elder and hawthorn along the boundary between Heathside and the Environmental Centre.

 

Smoking Ban from 1 July 2007

The clerk reported that a standard No Smoking sign will be needed on the Stand as it is substantially enclosed according to the Government’s criteria.

Cllr Wescombe stated that he thought that the legislation only referred to premises where staff were employed and the clerk agreed to check this point out.

 

Litter

It was reported that the South Darenth Village Society youth scheme is holding fire on carrying out any work in Heathside at the moment until it has more help from adult supervisors.  However, litter, particularly drinks cans and beer bottles are regularly discarded near the Stand.  Cllr Valentine agreed to ask the Village Society about the matter again.  The emptying of the bin (and the new one in Westminster Field) needed to be investigated.

 

RESOLVED that

  1. a 110 enviropol litter bin be installed at the field end of the entrance roadway (paid for out of reserves); and
  2. as a temporary measure Cllr Valentine and hall caretaker, John Wood will collect litter when painting over the graffiti on the Stand.

 

Encampment in South East Corner

The clerk reported that a camp has been set up by youngsters amongst the trees in the corner near the farmer’s field and the allotments.  They had also brought a large amount of rubbish brought on to the site and Peter Hylands had said that he would get them to clear it up.  Members decided to leave the matter in the PCSO’s hands at the moment.

 

 

56        TOP PADDOCK

 

Fence adjoining garages and Proposed Steps

Members considered how to repair the broken fence posts and broken-down ivy-covered chainlink fencing between the Top Paddock and the garages area. It was decided to get quotes for a more sturdy fence and then to re-consider whether the steps are needed.at the next meeting.

 

Area along Eastern Boundary (to garages)

Members agreed it would it be worth clearing this area and grassing it in the hope that this will discourage nearby householders from using it to dump.

 

RESOLVED that quotes for clearance, top soil and seeding on this bank be obtained for consideration by the new members on this committee.

 

 

57        ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 

Tree Planting

Tim McGregor reported that he wanted to buy some trees to plant locally.  He asked if there was anywhere in the parish he would be able to plant them.  Members felt that there would be space in Heathside and Westminster Field.

 

Top Paddock Concrete Fence at East Hill Entrance

The clerk was asked to chase up this work for the replacement of the concrete panels with weldmesh.

 

The meeting ended at 8.50 pm.            

 

 

Chairman

 

Date