Minutes of the Environment and Maintenance Committee meetings are available from here. The minutes for this year are accessible at this level and minutes for previous years are available by clicking the appropriate button to the left.

From May 2006 the committee is know as the Environment Committee.

DRAFT Minutes of a meeting of Maresfield Parish Council Environment Committee held on Thursday 8^th December 2011 at 7.30 pm in the Parish Office, Nutley.

Present: Cllr Mrs. L Reeves (Chairman), Cllr Mrs C Flittner, Cllr Mrs C Reynolds, Cllr R Street,  Cllr Mrs. P Handley, Cllr J Unruh and Asst. Clerk Mrs J Bradford.

1.            Public session – None.

2.   Apologies for absence – Cllr Mrs. G Brady, Cllr G Snashfold, Cllr Miss A Bergan-Gander Tree Wardens John Bury, Ian Johnstone, and Alan Easton; Radio Operators G Allt, D Endacott and P Easton, and the Clerk T Allen.

3.   Co-option of Cllr Dr P Handley onto the Committee – The Chairman introduced Cllr Mrs. Handley to the Committee.  The Chairman then nominated Cllr Mrs P Handley onto the Committee.  This was seconded by Cllr Mrs. C Reynolds.

4.            Declarations of interest – None.

5.            Minutes of previous meeting – 6^th September 2011:-

5.1      Adoption – The minutes were adopted as a true record.

5.2             Matters arising from these minutes not covered in the Environment Action Report or elsewhere on the Agenda – The Asst. Clerk reported on item 4.2, noting that there are currently ‘No Dogs Allowed’ signage posted around the Fairwarp play area.

6.            Civil Emergency:-

6.1             Radio Operations – awaiting WDC’s decision regarding the future of the current system – The Asst Clerk reported that a decision on this matter was still awaited from WDC, and that this matter was ongoing.  It was thought that a decision may come available by the next meeting of this Committee in March 2012.

6.2      Community Emergency Action Plan – The Asst Clerk informed the Committee that she had spoken to Mr Foster at WDC regarding the Parish Councils Community Emergency Action Plan.  Mr Foster had suggested that he could take a look at our plan in order to assess what needs to be done to finalise this document.  This matter is ongoing with a view that the Asst Clerk liaises with Mr Foster to arrange a time that is convenient to both to meet with the documentation.  ACTION: Asst Clerk.

7.   Summary notes of the SLR meeting held on the 31^st October and any matters arising– Noted.  The Chairman gave an overview of the ‘Strengthening Local Relationships’ meeting to Cllr Mrs. Handley. 

Cllr Street raised the matter of the ESCC Highway’s Stewards who will become the first local point of contact for all maintenance issues in the Parish; and will also attend all the SLR meetings.  It was noted that as yet, the Parish Office has not spoken to their appointed Highway’s Steward, and that the Asst. Clerk would liaise with him in the New Year.  ACTION: Asst. Clerk.

8.   Fairwarp Telephone Kiosk – The Chairman updated Councillors that the owner of the ‘Foresters Arms’ public house in Fairwarp, Mr John Lyons has adopted the British Telecommunications telephone box which resides outside the establishment.  It was noted that it will be given a new coat of paint to complement the décor of the public house, and is to be utilised as a book repository and possibly a place where local people can swap plants etc.  It was thought that an amount of publicity could be captured through local newspapers and possibly even local television stations to highlight its change of use.  The Chairman noted that an article has also been posted in the Fairwarp Echo newspaper to mark the phone box’s adoption.  Discussion took place with ideas on its grand opening; with the possibility of a local resident cutting a ribbon which would be tied around the telephone box at a set date in the year.

9.            Trees & Hedges:-

9.1.1              Tree Wardens Reports – Tree Warden, John Bury’s report was noted.  It was regarding the remains of a Wellingtonia tree on the Maresfield recreation ground which has since been felled to a stump after being struck by lightning in the summer.  Mr Bury had given some suggestions with what to do with the remainder of the tree stump, and local people had also passed some ideas on to him.  After some discussion it was resolved that Mr Bury should speak to the MRG Committee to seek their input.  ACTION: Asst Clerk to pass on Jen Sensier (MRG Secretary) details to John Bury.

10.                Play Areas – inspections, maintenance & development – Safety Inspections have taken place on all the play areas in the Parish by Wicksteed on 1^st December 2011.  A copy of this report was handed out to all Committee members.  The report was noted.

10.1.1              Fords Green Play Area Development – The Chairman introduced this topic to the Committee, and gave an account of the project thus far.  The following points were noted in discussion:-

• The quarterly Wicksteed play area inspection report notes that the current roundabout sited at the play area is “Of an obsolete design, where parts are no longer available.  We therefore recommend that the unit is removed from service and replaced with a modern version”.
• It could be seen that the upgrading of the Festival Whirl Roundabout at the site would be a beneficial proposition, and an undertaking which the Chairman and Asst Clerk would like to participate in with the support of the Parish Council, and with additional input from the local community.  A ‘Community Project Group’ would be set up where local individuals would steer the project and all fund raising opportunities, with the full help and support of the Parish Council.
• A ‘Heads Up’ article was added to the Nutley Church magazine’s November issue, introducing this proposal and asking for local support.
• A design for a poster which will be placed at the site to raise awareness of this project was noted.
• A letter will be drafted, stating the Parish Council’s proposal to set up a Community Project Group to raise funds to upgrade the play area.  With agreement from the local School it is thought that this letter could be placed into every child's book bag to be taken home and read by local parents of children that may use the play area and may like to get involved.

Councillors took the time to discuss the details of the above proposal. 

Cllr Unruh noted that internet sites such as ‘Facebook’ and ‘Giving for All’ could be ways to which funds could be raised as individuals would be able to utilise these internet sites to donate monies to this project.

Cllr Street informed the Committee that ‘Uckfield FM’ may be a good portal to utilize to get interest in this project from the local community.

It was resolved that the Fords Green Play Area Development project was a most positive proposition, and that the Chairman and Asst Clerk may move forward together to get a Community Project Team under way, and report back to the Committee at the next meeting on the 6^th March 2012.

10.1.2           Maresfield Recreation Ground: - The Asst Clerk raised the issue regarding the request by Michael Wheeler to authorise payment for the contractor Barcombe Landscapes to fix the two large posts on the entry/exit of the MRG car park, which are currently damaged.  It was reported that the quote to undertake this work is £100.00 plus Vat.  Cllr Street noted that the Asst Clerk should check firstly with the Clerk that the Parish Council own that particular piece of land at the recreation ground.  It was resolved to authorise payment for the works to be carried out, with the knowledge that the Parish Council own the land in question.

10.1.2.1      Issues regarding the disposal of refuse and dog waste by WDC - Cllr Mrs. Reynolds reported that she had recently checked the MRG and surrounding area with no issues to raise.  The Asst Clerk reported that regarding the emptying of the dog waste bins at the recreation ground that no reports or complaints had come to the Parish Office in recent months; and that the contact at WDC Martin Ashdown has not seen any further problems reported at WDC. 

10.1.2.2      Issues regarding refuse collections at the MRG pavilion by WDC – this item was discussed by the Committee, and it was resolved that the Asst Clerk could liaise with Jen Sensier (MRG Secretary) to get more information of the usage of the large refuse bins by the pavilion at the recreation ground.  ACTION: Asst Clerk to speak to Jen Sensier regarding this item.

10.1.2.3      Grass cutting costs at Maresfield Recreation Ground – The Asst Clerk noted that we are currently under contract for the forthcoming year with Barcombe Landscapes for the grass cutting at the MRG, noting that their prices were revised a couple of years ago and are price competitive.  It was resolved that during the latter part of 2012 a costings exercise should take place to make sure that the Parish Council are getting a reliable service at a satisfactory price for all the Parishes grass cutting requirements.

10.1.3           Parklands Maresfield – The Asst Clerk reported on the outstanding issues which are in need of attention before the Parklands Play Area is handed over to the Parish Council once the defects period for the site ends.  The outstanding issues are as follows:-

• Main gate into the site is broken.
• Turf on the football area needs some attention.
• Repairs are required to a part of the wooden boundary fence.
• Hedge cutting in places is required.
• The lid for the bin at the bike track area has gone missing.

Ellie Boultbee is working together with the contractor ‘Lockwood Landscapes’ to resolve the issues stated above; and will be liaising with the Asst Clerk on all the matters stated above.

10.1.4   Fairwarp Village Green.

                 9.1.4.1 Issues regarding disposal of dog waste – Councillors discussed the issues relating to the disposal of dog waste at the Fairwarp Village Green.  The Chairman informed the Committee that Mr John Manthorpe was presently emptying the litter bin at the site fortnightly; and was happy to continue to do so at this present time.

Cllr Mrs. Handley noted that requests had been made by local people for a dog waste receptacle to be placed at a point on the village green.  It was thought that the use of the litter bin to place dog waste into was unhygienic.   It was noted that dogs are not allowed onto the village green, and that the possible addition of a dog waste bin may encourage people to walk their dogs on this land.  It was resolved to defer any decision on this matter until the next Environment Committee meeting on 6th March 2012.

11.                Communication – The Chairman informed the Committee that a local resident of Fairwarp, Mr Mike Long has shown an interest in walking the many footpaths in the Parish.  It was suggested that the definitive footpath maps which are based at the Parish Office would help Mr Long in his quest.  ACTION: Asst Clerk to arrange delivery of the Definitive Footpath Maps to Mr Long.

12.          Date of next meeting – Tuesday 6^th March 2012.

There being no further business, the meeting close at 20:35.