The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 13th April 2023 with topics including:
- Leaving areas of growth for wildlife,
- Reviewing the name of the new playing field,
- Potential use of bollards to protect Armoury Road grass borders,
- New trees all doing well,
- Playground inspections,
- Signs including village sign near the blue bridge.
Environment Committee Minutes
Meeting held on Thurs 13th April 2023 at 5.00pm in SC Mtg Rm
| Members present: | John Gili-Ross (JGR)– Chair, Harry Stone (HS), David Short (DS), Manya Barrow (MB), Katie Pulford (KP) and James Owers (JO) (via Zoom) |
| Apologies: | None |
1. Handyman Report
| a) | Mowing has been taking place. When personnel and equipment are back to full use it was confirmed that the whole of the Allotment main pathways will be cut. The pull cord of the mower has been changed by Grasshopper but we should dispute the invoice when received as the cord had been replaced by them at the last service. Also, we are still waiting for a strimmer to be serviced due to the unavailability of a part. It was agreed not to use this firm in future and Katie will supply details of Karl Chisnall whom she and Manya have recommended. |
| b) | The damaged canopy memorial will be repaired when the missing brick is located. |
| c) | James highlighted the arson risk of leaving cuttings by the bins at the Orpen Hall. This was intended to be a wildlife refuge as part of the environment sustainability plan. John will look at alternatives. It was noted that as part of the plan some areas are being cut back less. |
| d) | The newly erected signs in the wild area off Munford Close will be lowered. |
2. William Sims Sports Field
John has asked for a decision on the naming of the new playing field to be reviewed in May (under the 6-month rule). It was noted that its ownership has yet to be transferred.
3. Trees
All newly planted trees are doing well.
4. Playground Inspection
The Committee agreed to ask ROSPA to do the annual playground equipment inspection and Laura has been asked to liaise with them for a suitable date. In the interim the Handymen have been tasked to inspect the equipment weekly until the annual inspection is completed.
5. Entrance to Village sign
The reinstatement of the village sign by the Blue Bridge is still under consideration.
6. Greensward at Armoury Road
James presented a plan for the installation of bollards on the grass border at the entrance to Armory Road. Katie is looking at cost options. The committee asked that this item should be placed on the May PC agenda for a decision on if and how to proceed.
7. Date of next meeting
The next Environment Committee meeting is Thurs 11th May, at 5pm in the SC Meeting Room.