The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 21st July 2016 and discussed a range of issues including football club storage, handymen work, hover mower, allotments, school entrance & play equipment.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 21st July 2016 in JL Hall

Sub-committee members present	John Gili Ross, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Phil Spencer, Harry Stone.
Apologies	David Short

In attendance: Janet Crichton, Mark Leggett

1	Storage Facilities
	A planning application costing £192 has been submitted for siting a 40-foot container behind the Football Clubhouse.  It could take up to 8 weeks for a response to this.  Meanwhile the space will need clearing.  John is investigating the cost of sleepers as a base for a container.	JGR
2	Lorkin Daniell Field
	a)   The issue of the siting of a Ball Stop on the field is being dealt with by the Premises and Recreation sub-committee.
	b)   Purchase of 2 benches as viewing seats agreed.  Murray will liaise with Vicky regarding what and where to purchase and the cost.	MH
3	Handymen work
	Grass cutting has been carried out enthusiastically in preparation for the visit of the judges in the Village of the year competition.
	We need to note where there is overgrowth for which householders are responsible for hedge trimming and grass cutting and any areas identified should be referred to Laura so she can send out reminders to householders.	JC
4	Poor’s Land
	The results of the reseeding on the land have been quite successful.  It was proposed that in future this task could be carried out in-house by our handyman.
5	Hover Mower
	The cost of this item is approximately £460 and is within the Environment budget.  The committee agreed to this purchase.  Phil to organise	PS
6	Car for use of handymen
	MOT passed and repairs to car have been completed.  A tow bar will be needed in the future	JGR
7	Allotments
	A programme to replace water tanks to reduce water waste is in progress. These will be purchased and fitted by the “allotmenteers”.
	The Allotment committee has decided to alter the date in the year when rents are due.  The yearly rental will run from October in the future.
	The table offering produce to villagers in exchange for donations to Tom Bowdidge Charity is proving very popular in the village.	HS
8.	School entrance in New Church Road
	a)   The Bollards which keep being knocked will be dealt with in the winter.
	b)      The oak tree at the entrance which was damaged by a bus earlier in the year needs urgent attention.  Work will be carried out by TLC on Saturday August 20th, to reduce the size by 45% and make the tree safe.
	c)    The ditch from the entrance towards School Road needs clearing and would be best done in the school holidays.  A quote will be needed	JGR
9.	Play equipment
	This will be inspected in August for a new safety certificate.
	The wooden climbing frame needs some attention and this will be carried out by the Handyman.	JGR
10.	AOB
	a)   Need to investigate the request from a resident regarding speed limit down Hall Road.	JGR
	b)   Hall Road pond is exceedingly overgrown and needs attention.	JC,PS
	Date of next meeting – Thursday 8th September 2016 at 5pm in JL Hall