WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
THE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
HELD AT THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN ON THURSDAY 17 MAY 2007 AT 19:30

Present: Cllrs. Mrs Pearman (Chairman), Miss Gadd, Kent and Mamlok

1.   TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apology received from Cllr. Miss Gates; reason noted and accepted.

2.   PUBLIC FORUM
None.

3.   TO REVIEW COMMITTEE REMIT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Committee remit and responsibilities were discussed and considered adequate.

4.   TO REVIEW BUDGET AND EXISTING CONTRACTS
The largest commitment is amenity grass cutting at almost 10% of the precept; apart from the Jardin d’Aubers the remaining grass areas are the responsibility of other authorities. It was agreed that keeping the parish tidy benefits all residents. The grass cutting schedule will be reviewed in the Autumn prior to obtaining quotes for the following year.
Other existing contracts are weekly emptying of six dog waste bins, litter collection in the High Street and lease of Jardin d’Aubers. 

5.   JARDIN D’AUBERS AND WAR MEMORIAL AREA
To consider maintenance of garden area at the war memorial
The British Legion has replaced roses and heather in the war memorial area. Resolved to pay for a delivery of bark to minimise weeds at a cost of up to £100 + VAT under Open Spaces Act 1906 s9.

To consider repair to paving at war memorial
Some paving around the war memorial needs to be relaid/replaced. Mr Thorpe has quoted £280 for this work. Rotherfield Landscapes to be invited to quote for the work.

To consider maintenance of Jardin d’Aubers and pond
The gravel behind the war memorial is full of weeds and it was suggested that the gravel could be removed and the area grassed over. The garden area at the pond needs attention with the removal of some plants/weeds and the pond itself is crowded with weeds. Advice to be sought from Rotherfield Landscapes.
[Post meeting – Mr Hockney of the British Legion advised that members of the public stand on the gravel area for the remembrance service].

Ken Turner, Tree Warden is completing the annual Tree Report.

6.  TO AGREE COST OF SUMMER PLANTING
Resolved to approve summer planting in the High Street at a cost of £169 + VAT and £20 for new compost; payment to be made under Highways Act 1980 s 96.

7.   TO CONSIDER A MISSION STATEMENT
Mission Statement not considered necessary due to comprehensive committee remit.

8.    URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN
Request for consideration to be given to replacing further litter bins with conservation style bins.
Discussion on the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 – to be considered further at the next meeting.
Request for a review of facilities at Faircrouch Lane Waste Site to address concerns of Health and Safety issues and to make the site more ‘user-friendly’.
Recycling facilities required in centre of village.

The meeting closed at 20:55

Next meeting 26.07.07 19:30