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Present: Cllrs. Doyle (Chairman), Standley, Mrs Pearman,
R Miller from Wadhurst Tennis Club and T Anstee from Junior Football
Club.
Also in attendance: three members of the public.
1. To
receive apologies for absence
Apologies received from Cllrs. Miss Whatmore and Wheeler; reasons noted
and accepted.
2. To approve the minutes of meeting 22.11.07
The minutes of the meeting held 22.11.07 were approved and signed.
3. To determine matters arising from the previous
Minutes for updating and noting
Derelict area at the top of allotments has now been cleared.
4. Public Forum
Concern that there is insufficient onsite parking and that visitors to
the recreation ground are parking on the grass verges by the highway;
this is causing inconvenience to residents and is a potential traffic
hazard. Any further development to the site will exacerbate the problem.
5. Tennis Matters
Audited accounts are almost finalised; any additional rental payment
will then be calculated.
To discuss proposal by Tennis Club for floodlighting
Parish Council has received official notification of the Tennis Club’s
intention to submit a planning application for floodlighting. The proposal
is to install low impact lighting to the two courts furthest from the
road.
Chairman advised that it is proposed for the application to be reviewed
and considered by the full council as opposed to the Planning Committee.
There are a number of new Cllrs. who have not been involved in previous
discussions on floodlighting. As site owners, the Parish Council will
also need to consider whether to allow the lighting to be installed and
any conditions to be imposed.
6. Junior Football Matters
To discuss grant applications for improvements
Lottery application failed as the Junior Football Club (JFC) is not the
site owner; the Parish Council is to reapply.
Enquiries made into the possibility of a grant from the Rausing fund;
applications not accepted from Parish Councils and JFC cannot apply without
a lease.
JFC working towards FA Charter status; if achieved, this will open up
funding opportunities.
To authorise alterations to the referees room
Deferred pending further grant applications for funding the improvements.
Review of Agreement
Nothing to report.
Other football issues
JFC continues to thrive. The main issue is the shortage of pitches locally.
Discussion on the issue of parking and possible ways to overcome the
problem – this will be put on next agenda.
7. Report from the working party on improvements
to recreation ground
Good response to the consultation on an all weather pitch; most were
supportive, some comments received on parking issues and no further development.
Cllrs. do not wish to duplicate facilities. Strategically, an all weather
pitch should be located in the centre of the village near to the existing
sports sites and linking in with their management and caretaking arrangements.
Further enquiries will be made be made at Uplands and Wadhurst Institute,
Hall & Field.
An all weather pitch in the centre of the village would not benefit WTC
as an overflow if the tennis courts are full.
JFC requires further playing space; grants may be available to improve
the unused area of the Voelcker Land once Charter status has been achieved
The Recreation Ground Management Committee is to review the existing
tarmac area and consider possible improvements.
8. To review role of caretaker and security issues
Caretaker is retiring at the end of April. Discussion on splitting the
existing role into cleaning and groundsman duties; also the use of
contractors.
It was generally considered that a local person would be preferable to
using contractors and that hours may vary according to the season and
duties. If cover is required seven days a week, then a job share should
be considered.
Other committees are to be consulted on possible requirements for handyman
type work.
Security continues to be an issue. Measures are being taken to try and
stop the graffiti attacks.
9. To review Health & Safety inspection report
Health and Safety inspection undertaken 18.12.07; one minor item identified
which has been dealt with.
10. Bookings
To receive bookings report
A planned Taekwondo course has been cancelled due to lack of interest.
Other regular bookings continue as usual.
11. To consider maintenance/operating issues and improvements
and authorise expenditure
Resolved to approve the following maintenance items under LG(MP)A 1976
s19:
- B&W Electrical Contractors Ltd for testing electrical installation
at pavilion, £480 + VAT (enquiry to be made as to the frequency of
this test).
- WDC to continue grass cutting football pitches at an increase of
3% on 2007 cost of £85 per cut.
- manual hedge cutting up to £350.
The meeting closed at 21:30
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