WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
THE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
HELD AT THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND ON THURSDAY 24 JANUARY 2008 AT 19:30

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

1.             TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllrs. Kent and Mamlok: reasons noted and accepted.

2.             TO APPROVE MINUTES 27.09.07 AS A TRUE RECORD
Resolved to approve minutes 27.09.07 as a true record.

3.             PUBLIC FORUM
None.

4.             TO FINALISE LIST OF STREET LIGHTS TO BE USED FOR FLORAL DISPLAYS
List of street lights to be used for floral displays in the High Street was finalised. Amberol to be consulted about the installation of the units.

5.             TO REVIEW SPEND AGAINST BUDGET 2007/08
Expenditure to 31.12.07 reviewed and is on track at £13603; forecast to year end is £16637.

6.             TO RECEIVE UPDATE ON KERBSIDE RECYCLING AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE SITE
ESCC supportive of proposal for a drop–off box system at the household waste site; further enquiries to be made. Information on how to recycle was included in the last parish newsletter.

7.             TO CONSIDER REQUEST FROM ROUND OAK ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION FOR ASSISTANCE TO CLEAR FURTHER LAND AND RECONSTRUCT BOUNDARY.
Cllr. Doyle declared a prejudicial interest as a member of the Round Oak Allotment Association Committee and left the meeting for this discussion.
The allotment holders have cleared the overgrown end of the allotments which adjoins the recreation ground. Request received from the association for financial help for planting to re-establish the hedge boundary, fencing and other sundries and to pay for a contractor to remove large tree roots. Recommendation to pay up to £500 towards the costs of restoring the allotments and boundary – payment to be made under Small Holdings & Allotments Act 1908 s 26.

8.             TO APPROVE GRASS CUTTING CONTRACTOR 2008 AND REVIEW SCHEDULE
Ashdown Garden Services Ltd has advised that existing grass cutting can continue for 2008 with no increase in costs. Committee aims to review the existing schedule in detail this year and discuss possibility of payment from ESCC for work on cutting grass verges. Discussion on the leaf clearance which Ashdown Garden Services Ltd undertakes in the Autumn; enquires to be made about areas that are cleared. Leaf clearance on pavements is not a Parish Council duty and it may be possible to make savings in this area.
Resolved to continue existing grass cutting contract with Ashdown Garden Services Ltd at a rate of £294pw for 2008 and to review leaf clearance schedule – payment to be made under Highways Act 1980 s96.

9.             TO REVIEW LOCATION OF EXISTING DOG WASTE BINS.
Existing dog waste bins are located as follows:

• Sparrows Green Road/Cousley Wood Road.
• Recreation Ground.
• Washwell Lane.
• The Marlpit, B2099.
• Bankside.
• Church Street.
• Vetinary Surgery (supplied and paid for by the vetinary surgery)

It was considered that existing locations of dog waste bins are suitable. Emptying costs of existing bins amount to £1250pa.

10.          URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN
Commercial advertising has been noted at the Jardin d’Aubers; David Peacock to be reminded of council’s advertising requirements.
Problems with graffiti continue in the village. Discussion on possible methods to encourage site owners to clear affected areas quickly.
Recent article noted in The Courier on volunteer litter collection. Parish Council pays for some litter collection in the High Street; no additional funds have been allocated to extend this service. Litter collection is the responsibility of WDC.

The meeting closed at 20:35

Next meeting      22.05.08 19:30