Notes of the Open Spaces Committee Walk Round

Haylings Pond

1 July 2021 – 6pm

Those present: Cllr Selena Levermore (Chairman)

Cllr Mary Anne Woolf

Cllr John Last BEM

Cllr Lesley Hill

Cllr David Bailey

Mrs Hannah Everett-Spearing - Assets Co-ordinator

Mrs Bev Kemp - Admin Assistant

Mr Gary Whiting - LYCAS Chairman

Mr David Buggs - LYCAS Vice Chair

Mr Philip Wood - LYCAS Member

Apologies: Cllr Boast, Cllr Cooper, Cllr Corbett

HAYLINGS POND

Mr Gary Whiting asked if he could quote for the mowing and general up keep of the Haylings Pond area, due to the poor mowing schedules that are currently in place. Mrs Everett-Spearing welcomed a quote and said she would look into the current contracts, before taking to Councillors. Action: Hannah Everett-Spearing

It was noted that there is lot of weeds growing over the steps down towards the pond. Mrs Everett-Spearing will contact Norse. Action: Hannah Everett-Spearing

NEW PATIO AREA

Mr Whiting, Mr Buggs and Mr Wood (LYCAS) showed and explained to Councillors what work has been done on the patio area by the pond. It was noted that the new sleepers outlining the pond, did not go all the way round and LYCAS explained that this was due to the current sleepers being built in to the pond and removing these would cause major structure issues for the pond. LYCAS explained that extra sleepers could be added on top of the existing ones if it was felt necessary.

All Councillors agreed that the new patio area looked good and were happy with the finish. It was commented that a few bricks were missing on the wall by the bank, but LYCAS are waiting for them to come into stock – building materials are hard to come by at the moment due to the current building market.

Cllr Last congratulated the LYCAS on the work they have already carried out and for the proposed plans and commented that the Council will support the Club going forward in any way that they can.

PROSPOSED PATHWAY

Mr Wood explained to Councillors about the proposed extension to the current ramp which leads down to the pond area. LYCAS ensured Councillors that all work carried out would be in accordance with the Angling Trust Compliance for Disabled Access, ensuring the safety of those in wheelchairs and pushing buggies down the path. Mr Wood informed Councillors that the proposed funding they have applied from Suffolk Community Foundation was for £5,000 and were hopeful they would receive this amount, which would pay for the path materials and the storage unit. Cllr Hill asked whether they could apply to the East Suffolk Council Covid Grant Funding as many people are now getting prescribed fishing to help with their mental health wellbeing.

PROPOSED STORAGE UNIT AND TOILET

LYCAS showed Councillors where the proposed storage unit, complete with toilet would sit. They explained that the unit would be built by themselves, is green in colour to blend in with the area and is tamper proof, which includes reinforced windows and shutters when the unit is not in use. It was discussed whether the proposed footpath would also lead off towards the unit, to allow for a smooth entrance to the toilet section and also to prevent the ground being torn up too much. LYCAS would certainly consider this, as it hadn’t been previously thought about.

REQUEST FOR DISABLED PARKING BAYS

LYCAS requested that the Council look into the car parking area of Haylings Pond, to include two disabled bays and signs to highlight the entrances to the pond area, to allow access. After much discussion Councillors asked if we could look at having the current car parking bays lined and change the position of the bays, so cars parked are facing the back of the houses, rather than side parking, allowing for more cars to be parked and entrances to the pond area to be easily accessed. Mrs Everett-Spearing said she would investigate to see who owns this area and what expense it would be to change the car parking bays and to include disabled bays. Action: Hannah Everett-Spearing

Councillors were happy with the proposed plans brought to them by the LYCAS and hope the club are successful in their grant funding. If successful, and work goes ahead on the pathway and storage unit, then the LYCAS will send the relevant Risk Assessments to the Council Office before work is carried out. Work will be monitored by the Council Office staff.

LYCAS then left the meeting.

Note: Leiston Makes Space Working Group would like to look at sectioning off a small area around the perimeter of the Pond site to allow for autumn seeding – this will be taken to the next LMSFW meeting.

CLIMBING FRAME AT KING GEORGE’S RECREATION GROUNDS

Mrs Kemp explained that she has spoken to a number of play equipment providers and to Leiston Primary School, who have chosen a large jungle climbing frame. Mrs Kemp will be meeting with Playdale who quoted for this climbing frame, for quotes to include safety mats and will report back to Councillors with full costs. It was proposed by Cllr Levermore and second by Cllr Hill to take this to the next full Council meeting once full quotes have be obtain. Action: Bev Kemp and Full Council

COMMUNITY ORCHARD TREE

Cllr Levermore informed Councillors that Mr Miller will be purchasing a new Pear Tree to plant at the Community Orchard as he is still waiting on the one promised by Norse. Mr Miller has also said he will look after this tree. Councillors requested that the money Mr Miller paid for the tree be refunded to him. Proposed by Cllr Levermore and seconded by Cllr Last and agreed. Action: Caroline Rinder

At the end of the meeting Cllr Levermore asked if the pathway behind Haylings Pond could be reported due to a fallen tree and uncut hedges that protrude on to the path, making walking or cycling down it very hard. Action: Bev Kemp