Minutes of the Open Spaces Committee Meeting

14 June 2022, 7.00pm

Held in the Community Centre, King Georges Avenue, Leiston

Present: Cllr John Last

Cllr David Bailey

Cllr Lesley Hill

Cllr Nicky Corbett

Cllr Mary Anne Woolf

Mrs Hannah Everett-Spearing (Facilities Co-ordinator)

Mrs Beverly Kemp (Admin Assistant)

Action

1. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

It was proposed by Cllr Corbett, seconded by Cllr Last and agreed that Cllr Hill be appointed Chairman of the Committee.

2. PUBLIC FORUM

No members of the public were in attendance.

3. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Cllr Levermore and Cllr Boast.

4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 19 JANUARY 2022 AND THE WALK AROUND HELD ON 11 APRIL 2022

It was proposed by Cllr Last, seconded by Cllr Bailey and agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 19 January were a true record. It was proposed by Cllr Woolf and seconded by Cllr Last the minutes of the walk around on 11 April were a true record.

5. MATTERS ARISING

King Georges Recreation Ground

Mrs Everett-Spearing informed Councillors that the welcome signs have been received and will be displayed once the new gates have been installed.

Noticeboards

Mrs Everett-Spearing informed Councillors that work to produce the noticeboards is still ongoing.

Haylings Pond

Mrs Everett-Spearing to contact Gary Whiting regarding the planting of wildflower seeds at Haylings Pond to see if he will support the project.

Community Orchard

Cllr Hill raised concerns about the visual appearance of the entrance ways to the Community Orchard since the levelling works have been carried out. Mrs Everett-Spearing explained type 1 needed to be laid in order to protect the wear. It was agreed to ask Norse to lay some grass seed over the area to help it blend back in. Archways are still being investigated Mrs Kemp to forward the quote.

Victory Road Recreation Ground

Councillors remained concerned about the amount of litter around the skatepark area. After a brief discussion it was decided to replace the vandalised bin. Cllr Corbett suggested a dual recycle bin be installed but it was decided that as the base for a standard bin is already in place and with the bin locations likely to change once the skatepark enhancement has taken place to replace like for like.

Litter Bins

Councillor Corbett suggested that EDF maybe willing to sponsor dual recycling bins. Mrs Everett-Spearing/Mrs Kemp will investigate this further. Cllr Woolf commented that we need to promote recycling and make it possible by providing appropriate bins. Mrs Everett-Spearing/Mrs Kemp to explore possible areas in the town for a dual recycle bin. Cllr Corbett suggested the new Church Square, Cllr Hill replied that the bins for the Church Square are being custom made. Mrs Everett-Spearing/Mrs Kemp to contact Simon Merett to see if those bins will include recycling.

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Action

HES/BK

6. SKATE PARK ENHANCEMENT

Mrs Everett-Spearing reported that she had sent out tentative feelers to potential developers to gage interest in the project. The next Skatepark meeting is scheduled for 22 June. Cllr Bailey questioned the positioning of the extension, Mrs Kemp reminded Cllr Bailey this had been discussed and agreed by councillors at our full council meeting held 01 March 2022.

7. PLAY EQUIPMENT, VICTORY ROAD RECREATION PARK

After a brief discussion it was decided to look at an additional piece of play equipment that is ground level and inclusive for the toddler area of Victory Road Recreation Park. Mrs Kemp will explore options and obtain quotes. It was proposed by Cllr Last, seconded by Cllr Corbett and agreed to recommend to full council to approve in principal a budget of £25,000 for this equipment.

8. SPORTS FIELD – POSSIBLE USES

Possible uses of the Sports Field are still being explored inline with the Neighbourhood Plan. It was suggested that the community orchard could be expanded to include this area. Mrs Everett-Spearing commented that watering this area is problematic. It was agreed that Mrs Everett-Spearing would obtain a quote for bore holing for water.

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9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Corbett reported that the wildflower seeds at Victory Park Recreation Ground had failed to germinate she will take this forward to the next Grounds Maintenance Meeting.

Cllr Hill questioned if we should consider a beacon for the town, Cllr Last commented that we should explore the option of one as there had been significant public interest. It was suggested Sizewell Beach could be a good location as traditionally beacons are on the coast. Mrs Kemp to investigate this further and obtain quotes.

Cllr Hill raised a concern regarding a broken picnic bench at the Community Orchard. Mrs Everett-Spearing will get this removed, investigate getting the remaining plastic picnic bench moved to King Georges Avenue Recreation Ground and obtain a quote for a wooden picnic bench for the Community Orchard which would be more in keeping with the area.

Cllr Hill raised concerns over the works that LYCAS have carried out at Hayling’s Pond. Mrs Everett-Spearing will arrange a meeting with LYCAS at Hayling’s

Pond to discuss. Cllr Hill commented that she was pleased to see the Defibrillator had been installed.

10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

A walk round is scheduled for Monday 19 September at 4.30pm, meeting at Victory Road Recreation Ground.

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