Notes of the Open Spaces Committee Walk Round

Victory Road Recreation Ground, Community Orchard and King Georges Avenue Recreation Ground,

26 September 2022 - 4.30pm

Those present: Cllr Selena Levermore

Cllr David Bailey

Cllr Bing Boast

Mrs Bev Kemp – Admin Assistant

Mrs Hannah Everett-Spearing – Assets Officer

Apologies: Cllr Hill and Cllr Last

Victory Road Recreational Ground

Councillors were happy overall with the park area. Cllr Levermore asked again about bark for the flowerbeds and around the large tree to help keep moisture in the ground and tidy up the beds, Mrs Everett-Spearing has requested a quote from Norse, she will chase. The large tree by the entrance to the toddler park needs pruning, Mrs Kemp will ask Norse to action this. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing/Mrs Kemp

It was noted that we need to order a plaque for the Jubilee tree and ask Norse to strim inside the fencing for the tree as it is very overgrown. Action Mrs Kemp

It was disappointing to see the skate park and park area was covered in litter, it was evident that the Street Cleaner had not been at the park today, as the rubbish built up was more than a days’ worth. Councillors wished to express their disappointment to Norse with regards to this rubbish and request an additional litter pick of the area. Action: Mrs Kemp

Cllr Bailey commented that residents have complained about the skatepark lights being on all night, Mrs Everett-Spearing informed councillors that these should be on a timer, Mrs Everett-Spearing will contact SCC to investigate. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

The metal plate for the hand sanitiser unit by the shrub bed needs to be removed and it was noted that the repair to the bowls piste and new toddler gate are still outstanding. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Community Orchard

The Community Orchard is looking in good shape, given the dry weather all trees look to be in good health. Councillors were impressed with the levelling and widening of the entrance areas and the new benches.

King George’s Avenue Recreation Ground

Apart from the graffiti the park was looking in good shape, the new jubilee trees are growing nicely. It was noted that the basket ball board and net still hasn’t been replaced, Mrs Kemp will chase this. With regards to the graffiti Mrs Kemp reported that a jet wash of the area had been carried out with limited success. It was decided to order vinyl’s to cover the signs rather than replace as this will be a much cheaper option and to try to engage with the local Police and schools to run an anti graffiti campaign and explore the possibility of a designated graffiti area within the town. Mrs Kemp will also speak to the school to see if some CCTV signs can be put on their fence line that runs along the pathway between the sports field and the school. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing/Mrs Kemp

Cllr Bailey requested that we revisit street lighting for this area, this to be discussed further at the next Open Spaces meeting. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Walkaround finished at: 5.25pm