Members of the Committee were updated on previously agreed actions relating to the Green, recent changes in personnel and a request for new works on the Green.

The Committee was advised that due to key personnel recently leaving the Council there had sadly been some delay in previously agreed actions being completed.  A new structure was now in place whereby the Open Space team would be located at the depot.  As the depot staff undertook most of the management and maintenance work in relation to the Green this ‘one service’ approach would undoubtably provide a better service in the future.

Previously agreed actions:

1.    Site Notices – the installation of the newly designed site notices was now in progress.

2.    Bench - Officers advised the Committee that the quotation for the replacement bench had now been received. Once purchased Officers were requested to place the bench at the back of the existing slab to ensure the grass remained undamaged.

3.    Additional site security posts – The Committee was advised that the Council only had 9 posts in stock from the Committee’s previous purchase of posts.

As a further 16/17 posts had been requested, a price for a minimum run in supplying new posts was currently being sought. As Officers at the meeting were unable to advise the Committee on the number of posts the Committee had already purchased, they were asked to obtain this information, and advise the Committee by email.

The paramount concern was to protect the Green from incursions, but it was a balancing act, and keeping accessibility at the forefront whilst also protecting the Green was key.  Officers were, therefore, asked to circulate to the Committee a map indicating the proposed positioning of the additional posts.  Additionally, Officers were asked to advise the Committee of the number of incursions there had been on the Green in recent years. 

New requests for work on the Green

The Committee considered a list of requests for work on the Green following a recent site visit by two members of the Committee and the Council’s Interim Parks and Open Spaces Manager.

1.     It was reported that the signpost horizonal bars had been removed

2.    Officers were currently in dialogue with relevant Officers regarding the change of litter bin collection day

3.    Officers would arrange to meet with Mr Bromilow to discuss fox modification measures to the bins

4.    New signage designs for the litter bins would be circulated to the Committee prior to purchase/installation

5.    Officers would prepare a report for the next meeting in relation to costings of coir matting to protect the grass under benches

6.    Officers to report on cost/viability/legal implications on the construction of a footbridge path over the ditch in front of the playground at the next meeting

7.    Officers to report on cost/viability/legal implications for inserting a culvert within the ditch at the next meeting

8.    The Committee supported Community led woodland management.  Officers were asked to look a Council’s Terms of Reference in relation to community led events and advise the Committee accordingly

9.    The Committee supported manual weed control.  Officers advised the Committee that they would be happy to provide advice/equipment and materials to any community lead clearance/weed control.

            Resolved that:

i)             Items 1-5 of new requests for work be approved; and

ii)            items 6-7 to be considered at a future meeting when costing and legal implications can be reported; and

iii)           items 8-9 the Committee supported Community led initiatives on the Green in relation to woodland management and weed control

Loss of Wildflower area at the top of Priest Hill

Officers apologised to the Committee for the mistake in cutting the wildflower area.  The contractor had been notified and a system would be implemented for marking/recording such areas to ensure this error was not repeated.  The Committee discussed the possibility of ‘double replacement’ next season with the optimum time for sowing being October.  Officers were asked to bring a report of wildflower sowing to the next meeting.  The viability of sowing wildflowers along the ditch at St Jude’s Road would also be discussed.  The Committee was keen for Officers to explore participation in the SCC Blue Heart Scheme The Blue Campaign - increasing biodiversity in grass verges - Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)

It was reported that the presence of Oak Processionary Moths had recently been reported to the Council and the affected tree had been roped off.  Officers were asked to provide the Committee with an update at the next meeting.