Minutes of the Parks and Open Spaces Sub-Committee, 1st February 2011
Held at 7.30pm at the Colliers Wood Community Centre.
Present
Keith Spears, Fiona Sydney, Gam Gurung, Laxmi Attawar, Beth Travis, Ray Bowden
Apologies for absence
Keith Allen, Nick Draper, Leslie Eyall, Vicky Lansdale
Election of Chairperson and Secretary
A decision was taken that these positions will be flexible depending on attendance.
Minutes of the last meeting
- Library closure was just a rumour
- Minutes agreed
Matters arising
None
Present Attempt Audio for Wandle Park
- To take place Saturday 12th February. Meeting @ 2.30pm outside Colliers Wood Tup
- Participants will go around the park with the guide and reconvene at St Joseph’s hall @ 3.15pm
- Suggestion that an invitation is put up in the library and notice boards to increase community involvement. Action: Keith to contact Present Attempt
New Play area
- Funding application has been submitted but date for confirmation of funding is unknown.
- Concerns were raised over new policy to leave parks open overnight. Laxmi reported that Andrew Judge will be meeting with Friends groups and Sustainable Merton in Feb/March. Laxmi will take residents concerns to the meeting. Police will not have powers to move people out of the park if they are left open.
- Is it worth exploring the option of asking Singlegate’s Site Manager to be a key holder?
- Park will not be completely closed off – access via gap in fence through Woodlands. Fence may belong to the Council.
Keith suggested a petition – not all in favour.
- Could we ask the Safer Neighbourhoods team to be involved in locking and unlocking the gates?
- Andrew Judge will be invited to the next CW residents’ meeting.
Community Gardening Project
- Conditional grant of £6840 to pay for coordinator (5hr/wk), tools, insurance, plants etc. Keith S to lead the project. Bank account to be set up by 18th Feb. Plan to begin 1st March.
- Plan to recruit a team of people to be responsible for an area of ‘garden’. Could include clearing Wandle Park.
- Suggestion of display board in library to promote the project and show progress
- Possible additional funds from Cavendish Road table top sale
Hedgerow planting
60 shrubs were planted in partnership with the Council (Dave Lofthouse) and children from Singlegate School. Children really engaged with the project.
Tree planting in “Waterfall Park/Pocket Park”
12 trees were provided; 8 were planted
Extending Singlegate School in the Recreation Ground
No new information. Believe extension is to remain inside existing grounds. Date of final consultation unknown. Information needed for next newsletter from Singlegate or the Council. Action: Laxmi
Pavilion in the Recreation Ground
Hiring costs were too high
AOB
- Beth provided a name of someone who is willing to help clear the waterways in Wandle Park
- Keith to check if tree work has been completed in Wandle Meadow
- Request that brushes are provided in the Recreation Ground to remove mud from boots to prevent a trail of mud along the adjoining streets. Council or Little League to fund??
- 4th/5th June: Wandle Valley weekend. Funding cuts – not on the same scale as in previous years.
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 5th April