Minutes of the Parks and Open Spaces Sub-Committee, 5th April 2011
Held at 7.30pm at the Colliers Wood Community Centre.
Introductions
Election of Chairperson and Secretary
At the last meeting it was decided that these positions would be flexible depending on attendance.
Minutes of the last meeting
Agreed to be correct
Matters arising
- "Present Attempt" - audio guide for Wandle Park.
Feedback was positive.
Audio guide will be made available in the library and possibly on Merton’s website.
Action: Keith to ask for copies to be made available for the next meeting.
- Andrew Judge did attend the last CWRA meeting.
Strength of community feeling towards parks.
Parks will now be kept closed at night.
This decision will be reviewed next year.
- Date for Singlegate school expansion consultation still unknown.
- Pavilion in the Rec. Ground is possibly being converted into a nursery.
Improvements are being made to the building.
- Boot brushes will be fitted near the field in the Rec. Ground next year,
funded by Little League football.
Play area for 8-13 year olds
No further updates. Funding has been applied for.
- Bank account now set up.
- Draft work plan distributed.
- Residents will be consulted where land borders houses.
Nick and Keith to visit land bordering Chesham Road on 6th April.
Not all residents in agreement that land should be developed.
- Plans could include community orchards, allotments, wildlife garden etc.
Funding is only for 1 year.
Maintenance will then be down to residents.
- Each area was discussed.
Could use plants such as local lavender.
- Training for volunteers to begin on 5th May – administered by Merton Adult Education.
5 x 2 hour sessions 2-4pm @ St Joseph’s Hall.
Could involve Merton Horticultural Society and Sustainable Merton.
- Suggestion that a work plan/schedule be drawn up for each area to allow flexible working by residents.
Action: Keith S will carry out a risk assessment for each area.
Street trees
Trees have been planted around Colliers Wood.
Very positive idea but residents commented on the lack of communication between the Council and residents.
Council could have involved residents to look after the trees e.g. watering them.
Wandle Weekend
- Money will not be available through Wandle Festival this year.
- Informal Community Picnic Sunday 5th June.
AOB
- Pocket Park has been cleared by a local resident who volunteered.
Thank you Mr Gibbins.
- A volunteer has also tidied the Community Centre car park.
- A resident raised the issue about lack of tress on the High Street.
Resident to write to TfL.
- Free Green waste collection has been stopped by the Council.
Issue for people without cars – to be discussed at the next CWRA meeting.
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 3rd May,
to be chaired by Ray Bowden.