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2005–2006 Archives of Environment Minutes
Reports and Minutes of a Meeting of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted On Tuesday 10th April 2007 at 7.30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillors Betty Patterson - Chairman L. Briand Mrs. Lesley Featherstone EX OFFICIO: Councillor Freda Earl - Town Mayor OFFICER: Mr. R. J. Price
12/07 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Green. 13/07 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA There were no declarations of interest regarding items on the agenda. 14/07 MINUTES The minutes of the previous meeting held on 5th February 2007 had been agreed at Full Council and were signed by the Chairman. 15/07 CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONSThe following publications had been received: Chiltern News for March 2007 Open Space magazine for Spring 2007 Groundwork Hertfordshire 2006 Yearbook and Prospectus News of the Woods Spring 2007 Notification had been received of Hertfordshire Heritage Fund visits to Ashwell Village including museum and church (24th May 2007) and the British Schools Museum, Hitchin) (11th June 2007) The Agenda for the Dacorum Environmental Forum full meeting had been received to be held on the 19th April 2007 at 7.30pm at Room 201, Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre. 16/07 PUBLIC PARTICIPATIONThe Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow Ms. Wheeldon to raise the following issues: q She queried what arrangements had been made to allow the Saturday market to be held whilst work was being undertaken to the High Street pavements. Councillor Patterson said she would investigate this matter at the next Joint Members Panel meeting to be held on Thursday 19th April 2007. Action Councillor Patterson q Ms. Wheeldon said that the pavement where Castle Street meets the High Street is very dangerous for pedestrians and suggested that as part of the work to the High Street pavement the granite sets should be retained and a conservation bollard installed. Councillor Patterson said she would investigate this matter at the next Joint Members Panel meeting to be held on Thursday 19th April 2007. Action Councillor Patterson q Ms. Wheeldon raised her concerns regarding how quality control would be maintained during the pavement work. Councillor Patterson stated that the problem of poor quality control when the pavement was installed last time was due to time pressures placed upon Hertfordshire County Council combined with a change in the specification of pavement material that occurred at the time. She said that such a situation should not re-occur in the future. q Ms. Wheeldon stated that the problem with wheelie bins in the Conservation Area also affects Ellesemere Road and George Street. 17/07 ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTSa. Sunnyside New Wildspace Project There was nothing to report and as far as the Town Council was concerned the project could now be considered as being complete.b. Local Agenda 21: Green Issuesi. Wheelie bins in the Conservation Area – result of site meeting in Holliday Street held on the 5th March 2007 Members were informed that this problem had now been resolved by Dacorum Borough Council’s Enforcement Officer. Councillor Featherstone said that she had received no notification of the revised wheelie bin collection dates covering the Easter holiday. The Town Clerk was asked to write to Dacorum Borough Council to ask why no such notification was sent to residents. Subsequent to the meeting it can be confirmed that such notification was issued and attached individual wheelie bins. A copy of this notification has been attached to these minutes. The Information Officer was asked to print off a copy of Dacorum Borough Council’s revised wheelie bin collection dates and post them on Berkhamsted Town Council notice boards. Action Mr. Barnesc. Litter i. Lower Kings Road wetlands area Members were informed that the litter bins in Canal Fields had not been emptied before the Easter holiday. This had created litter problems over the holiday period and the Town Council had received a number of complaints from members of the public regarding this matter. The Town Clerk was asked to write a letter of complaint to Dacorum Borough Council and ask if a regular Saturday litter collection could take place or for Dacorum Borough Council at the very minimum to ensure that in future a litter collection is undertaken in Canal Fields prior to any public holidays. Action Town Clerk d. River Bulbourne Restoration Project Councillor Patterson confirmed that pollarding work had been undertaken, there was a good water table and a good flow of water in the river. e. Town Garden Projects – Biodiversity and Civic Display i. Berkhamsted Townscape There was nothing to report. ii. Millennium Garden Councillor Patterson said that the Garden was still recovering after being moved. iii. Gateway Garden There was nothing to report. f. Civic Amenities There was nothing to report. g. Pedestrian Paths i. High Street pavements This issue had been raised under public participation. ii. Canal Fields footpath – report of flooding The Town Clerk was asked to write to Claire Covington, Dacorum Borough Council, to request that paving slabbed paths be installed between the play pads in the children’s play area in order to provide an alternative footpath when the Canal Fields footpath is subject to winter flooding. Action Town Clerkh. Land Use i. Bridle Way Dell Project – report on the litter clearance and dumping of garden material Members were informed that litter clearance work had been undertaken. The Town Clerk was asked to write to residents of Dellfield Close, the top end of Meadow Road and the top end of Billet Lane to explain what the Town Council was trying to do in The Dell at Bridle Way. The letter should also ask residents to respect the space and refrain from disposing of their green waste there and instead use either their own green wheelie bins or take it to the nearby Council refuse disposal facility in Northbridge Road. Action Town Clerk Members were informed that the Finance & Policy Committee was still awaiting details of the five-year lease. ii. East Meadow Nothing was reported at the meeting regarding this item. 18/07 CCTV COVERAGE CANAL FIELDS / HIGH STREET The Town Clerk was asked to write to Dacorum Borough Council to request a breakdown of funding for the skateboard park, clarification of what monies were refundable to the Town Council, and to state that the Town Council considered that the CCTV issue should be considered as a separate project. Action Town Clerk The Information Officer was asked to clarify if Dacorum Borough Council had a mobile CCTV or would consider obtaining one. Action Mr. Barnes The Town Clerk was asked to write to Patrick Stileman to ascertain the progress he had made regarding the preparation of a High Street tree survey. Action Town Clerk
19/07 COMMUNITY PLAN CONSULTATION – TOILET FACILITIES IN CANAL FIELDS AND WATER LANE Members noted details contained in the agenda papers for this item. 20/07 MATTERS FOR CONSULTATION / INFORMATION a. Birtchnells Copse There was nothing to report. b. Land off High Street and Water Lane Feasibility Study Members discussed the environmental impact of the proposed Water Lane development. Councillor Patterson issued a paper concerning this issue at the meeting. Copy attached. Following discussion members agreed to write to Dacorum Borough Council to make the following comments regarding the proposal: 1. There should be no residential units without parking space. 2. A multi-storey car park should be substituted for the residential development above the supermarket. 3. The River Bulbourne and its landscape along the boundary of Greenfield Road should be preserved and if possible improved. c. Details of cycle routes Members noted details contained in the agenda paper for this item.
21/07 CLOSE OF MEETING
The meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.
Reports and Minutes of a Meeting of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted On Monday 5th February 2007 at 7.30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillors Betty Patterson - Chairman J. Critcher - Vice Chairman L. Briand (arrived at 7.35 p.m.) Mrs. Lesley Featherstone Mrs. C. Green EX OFFICIO: Councillor Freda Earl - Town Mayor (arrived at 7.38 p.m.) OFFICER: Mr. C.R. Westwood
01/07 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Horton and Patrick Stileman. 02/07 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA There were no declarations of interest regarding items on the agenda. 03/07 MINUTES The minutes of the previous meeting held on 27th November 2006 had been agreed at Full Council and were signed by the Chairman. 04/07 CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONSThe following documents had been received and are available for reference: Hertfordshire County Council Minerals Local Plan Review – Proposed Further Modifications and Strategic Environmental Assessment Non-Feasibility Consultation. Buckinghamshire Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework. Issues and Options Consultation Report (Regulation 25). Buckinghamshire Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework Statement of Community Involvement. Consultation Pre-submission Draft (Regulation 26). Hertfordshire Waste Partnership Consultation on its Proposals for the Way Hertfordshire Waste Management Must Change. The following publications had been received: The Community Development Agency for Hertfordshire Annual Review 2005/6. Countryside Management Service Newsletter January 2007. Chiltern Woodlands Project News of the Woods – Winter 2006/7. Notification had been received of the Chiltern’s Wildlife Conference to be held at Green Park, Aston Clinton on the 23rd February 2007. Councillor Green had received an email from the Head of Hertfordshire Trading Standards advising on the current situation nationally and within Hertfordshire following the confirmed outbreak of Avian Flu in Suffolk. 05/07 PUBLIC PARTICIPATIONThe Chairman adjourned the meeting. Ms. Wheeldon said that it would probably be necessary to send a letter to all residents in the Conservation Area asking them not to leave wheelie bins outside the front of their properties. Ms. Wheeldon said that lighting in Church Lane was essential now as there were at least three residential properties. The meeting was then reconvened 06/07 ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTSa. Sunnyside New Wildspace ProjectThere was nothing to report b. Local Agenda 21: Green Issuesi Re-cycling Point in St. John’s Well Lane Car Park Councillor Patterson said that the site was now acceptable covering two spaces against the fence. The Town Mayor said that two of the bins had no lids. It was agreed to report the problem through the Help Point. Action Mr. Barnesii. Wheelie bins in the Conservation Area Following discussion it was agreed to write to David Austin, Dacorum Borough Council, in support of the letter from CARAB concerning wheelie bins in the Conservation Area left outside the front of properties. There was a need to discuss particular roads such as Ravens Lane and Holliday Street to see if the current problems could be solved. Councillors Featherstone, Patterson and the Town Mayor would participate in discussions. Action Town Clerkc. Litter i. Lower Kings Road wetlands area Councillor Patterson said the Lower Kings Road area was wetland once again due to the flow of the River Bulbourne. The litter problem had returned despite the fence being mended. It was agreed to engage DTTS Ltd. to carry out a litter pick of the wetlands area. The cost to come from the Environment Committee allocation. DTTS workers would need the assistance of wooden planks to cross the river. Action Town Clerk Councillor Patterson reported that some trees in the wetland area had fallen and were projecting through the fence. They needed to be cleared. Action Mr. Barnes d. River Bulbourne Restoration Project Councillor Patterson reported that the next phase of work was about to begin and part of it involved dealing with trees, in particular the Willows adjacent to Waitrose. It would be necessary to use a crane to carry out this work, which would have to occupy some car parking spaces. A letter had been sent to Rose Painter, Waitrose Manager, to inform her of the situation and to request discussions. A reply was awaited. e. Town Garden Projects – Biodiversity and Civic Display i. Berkhamsted Townscape There was nothing to report. ii. Millennium Garden Councillor Patterson said that the garden was recovering from being moved and would improve with time. iii. Gateway Garden There was nothing to report. f. Civic Amenities Bench seat in new Millennium Garden Councillor Patterson reported that the seat had been installed with a concrete base paid for by the Town Council. g. Pedestrian Paths i. High Street pavements There was nothing to report despite the recent meeting with Hertfordshire Highways and agreements reached regarding the work that was needed. It was hoped that repairs would be carried out this year. ii. Park Street bridge It was noted that the quote for the refurbishment of the footpath was awaited from DTTS Ltd. who had carried out the original work. Action Town Clerk h. Land Use i. Bridle Way Dell Project The correspondence circulated with the agenda and at the meeting was noted. Details of the five-year lease were awaited. ii. East Meadow The letter sent to Daniel Zammit, Chief Executive, Dacorum Borough Council, had been circulated with the agenda. A reply was awaited. 07/07 CCTV & STREET LIGHTING IN CHURCH LANE The Town Clerk reported that the question of lighting in Church Lane had been discussed at the last meeting of the Transport Committee, as a result of which a letter had been sent to Hertfordshire Highways asking for lighting to be installed as a matter of urgency. A reply had been received to say that it was hoped that funds would be made available in 2008, but since then an existing Hertfordshire Highways contract had failed and funds may become available earlier than expected. Councillor Patterson referred to a recent report from John Clark, Dacorum Borough Council, to the Environment Scrutiny Committee concerning CCTV cameras in Dacorum. Following discussion it was agreed to write to Mr. Clark to propose the possible relocation of the CCTV camera in Waitrose car park to Canal Fields to monitor the youth facility. Councillor Patterson also referred to the CCTV camera in the High Street opposite Castle Street. Its view was obstructed by trees outside 121 High Street and it was agreed to ask the Tree Officer of Dacorum Borough Council if those trees were due for replacement. Action Town Clerk 08/07 TOILET FACILITIES IN CANAL FIELDS & WATER LANE Councillor Patterson said that although the installation of toilet facilities in Canal Fields and the improvement of those in the High Street had been made top priority in the Community Consultation exercise no reasons had been requested or given. Councillor Patterson circulated a short explanation of why these matters were top priority and it was agreed that her explanation should be forwarded to David Gill, Dacorum Borough Council. Action Town Clerk 09/07 ENERGY EFFICIENCY – THE NOTTINGHAM DECLARATION & PPS 22 Councillor Patterson said that a recent report to the Environment Scrutiny Committee of Dacorum Borough Council recommended that they sign the Nottingham declaration, which commits councils to principles on environmental practice. In addition the ODPM Planning Policy Statement 22 identified actions that could be taken to support principles on environmental practice. Following discussion it was agreed that the Environment Committee should recommend to Full Council that it should consider supporting Paragraph 8 of Planning Policy Statement 22 regarding the generation of renewable energy on site. Action Councillor Patterson and Town Clerk 10/07 MATTERS FOR CONSULTATION / INFORMATION a. Birtchnells Copse The reports from Patrick Stileman, Warden of Birchnells Copse, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, were noted. It was agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to Mr. Stileman for his work at Birtchnells Copse. b. Update on Environmental Projects budget expenditure 2006/2007 Details of the Environmental Projects budget had been circulated with the agenda and were noted. The Town Clerk informed members that taking all the cost centres into account, and the decision to carry out another litter clearance of the Lower Kings Road wetlands, there was just £19 left until the end of the financial year. 11/07 CLOSE OF MEETING The meeting closed at 8.55 p.m.
Reports and Minutes of a Meeting of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted On Monday 27th November 2006 at 7.30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillors Betty Patterson Chairman J. Critcher Vice Chairman L. Briand Mrs. C. Green EX OFFICIO: Councillor Freda Earl Town Mayor OFFICER: Mr. C.R. Westwood
37/06 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Featherstone and from Patrick Stileman. 38/06 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA There were no declarations of interest regarding items on the agenda.
39/06 MINUTES The minutes of the previous meeting held on 25th September 2006 had been agreed at full Council and were signed by the Chairman.
40/06 CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONSThe following publications had been received: Chiltern News – December 2006 Chilterns Conservation Board – Annual Review 2005/6 Community Development Agency for Herts Newsletter – October 2006 Notes of the Chilterns AONB Planning Conference and a Report of the Chilterns Commons Network Day 2006 from Councillor Margaret Jarrett, Hertfordshire Parish representative. Notification of Risk Assessment and First Aid Training for Friends Groups and CMS volunteers to be held on the 30th November 2006 at 7.30 p.m. at St. Albans. The Chairman gave details of a Consultation event concerning Action Planning for the Rivers Bulbourne, Gade and Ver held on the 13th November 2006, and of the last meeting of the DEF Water Group.
41/06 PUBLIC PARTICIPATIONThere were two members of the public present. Mary Dyson on behalf of Berkhamsted Lions said her main interests were in the Aquifers and Chalk Streams. Angela Wheeldon said that the bridge she referred to at the last meeting was Gravel Path and not Waitrose, and it had already been subject of Graffiti. She was glad to see the action taken regarding the willow trees near Waitrose, and the toilets in Water Lane were disgusting. The Community Partnership had looked at replacing them but the costs were prohibitive.
42/06 ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTSa. Sunnyside New Wildspace ProjectThere was nothing new to report.
b. Local Agenda 21: Green Issuesi Re-cycling Point in St. John’s Well Lane Car Park The re-cycling point had been moved and was now backed by fencing, which prevented litter contaminating the river. However, it was now crammed into one parking space and was difficult to access if cars were parked either side. It was agreed to ask the Borough Council if the two bay system could be restored. Action Mr. Barnes.
c. Litter i. Lower Kings Road wetlands area. The area had been cleared twice during the summer by DTTS Ltd. But clearance costs were expensive. It now needed some additional clearance adjacent to the footpath. The Town Warden would be asked if he could carry this out with a litter picker. Action Town Warden
d. River Bulbourne Restoration Project i. Interpretation board in Lower Kings Road Alan Beechey of the Chiltern Chalk Streams Project was dealing this with. ii. Action Planning The Chairman had attended a Consultation event on the 13th November 2006 concerning an action planning project for the Rivers Bulbourne, Gade and Ver. Subjects covered included improvements through the Chilterns Chalk Stream Project and river enhancement opportunities with the Countryside Management Service. iii. Meeting Notes The report and plans circulated with the agenda were noted. The Town Mayor drew attention to the fact that two Swans had apparently died from contamination of the Lake by cooking oil being placed in drains. She urged the public not to dispose of fat and oil in this way. The Chairman said that £7500 Section 106 money from the Waitrose extension had been paid to the borough Council and was in fact for the Project. It was agreed to ask Claire Covington of the Borough Council if that money could be transferred to Alan Beechey who was the Project Treasurer. Action Town Clerk
e. Town Garden Projects – Biodiversity and Civic Display i. Berkhamsted Townscape There was nothing new to report.
ii. Millennium Garden The garden had been moved to its new location in Canal Fields. The Chairman wished to thank Ian Shaw for his help. The Borough Council had not yet installed the fencing or the seat. It was also thought that they would issue a licence to plant. It was agreed to pursue these outstanding matters. Action Town Clerk.
iii. Gateway Garden There was nothing new to report.
f. Civic Amenities i. Bench seat in new Millennium Garden The seat was awaiting installation by the Borough Council. The Borough Council had carried out a risk assessment of the Waitrose Bridge and had found that it complied with required standards.
g. Pedestrian Paths i. High Street pavements There was nothing new to report.
h. Land Use i. Report on site meeting at Bridle Way Dell. The Chairman referred to the report and plan circulated with the agenda. A letter had been received from Agents acting for the County Council which gave approval to some preparatory work to be carried out. Quotes were being obtained by the Countryside Management Service and would be referred to the Town Council. The Finance & Policy Committee would deal with details of the 5-year lease when received.
43/06 MATTERS FOR CONSULTATION / INFORMATION a. Birtchnells Copse There was nothing new to report. b. Access to toilets in the Town Following discussion it was agreed that the provision of a new toilet in Canal Fields should be the top priority for the Town Council’s submission to the Local Strategic Partnership who were dealing with the Community Plan for Dacorum 2008 – 2011. The Finance & Policy Committee who were dealing with the Community Plan priorities should consider this recommendation. Action Town Clerk
c. Risk Assessment seminar – correspondence attached. The Chairman said that she had attended a seminar run by Zurich Insurance, in view of the possible purchase of East Meadow, which included a playground. The Council had a duty of care to ensure that Contractors were covered in relation to risk. They should be asked to provide details of public liability insurance and a risk assessment for each quote they provide. Forms were available from Zurich and NALC. 44/06 CLOSE OF MEETING
The meeting closed at 8.47pm.
Reports and Minutes of a Meeting of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Berkhamsted On Monday 25th September 2006 at 7.30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillors Betty Patterson - Chairman J. Critcher – Vice Chairman L. Briand Mrs. C. Green R. Horton OFFICER: Mr. R. Price –Assistant Town Clerk Presentations: 7.30 p.m. Garry Sinfield and Sarah Greenwood of Sunnyside Rural Trust on the work at Sunnyside Garry Sinfield, Outside Activity Organiser for Sunnyside Rural Trust, presented a photographic record of the work undertaken by Sunnyside Rural Trust. This covered both their Training Centre at Sunnyside allotments as well as their Training Centre at New Road, Northchurch. Members expressed their support for the work of the Trust and thanked Sarah and Garry for attending the meeting. David Kirkham, Architect, Kirkland Frazer Moor, on the subject of Environmental Footprints David Kirkham and Kenneth Frazer gave a computer-based presentation dealing with the idea of setting up a business orientated eco centre in the Town. The idea of the centre would be to bring together and help promote an integrated approach to the development of improved economic, environmental and social facilities for people living in the Town. Members were very impressed by the idea and it was agreed that the Committee would remain in contact with David Kirkham to help progress the idea further. Members expressed their thanks to David and Kenneth for attending the meeting.
29/06 APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Councillors Freda Earl, Featherstone and Patrick Stileman 30/06 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA There were no declarations of interest regarding items on the agenda.
31/06 MINUTES The minutes of the previous meeting held on 12th June 2006 were agreed at Full Council and had already been signed by the Mayor.
32/06 CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS The following publications had been received: CMS News – September 2006 (Councillor Critcher asked to see this copy of the CMS News) Chiltern News – September 2006 Chiltern Woodlands Project – News of the Woods – Summer 2006 Adopted Buckinghamshire Minerals & Waste Local Plan Notification from ‘Living Streets’ of a national conference in London on the 15th November 2006 called ‘Street Renaissance’ at a cost per delegate of £220. Notification of the Annual Chilterns AONB Planning Conference on the 4th October 2006 at Fawley Court.
33/06 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The meeting was adjourned to allow public participation. Mr. Dyer and Ms. Wheeldon were present at the meeting and raised the following matters. 1. Litter bins had disappeared from the following locations and a request was made for their replacement. Curtis Way Holliday Street 65 High Street Action Town Clerk 2. A request was made to provide an update on the progress of repairs to railings in Lower Kings Road. Action Town Clerk3. Ms. Wheeldon expressed concern that once clearance work had been undertaken along the River Bulbourne Project adjacent to the new Waitrose Store extension, the Store would become more visible. She suggested that pollarding be used to help hide the new extension. 4. Ms. Wheeldon suggested that the Town Council could approach the Gazette Newspaper to ask them to publicise the detrimental affect that cars parked on High Street footpaths were having on the paving slabs. The article could advise local residents that such behaviour leads to increased highway maintenance costs which are reflected in the annual council tax paid by residents of the Town. Action Town Clerk5. Ms. Wheeldon suggested that the colour of the paint used during the refurbishment of the Waitrose bridge will attract grafitti. She suggested that the Police be made aware as to when the new bridge would be opened so that they could monitor the situation. Action Town ClerkThe meeting was reconvened.
34/06 ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS a. Sunnyside New Wildspace Project .i. Project report from Mark Carter, Countryside Management Service Members noted the details contained in the report. ii. Request for financial assistance Members agreed to provide a contribution of £500 towards the cost of a new mower for Sunnyside Rural Trust. The money would be paid from Town Council’s budget for the Wildspace Project. Action Town Clerkb. Local Agenda 21: Green Issuesi Re-cycling Point in St. John’s Well Lane Car Park Members agreed to write to the Chief Executive of Dacorum Borough Council, enclosing copies of all relevant correspondence, stating that in the opinion of the Committee this matter should have been resolved. Action Town Clerk c. Litter i. Litter Pick Partnership Members were informed that there was nothing to report regarding this matter. ii. Lower Kings Road wetlands area Members were informed that there was nothing to report regarding this matter. The Town Clerk was requested to investigate the charge to the Town Council for DTTS Ltd. to undertake a litter pick of the Wetlands Area adjacent to Lower Kings Road (for the sum of £200 per visit). Members discussed value for money for follow-up litter-picks against the £200 charge for the first clearance. The Town Clerk was requested to enquire into this. Action Town Clerk d. River Bulbourne Restoration Project i. Interpretation board in Lower Kings Road Members were informed that this work was in hand. ii. Action Planning – letter from Dacorum Environmental Forum Details were noted by members. iii. Meeting Notes Details were noted by members. e. Town Garden Projects – Biodiversity and Civic Display i. Berkhamsted Townscape Members were informed that there was nothing to report regarding this matter. ii. Millennium Garden The Assistant Town Clerk informed members that the Myplex sheeting required as part of the work to relocate the Millennium Garden had not been delivered. The Assistant Town Clerk stated that he was in the process of investigating the reason why the material had not been received to-date. Action Assistant Town Clerk iii. Gateway Garden Members were informed that the Council had received many positive comments regarding the Gateway Garden from members of the public. In addition, due to the nature of the plants used, the garden was proving to require very little ongoing maintenance. f. Civic Amenities i. Old Swimming Pool site – picnic table and bench The Town Clerk was asked to ascertain the progress that had been made regarding this matter. Action Town Clerk g. Pedestrian Paths i. High Street pavements The Chairman informed members that she had had a site meeting with Officers of Hertfordshire Highways regarding the problem of poor pavements in the High Street. The outcome of this meeting was that it had been agreed that in suitable small areas (e.g. around trees where roots routinely cause damage to paving slabs) tarmac would be used. The slabs released as a result of this work would then be used to replace the patchwork of tarmac infills amongst the paving stones in the general area of High Street paving. In addition steps would be taken to ensure that the work was undertaken to a high standard. It is hoped that the result of these two actions would eventually resolve the problem. The Chairman informed members that as during the refurbishment work undertaken to Waitrose bridge approximately 10% of the timber slabs had not been replaced. This has created a tripping hazard and at least one member of the public has ended up in Casualty as a result. The Town Clerk was asked to contact Dacorum Borough Council pointing out details of this accident and requesting that an official risk assessment be undertaken for the bridge. Action Town Clerk h. Land Use i. Report to Finance & Policy Committee Details of the report were noted by members. Members were informed that the Town Council was taking up the offer to purchase East Meadow from Dacorum Borough Council. The Chairman issued a report from the Countryside Management Service providing background information regarding the strip of land between Bridle Way and Billet Lane for members information. ii. Breathing Spaces Funding Application The Chairman advised members that she had applied for lottery funding for this proposal.
35/06 MATTERS FOR CONSULTATION/INFORMATION a. Birtchnells Copse Patrick Stileman passed on the following verbal report to the Assistant Town Clerk: q Two guided tours of the copse took place during the allotment open day held on 20th August. q This year’s management of the copse has included clearing of foot paths and the installation of five bird boxes, two of which have been in use this year. q It is intended that further bird boxes will be installed during the coming winter. q Thinning of woodland in selected areas of the copse needs to be undertaken at some point in the future (specific trees have yet to be identified). Patrick Stileman has agreed to present a plan for such woodland thinning at the next meeting. Action: Patrick Stileman. b. Graffiti The Town Clerk was asked to write to Julia Burnett thanking her for her email and stating that the Committee share her concerns and are doing all they can to stop offensive graffiti appearing in the Town. Action Town Clerk
36/06 CLOSE OF MEETING The meeting closed at 9.05 p.m. |
