Minutes of Meeting 23rd July 2003 4.30 pm Civic Centre, Berkhamsted
Present: Cllr G Stevens Berkhamsted Town Council — Chairman Cllr F Earl Berkhamsted Town Council Cllr G Corry Berkhamsted Town Council C Styles British Waterways A Prest British Waterways K Coleman Observer – for Dacorum Borough C Covington C&L Dacorum Borough Council D Hilling Inland Waterways Assn S Johnson Berkhamsted Citizens Assn
1 Apologies Cllr Corry [who arrived at 5.20 approx.] 2 Following introductions, GS clarified the status of CARP, a body that is a Working Party of the Berkhamsted Town Council and which has BW and DBC as its principal Partners. 3 Review of work programme – near term a. AP confirmed that BW is obtaining estimates for the work scheduled on the 400m of footpath between Billet Lane and Northchurch. Hopeful that this work will be undertaken during Autumn 2003. GS confirmed that BTC has allocated funds to meet its half share of costs [previously estimated at £11k]. b. Joint agreement that there appeared to be no further capital project planned for foreseeable period. c. ‘Conservation’ style lights by the Station and Lower Kings Road/Castle St.: had received considerable attention over the years but obtaining parts [globes, bulbs, mountings] are causing difficulities. · KC observed that as BTC had specified these [pre ‘99] BTC should identify suppliers. d. River and wetland projects · Knot weed – Lower Kings Road Programme has been established with BW spraying contractor in line with plan tabled by HMWLT. Had started last autumn. 4 Future plans - Berkhamsted a. Canal and Canal-side projects · BCA tabled wish [via email] for footpath to be improved eastwards beyond Bullbeggars Lane. · BW consider that in such areas the footpath should reflect a rural style path, and it has been upgraded in recent years. · BW will consider repairs as necessary, but cannot consider any project work to extend further. b. Maintenance · AP asked if the Partners had allocated sums for maintenance. GS advised that BTC had no specific fund for this, likewise confirmed by CC for DBC. 5 AP confirmed that the land by the Cottage is definitely owned by BW. 6 Future Approach to Projects – Berkhamsted GS advised that Council had discussed a programme of work for the area and determined that following completion of the Billet Lane west footpath, and since DBC was no longer able to joint fund such work, BTC will focus on projects that enhance the River and its environs since this had not had the same degree of attention or investment that had gone into Canal side enhancements. BTC would be conducting such project work through the Environment Committee, drawing together the appropriate bodies for their expertise and support. AP for BW, SJ for BCA and DH for IWA forcefully expressed concern that this was tantamount to closing down CARP at a time when its standing had never been higher following the EEDA Award in May for the enhancements to the Canal. Key points from the discussion that followed: • River projects had been considered and referred to plans tabled by e.g Sarah Bentley in May 2002, which he would forward. Action: AP • Third party funding more likely to be attracted through CARP’s member organisation’s involvement in projects. • AP considered that perhaps 3 meetings per year would allow opportunities to explore potential projects or issues of common interests.
7 Future Plans – Borough and BW GS recapped on discussions and correspondence: BW has made known that it wishes to set up a new district wide partnership, along the models it has successfully implemented elsewhere. AP advised that he has been in contact with the Borough’s Regeneration group; CC will arrange meetings to discuss the Borough’s involvement from a C&L perspective. GS stated BTC’s role in any Borough wide partnership scheme would have to be considered when BW and the Borough are able to consult on proposals. Any expenditure would have to be restricted to projects or activities within the Town’s boundaries. 8 The Committee recorded its congratulations to Mrs Foster Weinreb [the former Chair] for her role in leading CARP’s projects and in particular the granting by EEDA of the Heritage Award. Minute prepared by GS/BTC Circulation: above + BTC Councillors+other CARP members.
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Berkhamsted Citizens Association Berkhamsted Town Council Berkhamsted Youth Council British Waterways Dacorum Borough Council Environment Agency Groundwork Hertfordshire Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust Inland Waterways Association | |
LINKS TO OTHER CARP PAGES Introducing CARP | |
