Open Session:

There were two members of the public present. They did not wish to address the Committee.

Apologies

The Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Chambers, Cllr Terry and Cllr Urwin.

Declarations of Interest

Cllr Wiseman declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Long Lane (see minute OS/5047).

Cllr O’Reilly declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Pocket Park & the Bickerley (see minute OS/5049).

Present:

Cllr N J Chard (Chairman)
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr L C Ford
Cllr G J O’Reilly
Cllr A C Wiseman

In Attendance:

Terry Simpson, Town Clerk
Claire Perrens, Meetings Administrator
Jessica Osborne-Lax, Student Advisor
Maisie Jenkinson, Student Advisor

OS/5043 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2008, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

OS/5044 Recreation Committee Draft Budget 2009/10

In response to her enquiry, Cllr Wiseman was advised that there would be no interest issues in speaking on the budget generally but there would be if she spoke on specific matters at Long Lane.

Members reviewed the prioritised budget proposals for 2009/10. The Town Clerk recommended that a provision of £5,000 for facilities at Long Lane be added in to the Budget as Priority No. 9.

The aim would be to support repairs to the current pavilion (which is of poor standard). This was necessary as the Committee had previously appointed a Working Party to meet with the Football Club to determine how the Council could assist with repairs to the Club premises. Inclusion of a provision in the budget would not commit the Council and any support would have to be approved when any schemes had been agreed.

Cllr Wiseman was concerned about the impact on residents of development at Long Lane. The Student Advisors were in favour of further facilities for recreation and sports. The Town Clerk stressed that the £5,000 was a provision and would only be spent if a majority of members supported any development scheme.

Members considered, as requested by Policy & Finance Committee, whether any budget items could be deferred. The Committee believed that all the items in the budget were necessary. Members noted also that items Priority No. 5-8 would be funded from ‘provisions’ for equipment.

RESOLVED: That the prioritised budget be amended to include £5,000 provision for improvement of facilities at Long Lane as Priority No 9; and

RECOMMENDED: That Policy & Finance Committee be requested to approve the amended prioritised budget and the base budget 2009/10 (as attached Annex ‘A’ and Annex ‘B’).

OS/5045 Carvers Play Area

Members received a report from the Town Clerk that the soft surface under the cradle swing at Carvers Recreation Ground requires replacement to meet health and safety standards. Two quotations have been obtained, each with a 5 year guarantee. Funds are available from provisions for play areas.

RESOLVED: That the lower quotation of £1,675 be approved, subject to obtaining suitable references from the supplier.

OS/5046 Footpath to Children’s Play Area at Carvers

The Town Clerk reported on progress with plans for a new 52 metre footpath which will provide better disabled access to the Children’s Play Area at Carvers Recreation Ground. As most of the works, apart from the tarmac laying which will cost £2,000, can be carried out the Town Council’s groundsmen, a saving of around £4,000 can be made and the final estimated cost will be £3,500.

RESOLVED:
1) That a sum of £3,500 be approved for the creation of a new access and footpath at Carvers Recreation Ground;

but

2) That if possible funds be obtained from developers’ contributions.

OS/5047 Long Lane

Cllr Wiseman declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Long Lane as she lives near by. As there was no debate or vote on this issue, she did not leave the room.

The Town Clerk reported that the application for planning permission to extend the car park at Long Lane has been approved with a condition to install suitable drainage if a hard surface is laid. He also explained that no detailed specification for works to premises on site has yet been received from Ringwood Town Football Club.

RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk’s report on Long Lane be noted.

OS/5048 The Bickerley

The Town Clerk provided an update on the plans for Wessex Water to be allowed to use part of the Bickerley Open Space as a compound to enable essential works to improve the sewers in Bickerley Road. Wessex Water have been asked, in return, to create footpath access to Castleman Way. The compound would be in place for 10-12 weeks from February 2009. Wessex Water would be required to reinstate the ground after completion, and to allow a route for the fair’s heavy equipment. The Town Clerk also noted that British Gas wished to carry out works at the Bickerley and that he has recommended this is done in liaison with Wessex Water.

RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk’s report on the proposed works on the Bickerley in February 2009 be noted.

OS/5049 Pocket Park & The Bickerley

Cllr O’Reilly declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item as she lives close by. As there was no debate or vote on this issue, she did not leave the room.

The Town Clerk provided an update on progress with the development of Pocket Park and the wildflower meadow. The Working Group (Cllr Chambers, Cllr Chard and Cllr Cole) will meet the District Council’s chief landscape architect, Neil Williamson, to provide a briefing.

RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk’s report on the Pocket Park and the Bickerley be noted.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.00pm.