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RECREATION / LEISURE COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY 18TH JANUARY 2010
Present: Cllr D. Yates (Chair), Cllr P. Allen, Cllr M. Blake, Cllr C. Dryden, Cllr J. Hart,
Cllr M. Johns, Cllr D. Linney, Cllr C. Lofts, Cllr J. Lynch
1. Apologies for Absence
Cllr D. Bain, Cllr J. Godwin, Cllr H. Wright
2. Declarations of Interest
None.
3. Open to the Public
Item 8 – Vision Graffiti Wall Project
Mrs A. Wardle distributed correspondence from Mr T. Wardle opposing the request from members of Vision Youth Café for a graffiti art wall in the town. Mrs Wardle raised concerns over where the graffiti wall would be sited and considered that this activity should be discouraged. Towcester has not had a problem with excessive graffiti but some may see it as an acceptance of defacement that can be carried out elsewhere. She suggested that this activity be carried out on an interior space where it can be painted over. Cllr Linney was in agreement adding that the Towcester Youth Coffee Shop has an internal wall that is regularly repainted.
Cllr Lofts confirmed that the request for a graffiti wall resulted from a series of workshops held at the Vision Youth Café. The TC has yet to decide if it will provide the graffiti wall and identify a legitimate site.
Cllr Lynch asked if there is any evidence that a graffiti wall increases or diminishes random acts of graffiti; at the last meeting Vision reported a reduction in anti-social behaviour whilst the workshops were ongoing.
The Clerk advised that representatives of Vision were due to come back to the TC with suggested sites as there is nothing suitable in the TC ownership. Cllr Hart could not think of any area in Towcester where it would be acceptable and supported the views of Mr Wardle; the site would have to be constantly monitored, who would do this? Cllr Dryden also agreed with the points made but advised that most playground contractors produce graffiti boards so there is a demand for this type of project. Graffiti art is intended for display so there is little point in having it indoors, perhaps a way of exhibiting it could be investigated.
Cllr Allen said the committee should make a decision when Vision representatives bring back details of suitable sites. His comments were supported by Cllr Lynch. Cllr Blake agreed that the committee must accept graffiti as an art form young people are involved in; future engagement with this group may be jeopardised it this request is not looked into.
Cllr Johns suggested that further comment be deferred until representatives of Vision had drawn up a list of proposed sites.
4. Towcester Youth & Community Centre
a) Update on the Sure Start Project
The Clerk reminded members of the committee of the initial timescale put forward by N.C.C. with works commencing in January 2010. Project Manager, Michael Robinson, has now been assigned to other projects and will only be assigned to Sure Start part-time. N.C.C. is now planning to commence the tender process in February and is looking to start works in May for completion August/September 2010. Cllr Johns warned that a change of Government could see the loss of revenue funding, even if the capital funding has been earmarked.
b) Heating at the Community Centre
The Clerk confirmed that temporary heating has been installed at Vision. She has met with representatives of Sure Start concerning the provision of temporary heating in the main hall and a risk assessment was carried out by them last week. The outcome of this has not been received.
c) Financial Update
The balance of the Community Centre account at 30th December 2009 was £1562.00
5. Health & Safety Inspections
The Clerk confirmed that the annual ROSPA inspection was carried out in December. She has discussed the report with the TC contractor and all medium risk items identified will be repaired immediately. Low risk items identified will be monitored; the following actions will be taken based on ROSPA recommendations:-
A combination lock will be fitted to the double gates on the Recreation Ground for access by the mowing contractor
The skateboard park will be power-washed (it was suggested that the skateboard ramp could be used for a graffiti wall)
The spring elephant on Sandyhome Road play area is lopsided and will be taken out for repair
6. Belle Baulk
Proposals for Play Equipment on Open Areas
The committee agreed that letters of consultation will be sent to all residents of Belle Baulk asking whether they would support additional/enhanced play equipment on the estate. The results of the consultation will be considered prior to any further action.
7. Environment Agency
Meeting to discuss the headwall downstream from Towcester Sluice
The Clerk confirmed that the meeting with the Environment Agency will take place on 21st January. The Clerk will attend with Cllr Allen, Cllr Lofts and Cllr Lynch.
8. Item 8 was moved forward on the agenda
9. Mowing 2010 Season
a) N. C. C. Highway Mowing
The Clerk confirmed that the contribution from N.C.C. towards highway mowing in 2009 was £2154.70.
b) Town Council Open Areas
The Clerk confirmed that the 3 year contract with Cartwright Landscapes expires at the end of the current financial year, 31st March 2010. Cartwright Landscapes has confirmed that there will be no increase to its charges for next year, 2010/11. The Clerk suggested the contract be allowed to run-on for a further year and tenders be sought for 2011/12.
Proposal
Cllr Johns proposed that the mowing contract with Cartwright Landscapes be allowed to
run-on for the 2010/11 financial year; seconded by Cllr Linney; all in favour.
10. East Midlands in Bloom
Correspondence from East Midlands in Bloom outlines the ‘In Bloom Campaign’ for 2010. In previous years it has not been possible to secure sufficient interest from the community to participate. Cllr Lynch suggested that a further appeal be made via the Town Crier.
The Clerk suggested the TC takes on responsibility for planting on the bridge, Watling Street if the previous sponsor is no longer able to.
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