Agenda for this meeting

Present: Cllr. E J Derrick (Chairman)

Cllrs. J S Bolwell, R W G Butt, Mrs. E V Latchem and C Rich.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

1. Minutes of a meeting of the Recreation Field Committee held on 10th November 2003

These minutes, which had been previously circulated were taken as read, agreed a true record and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising.

2. Football Club Tea Hut

The Football Club letter stated that the tea hut was on its last legs and asked this Council, as their landlord, for financial and advisory help. The request had already been passed through the Finance Committee, who had not been able to help. Members felt that this Committee was not able to help in this case.

3. Annual Play Area Equipment Safety Report

RoSPA had now completed their annual inspection and the Clerk had studied its report, together with a Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Audit and he reported on the salient points.

The Clerk reported that the equipment was scratched and rusted in places and was in need of painting. The report also claimed again this year that the roundabout was too stiff and required to be loosened, although this carried a no risk category. It was reported that there was still a trip spot around the edge of the Games Area but the Clerk and Caretaker could not find the offending area.

As far as the DDA audit was concerned, the play area was in need of a few minor adaptations or additions. A specified disabled parking area needs to be delineated in Church Road: the route to the play area needs to be finished in tarmac: the seat requires to have arms on it and, because the path from the road is longer that 50m it requires a seat halfway to allow the disabled to rest.

It was agreed that the painting would be done next financial year and that a sum should be put into estimates to cover some of the DDA problems.

4. Estimates for funding in 2005/2006

The Clerk had previously circulated his estimates for revenue funding for the year. The Action Plan was studied and it was agreed to finish the fencing on the quarry boundary and paint the play equipment and also add a £1,000 repairs and contingency fund to start on the safety and DDA improvements.

It was finally agreed to request the Finance Committee to precept £3,520 for Recreation Field needs in 2005/2006.

5. Any other business, being an exchange of information for noting or placing on a future agenda

Cllr. Butt asked if members had heard that B&NES might be thinking of asking this Council to allow a BMX track on the Rec. It seems that the people who live around Beacon Field were not happy to have it there. The Clerk was asked to contact Andy Chard of B&NES asking for more information.

Meeting closed at 9.25 p.m.