Minutes of Play Areas and Skate Park committee at Winscombe Community Centre on January 12 2006 at 7.30
Present A.Brading,AB chairman, A.Forbes AF, G.Luckett,GL and the Clerk L. Rampton
1) Apologies for absence C.Sampson, K.Symons
2) Minutes of the last meeting of October 24th were approved and accepted by the last Parish Council meeting of November 17th 2005
3) Matters arising from the previous minutes
No progress in getting the Youth Council to meet so far
All maintenance work carried out in section 6 except for self- closing catches to the gate
And the top end skate park gate has not yet been replaced
Rope ladder still needs to be removed
In AOB AB reported that the War Memorial committee have replaced the 2 old signs that now state clearly that dogs must be on leads. However the No Skate Boarding signs are not yet in place.
4) Declarations of interest none
5) Public Participation none
6) Work repairs – all play areas
A. Forbes is to take over from C.Sampson the weekly inspection for 4 weeks while CS on holiday.
G.B. Sports and Leisure continue their monthly inspection. L.Rampton to go with A, Forbes, A.Brading and G.Luckett for the first inspection
A letter of 15th December from Neil Sweet read out that concludes” that the winter months leave you with equipment that is either unsafe or needing significant repairs and that you should consider the overall provision and suitability of the current play equipment.”
In view of this letter the plan to paint the woodwork at Winscombe to be revoked.
We are waiting for the Zurich Insurance inspection report.
6.01.06 report by G.B.Sports and Leisure was studied. Action to be taken on all the high risk items
4 swing seats need to be replaced immediately; proposed A.Forbes, seconded G.Luckett
7) Consideration of safety surfacing to current equipment
At Winnowing end a quote of £2,232 50 to remove the bark under the tyre swing and replace with mat safety surfacing (that can be mowed over). This will save money in the long run as the bark continually needs expensive topping up and continuous raking and is continually coming up in the inspection reports. proposed A.Forbes seconded G Luckett
In the report of G.B. Sport and Leisure the lack of any safety surfacing under the igloo was mentioned as a high risk. The clerk to ask for a quote for safety surfacing at the same time as the tyre swing.
8) Plans received for new play area at Winscombe Infant area
The plans from Records was studied and G.L pointed out that the grass in the toddler area, fencing and drainage and cost of cutting grass must all be added to the quote and taken into consideration. A,B pointed out that a seat was essential and that tarmac instead of grass might be better in the long run. G.L. worked out that the teen area costs £36,000 and the toddler area 23,000. This was the only plan available for this meeting.
9) Method for public consideration
It was decided to consult all the schools and nurseries and the general public; The clerk is waiting to get 2 more schemes and then to get these copied and copies sent to the schools etc. The public to be asked which plan they prefer and which equipment they prefer. G Luckett suggested numbering the equipment to make it easier. A, Brading to have copies which will be displayed at the Thursday market for 2 weeks and copies can be displayed on a board in the Community Centre. A notice to this effect can be put on the Parish Notice boards so everyone has a chance to comment. The consultation shall take place over 2 weeks and be finished by the end of February.
10) A.O.B.
AB, GL and A.F to go to see the Portishead Football Club see the through fencing which is acceptable to the Tool Station League. This is the next league up that the football club are hoping to qualify for. This fencing hopefully will not obscure the play areas and skate park.
AB reported that the Finance committee had suggested Play Area equipment to get over £11,000 the Maintenance £4000 and Skate Park £2000 Maintenance in 2006/2007. With the money from this year carried forward of about £9000 this should add up about £21.000 The clerk is investigating grants but it might be necessary to get a loan or do it 2 parts. The second alternative is more expensive.
11) Date of next meeting
There will small meetings as the plans arrive for the committee to familiarize themselves with them and study the public reports
13th March 2006 at Winscombe Community Centre at 7.30 pm .