CHINNOR PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of MEETING of the Environment Committee held on

Monday 8^th February 2010

Present: Cllrs. Andrews, Ambridge, Bird, Dix, Mantle (in the chair), Marfleet, Pickard, Scarborough and Wills

APOLOGIES: Cllr Wright (personal, Cllr Pullen (personal), Haywood,

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: PI.2 - Cllr Bird – resident of Mill Lane.

The meeting was opened by Cllr Mantle thanking all for attending and welcoming all present to the 15 minutes of public forum section on the proposed youth shelter.

PCSO Madden reported on recent updates regarding the developments and improvements at Whites Field – the area is being patrolled regularly and gate being locked by PCSO Madden and users of the community hall. Period detailed are 1^st October 09 to 1^st February 2010 – 2 reports to the police in this period – vehicles gathering in car park and local males drinking in the daytime.

Car users in the car park have been approached – 9 advisory info letters have been issued, 2 vehicles have received a section 59 which is a further warning. PCSO Madden reported a reduction in reported incidents.

Jo Wills read out two letters from concerned residents, both in opposition of the proposed youth shelter. One resident requested a further extension to the trial period to observe the area over the spring period when the weather will improve.

Cllr Bird asked PCSO Madden about URN numbers as the damage on properties has not been reported and Cllr Bird stated that he had to request a URN when he recently reported an incident.

Members of the public were asking PCSO Madden about reported incidents.

The Clerk confirmed broken glass was in the MUGA this morning and a member of the public reported a large amount of litter on Whites Field along the boundary and asked if we do not have an anti social behaviour how did this arrive in the area.

PCSO Madden reported that the loud car exhausts investigated have been found to be not illegal.

The residents are concerned about the vehicles and youths on foot in this area.

Cllr Mantle explained to the residents at the meeting the main functions of the youth shelter including the sound and lighting.

A resident asked why Chinnor needs another youth shelter as one already exists on the playing fields. A resident asked about toilet facilities and large groups of youths drinking.

Cllr Bird requested a youth shelter location be considered on Hill Road rec area. Cllr Wills and PCSO Madden thought this would be too dark an area and dangerous to walk too.

A resident asked why it is needed as the area has a MUGA, sports wall, community hall and large amount of grass – he felt this was not needed.

The Clerk confirmed an application of lawful development has been applied for.

Cllr Mantle thanked all for attending.

PLAY AREAS

PA.1.Play Area reports – already reported by Cllr Ambridge

AREA ALLOCATIONS

AA.1 All area inspections – including mapping of dog waste and litter bins to be passed to Jo.

AA.2 Tree Revocation Order: 04-1986 preservation order has ceased to be effective so has been revoked by SODC: Walnut trees at Thame Road / Malyns Close. Noted.

AA.3 Tree Revocation Order: 05-1986 preservation order has ceased to be effective so has been revoked by SODC: Ash tree at Leybourne Gardens. Noted.

AA.4 Tree Preservation Order: 150/2009 (re-served order following review of preservation order 07/1996): Sycamore trees on parcel of land of 1 and 10 Siareys Close.

PARISH IMPROVEMENTS

PI.1 Youth Shelter – proposal was made by Cllr Wills to install a youth shelter at Whites Field, as design seen including music and solar lighting. Other locations including Hill Road rec area were discussed and found dangerous for children to get too; the other locations on the playing fields had previously been discussed at a previous meeting. Cllr Scarborough reported he is not positive it would be required and we had been rushed due to the grant funding and the area could be over developed. Cllr Marfleet reported that an improvement to the existing shelter may be more beneficial. Cllr Dix reported he does not feel the youth shelter would make the ongoing issues any worse for residents in Whites Field area. Seconded by Cllr Dix. 6 in favour, 2 against (Cllr Scarborough was against this proposal) proposal.

Cllr Mantle assured residents the area would be monitored.

The residents and Cllr Bird left the meeting.

PI.2 Confirmation from Complete Tree Services that the quote dated 12 August 09 for Van Diemens lime trees is confirmed and the works to commence in 4-6 weeks. Noted.

PI.3 Letter re footpath walking from the resident in Thame was discussed – if anyone else in Chinnor wishes to walk the paths on a regular basis they are welcome too. The resident will walk the paths as much as possible and report any issues. A map of paths to be located for Cllr Dix to pass to a neighbour.

PI.4 Confirmation that 2 x concrete bins for Whites Field have been ordered and due in 7-10 days.

Cllr Wills requested a bin be installed at the youth shelter at the same time as installation.

PI.5 Confirmation that 1 x bench has been ordered for Jubilee Gardens.

OTHER MATTERS

OM.1 Notice of Neighbourhood Watch AGM – Saturday 6 March 2pm. Noted.

OM.2 The Playing Field magazine passed to Cllr Mantle.

OM.3 Clerks and Councils direct passed to Cllr Mantle.

Chairman