Minutes 15th August 2024
WILLOUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of the Parish Council Playing Field Committee
was held in the Village Hall, Thursday 15th August 2024 @ 6pm.
MINUTES.
PRESENT:
Cllr. Miss. K. Clarke (part), Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell, Cllr Mrs. T. Given, and Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson.
Also present, members of the public Mrs Linda Jeffery, Mr Phil Cooper, and Ms. H. Fox (Clerk/RFO).
2408/01 TO ELECT A CHAIR FOR THIS COMMITTEE.
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson proposed Cllr Mrs. T. Given. Seconded by Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell.
Resolution: Cllr Mrs. T. Given is elected chair of this committee.
2408/02 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano.
2408/03 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS.
Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell expressed an interest as his wife is Chair of the Board of Governors of Willoughton Primary School.
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson expressed an interest as a landowner and lessee of the Playing Field and owner of houses in Middle Street.
2408/04 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
No members of the public present.
2408/05 PLAYING FIELD.
a. Current benches.
Mr Phil Cooper has inspected the benches and advised, they are structurally sound and require sanding and staining.
Cllr Mrs. T. Given offered to assist Mr Cooper with this refurbishment and will advise the Parish Council of any materials purchased for this purpose to be reimbursed by Full Council. The metal legs will also be checked and treated if necessary.
Resolution: Cllr Mrs. T. Given and Mr Phil Cooper will undertake this task. Action: Cllr Mrs. T. Given and Mr Phil Cooper.
b. Teen shelter.
The shelter is in good condition and is used by spectators at football matches. It was decided, this equipment was expensive
when purchased and is structurally sound and it should remain in situ. The bench which is currently chained to the shelter requires anchoring to the ground.
Resolution: The Clerk will request Kompan secure the bench in front of the teen shelter to be used for those spectating at football matches. Action: Clerk.
c. Fencing.
Mr Phil Cooper and Mrs Linda Jeffery had inspected the fencing and advised, although it is structurally sound, it does require some refurbishment. Several areas have sharp metal ends, and it was suspected the installation was not completed satisfactorily. Cllr Mrs. T. Given offered to contact a resident named Adrian, who is experienced in fencing and may be able to assist in the removal of these sharp edges.
Resolution: Cllr Mrs. T. Given will make contact with the resident. Action: Cllr Mrs. T. Given
d. Refurbishment of current equipment.
Work will begin on site on 19th August at 7.30am. The Clerk had all matters in hand and there are no queries outstanding. Councillors were asked to periodically visit the site to monitor progress and take photos if possible. Mr Phil Cooper will also assist and had agreed to provide water to the contractor which will be reimbursed by the Parish Council. All those present thanked Mr Cooper for his assistance. The Clerk was requested to contact Kompan and ask if part of the site could be opened early, in particular the basket swing and flat swings.
Resolution: The Clerk to contact Kompan and enquire if a part could be opened in advance of the main section. Action: Clerk.
e. Opening event.
Discussion was held on a date for this and the form it will take. It was decided, the open event should be on Saturday 21st September to give time for the contractor to finish and planning to be done for the event. The Clerk suggested the MP should be invited to the event to perform the opening, however Councillors preferred to request Cllr. Mr. Paul Howitt-Cowan to officially open the area in thanks for his support of the Parish Council over the years. Cllr. Mrs. Clio Perraton-Williams would also be invited. A sign will be required which recognises the funders who contributed to the cost, and a “dogs must be kept on leads” reminder should also be included. A duplicate sign will also be required at the entrance from the Churchyard. Mrs Linda Jeffery may be able to acquire a marque and will make enquiries. Councillors thanked Mrs Jeffery for her assistance.
Resolution: The Clerk will obtain prices for a suitable sign. Mrs Linda Jeffery will enquire regarding a marque.
Action: The Clerk/ Mrs Linda Jeffery
Cllr. Miss. K. Clarke advised, Kompan had detailed assistance for an open event in their quotation and this should be explored and a request made, what help is on offer.
Resolution: The Clerk will contact Kompan to request details of assistance. Action: Clerk.
2408/06 AGENDA FOR FUTURE MEETINGS.
None requested.
2408/07 TO CONFIRM THE DATE AND TIME OF THE NEXT MEEETING.
Thursday 5th September at 6pm in the Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 18.40pm.