Meeting of the Environmental
Initiatives Committee of the
Present: Cllr. Robert
Thompson (Chairman), Cllr Daphne Coles, Cllr. Geoff Edwards, Cllr Gerald Grant, Cllr Phil Pearn,
1.
APOLOGIES:
Apologies were received
from Cllr Jean Evans, Cllr Gill Jordan, Cllr Chris Reeve and Cllr Liz
Warrington.
Resolved: that the apologies be noted.
2. DECLARATIONS OF
INTEREST:
No
apologies were received.
3. BULB/TREE PLANTING FOR 2006/07:
The
Clerk reported that there was £300 in the budget for 2006/07 for bulb and tree
planting. Members discussed the bulb planting that had already been completed
and felt that further planting should be done. Various options discussed
included:
Shrubs/flowering
trees at Youth Club entrance to play area.
Either
bulbs or trees within wide verge on A41 from
The
Clerk reported that the Upton Horticultural Society had informed her that they wanted
to plant either an oak or beech tree to commemorate their 60th
birthday, and asked for suggestions from the Parish Council. Members discussed the corner of the new play
area.
Cllr
Daphne Coles asked if there was any further news on
the tree that had been offered to the Parish Council as the acorn from the
Earl’s Oak Tree. Cllr Phil Pearn informed Members that the County Council had advised
that the sapling be kept a while longer before planting. He also advised that he was willing to keep
it in his own garden for a few years until it was required for planting.
Resolved: (a) that the Clerk
seek advice with regard new planting by Youth Club and along the A41.
(b)
that the Clerk see advice with regard the planting of a
tree within the play area and also to ask for ideas for other locations.
(c)
that Cllr Phil Pearn look
after the ‘Son of Earl’s Oak’ sapling for a few years.
4. BEST
KEPT GARDEN COMPETITION 2006:
Members
discussed the success of last year’s competition and the type of prizes
given. Members also discussed who should
judge the competition this year.
Resolved: that the format of last year’s competition be
repeated and that Mark Sparrow of Chester Zoo be asked to judge the competition.
5. BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION:
Cllr
Phil Pearn reported to Members that the Parish
Communications Committee had asked that an article be put in the next
newsletter to inform local people that as well as the Best Kept Village
Competition prizes there was also a prize for the Most Vibrant Village and ask
for people to come forward with details of things happening in the area. Members discussed the Parish Council’s
previous attempt at this category of the competition and the fact that there
had been no feedback.
Resolved: that the Clerk contact the Cheshire Community Council to get
clarity on how the judging is done for the
6.
The
Chairman reported to Members that the railings in the area were in a poor state
and needed painting. Members discussed
the fact that Cheshire County Council is responsible for this work and that
there is a lack of funding. The Chairman
suggested that the County Council be asked to consider using the probation
service to do the work.
Resolved: that the Clerk contact the County Council to ask
that the Cheshire Railings receive attention and that they consider the
Probation Service.
7. STREET FURNITURE:
The
Chairman reported to Members that he would like to see a plan to both replace
and increase the amount of street furniture to enhance the presentation of the
Parish. The Clerk reported that there
was £1,000 in the budget for 2006/07 but that £250 was required for the
maintenance of the bus shelter at
War Memorial
The Cockpit
The Village Pump
Around the local
shopping areas
Seating by Village Map
(when installed)
Cllr
Phil Pearn informed Members that Kate Roberts of
Upton Local History Group was willing to get involved in the content of one or
maybe two Village Signs for the area.
Resolved: that two brown recycled plastic benches be purchased and installed
to replace the three alongside the tennis courts.
5. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Resolved: that the next meeting be set at a later date.