UPTON BY CHESTER & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL

Meeting of the Playing Fields Committee of the Upton by Chester & District Parish Council held on Thursday 20th April 2006 at the Pavilion, Wealstone Lane.

 

Present:          Cllr Jean Evans (Chairman), Cllr. John Cliffe, Cllr Gerald Grant, Cllr Gill Jordan Cllr Patricia Lott, Cllr Phil Pearn, and Cllr Bryan Smith.

 

1.         APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Cllr Caroline Mosley, Cllr Liz Warrington, Cllr Chris Reeve and Cllr Robert Thompson.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

No declarations were received.

 

3.         TO DISCUSS PROGRESS AT WEALSTONE LANE PLAY AREA:

The Clerk reported that the play area was now open and that there were a few minor things to be done to the area.  She also reported that the wooden double bench had been vandalised beyond repair and as it was insured she was intending to make a claim on the insurance for a replacement.

The Clerk also reported that the Cheshire Community Council had advised that a ‘Best Park in Cheshire’ award was being given this year and asked Members if they wished to enter.

 

Resolved:       that the Clerk enter the area for the ‘Bet Park in Cheshire’ Award..

 

4.         CHEMISTRY PITS PLAY AREA:

The Clerk reported to Members that the City Council had advised that there was £1,650 available from a commuted sum, to spend on the area.  Members discussed the possibility of acquiring additional funds from the City Council’s Contributions to Play Areas grant scheme.

The Clerk reported that she had organised a site visit at Chemistry Pits for 1pm on Wednesday 27th April with Pete Attwood of BTCV to discuss ideas and costings for improvements to the area.

 

Resolved:       (a)        that the reports be noted.

                        (b)        that the Clerk apply to the Contibutions to Play Area scheme.

 

5.         USE OF WEALSTONE LANE PLAYING AREA BY RESIDENTS         ASSOCIATION:

The Clerk reported that she had not had any further contact from Kath Rogers of the Residents Association with regard to using the Playing Fields for a Summer Fete.  Members discussed the content of a contract which could be used by the Association for the use of the field if required. 

 

Resolved:       that the Clerk contact Mrs Rogers to ask if the event was to take place              and produce a contract.

 

 

6.         IMPROVEMENT TO THE PAVILION BUILDING:      

The Clerk reported that four windows had been broken and also damage to the roof.  She advised Members that she was intending to make a claim on the insurance for the repairs.

Members discussed ideas for improving the Pavilion.  It was agreed that the following items were essential and should be done as soon as money becomes available:

                        New Roof

                        Painted inside and outside

                        New heaters

                        New guttering.

Dependent of grant amounts and availability it was agreed that if possible the following additional improvements should be considered:

                        New toilets including disabled

                        Baby changing facilities

                        New kitchen units

                        New floor covering

                        Panelling to interior walls

If larger sums of money were made available from grants, then the following should be considered in addition to the above:

                        Extend the building to the extent of the overhanging roof or;

                        Demolish and rebuild.

Members discussed the current use of the building and possible future uses if larger improvements were made.  Members discussed the idea of creating living accommodation or office space for community wardens etc.  This would provide greater on-site security and greater use could involve employing staff to have the facilities open all year round.

 

Resolved:       that the Clerk start to make tentative enquiries with regard to the above                         suggestions.

 

7.         EVENT FOR THE OPENING OF THE NEW PLAY AREA:

The Clerk reported on the progress made and the planned time and date for the event, which is 11.30am on Saturday 6th May 2006.  Members discussed music for the event and also organised games for the children.  Cllr Jean Evans suggested providing a hamper for a raffle and agreed to organise this.

 

Resolved:       that the Clerk try to arrange for a band to play at the event and also                               someone to organise games for the young children.

 

6.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

Resolved:       that the date be set at a later date.