UPTON BY CHESTER & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL

Meeting of the Playing Fields Committee of the Upton by Chester & District Parish Council held on Monday 2nd October 2006 at the Pavilion, Wealstone Lane.

 

Present:          Cllr Jean Evans (Chairman), Cllr Gerald Grant,

                        Cllr Patricia Lott, Cllr Chris Reeve and Cllr Bryan Smith.

 

                        Also present:  Mr Kelly of Heath Road

                                                Mr Higgins of Upton Bowling Club

 

1.         APOLOGIES:

 

Apologies were received from Cllr Caroline Mosley, Cllr Peter Griffiths, Cllr Theresa Bartliff, Cllr Gill Jordan and Cllr John Butler.

 

Resolved:       that the apologies be noted.

 

2.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

 

No declarations were received.

 

3.         TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON PLAY AREAS:

 

Mr Higgins reported to Members that the Bowling Green had not been cut properly throughout the summer and that weeds were growing in the grass.  He also reported that the hedges were full of brambles and the shrubbery was overgrown and there were potholes in the pathway.  He reported that the present shelter was also not large enough during match times.  The Clerk reported that the contractor had promised that extra work would be done to the green over the winter months and that the boards may be replaced.  The Chairman said that it may be possible to apply for a grant to pay for an additional shelter and repairs to the pathway.

 

Resolved:       that the Clerk work with the bowling clubs and  investigate possible grant funding for an additional shelter and repairs to the pathway.

 

Mr Kelly told Members that he was still having problems with youths breaking down his fencing to gain access to Chemistry Pits Play Area once the gates were locked.  The Clerk reported that she had obtained a quotation to put strong wire mess fencing at the area for £500.  Members told Mr Kelly that they had noted that he had renewed some of his fencing with a stronger material and asked if he could do this to the damaged section.  Mr Kelly said that he was prepared to do this if the Parish Council could at least put up a sign at the area to try to stop the damage recurring.

 

Resolved:       that the Clerk investigate effective wording for a sign for the area.

 

The Clerk reported on the play areas owned by the Parish Council.  She told Members that the faulty play equipment at Wealstone Lane had been repaired.

She also reported that the grounds maintenance contractor had indicated that the cost to put top soil and seed the damaged areas at Wealstone Lane Play area would be around £250 and that they were prepared to do the work now and invoice at the end of the financial year.

 

The Clerk reported that she had received an email from the City Council stating that as additional drainage works would be required for the installation of the new roundabout it was possible that there would not be enough funds to do this during this financial year.  Members discussed possible sources for the extra funding.

 

Resolved:       that the Chairman contact the Rotary Club to try to obtain some funds for this.

 

The Clerk reported that the Community Buildings Grant had been released by The Lottery and first stage applications needed to be submitted by April 2007.  She reported that there was to be a meeting with the Chairman, Cllr Colin Bain and herself to look at possible ways of improving the building.  She also reported that the Communications Committee had agreed to put an article in the next newsletter to ask for views on what the building could be used for in the future.

 

 

4.         AREA PROFILING BY CHESTER CITY COUNCIL:     

 

The Clerk reported on the outcome of the recent workshops that the Area Committee held to obtain local views.  Members noted that comments made in relation to issues within the remit of the Parish Council were already in place in this area.

 

Resolved:       that the report be noted.

 

5.         PITCH AND PUTT AREA:

Members discussed the lack of use of the pitch and putt area and talked about ideas for its future which included cutting the hedge down and using it as a picnic area without benches in the first instance.  The installation of a boule area was also discussed.

 

Resolved:       that the matter be discussed further at a future Parish Council meeting.

 

6.         SIGNAGE FOR  WEALSTONE LANE PLAY AREA:

Members discussed the current signage of the area which was mainly out of date.

 

Resolved:       (a)        that the Clerk obtain an estimated quotation for a basic sign.

                        (b)        that an amount for new signage be included in the committee’s budget for 2007/08.

 

6.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

Resolved:       that the date be set for 6pm on Tuesday 31st October 2006.