WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
THE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
HELD AT THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN ON THURSDAY 26 July 2007 AT 19:30

Present: Cllrs. Mrs Pearman (Chairman), Miss Gadd, Miss Gates and Kent.
Also in attendance: Mr Turner (Tree Warden) and Mr Brockman.

1.            TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None.

2.             PUBLIC FORUM
Mr Brockman outlined the management of the pond area in 1995 when a weir was constructed to control the flow of water from three ponds; if the weir is not keep clear then the ponds could flood. The steps to the pond area are lined with felt and filled with stones; weeds have started to appear and need to be removed. The hedge is very overgrown and should be cut back to the height of the wire fence to provide light for the pond. The laurel also needs to be cut back.

3.             JARDIN D’AUBERS AND WAR MEMORIAL AREA
To consider further maintenance at the Jardin d’Aubers
The recent work has been very successful. Quote received for suggested maintenance work in April 2008. Cllrs. considered that work should be carried out twice a year and a meeting is to be arranged with Rotherfield Landscapes to discuss the following work:

  1. Clear rubbish from weir basin and cut back growth to within 2 metres.
  2. Dig out large brambles at back of war memorial area.
  3. Cut hedge to height of wire fence.
  4. Cut laurel.
  5. Apply further weedkiller to gravel.

The grille covering the weir should also be checked for safety.

Cllrs. agreed there needs to be a balance between retaining the pond area as a nature reserve and carrying out maintenance of the site.

To consider a bonded gravel surface by War Memorial
In view of the expense of installing a bonded surface it was agreed to continue regular weed killing and monitor the situation.

4.             TO CONSIDER PROPOSAL FOR HANGING BASKETS IN THE HIGH STREET
Watering of baskets needs to be addressed. Meeting to be arranged with a contractor to discuss types of floral display units for street lights.

Discussion on the possibility of working towards South East in Bloom competition in 2009.

5.             TO RECEIVE UPDATE ON KERBSIDE RECYCLING AND IMPROVMENTS AT THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE SITE
Kerbside recycling for Wadhurst is due to commence in 2008. Meeting scheduled with manager of household waste site to review service and look at possibilities for improvement. Discussion on how to encourage residents to recycle; grants may be available. As the Parish Council is not a refuse authority there are limitations to what can be achieved.

Report of continued litter clearance campaign. Request for provision of a trailer so that litter can be sorted and recycled if possible; enquiries to be made into the possibility of borrowing a trailer.

8.             URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN
Cllr. Kent attended a recent biodiversity seminar at ESCC.

The meeting closed at 21:10

Next meeting 27.09.07 19:30