TUNBRIDGE WELLS COMMONS CONSERVATORS
Thursday 24 June 2004
Present Mr G Butler (Chairman)
Councillors Mrs Lewis, Price, Scholes and Wakefield
Mrs Sue Potts, Messrs Butt, Freeman, Hall
Apologies for absence were received from Baron Nicolas van den Branden, Mr M Chapman and Mr N Hill and also Mrs Jennifer Blackburn (Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons)
MINUTES
1MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 April 2004 was considered by Conservators.
RESOLVED -That Minutes be confirmed as the correct record.
2WARDEN’S REPORT
The Warden submitted his report until June 2004
(a)101 Steps
The Warden reported that the 101 steps still remain closed and are now becoming overgrown. It was felt that grant funding should be investigated possibly from the Lottery Heritage Grant. Nigel Bolton of the Borough Council could advise.
RESOLVED - that a detailed report be prepared for the next meeting regarding the listing of the Cold Bath which could help in the justification of grant funding.
(b)Major York’s Roundabout
The Warden reported that this roundabout was nearing completion with Fir Tree Road now partially closed. Upon completion there would be a pedestrian and cycle access at the top of Fir Tree Road when it is grassed over.
RESOLVED - that the Warden investigate the possibility of improved warning signs and to ensure that all spoil is dealt with and all granite kerbs and sleepers removed are saved.
(c)Litter Contract
The Warden reported that under a new contract for additional £3,300.00 plus VAT Mr Bridgland would be prepared to increase patrolling of the Common and ensure that key play areas would be cleared of dog litter daily.
RESOLVED - that this new contract be implemented in consultation with the Chairman.
(d)Work
The Warden reported that all routine works were going ahead.
(e)Trees
The Warden reported that some minor trees had been lost in the recent high winds and one large tree at Bishops Down had fallen but had been dealt with immediately by Contractors on site.
(f)Walk and Talk
The Warden reported that he had conducted several walks and given talks to a good number of Local Groups.
(g)Management Plan
The Warden reported that a draft of the Management Plan from the Kent Wildlife Trust should possibly be available at the September meeting of the Conservators.
(h)Brighton Lake
Councillor Wakefield reported that Brighton Lake was seriously overgrown with weed and he had received complaints from residents who could not fish in the area. This over growth also gave a poor appearance. The Warden informed members that he had sought advice and it had been recommended that wildlife could be lost should there be a clearance of the weed.
RESOLVED - that the Warden ensure that 30% of Brighton Lake be cleared of pond weed.
3FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Treasurer submitted Financial Statement Number 5 2003/4 showing total receipts of £87.25 with a balance carried forward of £44,387.06. He also submitted Statement Number 1 2004/5 showing total receipts of £51,732.90 with a balance carried forward of £86,653.77.
4INCOME AND EXPENDITURE AND BALANCE SHEET FOR 2003/2004
The Treasurer presented his income and expenditure report to 31 March 2004 and a
balance sheet as at 31 March 2004.
The balance sheet showed current assets as at 31 March 2004 at £44,447.00. Net
Current assets were £32,185.00.
5REMOVAL OF TREE, UPPER STREET, RUSTHALL
Referring to the Minute number 8 of the meeting held on 8 April 2004 the Clerk
informed members that he had informed Mr Cole that permission was granted for the
removal of this tree at his expense but this gentleman felt that the Conservators
should pay for this work.
RESOLVED - That the Conservators reaffirm that the permission is granted for the
removal of the tree at the applicant’s own cost
6.PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(a)Woodpeckers 8A Rusthall Park Road. - Two storey extension
The Warden reported that he had received this Planning Application but
it had no impact on Common land.
RESOLVED - That no objection be raised to this proposal.
(b) Aldi Stores
The Warden reported that there had been a further appeal against the decision Aldi Stores planning application.
7CONSERVATORS WEB SITE
The Warden reported that the preparation of the Conservators Web site is going
ahead with Software Solutions quoting for the work. The Freehold Tenants agreed to pay towards the upgrade of the Wardens computer.
(a)The Conservators agree to bear the cost of £900 to set up the Web site and also to pay for a Broadband connection.
(b)The Warden contact Any Cole at the Borough’s IT Department for further advice and report in detail to the next meeting of the Commons Conservators.
(c)The gratitude of the Commons Conservators be expressed to the Freehold Tenants for their generosity.
8FIR TREE ROAD CAR PARK
It was reported that it would appear that the Wellington Hotel are using Fir Tree car
Park for their overflow.
RESOLVED - That a letter be written to this Hotel requesting that this practise cease.
9FRIENDS OF TINBRIDGE WELLS AND RUSTHALL COMMONS
In the absence of the Chairman of the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall
Commons the Secretary reported that there were two activities proposed during
the summer by the Friends of the Commons. There is to be a Tea Party on
14 July 2004 at the Beacon Hotel and a ghost walk (conducted by the Chairman of the Commons Conservators) on the Pantiles in September. The Friends of the
Commons are also considering a proposal to erect standing stones on the Common
to commemorate 400th Anniversary of the Town.
10DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Commons Conservators is due to be held on the 9
September 2004 in the Town Hall.