Minutes of Old Sarum Residents Association Meeting 13Th September 2017

MINUTES OF OLD SARUM RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION MEETING 13TH SEPTEMBER 2017

1. Diana Earle opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and introducing Andy Birkett , Parish Councillor and Andrew Prince, Clerk to Parish Council.
2. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

Andy Birkett volunteered to stand as the new Chairmen for twelve months. He was seconded by Diana Earle and duly elected

1. APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY

April Hall volunteered to stand as secretary and her appointment was seconded by Lucinda Hyman

1. SKATE PARK

Lee Jackson discussed his proposal for a Skate Park. Leaflets detailing a proposed site for the park and its benefits had been distributed to those present. He gave a short talk explaining that funding would be applied for from various sources including Laverstock and Ford Parish Council. The proposed site would be the corner of the grassed field behind Castle Well Road at the west end of the Swale. Lee appealed to those present to help in setting up a Skate Park Committee and interested parties were asked to give their e-mail addresses for future contact, There were questions raised about parking and safety issues at the proposed site and it was suggested that most of those using the park would walk there. PCSO Jenny Moss said the police were willing to be closely involved with this project. Several residents present showed an interest in supporting this venture.

1. PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE

There are still two vacancies on the Parish Council for anyone interested in joining .

Details were given of the transfer of open spaces from Persimmon Homes. At present the Country Park and The Green have been handed over to Laverstock and Ford Parish Council. There is still the land at the area known as 9A and 9B (near Norman Drive and Virginia Way) and the Swale to be handed over. There are some minor issues with 9A and 9B which will hopefully soon be resolved and once this is done a small play areapaid for out of S106 money will go ahead. There are, however, problems over the Swale head walls as they require rebuilding and possibly fencing of the drainage areas due to the 6 – 8ft drop and this will delay any handover by up to 12 months.

Three further projects are planned; an Outdoor Gym, Dog agility area and Dog free area. The Parish Council expressed a wish to engage with the resident’s views on where these projects should be sited. It was suggested that the Gym could be near the present Trim Trail. It was decided that further discussion would take place at a future meeting.

1. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF PUBLIC

Adoption of Roads – Andrew Prince stated that Persimmon Homes were still working on the drains and some roads have to be tarmacked

Road and Drain clearing – This was raised again and the advice given was thatWiltshire County Council are no longer spraying gutter weeds. When asked if residents could do voluntary work clearing the weeds the answer was “ Yes” unless it was a main highway i.e. The Portway when a Section 96 form would be needed and volunteers would have to wear high visibility jackets.

Speeding and Parking on the Estate – The police have no powers to stop residents parking on the roads .The Chairman suggested that the speeding issues be taken up with either the police or Councillor Ian McLennan.

New Play Area – gates were not closing and dogs could enter. New metal gates are presently on order.

Graffiti on The Portway Bus Shelter -Andrew Prince will report this to Wiltshire County Council

1. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

The meeting closed at 8.15 pm. Date of next meeting Wednesday 1st November at 7 pm in the Community Centre