Common Users - Minutes

INFORMAL MEETING OF THE COMMON USER GROUP TUESDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2007

In the absence of Cllr Mrs Jarrett, Cllr Mrs Worrall proposed that Cllr Green take the chair. This was seconded by Cllr Eve and unanimously agreed.

Attendance list:

Chorleywood Parish Council: Margaret Jarrett (Chairman), Norman Eve, Barbara Green, Max Green, Geoff Liley, Steve Watkins and Jackie Worrall.

Owen Edis, Chorleywood Cricket Club

Denys Downing, Chorleywood Cricket Club

Olive Entwistle, Commoner

Alison Rubens, Friends of the Common

Yvonne Merritt, Clerk of the Council, Chorleywood Parish Council

Peter Monahan, Senior Ranger, Chorleywood Parish Council

07/05 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Rodney Kipps, Chairman of Chorleywood Parish Council

Mike Warburg, Friends of the Common

John Warren, Alms Houses Trustee

Jinnie Jenkins, CERA

07/06 MATTERS ARISING

Alison Rubens corrected the spelling of her name.

07/07 COMMON USERS

COMMONERS: Olive Entwistle stated that she objected to the number of ‘police aware’ signs that were littered on the Common and suggested they should be in a less obvious colour. She was also concerned that chemicals were being used on the Common by the Golf Club to control worms.

The Clerk confirmed that the chemical used is an herbicide and posed no danger to plants, animals or wildlife.

FRIENDS OF THE COMMON: Alison Rubens advised the Committee that a number of issues had arisen from the Beating of the Bounds and asked what action had been taken. The Clerk advised that to-date nothing had been done. It was decided that the encroachments could be dealt with better in the winter when access was easier. Friends of the Common asked to be informed when the work had been carried out.

Alison Rubens also advised the Senior Parish Ranger that Friends of the Common would be happy to help with any pond clearance work being carried out during the winter.

CRICKET CLUB: Owen Edis advised that progress was being made regarding the moving of the Cricket Pitch and Pavilion. Details of the proposals are attached in Appendix 1.

7.22pm Cllr Mrs Jarrett joined the meeting and took the Chair.

Owen Edis explained that they had carried out a topographical survey and were seeking quotations from contractors to carry out the ground work. The Club were trying to do the works during the winter season to ensure they did not have to rent other pitches and increase charges. Discussions with the Parish Council were on-going.

CHENIES ESTATES RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS (CERA): Cllr Eve advised that members of CERA advised that the parking scheme at Shepherds Bridge had been a great help. However they were concerned that along with the Parish Council’s notice, there was a white notice headed “ Private Land”.

The Clerk explained that the signage was correct. Legally, the land is owned by the Parish Council and, as such, the Council is able to make regulations regarding the use and occupation of the land, providing the Council upholds the Statutory regulations for Common land.

Parish Council : Cllr Margaret Jarrett gave an update on the proposals to re-introduce grazing on the Common.

The Clerk advised that during the summer the Senior Ranger had conducted guided walks on the Common to over 200 children from Russell and Arnett Hills Schools and the local Scout group. These walks had been highly praised and it is hoped that these walks will continue next year.

The Clerk also advised that the PCSO’s had been asked to remind users of the Common that they were not allowed to cycle on the Common and also that people should be responsible and clear up dog fouling.

Alison Rubens asked why cycling was not allowed and if the Council would consider changing the Byelaws to allow cycling in the future.

The Clerk stated that all wheeled vehicles were prohibited from Common land. This is a Government stipulation and not a local one. The Government’s priority is conservation rather than recreation. However, Three Rivers District Council is looking at introducing a cycle route through Chorleywood.

07/08 CLOSURE

The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and there being no further business the meeting closed at 7.58pm.

The date of the next meeting is to be arranged.