Minutes 2025

Draft Minutes of a meeting of the Open Spaces, Burial and Allotments Committee held 19:00hrs, Tuesday, 17 June 2025, in the Curlew Centre Bridge Room, Sutton Bridge.

Present: Cllr Baldry, Cllr Brewis, Cllr Kirby-Fox, Cllr McLaughlin, Cllr Middleton, Mrs C Smith (clerk). Absent: All present

25.001. It was resolved to elect Cllr McLaughlin as chair for 2025/26.

25.002. Apologies – none received all present

25.003. There were no declarations received.

25.004. Representations received from members of the public – no members of the public present.

25.005. It was resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 23 April 2024.

25.006. Memorial Park

i. The clerk reported that a branch on the Arnie Boughton walk had been cleared away at a cost of £150. Work was due in the Autumn in this area, the contractor reported that this needed to be done as other branches could fall.

ii. Play area health and safety report - The committee received the report and agreed that items with a moderate risk should be identified, and quotes obtained fix the equipment. It was noted the football wall had already been fixed and that once the quotes were received the clerk would contact the committee for a decision. The outside operative would be asked to fill the holes identified with soil, replace the cap on the sign bolt and tighten up the butterfly. A price to trim back the trees overhanging the under 7’s would be requested.

iii. Play area bin - The committee reviewed the new bin information and decided no to go with a novelty design; more options were requested for review at the next meeting. A basic bin 70 litres would be adequate.

iv. Tree work - Councillors noted the outstanding tree work, Cllr Brewis offered to show volunteers how to cut back ivy from the trunks of trees to stop the damage it was doing. It was agreed to ask at full council for volunteers to help remove the ivy.

25.007. Burial Ground.

i. Councillors agreed that two benches could be placed in the burial ground. One in the main section along the edge in the vicinity of plots 5/6 and 45/46. No other new benches would be considered in the main section.

ii. The clerk would check on the signage. It was noted that there were no bins at the burial ground as all visitors were asked to take their rubbish away.

25.008. Garden Allotments.

i. Cockerels – a complaint had been made that there were cockerels on an allotment at Wrights Lane. This would be verified and the allotment holder notified to remove them.

ii. It was agreed to hold an inspection on 6 July 2025 10.30 am at Wrights Lane and midday at Lime St. Allotment holders would be notified and asked to come along and meet Councillors.

iii. The clerk would send the allotment rules, burial ground rules and terms of reference to all committee members.

iv. The pathway at the back of Wrights Lane would be looked at as part the of inspection.

v. Vacant allotments – the committee considered an idea to use the land as a secure dog walking area as these allotments had never been taken up. It was agreed to review the space for suitability first and then approach the landlords for approval.

25.009. Public Participation – no public present.

25.010. It was resolved to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s.1(2).

25.011. Next Meeting - .16th September 2025

The chair closed the meeting at 20:25 hrs.

Signed ……………………………… Date………………….

Chair