Kingsteignton Town Council

KINGSTEIGNTON TOWN COUNCIL

RECREATION/FOOTPATHS COMMITTEE Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 11 January, 2012 at the Community Hall, Rydon Road, Kingsteignton at 7:33 p.m.

Present: Chairman of the Committee: Councillor R Howes (Deputy Mayor) Ex Officio: Councillor K Howard (Mayor) Councillors: B Austen, K Jones, A Lonsdale, J Morris, B Thorne Admin Assistant: Mrs S Simmons Also present: Amanda Arnold (TDC), Mr T Ruck (BMX Ramp Manufacturer), PCSO Vanessa Pike, Mrs C Green, Mr A Green and Mr P Green (KRU).

01/12 Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllr Meathrel. No apologies were received from Cllr J Foxwell.

02/12 Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

03/12 Minutes

Cllr Howes signed the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 14 December, 2011 which had been approved at the Full Council Meeting.

04/12 Clifford Park BMX/Skate Ramp

Cllr Howes introduced Mandy Arnold from TDC to report on the noise monitoring which has taken place at a residents home which backs onto Clifford Park and advises that this particular home is not the nearest to the ramp and other homes could be worse effected. It is reported that it is the scooters which are causing the noise and not the BMX bikes. Mrs Arnold advised that this is not a statutory nuisance, however could result in a noise abatement. The complainant’s noise report has also been heard at TDC by Cllr Howes and Cllr Austen who agreed that it is a nuisance. KTC were advised that this matter needs addressing urgently.

Cllr Howes introduced Tim Ruck, manufacturer of the ramp. Mr Ruck showed photographs of the construction of the ramp in order for all to see and make aware, the implications which are posed of how difficult it will be to fill the ramp. It is a timber frame and air flow is

1 essential for its intended use as well as to preserve its life expectancy, therefore Mr Ruck is unsure of what material could be used in order to absorb noise whilst also retaining its pliability and without compromise to its purpose.

Discussion took place amongst all in attendance as to suggestions of different materials which may be able to be used. Cllr Jones suggested a 3mm rubber surface be adhered to the existing surface, also ‘Trek’ a material made of recycled car tyres, however, KRU members and Mr Ruck said that the slipperiness needed for the tricks to be performed successfully by the bikes and the scooters, would be impaired and it would prevent the use for what it has been intended. Mr Ruck said that the surface is specifically designed for use by BMX and scooters and has to remain as it is. Underneath the surface, inside the ramp would be the only possible option for filling, however Mr Ruck, nor anybody else present, has proven knowledge of what the solution would be. Several suggestions were made of a filling of foam, spray on insulation, rubber or sand. The filling of the ramp would be experimental in the possibility of finding a solution. It may be that cladding the inside of the beams on the internal structure could work. Mr Adam Green suggested sectioning the ramp inside and only filling the ends where it is most hollow, half way up to the top edge which creates the worst noise. Cllr Howard asked Mr Ruck if there is an industry body for BMX Ramp equipment who we could consult for some advice. Mr Ruck said unfortunately there is not, there is a BS standard which has to be met, which does not include noise levels. Cllr Thorne asked if it is insulated from the tarmac, Mr Ruck said “no”, it is mounted straight onto the surface. Mrs Arnold and Mr Ruck suggested employing an Acoustic Expert to try and resolve this problem even if it means restricting the use of the ramp as it may be the cheapest option in the first instance.

Cllr Howard states that it is imperative to keep costs at a minimum, however an experimental solution must be found and is our responsibility to do so. The ramp has cost in excess of £50,000 which the KRU organisation, have raised funding for, over several years and it is an asset within Clifford Park, which we do not want to lose.

Cllr Hunt suggested erecting a sign stating that either ‘scooters should not use it, rather than lose it’, or ‘scooters to use it at restricted times’ as per the Skate Park on Teignmouth sea front or else the ramp could be lost.

Cllr Howard proposed that Mrs Simmons proceeds with seeking the advice of an Acoustic Expert and on having the consultants information, erect signs as stated by Cllr Hunt. Seconded by Cllr Austen. All in favour.

Cllr Howes asked if Mr Ruck would send in all of the photos showing the construction of the ramp into the office. Also Mrs Arnold to send any Acoustic information that she holds into Mrs Simmons.

2 Cllr Howes also read out a letter from the KRU to officially hand over the ownership of the BMX/Skate Ramp to Kingsteignton Town Council. Cllr Howard stated that, it is in a public park which belongs to Kingsteignton Town Council and will now be our responsibility.

Cllr Howes thanked all guests who attended for participation within our meeting, thereafter they all left the room at 8:10pm

05/12 Grass Cutting Contract Renewal

Cllr Howes advised that the Grass Cutting Contract for Oakford Lawn and Clifford Park is up for renewal from 1 April 2012. Our existing contractor, J P Cary has quoted that he is happy to continue for the next 3 x years at the existing fee of £283 per month, totalling £3,396 per annum.

Cllr Howard proposed for Mrs Simmons to obtain 2 x further quotes. Seconded by Cllr Morris. All in favour.

06/12 Green Space S.W. – Spaces by Design Course

Spaces by Design is a free two-day hands-on design course for community groups working on a project to regenerate or develop an open space for community use. The course will take place in Exeter on March 8/9, 2012. Cllr Harris would like to attend in view of redeveloping the Fountain area.

The following Councillors have agreed to attend:-

Cllr Harris – confirmed Cllr Howes and Cllr Thorne – wish to attend if work commitments permit and will advise Mrs Simmons if they are available.

Cllr Austen proposed for Mrs Simmons to proceed and book the required places, seconded by Cllr Howard, all in favour.

07/12 Footpaths Update

Cllr Howes read the report from Mrs Edna Wickham. All councillors have a copy of a checklist of things along the footpaths and councillors were advised that Mrs Wickham is responsible for checking the footpaths and reporting any matters that need to be

3 addressed. Cllr Jones was advised that we have the ‘Walking Ways in Kingsteignton’ leaflet available from the Council Offices.

08/12 Bills for Payment

There were no bills for payment.

09/12 Correspondence for information

 Bowls with Natalie Melmore @ Kingsteignton (info. handed out to Councillors), for 14 – 25 year olds from Saturday 28 January – 17 March, 2012.  Cllr Howes reported that Mr Turner had found that a resident in Exeter Road had recently made a gateway from his rear garden directly into Clifford Park. This matter has been rectified by means of the Town Clerk, Mrs Lakin writing to the resident requesting that it be re-instated to its previous state. Mrs Simmons reported that the resident rang the office and apologised and has now replaced the fence.

Meeting closed at 8:35 pm

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 8 February, 2012.

Signed:…………………………………………………………………………… Dated:………………………………………….