RBC C.S. 150617

Runnymede Borough Council

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

15 June 2017 at 7.30 pm

Members of the Councillors Miss M N Heath (Chairman), P J Waddell (Vice-Chairman), Committee Present: D E Anderson-Bassey, Mrs D V Clarke, Miss D Khalique, B W Pitt and Mrs G Warner.

Members of the Committee absent: Councillors Mrs M T Harnden, N M King and S M Mackay.

56 FIRE PRECAUTIONS

The Chairman read out the Fire Precautions.

57 PRESENTATION BY EMMA WARREN, CURATOR, MUSEUM

The Committee received an informative presentation about Chertsey Museum, from its curator, Emma Warren. Emma gave Members a brief history of the museum, covering its earliest days in the 1970s at the Old Town Hall, up to the present day, with illustrations of the new redesigned garden, shortly opening at their current home, ‘The Cedars’, in Chertsey. Members were impressed with the range of activities, exhibitions and innovative marketing ideas which contributed to the success of the museum, all provided within a limited budget and by a small number of dedicated staff and volunteers. The significant support of the Olive Matthews Trust and the Friends of Chertsey Museum was noted with appreciation by the Committee. Notable projects included the continuation of the 1st World War related works, the borough history ‘app’, ‘Fashion and Freedom’ (Women in Society) the River Festival; celebrating the and a project/exhibition on the creation of Victory Park in . The museum’s valued outreach and educational work, as well as its participation in loaning and borrowing important pieces nationwide was commended. The Committee was also pleased to note close working with Museum on several projects such as the forthcoming festival to celebrate the River Thames. Members were encouraged to visit Chertsey Museum and enjoy their work first hand as well as seeing the newly re-designed garden when it was complete.

58 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

The Group mentioned below had notified the Chief Executive of its wish that the change listed below would be made to the membership of the Committee. The change was for a fixed period ending on the day after the meeting and thereafter the Councillor removed would be reappointed.

Group Remove from Membership Appoint Instead

Conservative Councillor S A Lewis Councillor D E Anderson-Bassey

The Chief Executive had given effect to this request in accordance with Section 16(2) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

- 49 -

RBC C.S. 150617 59 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 9 March 2017 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

60 APLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs M T Harnden, N M King and S M Mackay.

61 HM QUEEN STATUE – RUNNYMEDE PLEASURE GROUNDS

The Committee, sitting as Trustees of Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, considered a report setting out proposals developed by Runnymede Legacy Limited (RMCLL) for completion of complementary works to the surrounds of the HM Queen Statue; installed in the Pleasure Grounds in June 2015 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta.

Members were advised that RMCLL wanted the Council to accept the statue as a gift in perpetuity and take on responsibility for its future maintenance and insurance.

The Committee viewed a plan which showed a new path linking the statue with the car park and installing additional seating and path leading towards the river bank. There would be a timeline of improved quality to make the site inviting and attractive to visitors. The works would be paid for by RMCLL.

The Committee was advised that since its installation there had been no significant difference to the numbers of visitors to the Pleasure Grounds nor had the statue suffered any vandalism. This meant that maintenance costs had been minimal. Members considered that the planned improvements would raise the profile of the site and they appreciated the educational aspects of the works such as the timeline of Kings and Queens. The Committee was also pleased by the plans for additional seating for visitors.

Officers set out the conditional arrangements which RMCLL had put forward in relation to acceptance of the gift. These were that the gift was in perpetuity, that the company would donate £25,000 (in two instalments) to the Trust to cover insurance and maintenance costs for the first five years only and that the company would be given access to the site 3 to 4 times per year to undertake various commemorative, celebratory events. For the latter, Officers confirmed that the company would be subject to the usual conditions which applied for the use of Council land.

The legal and financial implications were noted. This gave rise to concern expressed by some Members about the potential risks of accepting the statue. The Committee was reminded that the Council’s insurers, Zurich, had not felt able to insure the statue but that RMCLL had received a quote via a broker; the terms of which meant that the Trust would be liable for significant costs should the statue be vandalised or otherwise damaged by for example, flooding, given its position by the river bank, in the flood plain.

Officers were asked to consider whether at the end of 5 years the RPG Trust could choose not to insure the statue specifically. This was thought unlikely unless RMCLL agreed. Officers were asked to investigate whether the public liability element of the statue’s insurance could be taken on as a part of the Council’s existing public liability insurance. Some Members also speculated what position the Trust would be in if the company ceased to exist.

In order to resolve these issues, Officers would need to check the detail of the legal agreement with RMCLL and the insurance arrangements accordingly. The Committee

- 50 -

RBC C.S. 150617 decided to revise the recommendation before them to reflect the need to review the arrangements with RCMLL once the five years had elapsed.

RESOLVED that –

i) the gift of the HM Queen statue from Runnymede Magna Carta Legacy Limited be accepted subject to:-

a) the transfer of a sum of £25,000 to maintain and insure the statue for a period of 5 years, to be re-negotiated at the end of 5 years with Magna Carta Legacy Limited

b) the arrangement be in perpetuity; and

ii) the phase 2 works as set out in the report and in Appendix ‘A’ be approved; the full cost of which to be met by Runnymede Magna Carta Legacy Limited.

62 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT KEY PERFORMANCE/ACTIVITY INDICATORS QUARTER 4 2016/17

The Committee reviewed the final quarter’s figures for services within its remit for 2016/17. Members were pleased to note that following the new promotion of Meals at Home there had been an increase in the number of meals delivered. An update on Community Meals would be brought to the meeting of the Committee in September 2017. The Community Transport contracts were proving successful and more young people had signed up for the Youth Games in 2017; some sports including Squash had been oversubscribed due to the limited court capacity and had waiting lists.

63 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS CENTRE PLAN 2017/18 - UPDATE

The Committee noted the various strands of Community Development and how their significant projects, priorities and work streams were progressing since the last meeting.

With regard to Green Space, it was reported that Officers planned to bring the business plan for Runnymede Pleasure Grounds improvements to the meeting of the Committee in September 2017. There would be a special briefing for Members on this prior to the report being considered on the evening of Full Council in July. It was noted that a new inspection regime for cemetery memorials was due to commence shortly. Members were pleased to note some forthcoming entertainment events in the parks and open spaces and progress with new play areas and potential new income streams.

In Community Development, the Family Support Programme was on target to deliver year three, working with 104 families in Runnymede and Surrey Heath. The first Syrian refugee family had been settled locally and work had started on the various exhibitions and celebrations as outlined in the presentation on Chertsey Museum. Officers would submit a new Playing Pitch Strategy to the meeting of the Committee in January 2018. Officers were asked to consider within the review of Halls the potential for a shared booking system with Addlestone Community Association which Members considered might be of mutual benefit. As this service was shared with Customer Services, they would need to be involved in any discussions.

Officers reported that the new Franklands Flyer bus service was growing in popularity and the Promotions Officer had completed a number of positive campaigns to raise awareness of the various services to Older People. Members observed that some work relating to Older People might be grouped together and that it might be useful to review those

- 51 -

RBC C.S. 150617 activities, as they appeared in different places on the business plan. Officers confirmed that the partnership with Surrey Heath was working well.

Officers confirmed that the CCTV contract with Elmbridge and Epsom had now concluded but that the Police Crime Commissioner funding for 2017/18 of up to £60,000 had now been received; this was news welcomed by the Committee. Members also looked forward to hearing about progress with Safer Runnymede’s joint working with Surrey Heath on the alarms monitoring service and contracts within the Addlestone One development.

64 COMMUNITY FIRST UPDATE

The Committee’s endorsement of the Community First work programme for 2017/18 was sought and Members were updated on the many achievements to date, all delivered within budget.

The Committee recalled that following its decision to maintain its part of the Community First budget at £50,000 per annum, the Housing Committee had decided to reduce their contribution from the Housing Revenue Account by 50%. Subsequently, Corporate Management Committee had taken a different view and the Community Services element had been reduced to £35,000 whilst the Housing element stayed at £30,000. Officers had been asked by Corporate Management Committee to present a detailed work programme to Community Services Committee to utilise the £65,000.

Officers stressed the important contribution of volunteers in the Community, noting that the Forest Estate Community Hub Volunteers Group and volunteers from Royal Holloway University of London had each recently been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2017.

Members were pleased to be involved in a number of the projects; including the first Frog Island Fair in , which it was hoped would become a self-funding annual event. There were numerous on-going positive outcomes of Community First which had improved the identified areas of relative deprivation in the borough. It was clear that a wide range of residents had been assisted in practical and often life-changing ways which the Committee fully supported.

Officers reported that the programme for 2017/18 as a whole was estimated to be just under the total budget of £65,000. Officers presented the 2017/18 work programme showing the balance between the Housing Revenue and General Fund accounts for each planned project. This confirmed that the General Fund budget of £35,000 might be exceeded. Therefore, some projects might be delayed while alternative sources of funding were secured. Members noted that the project list needed to be flexible.

Officers were thanked for their continuing achievements under Community First.

RESOLVED that –

the Community First work programme for 2017/18 be endorsed.

65 PROMOTING WELLBEING IN OLDER PEOPLE STRATEGY

The Committee was presented with a draft strategy for promoting wellbeing in older people. This brought together the different strands of work across the Community Development business centre as well as through partnership working which had an impact on older people in the borough. The document included an action plan, setting out 25 priorities and actions to deliver them for 2017/18 and timescales for their achievement.

- 52 -

RBC C.S. 150617 The Committee was aware of the need to respond to the increasing number of older people within North West Surrey, noting that one in six residents were over 65 years old. The strategy set out six key objectives for keeping older people out of hospital, maintaining their independence and health. This included support for carers, many of whom were themselves aged over 55. Members supported a preventative approach, with partners and welcomed the strategy which supported key themes of the Surrey Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Better Care Fund in North West Surrey and the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, within the context of the Care Act 2014.

The Committee noted what had been achieved so far in Runnymede. For example, new health and fitness programmes, two outdoor gyms, Homesafe, tea packs and the annual Living and Ageing Well week. Members also reviewed the planned actions for 2017/18 which focussed on providing advice and support to older people, their families and carers.

The Committee was asked to note that an Equality Screening Assessment had been carried out and reviewed by the Council’s Equalities Group.

Members agreed that the strategy was a crucial part of Community Services and sought to maintain the exemplary position that Runnymede held. Officers agreed to bring a progress report on the Strategy and action plan to the meeting of the Committee in January 2018 prior to its formal review in June 2018. Officers were also asked to continue quantifying the amount saved for the County Council and CCG through the work of Community Development.

RESOLVED that –

i) the new Strategy for Promoting Wellbeing in Older People be approved; and

ii) a review of the Strategy Action Plan takes place on an annual basis with a report on progress to be made to the Community Services Committee in January 2018.

66 COMMUNITY ALARMS AND SURREY TELECARE STRATEGY

The Committee’s approval was sought to introduce a free six week period to new customers of the Community Alarms and Telecare service, following Surrey County Council’s decision to discontinue the Surrey Telecare Strategy.

Members recalled that Telecare covered a range of sensory and detector services such as smoke alarms, flood sensors, fall detectors, all of which could be attached to a basic community alarm unit. They were invaluable to vulnerable residents.

Officers advised that under the Surrey Telecare Strategy, which was introduced in 2014, any resident of Surrey who required Telecare in their home could have it installed free of charge so that an individual only needed to pay the weekly Community Alarm rental fee (currently £4.90 in Runnymede). Surrey Adult Care also funded Telecare for individuals needing a higher level of care but who could not afford to pay for the service. In addition, people released from hospital or who had been victims of crime enjoyed the service free of charge for an initial 12 weeks, also paid for by the County Council. This was known as the ‘CAT’ scheme.

Under Telecare each borough received approximately £17,000 in anticipation of 120 units being installed annually; and an additional payment of £75 per unit if the target of 120 was exceeded.

- 53 -

RBC C.S. 150617 Officers confirmed that in March 2017, Surrey County Council had removed all three forms of funding (Telecare, ‘CAT’ and grant funding) to realise savings; the financial burden falling completely on the borough and district councils and having an adverse effect on some of the most vulnerable people in the community. With regard to grant funding, the Council saw this as additional, unbudgeted income.

Officers reported that under the ‘CAT’ scheme, 170 referrals were made in 2016/17. After the initial 12 weeks free period, the retention rate was 83.5%, which provided a much needed source of income for the Council. Nine out of eleven of the Borough and District Councils had agreed that continuing the ‘CAT’ scheme in some form would off- set some of the financial losses from the grant funding of referrals, as well as help vulnerable residents feel safe in their homes. Officers proposed that a free 6 week period would allow flexibility should there be a need to review the weekly community alarms fee in response to a changing market in the future.

The Committee was disappointed by the withdrawal of funding by Surrey County Council but considered the proposed re-introduction of a free 6 week period for new customers under the former ‘CAT’ scheme was a pragmatic approach and one which should result in a high retention rate to mitigate the loss of approximately £5,000 per annum.

RESOLVED that –

the introduction of a free 6 week period to new customers who meet specific criteria be approved

67 NON-EMERGENCY PATIENT TRANSPORT – UPDATE

The Committee was updated on three aspects of the Non-Emergency Patient Transport service which South Coast Ambulance Service (SCAS) had won the contract for in 2016. From May 2017 Runnymede’s Community Transport service had been successful in becoming a sub-contractor for SCAS for a five year period with the option to extend for a further two years.

Officers outlined the service delivery model. Community Transport drivers were subcontracted to work between 08:00 and 18:00 hours, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. The service was a single person crew with no Passenger Assistant. Journey schedules were relayed direct to the drivers and operated flexibly and out of borough for ambulance passengers, including wheelchair users. A new vehicle had been purchased and two part time drivers employed to fulfil the requirements of the contract. Officers confirmed that so far feedback was positive.

Officers reported that following discussions with SCAS about their requirement for suitable premises out of which to operate, the opportunity was taken to offer Woodham and New Haw Centre and Manor Farm Centre to SCAS on a leasing basis. Both sites were assessed and subsequently selected. The seven year lease agreement covers the accommodation of vehicles and staff and use of rooms and communal facilities.

Whilst arrangements at Manor Farm had not caused any problems, there had been issues raised at Woodham and New Haw by local residents concerned by the increase in vehicle movements which they perceived to come from the Social Centre and service users feeling the loss of 15 car parking spaces now occupied either by the SCAS ambulances or SCAS staff. As a result some SCAS staff and centre users were parking in nearby residential roads. To address this problem, Officers re-configured the car park, creating an additional 14 spaces, which has considerably alleviated the problem.

- 54 -

RBC C.S. 150617 The Committee thanked Officers for their achievements to resolve the issues discussed as well as their initiative which had resulted in additional income as identified in the confidential appendix to the report and a positive relationship with SCAS.

68 APPOINTMENTS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES SUB-GROUPS AND RELATED INITIATIVES

RESOLVED that –

i) The Corporate Head of Resources and Head of Community Development be appointed to serve on the Cabrera Trust Management Committee for 2017/18;

ii) Councillors D A Cotty and M G Nuti be re-appointed to serve on the Chertsey Meads Management Liaison Group for 2017/18; and

iii) Councillor Mrs G Warner be re-appointed to serve as the Older Persons Champion for 2017/18

69 CHERTSEY MEADS MANAGEMENT LIAISON GROUP MINUTES 28 FEBRUARY 2017

The Minutes of the Management Liaison Group meeting held on 28 February 2017, as attached at Appendix ‘A’, were received and noted.

70 RUNNYMEDE AND SPELTHORNE CAB – UPDATE

Report withdrawn. Members were advised that this report would now be submitted to the meeting of the Committee in September 2017.

71 MEALS AT HOME STAFFING – PROPOSED CHANGES

Report withdrawn. Members were advised that this report would be submitted to the joint meeting of Community Services and Corporate Management Committees on 29 June 2017.

Chairman

(The meeting finished at 9.11pm)

- 55 -

Appendix 'A' Runnymede Borough Council

CHERTSEY MEADS MANAGEMENT LIAISON GROUP

28 February 2017 at 7.30pm

Members of the Group present: Councillor D A Cotty Runnymede Borough Council Councillor M G Nuti Runnymede Borough Council Mr G Drake Chertsey Society Mrs K Drury Honorary Warden Mr H W Evans Surrey Bird Club Mrs F Harmer Honorary Warden Mrs J Hearne Chertsey Meads Residents’ Representative Mrs H Lane Surrey Wildlife Trust Mrs L Lee Local Horse Riders Representative Mrs C Longman Mead Lane Residents' Representative Mr D Mead Chertsey Agricultural Association Mr C J Norman Honorary Warden Mr J O’Gorman Mead Lane Residents’ Representative Mrs T A Stevens Honorary Warden Mrs A Teasdale Hamm Court Residents’ Representative Mr D Turner Chertsey Agricultural Association Mr D Wheeler Chertsey Meads Residents’ Representative

Members of the Group absent: Mrs M Buck Hamm Court Residents’ Representative Dr J Denton Invertebrates Expert Ms I Girvan Surrey Wildlife Trust Mr G James Sustrans Mrs M Nichols Chertsey Society Mr B Phillips Surrey Botanical Society Mrs S Ritchie Dog Walkers Representative

Representative from the Environment Agency

Advisory members of the Group present: Mr P Winfield Community Services Manager, Green Space Runnymede Borough Council

Advisory members of the Group absent: Mr C Dulley Open Space and Allotments Manager, Runnymede Borough Council

Appendix 'A'

V:\Minutes\Community Services Sub-Groups\Chertsey Meads MLG\2017\28.02.17 Minutes.doc 56

1. FIRE PRECAUTIONS Action

The Chairman read out the Fire Precautions which set out the procedures to be followed in the event of fire or other emergency.

2. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the group, held on 6 September 2016, were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Mr C Dulley, Dr J Denton, Mrs M Nichols, Mr B Phillips and Mrs S Ritchie.

4. MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHERTSEY MEADS MANAGEMENT LIAISON GROUP

Three new members were welcomed to the Group. These were Mrs Lorraine Lee, local horse riders representative, Mr J O’Gorman, a Mead Lane resident and Mr D Turner, the second Chertsey Agricultural Association representative.

The current vacancies for a representative from The Conservation Volunteers and the Environment Agency were noted.

The Group was advised that since the last meeting, Mrs Boater had Miss Pinnock retired but still wished to be kept informed by receiving the minutes. The Group wanted to thank her for her valuable contribution over the years and as one of the longest serving members and wished her a happy retirement. Miss Pinnock would write to her on behalf of the Group.

It was agreed to review the membership of the Group by reducing the number of Sustrans representatives to one for the time being, unless another volunteer came forward. It was understood that Mr James had been contacted and he was still interested in matters relating to cycling and would keep a watching brief.

Resolved that -

the Constitution and membership lists be updated accordingly Miss Pinnock and circulated with these Minutes.

5. IMPROVING ACCESS TO THE MEADS

Members discussed a proposal which had originated from Mrs Boater Mr Winfield to improve access to the Meads from Meadowlands. The suggestion was to replace the gallows gate barrier with something which allowed bicycles, push chairs and mobility scooters access via a safe route avoiding Woburn Hill. The Group supported this option agreeing that SANGS funding would be appropriate for this purpose.

Members discussed other access issues and Mr Winfield agreed to Mr Winfield contact Surrey County Council’s Rights of Way Officer again with [reported to SCC regard to the overgrown areas of the public footpath. It had been on 6 March 2017] observed that in places residents in Meadowlands had encroached onto the area.

V:\Minutes\Community Services Sub-Groups\Chertsey Meads MLG\2017\28.02.17 Minutes.doc 57 Resolved that – Action

if sufficient SANGS money becomes available, to pursue improved Mr Winfield access to the Meads via Meadowlands as appropriate, in consultation with local residents and the relevant site owners

6. ACTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING

Tree Screen

The Group was disappointed to learn that funding from Veolia would Mr Winfield not be forthcoming for the tree screen. Mr Winfield agreed to give Mrs [completed 6 Hearne a list of permitted tree species so that she could pursue March 2017] potential options.

Mr Winfield reported that a contribution of £1,500 from National Grid was expected shortly. However, as the tree screen would cost £9,000, this had been allocated to another project in the borough. In the meantime, it was agreed to keep the tree screen on the agenda as it was still important to pursue if possible. One possible solution was to use Willow branches resulting from planned pollarding and this would be explored later in the year.

Fly Tipping

The Group noted that the person responsible for the case of fly tipping at the Meads, as previously reported, had been convicted of 9 offences, fined and sentenced to 200 hours community service. It was a step forward although members would have liked Runnymede to have been awarded compensation to cover the cost of removing the tipped material, including asbestos. Some members of the Group reported that fly tipping continued to be a problem, especially in the second car park.

Electricity Pylons

Mr Winfield reported that Officers had looked into the sets of pylons on the Meads and had contacted the relevant utility companies. Unfortunately, the cost of undergrounding, re-routing or other arrangements was prohibitive. The Group accepted this.

Overstay Mooring

With regard to the problems with over stay moorers, it was agreed to Mr Dulley investigate the possibility of introducing new by-laws, as Spelthorne had done, for a long term solution and to report progress to the next meeting. The issue of whether a particular vessel was licensed and/or known to the Environment Agency was discussed along with other anti- social behaviour matters.

Boardwalk

The new boardwalk across the Meads had been installed. It was Ms Harper agreed that an interpretation board for bird species found in reed beds would be a welcome addition.

7. Management and Maintenance

Annual Work Programme

V:\Minutes\Community Services Sub-Groups\Chertsey Meads MLG\2017\28.02.17 Minutes.doc 58 Mr Winfield took the group through the work programme, highlighting Action the tasks scheduled to take place in 2017/18. The plan was divided into the following features: - grassland, wetland, woodland/hedgerows, trees and scrub, open water and bankside, public use, liaison and monitoring. Some of the new plans included removal of some invasive snowberry bushes, cutting back scrub, thinning and coppicing and shaping the hedgerow. Members were interested in the removal of Nuttal’s Waterweed and pollarding to open up the river, thus encouraging more wildlife but were surprised that tackling the Himalayan Balsam was not included and asked for it to be added, despite the known difficulties of eradicating it altogether. Surrey Wildlife Trust were looking at how to deal with it in catchments from the top of the river course as it spread downstream. The Group thought that enlisting volunteers for another Himalayan Balsam ‘pull’ would support the plan to encourage volunteers.

Mr Winfield would update the Group on costings for the plan in due Mr Winfield course.

Trees on St George’s College Land

Mr Winfield was pleased to report that the new Grounds Manager, Mr Rob Deacock, at St George’s College was making progress with his plans to bulk fell some of the poplars on their side of the Bourne. This would open up the river bank and encourage a return of the Dodder. It was suggested that Mr Deacock be invited to join the group. It was agreed his enthusiasm would be an asset.

[since the meeting, Mr Deacock, has agreed to join the group. With the agreement of the Chairman the Constitution now includes a St George’s College representative.]

Height Barrier Insurance Payment

The Group was pleased to note a successful claim of £6,120 had been secured to off-set the cost of the most recent repair to the height barrier. The person who had caused the damage freely volunteered his guilt and was fully co-operative.

Tree Work

A recent inspection had concluded that no works were necessary to the tree reported at the last meeting but that it would be monitored. Other minor works were noted.

Dog Running

The Group discussed the continuing problem of dogs being run behind vehicles on the Meads, usually at dusk. The people involved were not very approachable and some found their behaviour intimidating. There were also concerns about the welfare of children raised. Mr Winfield urged the Group, particularly those who lived on the Meads to report everything they witnessed either to himself, Mr Dulley or the Council’s Community Safety Officer and to give as much detail as possible. To date he only had two reports and more evidence was needed. Mr Mr Winfield Winfield would ask the latter to discuss some specific issues with residents.

V:\Minutes\Community Services Sub-Groups\Chertsey Meads MLG\2017\28.02.17 Minutes.doc 59 8. EVENTS Action

Chertsey Show

This years’ show would take place on 12 and 13 August 2017 and the application to use Chertsey Meads was in the process of being submitted. It was hoped that the threat of a traveller incursion would not be repeated this year. The Chairman thanked the organisers for having dealt with the situation that arose in 2016 effectively. The same waiting restrictions would apply in 2017 and arrangements for this were in hand. Mr Turner would be writing to all residents again about the arrangements and highlighting the free car parking on site for displaced residents. The show was as popular as ever, oversubscribed in some areas, so unfortunately there was little leeway to increase the area for vintage cars which was raised. The group commented that since the Co-op had opened at the top of Mead Lane, traffic congestion was worse owing to their deliveries and an increased number of cars which also applied to the business premises opposite. Mr Winfield agreed to Mr Winfield pass these concerns on to the appropriate departments such as Planning Enforcement and Parking.

Litter Pick

The litter pick was due to take place on Sunday 5 March, linking with the Great British Spring Clean. Another event was taking place in the afternoon of the same day at Gogmore Farm in Chertsey. Members commented that publicity for the Great British Spring Clean nationally had been poor but locally it was better. The Council’s Communications team had assisted with the press release and poster which was appreciated.

[ the event was successfully attended by approximately 50 volunteers and a picture of this year’s treasures is included with these minutes.]

Site Visit

A date of Thursday 8 June 2017 was agreed for the annual site visit, Mr Winfield meeting in the second car park at 7pm. Mr Deacock would also be invited.

9. Any Other Business

Issues about security and gatherings of unwanted visitors in the second car park were discussed. This was very worrying and the Group expressed their concern for residents. Mr Norman agreed to raise the issue at the next Community Safety Partnership and Mr Winfield repeated the message about the importance of reporting incidents which would feed into the Joint Action Group which the Police attended. The prospect of getting an additional CCTV camera in the second car park was remote owing to financial and practical issues, which had been discussed with Safer Runnymede. It was suggested that residents might want to arrange their own CCTV with signage. Closing the second car park at night whilst desirable was not thought practical judging from experience elsewhere, but could be considered.

A white van had been seen on the Meads removing wooden stakes.

The group wished to have noted their appreciation of Mr Dulley, who they felt was always very helpful and responded to queries efficiently V:\Minutes\Community Services Sub-Groups\Chertsey Meads MLG\2017\28.02.17 Minutes.doc 60 and in a timely manner. Action

10. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

Members noted that the next two meetings were scheduled to take place on Tuesday 5 September 2017 and Tuesday 27 February 2018 both at 7.30pm, to be held at the Civic Centre in Addlestone.

Chairman

The meeting ended at 9.20pm

V:\Minutes\Community Services Sub-Groups\Chertsey Meads MLG\2017\28.02.17 Minutes.doc 61