Friends of Quarry Park
| Summary of Meeting | By: – | Margaret Sheppard | |||
| Location | Local house | ||||
| Time | 19:00 | In attendance | Distribution | ||
| Date | 22th January 2024 | Erica Oulton (Chair)
Mark Brewer Caroline Brewer Allan Druce |
Robin Oulton
Tony Wallace |
Quarry Park Friends
Ward councillors Our parks contract officer, Sarah Fowler |
|
| Action | ||
| 1 | Apologies for Absence | |
| Margaret Sheppard, Erika and Alan Hodgson, Gillian Cawthorne, Lesley Steers | Note | |
| 2 | Minutes of Previous Meeting | |
| On 28th September 2023 were agreed. | Note | |
| 3 | Annual General Meeting | |
| (a) | Financial Update | |
| RO advised that the bank balance was £5646.02, including the Neighbourhood Fund grant money. A cheque for £1980 payable to the Council for plants purchased had been refused by HSBC although the separate cheque of £440 for fence renewal work had gone through. RO is following this up with the bank. After this is settled around £2900 of the Neighbourhood Fund grant remained with around £700 of QPF funds. | RO | |
| (b) | Election of Chair | |
| Erica Oulton was proposed by TW, seconded by MB and agreed. | Note | |
| (c) | Election of Secretary | |
| Tony Wallace was proposed by RO, seconded by CB and agreed. | Note | |
| (d) | Election of Treasurer | |
| Robin Oulton was proposed by MB, seconded by AD and agreed. | Note | |
| (e) | Representatives on Sutton Local Committee | |
| Erica Oulton with Margaret Sheppard and Mark Brewer as substitutes, as before. | Note | |
| 4 | Quarry Park Event – Planning for 2024 | |
| Agreed to set the date as Saturday 6th July 2024. Details at the next meeting in May. | All | |
| 5 | Neighbourhood Fund Grant work | |
| A meeting had been held in the Park on 18th October 2023 with Mark Dalzell, Head of Parks and Sarah Fowler, our contact officer. Following that: – | ||
| ● | IDVerde had trimmed back branch and foliage projecting through the railings over the pavement. | Note |
| ● | McKeown Fencing had given a price to renew the missing and damaged fencing behind the western end of the north flower bed. Both QPF and SF put in a funding bid and this has been granted. SF has instructed McKeown Fencing to proceed. | Note |
| ● | No proposal had yet come back on the tree pruning discussed. RO advised that he had made contact with Beeches Tree Care, who carry out work for the Council, to arrange a meeting to discuss a definite proposal and price. | RO |
| ● | TW had prepared a list of plants to go in the western end of the northern flower bed, in the area in front of the fencing to be renewed. This would be phase 1 of further planting with phase 2 being infill of the already planted area with a view to phase 3 in the autumn, depending on the remaining funds available. Phase 1 budget cost was £500-£600. It included plants with vigorous growth and several evergreen as comments at the previous meeting. The early release of funding for the fence renewal was excellent news because it was much preferable for the fence renewal to be done before planting in this area. TW proposed that this plant list be put to Mark Dalzell for agreement/comments first. The Friends, including by email some not able to attend this meeting, agreed the proposal. | TW |
| ● | TW proposed that, once the list had been agreed, he would order the plants for delivery to his home, to be looked after until taking down to Quarry Park for one or two planting sessions. This was agreed. | TW |
| ● | (Post meeting note: Mark Dalzell agreed the list by return and Sarah Fowler has advised that she would ask Steve McKeown to put the Quarry Park work near the top of his list as several other jobs instructed.) | Note |
| 6 | Work in the Park | |
| AD continued to regularly work in the park. TW had carried out a strong winter prune of the roses on the Cheam Road side as per David Austin recommendations, with a view to mulching, feeding and some spraying if needed in the spring. MB said he would do the recommended cutting back of the wildflower area. TW had, as agreed by Mark Dalzell, removed the laurel bushes at the front of the flower bed where the phase 1 plants are to go. It took 3 sessions with large green bags. Many lumps of tarmac found underneath and removed, assumed to be from when the path was renewed several years ago. |
MB | |
| TW proposed a session pruning back some of the bushes in this area whilst there was no foliage and dormant. This was agreed for Tuesday 6th February, from 10am, subject to weather. | All | |
| 7 | Draft Management Plan for Quarry Park | |
| TW had replied to Bill Wyatt with the Friends’ comments and photographs of past events and activities, and the plan was updated by Bill Wyatt. Useful meeting held in Quarry Park with BW and final version agreed. The work done by the Friends was included and some jobs, such as mulching, had never been done by IDVerde but were included as by IDV because they were in their contract. This could be a useful lever in the future. Overall a useful document with background and parks information outside our knowledge. | Note | |
| 8 | Sutton Local Committee | |
| EO reported on last meeting. There had been a presentation on creating woodland areas, an interesting topic but disappointingly presented. There were questions and points made by some people who it seemed always had something to say. | Note | |
| 9 | Police Matters | |
| EO advised that there had been no meetings to report since our last one. | ||
| 10 | 147 Cheam Road | |
| MS had reported to Cllr Taylor the issue of litter and materials collected and piled up outside 147 Cheam Road and the behaviour and wellbeing of the occupant. This has been going on for many years but her wellbeing seems worse than before. Cllr Taylor has taken this up again with officers. It involves a multi-agency approach by the Council. | Note | |
| 11 | Next meeting | |
| 7:00pm, Monday 20th May 2024. | All |
Friends of Quarry Park
| Summary of Meeting | By: – | Margaret Sheppard | |||
| Location | Local house | ||||
| Time | 19:00 | In attendance | Distribution | ||
| Date | 18th May 2023 | Erica Oulton (Chair)
Caroline Brewer Mark Brewer Allan Druce Ian Gowans |
Alan Hodgson
Erika Hodgson Robin Oulton Margaret Sheppard Lesley Steers Cllr Christopher Woolmer |
Quarry Park Friends
Ward councillors Parks liaison officer |
|
| Action | ||
| 1 | Apologies for Absence | |
| Tony Wallace | Note | |
| 2 | Minutes of Previous Meeting | |
| On 9th February 2023 were agreed, RO proposed and MS seconded. | Note | |
| 3 | Financial Update (RO) | |
| There had been a delay in receiving payment for the 2022 party and there is also an outstanding invoice to be paid when it arrives.
Post meeting note: – QPF bank account £5905.95 at date of meeting. |
Note | |
| 4 | Quarry Park Event 1 July 2023 – detailed planning | |
| MB has completed the event application and will send to the Council (sent 19th May and automatic response received). Risk Assessments have been completed and previous insurance is still in place.
MS is nominated First Aider for minor incidents and an ambulance would be requested for other incidents. MB is the volunteer for Health and Safety Tables, chairs and other items usually transported by TW will be collected and delivered to the park by Cllr Taylor Printing costs have increased for the leaflets now £96, all agreed to go ahead. EO will invite Ward Councillors, Safer Neighbourhood Team and Parks Police, Sarah Fowler, Mark Dalzell and Phil Quirk, Kevin Burke and Lily Bande (previous Councillors) EO will request that grass is cut, including the bank, prior to the event. MS will invite 8th Cheam Scouts (cannot attend, own AGM & BBQ that day). MS/MB will speak to Vickie re craft table (waiting for response after she has contacted Claudia). MB spoke to Maureen about electricity supply for the day – all ok MS will ask Louise from Yourspace to help (cannot, as helping at a fair in Banstead on the day) and confirmed Dianne will make cake and help MS on cake stall. EO will provide clipboard and pens and donations sign and bowl. List of items and people who will bring them: – Tea, coffee, sugar cakes and fresh fruit MS Sandwiches EO Cake EO, LS, others Soft drinks, water EH Jellies CB Food tables, cloths, clips, plastic gloves, serving forks TW via L Taylor Gazebos AH, TW, MS (help need to dismantle and move) Seating tables and chairs AH, CB, TW and all Bunting EO Banners on railings MB Cups for tea, coffee and squash, plates and bowls (TW via LT) Short football goals etc TW via LT Croquet TW or Davies family Short cricket Davies family |
As noted | |
| 5 | Neighbourhood Grant | |
| Will be discussed at the next meeting. | Note | |
| 6 | Work in the Park | |
| Thank you to AD who continues to regularly work in the park.
MB is watering the new plants and litter picking as necessary. The new plants are looking very good. Tidying day in the park ready for the Tea Party Saturday 24June 2023 at 10:00 EO will circulate to Friends via email list. |
All | |
| 7 | New Planning Application for 5G Mast in Front of Quarry Park | |
| Those attending meeting agreed it was an inappropriate location for a number of reasons. Residents should be encouraged to comment via the Council web site.
(Second email sent to Friends on 22nd May urging individual responses). Some residents have already commented. Closing date for comments is 31st May. |
All | |
| 8 | Police Matters | |
| Sutton West Ward is considered to be a low-risk area for crime. Gas canisters have been removed from the park by Police Parks Team. (Post meeting – SNT meeting from EO, 4 vehicle thefts in quarter – number plates, tools and 2 owners forgot where parked) | Note | |
| 9 | Sutton Local Committee | |
| EO attends these meetings, the next on 22nd June will be at Sutton United Football Club. | EO | |
| 10 | Other Matters Arising | |
| MS will be meeting an officer in the Local History team at the Library on 1June to show them the history of Quarry Park folder. | MS | |
| 11 | Other Matters | |
| It was suggested that new recruits are needed to take on some of the Friends responsibilities. | All | |
| 12 | Next meeting | |
| 7:00pm, Thursday 21st September 2023 | All |
Friends of Quarry Park
| Summary of Meeting | By: – | Tony Wallace | |||
| Location | Local house | ||||
| Time | 19:00 | In attendance | Distribution | ||
| Date | 9th February 2023 | Erica Oulton (Chair)
Allan Druce Ian Gowans |
Robin Oulton
Margaret Sheppard Tony Wallace |
Quarry Park Friends
Ward councillors Parks liaison officer |
|
Friends of Quarry Park
| Action | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Apologies for Absence | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alan & Erika Hodgson, Caroline & Mark Brewer, Lesley Stears. | Note | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Minutes of Previous Meeting | Note | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| On 22nd September 2022 were agreed. | Note | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Annual General Meeting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | Financial report (post meeting) by RO, Treasurer. Friends of Quarry Park Financial Statement Jan 2022- Feb 2023
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Note | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (b) | Election of Chair. Erica Oulton was proposed by TW and seconded by MS, agreed nem con. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (c) | Election of Secretary. Tony Wallace was proposed by RO and seconded by AD, agreed nem con. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (d) | Election of Treasurer. Robin Oulton was proposed by MS and seconded by AD, agreed nem con. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (e) | Sutton Local Committee. Agreed that Erica Oulton would continue as our representative with Margaret Sheppard and Mark Brewer as substitutes. | Note | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Quarry Park Annual Tea Party 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agreed provisionally the date to be Saturday 1st July 2023, usual 2-4pm. This is in our usual period before the main holiday period. It will be after the coronation on 6th May and associated events around that time. | Note | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Neighbourhood Fund Grant Progress | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | Tree pruning and planting. Following the meeting on 4th November preferences for tree choices were shared with meeting attendees and our suggestions put to the Council’s tree officer Ben Morris. He came back with a suggestion for 3 trees, two of which would go on the main grassed area. We were all against trees on the open grassed area, regularly used for games and the shading would be detrimental to the grass. The proposed winter flowering cherry tree on the Cheam Road side flower bed, by the laurels, was agreed and advised back. Ben Morris did not favour any tree pruning other than where branches spread across to the house wall of 2 Quarry Rise, one of our proposals. This would be done under the Council’s urgent tree works. | Note | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (b) | New plants. Mark Dalzell has provided a comprehensive list (copy attached) which we like and have so advised,. Despite a reminder, Idverde had not yet returned to clear and prepare the ground for planting. With some milder weather in January TW had commenced this working from the right as one looks at the north flower bed. He was careful to prune runners and retain bushes that might regrow but digging out brambles. He stopped to the left of the new standard roses to seek views at the meeting about removal of the spread of ivy across the ground. It was agreed that the ivy should be cleared but RO and MS were keen that IDVerde finish the work which they had agreed to do. RO would take this up with Idverde and Sarah Fowler. TW would put some marker sticks with green rubber caps by the smaller plants retained. He wanted Mark Dalzell’s views on which to retain or move, e.g. back nearer the fence. The arrangements for planting to be pursued once the clearance work has been established. | RO
TW |
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| 6 | Work in the Park | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AD had been continuing to work on the Cheam Road side main flower bed. He had cleared some black spotted roses leaves but there was some more to do. He noted that the roses should be fed. TW had enough rose feed for this, supplied with the 2 standard roses last year, and would apply it. AD suggested planning some work days. It was agreed that this should be done after IDVerde had done their work.
MS suggested more seeding in the wildflower area for variety as the white daisies had rather taken over. This was agreed. TW mentioned that he had seen Gillian Cawthorne doing one of her regular litter picks in and by the park and surrounding roads and thanked her. |
TW
MS |
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| 7 | History of Quarry Park | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MS had been preparing a history of Quarry Park including early minutes of The Friends and various photographs and annual event fliers. Considerable help had been given by Kevin Plicio of yourspace who had provided typed up copies of details from his research into Seears’ and Quarry Parks, including photographs. MS suggested a donation to Yourspace in thanks. MS proposed to visit the borough archivist with this input. The history was in a ring binder which could be available for view at our annual tea parties. Thanks to MS for this work. | Note | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 | Sutton Local Committee | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EO reported on the meeting of 2nd February. The local police reported on crime for Sutton South and North wards, generally down from the previous period. Car thefts thought to be understated. Fewer thefts of catalytic converters, said to be because of more electric (but new and more older cars have anti-theft shields). A presentation was given on the plans for the St Nicholas Centre and Civic Centre Regeneration involving diversification, less retail with offices and housing. The Council offices, library and SCOLA would be in the St Nicholas Centre and the existing Council offices, Gibson Rd car park and Secombe Centre sold off.
There was a carryover of £55k on the Public Realm funding. TW reported on the meeting held on 30th November 2022. It was held Sutton United Football Club with a detailed presentation by SUFC, Adrian Berry, Chief Executive Officer and Phil Hedger, Community Outreach Lead. Sutton United Foundation is an independent charity supporting education learning in English and maths and employability skills. The Club supports its Academy at Cheam Sports Club, coaching at schools and the White Ribbon Campaign with the Council to end male violence towards women. They are also involved in Sutton Carers’ Centre and Sutton Women’s Centre. |
Note | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | Police Matters | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MS reported on an accident in Cheam Road at 6am when a car had turned over onto its roof, fortunately without serious injuries. On calling 999 MS was put on to the police and the Metropolitan Police said Cheam Road was in Surrey not their area, insisting so. Clearly the Met’s database had not been updated correctly since Met boundaries became coterminous with London borough boundaries several years ago. Agreed with MS that she should pursue this and write in as it could be critical. TW suggested writing to the Sutton Borough Commander who will know our area. | MS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | Other Matters Arising | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IG asked if there were specific rules for purchasing in the Neighbourhood Fund Grant Agreement. TW thought that there was only a general obligation to value for money but would check out. (Post meeting: there is particular wording on avoidance of dishonesty or negligence and mention of particular types of dishonest behaviour but not purchasing procedures. Copy of the agreement sent to IG) | TW | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 | Next meeting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00pm, Thursday 18th May 2023. | All |
Friends of Quarry Park
QPF minutes of meeting 22nd September 2022
| Summary of Meeting | By: – | Tony Wallace | |||
| Location | Local house | ||||
| Time | 19:00 | In attendance | Distribution | ||
| Date | 22nd September 2022 | Erica Oulton (Chair)
Mark Brewer Allan Druce Ian Gowans |
Robin Oulton
Margaret Sheppard Lesley Stears Tony Wallace |
Quarry Park Friends
Ward councillors Parks liaison officer |
|
Friends of Quarry Park
QPF minutes of meeting 22nd September 2022
| Action | ||
| 1 | Apologies for Absence | |
| Alan & Erika Hodgson, Morten Elbo and Caroline Brewer. | Note | |
| 2 | Minutes of Previous Meeting on 19th May 2022 were agreed. | Note |
| 3 | Annual Tea Party, 2nd July 2022, Review | |
| Considered to be a great success, attendance perhaps 80-100, and a very pleasant atmosphere. More children than previous years, enjoying the football, croquet and scooting round the path. The weather was hot and dry. IDVerde had cut the grass including the embankment and under the fir tree and cleared the mowings so the park was in good condition for all the activities.
Thanks to the Friends who helped in the preparation and provided cakes, sandwiches, jellies, fruit and drinks. Diane helped serve and provided cakes. The craft table run by Vicky and Claudia was enjoyed by many children. Mark Davies came to provide the electricity supply from his parents’ house next to the Park. RO advised that the donations were £193.83. This was more than in previous years. TW advised that he had chased the payment of the grants from the Council for event costs such as printing the fliers and for the annual insurance. He had received a phone call from Louise Fenner at the Council that they would be progressed. |
Note
TW |
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| 4 | Neighbourhood Fund Grant Work | |
| IDVerde were due to carry out the bush pruning early September but had not yet started. RO had enquired and was advised that Phil Quirke had been ill and his deputy Chris Kelsey was covering. (Post meeting. RO made further contact and he, EO and TW met Phil Quirke and Chris Kelsey in the Park on 26th September. The areas of pruning were viewed and discussed. IDV now plan to carry out most of the work from 11th October. After this work a further meeting will take place to discuss any further work then required.) | RO, EO, TW | |
| 5 | Work in the Park | |
| AD had continued his regular work in the park to keep it in such good order. TW had watered plants every week/10days during the long dry spells so we did not lose them. MB did the last watering when TW was on holiday and had been concerned over a possible hose pipe ban. TW confirmed that Sutton & East Surrey Water Co. had no such ban, having emailed him about voluntary saving such as not watering grass that would recover, but had sufficient water from their underground storage for no envisaged ban. TW noted that with the dry spring and summer it was not worth adding bedding plants this year. TW to ask Sarah Fowler when the ban on digging because of Japanese Knotweed behind the wildflower area would end so this area could be weeded and some reseeding. Some wildflowers had been lost in the dry weather. (Post meeting reply – the Japanese knotweed treatment will continue in both areas for the next 2 years. If it still remains we will start a new treatment plan.)
TW had seen an attempt to remove the jubilee plaque, not successful with the attached steel wire and pipe in the ground below. Tȇte à tȇte daffodils, snowdrops and crocus had been chosen from the Council’s bulb planting offer for collection in October from the depot (by MB). Then a planting session would be arranged. MB had proposed some for the verge by the bus stop. |
Note
TW MB TW |
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| 6 | Planning Application for a 5G Telecomm Mast & Equipment by Quarry Park | |
| TW had advised the Friends of the application to install a mast and associated equipment cabinets in front of the Park in Cheam Road. This would be a most unsuitable location and many Friends registered their individual objections with the Council, for which thanks. Pleased to note the Council’s detailed refusal dated 20th September. Discussed that the applicant may appeal the decision and/or submit a different application. | Note | |
| 7 | Sutton Local Committee | |
| The last meeting was on 14th July. EO said that community reps were grouped with their ward councillors. The Chair, Cllr Luke Taylor, introduced reports from Friends groups of their events with photos. EO described our tea party on 2nd July. | Note | |
| 8 | Police Matters | |
| EO reported on the ward panel meeting. Sgt Selwyn Bascombe had taken over from Steve Reeves who had moved on to the Safer Schools team. There had been a stabbing in Collingwood Road after the camera had been turned off. The police awaited further guidance on e-scooters. The police could carry out Smartwater marking on catalytic converters. TW noted that they had paid £300 for a Lexus catalytic converter antitheft shield on his wife’s car. The insurers had paid for the new catalytic converter that had been stolen daytime at Cheam Sports Club upper car park. IG advised that there were thefts from Hudson Lodge car park. | Note | |
| 9 | Other Matters Arising | |
| The Parks Archive Day on 7th June, attended by MS, EO, RO and TW had proved very informative on the history of the parks. MS is planning to prepare a short history of Quarry Park. Records from parks friends’ groups were requested, TW to send. | MS
TW |
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| 8 | Other Matters | |
| (a) | IG advised that he had reported to TfL a damaged equipment box on the pavement near to the bus stop in Cheam Road near Landseer Road. TfL had stated it was not their responsibility. (Post meeting: – Cllr Woolmer took this up with TfL who accepted it was theirs. The box is an empty TfL traffic control box which Sutton Council have enclosed temporarily for safety.) | Note |
| (b) | MS reported on the graffiti along much of Love Lane by Seears Park, with some attempts at painting over. Could re-instate the camera on a lamp post, done when travellers last came. Noted that the Council take immediate action only if it is offensive. | Note |
| (c) | MS reported the periodic return of a man sleeping in his camper van overnight in Summerville Gardens. It appeared that waste water was discharged into the roadway gutter. Thought this may contravene by-laws. Cllr Kevin Burke had taken this up before but without a clear answer. TW will refer it to Cllr Taylor. | TW |
| (d) | Noted Seears Park Friends’ action day on 1st October. | |
| 9 | Next meeting | |
| 7:00pm, Thursday 19th January 2023, including AGM. | All |