Minutes of meeting held on 6th February 2023

Present:- Simon Middlecote (Chair) , Ruth Kerry, Sue Andrew, Chris Holmes, Councillor Penny Gowland, Jo Mansfield, Helen Hetherington, Catherine Bailey, Caroline Stone.
Apologies Joanne McDonald

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 25th October 2022 were noted.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Ruth gave details of the income and expenditure. She reported that the bill for the website domain had been paid and a grant of £175 had been received from Councillor Penny Gowland’s Council’s divisional fund for roses. An estimate had been received from Streetwise to level off and kill the roots of elder bushes growing on land on Waltham which did not have an owner. It was reported that a fork and spade had been broken in tackling overgrown areas and it was felt the Association should fund replacements.
It was AGREED
1. That the work on Waltham by Streetwise be authorised.
2. That a replacement fork and spade be obtained.
3. That approval be given to Sue to purchase plants.

GYM EQUIPMENT
Consideration was given to a draft expression of interest form to be submitted to the West Bridgford Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Fund for the provision of outdoor adult gym equipment on the field. The completion of the form was discussed. It was noted that there would need to be a public consultation about the proposal.
It was AGREED that Simon would find out from Rushcliffe what consultation method was required and over what period.

BENCHES
Rushcliffe has agreed to provide 2 benches and locations have been suggested, one under the streetlight by the orchard and the other by the noticeboard. There is now a need to carry out consultation on the proposals.

ROADS AND PARKING
Reference was made to the green verge at the Abbey Road end of Buckfast Way and how cars parking on the grass had turned it to mud. The following solutions were suggested : the double yellow lines be extended; a parking bay be created or bollards.
Parking problems on the bend by the Willow Tree ware also raised. There was also an issue with the dropped kerb there being blocked by parked cars.
It was AGREED that Councillor Penny Gowland would look into these issues and report back.

LITTER PICKING
The litter picking group were continuing to go out each month but there still seemed lots of litter about in the area.

SUMMER GATHERING
It was AGREED that the 2023 summer gathering be held on Sunday 10th September from 2pm to 4pm on the field.

COMMUNICATIONS
It was AGREED that the details of the Association website be pinned to the top of the Abbey Park Facebook page

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Ruth reported that she had been appointed to the Grantham Canal West End Group Committee as a representative of the Association.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 18th April at 7pm at the Community Association.