Agenda item

Superintendent's Update

The Superintendent of Burnham Beeches, Stoke Common and City Commons to be heard.

 

Minutes:

The Committee received a verbal update from the Superintendent of Burnham Beeches and City Commons, and noted the following:

 

Awards

8 Green Flags had been received for the following areas:

·       Burnham Beeches

·       Ashtead Common

·       Coulsdon Common

·       Kenley Common

·       Farthing Downs

·       West Wickham Common

·       Spring Park

·       Riddlesdown

 

5 Heritage Flags had been received for the following areas:

·       Burnham Beeches

·       Ashtead Common

·       Farthing Downs

·       Kenley Common

·       Riddlesdown

 

Service Based Reviews

Project lists were being readied for consideration by the Serviced Based Review project boards set up by the Director and would focus on:

•        Focussing on the core

•        Operational efficiency

•        Income Generation

 

Kenley Heritage Lottery Fund

There had been a significant change to increase chances of success at the next stage and these changes aimed to make it clearer how the site would have looked whilst operational. An amount of budgetary risk was inevitable to cover the increased amount of professional fees. Currently a prediction of £10k could be found within the existing budget.

 

Coulsdon Commons

Hay cutting across five sites had begun and 80 bales had been retained for winter feed.

 

A request from Tesco in Caterham had been received to help with a focal point to aid their learning programme for primary school children.

 

Farthings Down

Travellers had arrived on the site but Officers had dealt with them in a swift and professional manner.

 

The weekly health walk was enjoying good numbers. Alternating weekly between Farthing Downs & Kenley, it was serving recovering cardiac patients, a stroke victim and a few individuals who felt uncomfortable to access the space alone.

 

The City Surveyor’s Department was now making good progress with the relevant authorities over the repeat post storm flooding issue on Coulsdon Commons.

 

Members thanked the Superintendent for a useful visit to Burnham Beeches. Members discussed the scattering of ashes across sites. It was suggested that Officers liaise with local Funeral Directors to inform of policy and promote legacy giving as an alternative.