Agenda item

The Superintendent of Epping Forest to be heard.

The Superintendent of Epping Forest provided Members with a verbal update. Members noted that a new Support Services Team Leader and a new Litter Picker have been recruited. Volunteers had contributed 2,397 hours to the Forest over the last two months.

Major projects were completed at Highams Park Project completed at the end of March; a new £17,000 bridge on Ditches Ride at Debden. Following CCTV assessment, the Epping Town Green sink hole was excavated locating a collapsed storm drain which has now been repaired and reconnected to the sewer system. The hazardous trees work programme is underway which may encompass the striking veteran tree at Brook Road.

The Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Verderer Thomas  joined footballer Ledley King to celebrate a shared 125 year anniversary with the London Playing Field Foundation who were the first operators of sports pitches on Wanstead Flats in 1890. 

A 6 week public consultation until mid-June was currently underway to gain public insight into the challenges around combining both heritage and nature conservation objectives at Epping’s two Iron Age hillforts.

A Planning Inspector was considering the North Enfield Area Action Plan promoted by London Borough of Enfield which includes a proposal road to link Enfield’s Innova Park Industrial Area with junction 26 of the M25 rerouting traffic congestion on A10/junction 25.  With the support of many local authorities Epping Officers were successful in deleting references to the link road.

In response to a query regarding the £37,000 project to repair the Cobbins Brook culvert at Copped Hall Park, Officers informed Members that the costs would be covered by the City Surveyor’s department.

RESOLVED – that the updated be noted.