Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Open Spaces which summarised the Epping Forest Division’s activities across June to July 2021.

The Director of Open Spaces confirmed, in response to a question from the Deputy Chairman on access to Council CCTV footage, that the City of London Corporation had an information-sharing agreements with most of the relevant local authorities which sometimes assisted with evidencing instances of fly tipping.

The Deputy Chairman raised the issue of the condition of the paths within Epping Forest and suggested that this be added to the Committee’s Risk Register as it would be issue for the Committee going forward. The Director of Open Spaces agreed and responded by explaining that the wet weather coupled with the increased footfall associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic had caused severe damage to the paths which would cost an estimated £377,000 to resolve. It was added that a report would be prepared for the November Epping Forest and Commons Committee meeting on this matter which would confirm the extent of the damage and the details of the repairs required. The Chairman added that this was an issue which the Committee could not avoid not addressing and highlighted the likely increasing impact of changing climate on the tracks in Epping Forest. A Member highlighted that the Epping Forest paths repairs would be considered by the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee for Capital Funding.

Replying to a Committee member’s question the Director of Open Spaces confirmed that the City of London Corporation would be looking to engage with the riding community in Epping Forest to discuss matters relating to the sale of Woodredon Farm.

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.