ECCLESHALL PARISH COUNCIL – ENHANCEMENTS AND PRESERVATION COMMITTEE – Wednesday, December 1st, 2021

A meeting of the Enhancements and Preservation Committee was held on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 at Eccleshall Community Centre, following the Planning Committee Meeting, at 8.15pm

1).   Present were:-           

Councillor L. Dale (Chair)      Councillor S. Perren

Councillor R. Langford       Councillor P. Jones

Councillor G. Dale                 Councillor A. Reid

Councillor R. Taylor              Councillor C. Wilkins

Councillor E. Amos               Councillor. J. Jones

Mrs S. J. Worden (Clerk)

Apologies:- No apologies were received.

2).    Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday November 3rd, 2021:-

The minutes, which had previously been noted by the Council, were agreed and signed.

3).   To review the proposal and quotations to install outdoor gym equipment and resolve a recommended course of action.

The Parish Council considered a proposal to install an Outdoor Gym on three potential sites: Elford Heath, Hartlands Road and Eccleshall Community Centre, with a view to providing equipment at all three sites that appeal to different age and ability groups.  The equipment at Elford is particularly focused towards a younger audience, and Hartlands Road will contain equipment for those who are less mobile, including a hand bike. There will be 2 pieces of equipment at Elford, 4 at the Community Centre and 3 at the Jubilee playing fields, Hartlands Road.

The benefits to the community of an outdoor gym were noted and recognised to include an opportunity for people to socialise thus reducing social seclusion; an affordable way to carry out strength and cardio exercise outside the home, an improvement to wellbeing by being outside exercising in green areas with trees and wildlife.

Some members noted it would be better if the equipment was sited in more of a linear and joined up ‘trim trail’ route, but it was also noted the Council had to work within the restrictions posed by limited available open space which is under its ownership. Additional signage was suggested with maps to link all locations and provide equipment details. Repairs and insurance will be recurring costs for the Council to factor in.

Members discussed the demand for the equipment and alignment with the current Business Plan objectives.  It was noted that the Council had received some requests for outdoor gym equipment in the past but it was important to share the proposal widely with the community and request further feedback.

Three quotations were considered from Sunshine Gym, Wicksteed and Freshair Fitness, for the equipment and additional safety signage. Print brochures were supplied to members to consider further details such as equipment types.

Members agreed to produce a webpage that summarises the proposal, including a location map, which will be publicised via the newspaper and social media for community engagement and feedback.

It was resolved to recommend:

• Acceptance of the quotation from Sunshine Gym (local supplier) at a cost of £12,954.50 for supply and installation of 9 pieces of equipment at 3 sites plus additional signage at a cost of £2,940 plus artwork costs.
• To obtain costs for 3 addition signs at each location to help link all three installations.

4).   Quotations relating to painting the Cheshire fencing at Elford Heath

An updated quotation was received for the painting quotation from the SCC recommended contractor. Including surface preparation by hand grinding, primer, 2 coats of paint and traffic management the cost will be approximately £5,000. This does not include cutting back of vegetation that is required prior to painting. Members were concerned at the high cost and due to the poor condition of the metal, the paint supplier will not guarantee how long the primer will last for.

As main aim is to improve the appearance of the area around Elford, and as such, members agreed a lower cost rub down and repaint would achieve this.

It was resolved to recommend approval for Fresh Touch painting to rub down and paint the railings at a cost of £1,350. Associated traffic management costs have been estimated at £1,063 and a quotations for any vegetation clearance works will be obtained.

5).   Update on pavement clearance activities within the parish

Stafford Borough Council will be progressing with works along Swynnerton Road and Newport Road. TGM will be undertaking the Stone Road works over the winter period and will advise when they have dates.

6).   Quotations to cut back shrub/tree growth on the southern side of Elford pool to ensure area remains open and allows light to the pool

Quotations are yet to be obtained. The work will involve cutting back the coppiced areas to maintain the open aspect to the pool.

7). Correspondence:-

Members received the response from SBC regarding the 2021 watering contract and Cllr. G. Dale had passed on the comments to Ecclian Society. It was recommended that the Council continue to ask the Borough Council to tender for the contract, and if there are any further concerns the Ecclians will consider a backup plan to mitigate any gaps in watering.

8).  Items for next meeting:-

Any items for consideration to be sent to the Clerk.

9).  Date of next meeting:-

Wednesday February 2^nd 2022, after the planning committee meeting.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.50pm.