Leisure Field Meeting

Meeting re the future of the Leisure Field Thursday 20^th September

Notes

 

There were 2 members of the Parish Council and 8 parishioners present at this meeting.

 

Current Situation. The Parish Council have signed an agreement with Elton Estates to lease the Leisure Field at a peppercorn rent. The agreement is such that Elton Estates would be required to give 12 months notice of their intention to take the Leisure field back, but they would then be obliged to allow the village the use of a similar area. Elton Estates are to be responsible for providing services to the area.

 

The purpose of the meeting is to decide how the village would like to proceed with the Leisure Field.

 

The views and position of the Football Club were put forward by Mr Fisher. It was not possible to play in the leagues last year, but the Football Club are hoping to reform. At present they play in a 7 a side league in Peterborough every week. In order for them to play on the Leisure field it would realistically have to be cut once a fortnight. In the past the maintenance of the Leisure Field was on an adhoc basis and this really would have to change to a more structured approach. In addition Health and Safety requirements would mean that running water would have to be available.

 

This being the case it was agreed that funds would need to be sourced. Mr Dixon stated that funds are available from a number of organisations e.g. Sport England, but it is a lot of hard work to apply for them and a good case has to be presented. The Parish Council may be able to provide start up funds, but these would only be minimal. It was pointed out that as any group would be under the wing of the Parish Council then any VAT could be reclaimed.

 

It was agreed that a well maintained Leisure Field would be more likely to attract more people and that in turn these people might be more willing to assist in some way in the running of the Leisure Field. In terms of maintenance the following areas need to be addressed:- the grass, the hedge, a possible new hedge on the Nene Pastures side, the ditch, litter bins, dog bins and landscaping to level the area up. In addition some play equipment and seating would be nice. It was suggested that as the area is a flood plain, the Environment Agency may be prepared to assist with some of the improvements. Mr Rowell to investigate.

 

It was agreed that the Leisure Field needs to be maintained. Quotes were to be obtained. Funding would need to be sourced and Mr Fisher suggested that realistically this would be better done under the auspices of a sports club, be it football, cricket or whatever. This question of funding to be reviewed at a later date.

 

Names of interested people were taken for future meetings.