Council Update on Planning Gain

Lionthorn Planning Gain Newsletter (Issue 4) Winter 2008
As you may recall from the previous newsletter a revised course of action has been proposed for spending the developer contributions of £318, 000 within the community of Lionthorn. The proposal is to split the resources between one major project which can make a significant improvement to recreational amenity and a range of smaller projects dispersed throughout the community. These projects are described in more detail below.

POTENTIAL MAJOR PROJECT

Policy Bing

Proposal – Pitch(s) / Multi Court and landscaping.

• The Policy Bing is sufficiently far from residential properties, however is easily accessible by foot/bike along the adjacent footpath which is being upgraded.
• It is currently an under-utilised resource, however with the proper investment could be a valuable community facility.
• It is likely that investment in the Policy Bing site could attract significant match funding from Sports Scotland / other sources.
• It is an established recreation facility which is proposed for upgrading in the Local Plan.
• Plenty of space so project has potential to grow.
• This project would require further site investigations to be undertaken, especially in terms of ground conditions and define the level and phasing of facilities.

POTENTIAL SMALLER SCALE PROJECTS

Hallglen Recreation Area North& South of Lionthorn Road

Proposal – Landscape and Environmental Improvements• Potential in this location for tree planting, habitat creation, paths, wild flower garden etc.
• There may be scope for limited play equipment.
• This project will require further investigation to assess its feasibility.
• Suggest project is taken forward in consultation with CSFT.
• Discussion will be required with Housing Services who own site.
Fox Covert (Car Parking Area)

Proposal – 6-10 car parking spaces and woodland walk interpretation boards.

• This proposal would give the opportunity to enhance and formalise an area which is already utilised for car parking.
• No play facilities would be provided.
Upgrade existing play areas

Proposal – There is potential to enhance existing play facilities at Glengarry Crescent & Achray Drive.

• The scope of this project needs investigation.
General environmental improvements

Proposal – Money to be used as and when projects come forward.

• Some of the suggestions put forward by the Residents Association include:
• Repair wall at Graeme Place.
• Tidy up the gorse bush area along Lionthorn Road/parallel to Farquharson Way.
• Biodiversity enhancement of Wetland.

The above strategy was considered and endorsed by the Council’s Environment and Heritage Committee on 25th November 2008. It will now be referred to the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee for final approval on 13th January 2009. Should you have any further comments prior to consideration by the Policy and Resources Committee, these should be submitted to the address below (or emailed) by Friday 19th December 2008.

Louise Blance
Falkirk Council
Development Services
Abbotsford House
Davids Loan
Falkirk FK2 7YZ
Tel: 01324 504717
planenv@falkirk.gov.uk

Coummunity Police Updates

FIREWORKS
3rd, November 2008

I am working this week specifically doing duties concerning fireworks and bonfires being set off.

I would ask that over this week residents refrain from putting out their wheelie bins at night time and put them out on the morning of the collection. This reduces the risk of the bins being stolen and set alight.

MISSING CATS
3rd, November 2008

A resident of McKell Court, Falkirk, has contacted me to report that her cat and 2 other cats from the Slamannan Road area have gone missing over the past few months.

I have not received any other complaints and at this stage I am merely recording this for information only.

Breakins

LIONTHORN ESTATE
8th, October 2008

On 5th October 2008, a house within Mitchell Place was damaged as a result of persons trying to break in. No entry was gained and no property was stolen.

Please be aware of this and report any persons seen acting suspiciously within the area.

Residents should ensure they lock their houses at night, do not leave keys within the door, close and lock windows, leave security lights on and set alarms.

If anyone requires security advice please do not hesitate to contact me.

It is part of the role of community police to visit persons to provide free security advice.

Council Update

Lionthorn Planning Gain Newsletter (Issue 3) Autumn 2008

Background
Falkirk Council are in the process of deciding the most appropriate way to enhance community facilities and the environment in Lionthorn and surrounding areas, using the remaining £310,000 of planning gain money which was secured in conjunction with housing development in the area.

Fox Covert Recreation Area - Consultants Feasibility Study
You may recall at the beginning of 2008 the Council appointed landscape consultants to assess the feasibility of providing an adventure play area, adjacent to the Fox Covert. This study responded to feedback from community consultation in 2006 when there was strong support for an exciting play park in a central location. The brief asked the consultants to provide three options with varying emphasis for the Fox Covert site with a maximum project budget of £250,000. The consultant’s feasibility report is now complete.

The table below summarises the options:

Option 1 • Adventure play park, enhanced kick about area & car parking.
• Utilises existing landscape features and includes equipment such as cableway, climbing wall and slides.
• Encompasses whole area south of Lionthorn Road adjacent to Fox Covert.
• Capital cost £234,600
Option 2 • A scaled down version of option 1 seeking to address the concerns of adjacent residents.
• The play equipment is moved away from residential properties and replaces the car parking area.
• The enhanced kick about area remains.
• Capital cost £225,000
Option 3 • Minimal scheme concentrating on kick about area and car parking.
• No play equipment is provided.
• Capital cost £70,900

Local residents had an early opportunity to view the proposals contained in Option 1 at a drop-in event held in Hallglen Primary School in February 2008. The event was well attended and whilst many residents were supportive of the design, those residents living closest were firmly opposed to the play area. Their concerns focused upon fears of anti-social behaviour, and impact on privacy and the environment. The consultants attempted to address these concerns in the subsequent preparation of Options 2 & 3.

Mindful of the opposition to the Fox Covert site, the Council also asked the consultants to consider the feasibility of relocating the play area elsewhere. Suggested alternative locations included:
• Bantaskine Park
• Policy Bing
• Princes Park
• Hallglen Recreation Area – South of Lionthorn Road
• Hallglen Recreation Area – North of Lionthorn Road

The consultants felt that the Hallglen site north of Lionthorn Road was worthy of further site investigation, however the other sites were rejected as unsuitable for the provision of a play area of the type envisaged.

After careful consideration of the options contained in the feasibility study, the unanimous level of opposition to the project from the neighbouring residents, and more general lack of support in the community it was felt it would not be appropriate to proceed with a play area at the Fox Covert.

What next?
Council Officers have recently met with representatives of the Lionthorn Residents Association to discuss the way forward. Following rejection of the Fox Covert play area, the Council’s proposed course of action now is to split the resources between one major project which can make a significant improvement to recreational amenity and a range of smaller projects dispersed throughout the community. These are described in more detail on the following table:

POTENTIAL MAJOR PROJECT

Policy Bing

Proposal – Pitch(s) / Multi Court and landscaping.
• The Policy Bing is sufficiently far from residential properties, however is easily accessible by foot/bike along the adjacent footpath which is being upgraded.
• It is currently an under-utilised resource, however with the proper investment could be a valuable community facility.
• It is likely that investment in the Policy Bing site could attract significant match funding from Sports Scotland / other sources.
• It is an established recreation facility which is proposed for upgrading in the Local Plan.
• Plenty of space so project has potential to grow.
• This project would require further site investigations to be undertaken, especially in terms of ground conditions and define the level and phasing of facilities.

POTENTIAL SMALLER SCALE PROJECTS

Hallglen Recreation Area North& South of Lionthorn Road

Proposal – Landscape and Environmental Improvements
• Potential in this location for tree planting, habitat creation, paths, wild flower garden etc.
• There may be scope for limited play equipment.
• This project will require further investigation to assess its feasibility.
• Suggest project is taken forward in consultation with CSFT.
• Discussion will be required with Housing Services who own site.
Fox Covert (Car Parking Area)

Proposal – 6-10 car parking spaces and woodland walk interpretation boards. • This proposal would give the opportunity to enhance and formalise an area which is already utilised for car parking.
• No play facilities would be provided.
Upgrade existing play areas

Proposal – There is potential to enhance existing play facilities at Glengarry Crescent & Achray Drive. • The scope of this project needs investigation.
General environmental improvements

Proposal – Money to be used as and when projects come forward.
• Some of the suggestions put forward by the Residents Association include:
• Repair wall at Graeme Place.
• Tidy up the gorse bush area along Lionthorn Road/parallel to Farquharson Way.
• Biodiversity enhancement of Wetland.

There was an aspiration for a community hall by some Lionthorn residents, this is not an option being pursued by the Council. Future management and maintenance costs would be prohibitively expensive and beyond the scope of the planning gain budget. The Residents Association also indicated that some residents would like the speed bumps around Glengarry Crescent altered, because they feel that they cause excessive impact to cars. However it is not considered that this falls within the scope of the original planning gain agreement. Moreover Road Officers in the Council do not feel that there is a strong case for altering the features which met with the relevant design guidelines when they were installed.

Update - Footway / Cycleway link to High Station
The Council has completed the section of footway north of the distributor road connecting to the railway station. It is expected that the remaining section of the route to will be completed by Persimmon this autumn. Once this section is complete the cycleway / footpath link will be fully lit.

Your comments are invited…..
We would welcome your comments on the revised proposals before reporting to the relevant Council Committee for consideration. Comments can be made in writing or submitted by email by Friday 17th October 2008 to:

Falkirk Council
Development Services
Abbotsford House
Davids Loan
Falkirk FK2 7YZ
louise.blance@falkirk.gov.uk

Headlines of meeting from council 02/09

Headlines -

Not keen on Resource centre realistic cost £250K +

Likes the Community Garden/wildlife corridor idea at the east end of estate

Ok with upgrading play areas

Roads - need to check cost but if not too high then this can be a goer

Walls no problem

Kick pitch - yes currently reviewing the plans but most likely just a grass area as per original scotia plan

The path to station will be completed by the end of the year. The Council have issued an ultimatum to Persimmon and if not competed they will fund it. They will then pursue Persimmon through the courts for costs



They do want to look at other bigger developments - part funding of blaze area and down to Lionthorn road with our community garden

Next steps - a leaflet will be issued for comment by council. They are looking for feedback and then want to move on the quick wins

Council Options for use of planning Gain

Option 1 – Initial Design Lionthorn Play Area

• Design Philosophy

Capitalising on the strong natural features of this historic location the proposed design aims to marry play opportunities, seamlessly into the existing hills and dips and the new planting features of a ‘woodland edge’
(extending out from the existing edge). However, as this location is on the edge of urban/rural landscape, the
design also has a contemporary feel.
Timber equipment and natural materials and surfaces such as sand and bark have been selected because of their high play value, able to engage children in extended and imaginative play, and to be in keeping with the environment which is already a well loved area for walkers and nature lovers.

The incorporation of sculptural tree roots around the sand area and the carved channels for pouring sand in the boulders, root the play opportunities
into the living landscape.

The design aims to maximise and extend the exciting existing landscape resources:
woodland, path networks, wetlands, meadows and topography. Integrated into the profile of the hill a turf and clay structure hides a secret tunnel leading out to the sand area. (Historically commoners had the right to take materials from this site to build their houses).

Further features such as the wobbly cows on the drovers route (Cow Wynd) and the fox holes, seek to root the design in the context of local history.
As the play area will serve visitors as well as locals, consideration has been given to the provision of (limited) car parking. In addition a small, informal kickabout area has been carefully designed to cater for small groups of users in a relaxed environment.

The play features/equipment including, cableway, climbing wall and slides have been chosen to appeal and provide challenge to a wide age range and have been located to encourage a wide investigation of the landscape’s potential for play.

The play features have been selected/devised to provide opportunity for children with a wide range of needs and ensure inclusive accessibility. The hammock invites good sociable play and co-operation as well as being extremely inclusive in terms of abilities and age ranges providing both vigorous and contemplative play opportunity. Other original swinging experiences are provided with the large rope swing echoing much loved forest adventure activity.

A wide range of seating has been provided including picnic tables, opportunities to relax in the shade and informal seating opportunities eg groupings of boulders, suitable “edges” and perches especially adjacent to areas of focus for younger children. A seating maze is located at the brow of the hill which also invites extended exploration of different routes as well as a great context for chasing games.

There is also consideration of adults/carers and the
desire either to relax or engage in the play/investigations of the children such as with the charming xylophone.


Captal Cost: £234,600 works cost excluding fees and VAT


Option 2 - Reduced scheme
• Design Philosophy

It is possible to redesign the play area on the reduced area following the existing
brief, however, the possibilities of fulfilling the brief in its entirety diminish as the
available space reduces. Fundamental to a high quality play area is the provision
of adequate space which allows for meaningful relationships between the features
as well as significant slack space to invite imaginative and physical use of the
play landscape. Such reductions can make the play provision more prescriptive
and therefore a number of play features such as the rope swings and the maypole
do not feature in this design to allow for a good flow of movement and play. In
addition there is not room in this scheme to provide parking although it is arguable
that parking should not be a high priority in the spending of a budget for play.

The resulting scheme has surprised the consultants in its capacity to fulfil the brief
and indeed incorporates a new wetland feature with walkway across.
• Conclusions advantages / disadvantages of option
Although this scheme has significant potential it is likely that none of the residents’
fears would actually be addressed (as the fears are speculative), although it could
perhaps be argued that the focus of use would be further away from the residents
houses. However as the open hill top is the obvious space for play it is likely that
children visiting would still play there even if the play installations were further
removed.

The play area would still provide good quality play but would not be using the
many natural features, such as the woodland as proposed in option 1. Supervision
of the equipment near the road would be increased, but there is the disadvantage
of having the play area closer to the road.
(for plan see following page)


Captal Cost: £225,000 works cost excluding fees and VAT



Option 3 – Minimal Scheme Concentrating On Kick Pitch / Car Park MH insert plan
• Design Philosophy

Due to the proximity of houses it would not be appropriate to provide a high specification
competitive facility which is likely to attract older boys and high energy
usage. A more relaxed facility with good inclusive access would be more appropriate
with less impact on local residents. However, as kickabout facilities provide
amenity in the main for those interested in football, it is arguable that this in isolation
does not provide for an inclusive mix of users or multi-age users that was
established as a priority through the earlier consultation. It is also the view of the
consultants that to spend funds on extensive car parking where no broad spectrum
play provision was made would also not fulfil the initial brief However as requested,
a reduced amount of parking has been costed here.
•



Captal Cost: £70,900 works cost excluding fees and VAT

Planning Gain Proposal

Title:


Allocation of Lionthorn Planning Gain

Key Issues:

Following on from the recent publication and public meeting on the proposed spend of the planning gain fund. Residents have raised a number of serious reservations/objections around the Council plan for an extensive extended play area. The joint residents associations have consulted with residents and worked closely with Councillor Patrick to develop an alternative proposal.

The Proposal is built around 3 main themes, Community, Safety and Environment. There main 4 elements to it are :

1. (Community) The erection of a community resource centre at Fox Covet Lionthorn Woodland for use as a resource centre including ground works, furnishing and contribution to future costs.

2. (Community/Environment ) Community Garden at the east end of Lionthorn

3. Upgrade Existing/Proposed Play Areas including a kick pitch


4. (Safety) The contracting of Falkirk Council to repair and make safe the speed restrictions on Glengarry Crescent and the repair of damages walling around the area.

5. (Environment) Remaining funds to be used to contract Council/Greenbelt to carry out additional planting and fish stocking.




Action Required:

Residents can provide comment on the proposal



Background detail:

The proposal is based on adding long term value and benefit to all residents both now and in the future. The opportunity to show that the Council, Residents and Greenbelt can work effectively together is one of the key founding blocks of the proposal

1. Community Resource Centre
The proposed centre would be a log cabin style to blend into the local surroundings. The facilities would include one private meeting room, one large meeting area, toilet and kitchen area.

KEOPPS & Finn forest both provide suitable cabins. KEOPPS enable you to design your own cabin.

Benefits
Multi use hall can be used by:
- Woodland Rangers
- Lionthorn Community Woodland Group
- Lionthorn Community Council
- Local Schools to use as a resource centre
- Groups like Falkirk School of Kung Fu
- Lionthorn Residents Association
- Local cllrs surgeries

This spend will have long term benefits that be available to all future residents
PR opportunity for Council, Greenbelt and Residents Association to show joined up working.
Opportunity to hire out hall to local residents for children’s parties & community classes (dance, martial arts, keep fit etc.)
Private room
Toilet
Large meeting area
Kitchen
Furnishings
As a minimum:
The private room would consist of office furniture (desk & 4 chairs, filing cabinets)
Kitchen area – would have sink, fridge, 2 cupboards and would be stocked with kettle, mugs & spoons
Large meeting area would require approx. 25 stackable chairs & 3 large collapsible tables

Considerations

Half a dozen car park spaces would be required
Security provisions – alarms, fencing, windows protected, monitored systems
Maintenance – structural & internal
Cleaning
Management – collection of fees, co-ordinating bookings, policing use, securing building

We would like the council to take on responsibility for the building once the building is operational & paid for initially from planning gain.

2. Community Garden

There is a large area of unused land at the east end of the estate that could be utilised for a community garden area. The estate would benefit greatly from the area being ‘tidied up’ and put to good use.

Not only would it be an attractive entrance to the Lionthorn estate, it would provide an additional outdoor space available to the local community. Consultation with local children would be fostered to give them ownership of the space encouraging them to become involved in the development and upkeep of the area.

Benefits

Improves the overall appearance of the estate
Opportunity to develop more outdoor space that can be enjoyed by the local community
Encourages more residents to become actively involved within the Lionthorn community

3. Upgrade Existing/Proposed Play Areas

The play area in Achray Drive currently has bark as a ground surface however this is proving to be unsuitable. A new rubber surface would be much safer and more durable for the play park which experiences regular use. The new surface would also neaten up the park area and require less maintenance than the existing surface.

Funding would also be made available to add another play area at the Venacher place open space, as detailed on original plans. This would provide an addition play park within the estate that would benefit from the added security of being surrounded by houses.

In addition the buildings of a kick pitch as per the original plans at the entrance to Fox Covert. However this should be paid for by Persimmon as it was in their plan.

The residents associations would also consider a scaled down play area of some description at this site.

Benefits

· Areas become safer for children to play
· More activities for the local residents


3. Road proposals

The current speed bumps around Glengarry Crescent are a major cause of compliant to residents. The natures of the bumps mean that wheels are effectively caught between two kerb stones. The residents value the speed restricting methods but feel that they cause excessive impact to vehicles. It is also proposed that a mini roundabout (raised paint)is placed at the point where Glengarry Crescent splits. There have been a series of very near misses and road rage incidents where residents have not given way to traffic from the right.

It is proposed that the kerb stones are removed and a smooth tar macadam ramp is used.

The Roads department have been contacted for consultation.

Benefits

Reduced potential for claims against the Council for car damage
Reduced cost to Council as improvement work will be paid for by residents, some work will need to be carried out in the near future to repair existing ramps.
Clearer road markings
Happier residents
PR opportunity for Council and Residents Association to show joined up working


4. Wall reconstruction and tidy up

There are a number of damaged walls and eye sores around the area. In particular, the wall at Graeme Place (near to the bus stop at the west end of Lionthorn Road) which needs reconstructing. Bricks from this wall have been used as missiles thrown at cars and have been placed in the road and bus stop area with the intent to cause damage to vehicles. The wall at the post box in the middle of Lionthorn Road has been missing coping stones for a number of years. The coping stones are all there, they just need to be refitted and secured.

Any additional funds can be used to plant out the green areas with the assistance of Greenbelt and tidy up the gorse bush area that runs the length of Lionthorn Road and parallel to Farquharson Way/Glengarry Crescent. This area is currently very untidy and would benefit from a sympathetic replanting.

If funds allow ornamental or native fish could also be stocked into the main suds ponds in the Persimmon/Scotia estate to add interest to the water features.

Dialog is underway with Greenbelt to establish which species of fish will best suit the water conditions. It may be that this is carried out in a phased approach with the initial introduction of fresh water muscles to increase water quality.

In addition to the stocking of the suds, the purchase & installation of a pontoon to allow ducks to be fed in the shallow sud with secure fencing should also be built

Benefits

Area is tidied up and looks fresher
Less likelihood of damage being caused by loose and dangerous building material
Adding fish to suds will increase wild life diversity and also decrease excessive insect life
PR opportunity for Council, Greenbelt and Residents Association to show joined up working

walk round notes - 10/06/08

Here are the spotted defects from the walkround with Greenbelt

Barrat/Bryant 1016:

1. Check landscape plan for original planting at Clanranald and Farquharson
2. Tidy up gorse bed – grub up & replant
3. Check for ownership of verge (possibly Council)
4. Gap plant shrubs (20no. cornus var. + 20 lonicera) play park area
5. Lop dead branch on tree at Play Area
6. Monitor & consider gap planting (kids foot traffic)
7. Strim base of bank
8. Spray out weeds on filter drain (base of play park slope)
9. Mackenzie place woodland - Stump grind tree pegs & consider future management as long grass
Additional thinning of woodland would accelerate growth (not desired)
10. Mackenzie place woodland -Spray out growth on filter drain -
11. Mackenzie place woodland - Write to resident re. encroachment
12. Mackenzie place woodland - Inspect woodland fringe & check fence clearance
13. Mackenzie place woodland - Monitor & consider repair on fence
14. Install padlock to gate strip between Bett estate
15. Gap plant area on top of retaining wall
16. Letter resident re. prunings/topped trees (conservatory built)
17. Patch / re-seed small area


Bett 1195:

1. Repair/replace gate post & check closure on gate in Play Area DM
2. Gap planting required behind Play Area DM
3. Strim & spray out 1m strip at fence backs DM
4. Weed control required at path egress DM
5. Weed control at corner (thistles) DM

Persimmon/ Scotia 1195:

6. Letter to resident re. encroachment FC
7. Beat up of planting around SUDS (20%) DM
8. Install gate for access to SUDS DM
9. Gap planting of shrubs DM
10. Selective herbicide to grass (Broadsword) DM
11. Remove grass/shrubs an replant as per landscape plan DM
12. Consider change of surface on narrow shrub bed (14m p/w fence + chips) FC
13. Play Area concerns:- Bolt repair on hammock, gates not self closing,
Handle broken on seesaw/rocker, bearing on Birds Nest R/A,
Dog fouling in bin, cat faeces in bark. FC/GGL
14. Strim down banking DM
15. Surface path & plant edge DM
16. Debris & general condition of ditch FC/GGL
17. Tarmac remaining under soil FC/GGL


Abbreviations:
FC – F.Cumming (Greenbelt Group Ltd) DM – D. Moore (MG Contracting)
RA – Residents Association GGL - Greenbelt Group Ltd

Richard voted chairperson of Bett/Persimmon and Scotia Group

At the AGM of the Bett/Persimmon RA - Richard was voted on as Chairperson of The Group. This will allow an even closer working relationships with the existing estates RA to be formed as he is Chairperson of the existing RA

AGM - Persimmon

The Persimmon and Scotia Group will be having their AGM on Monday the 2nd of June at Hall Glen Primary at 1930. We will be discussing the draft proposal for the use of the planning gain.

please feel free to come along

Greenbelt walk round - 10/06

The next Greenbelt walk round will be on the 10th of June at 10.00.

If you would like to come along then contact us here or at Lionthornresidents@yahoo.co.uk

Next Greenbelt walk round

The next Greenbelt walkround is in early April. Once a firm date is confirmed we will publish it

Greenbelt Estate Walkround - 14/02/08

latest walk round with Greenbelt this afternoon. They have advised that all the additional work committed to at the end of last year will be completed by the end of March. It appears as if there have been a few visits by GB this year. This includes the fence between the Bett estate and our on Lionthorn road


It has been noted that a lot of clippings have not been cleared up, this will be rectified soon.

One thing has been highlighted around the area of the woodland in Mackenzie place. Someone has been chopping the tops of the trees off and badly hacking branches. The tree tops have been left at the base of the trees. This is particularly disappointing as an agreement had been made with Greenbelt on the future maintenance of the woodland.

The next walk round will be in April

Greenbelt discussion - Woodland Mackenzie Place

Meeting with Alex Middleton - MD Greenbelt
Richard Mclennan & Harold Wilson

07/12/07

* Harold started the meeting thanking Alex for taking the time to address his concerns around the long term care for the woodland opposite his house in Mackenzie Place.
Harold's main points were the amount of weed & grass growth which was leading to a proliferation of weeds in surrounding gardens. Also the thinning and maintenance of the trees themselves as this is a woodland in a housing area rather than a wild woodland.

* Alex apologised for any misunderstanding that there had been between them at their previous meeting.

* Alex outlined a plan of action based around the discussion that had taken place on the estate walk around on 08/10 with Richard Mclennan, Beverly Burnside, MG contracting and himself.

Action 1 - (Early March) Chemical weedkiller will be used in and around the wooded area up to the grass line to prohibit initial weed growth. This will have the effect of initially killing back the grass in that area. The effect of the weedkiller will be monitored and a repeat operation will take place later in the year if need be. Alex advised that he did not like the use of chemical weedkillers in woodland areas in general but as this is an area of concern to residents they will take this action.

Action 2 - (Between Jan-March) Thinning of the elders will be undertaken. When carrying this thinning out, if additional spacing is needed with the other species this will be carried out.

Action 3 - (Throughout year) Additional care will be taken with strimming to ensure that there is reduced blow off from the strimmed grass to the gardens.

* Harold thanked Alex for his action plan and looked forward to seeing the work being completed.

The meeting concluded with Alex handing the new woodland maintenance pamphlet and a suds information booklet to Harold and Richard.