Minutes:
Graham Pockett reported on the proposal by South East Water (SEW) to install a 5.5km pipeline which would mostly run through Swinley Forest. Members discussed the likely impact this would have on pedestrian access on Crown Estate Land, in particular the potential for interruption to the new bike trails. There was an exhibition on the Swinley Forest Pipeline Scheme at the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday 2 October, 4.30pm to 7.30pm and Rose had further information regarding this.
Scottish and Southern Electric (SSE) had applied to temporarily close Bracknell Footpath 6, off Longshot Lane in order to conduct trial borehole works. SSE had contributed half the cost to the temporary closure this public right of way (PROW).
Rose Wicks reported on the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order application received from SEW to temporarily close a Byway Open to All Traffic in Sandhurst, in order to conduct a mains replacement. Work was due to be carried out in phases along Yorktown Road and Brookside Road. Sandhurst Byway 16 ran along Brookside and would need to be temporarily closed between December 2013 and February 2014 whilst this work was undertaken. A diversion would need to be in place during this time. The proposed diversion, submitted with the application, would run along Wellington Road and then Yorktown Road which would mean walking along busy main roads and past a busy road junction. An alternative route was proposed along Park Road which ran parallel to Brookside Road. It was thought that this route would be less disruptive.
It was another successful year for the borough, with several parks and open spaces achieving Green Flag Awards.
Newly restored South Hill Park received a Green Flag Award for the first time this year, with Lily Hill Park achieving the award for the last six years. For both sites this was a condition of the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund investment.
Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park retained Green Flag status for the tenth year running. The neighbouring sites located in south Sandhurst on the Blackwater River were strengthened by the joint working of Bracknell Forest Council and Sandhurst Town Council.
Pope’s Meadow, a parkland forming part of the former residence of the renowned poet Alexander Pope, was the first site in Berkshire to receive a Green Flag Award and had won the award every year since 2001.
Other sites in the Borough area awarded Green Flags were Jocks Lane (Bracknell Town Council), Carnation Hall and Locks Ride Recreation Ground (Winkfield Parish Council).
Further information can be found via this link: http://greenflag.keepbritaintidy.org/awards/green-flag-award/
Richard Walton thanked Hugh for his valued work over the years. Hugh Fitzwilliams would be retiring as Public Rights of Way Ranger for Bracknell Forest Council, after having dedicated many years to maintaining and improving the PROW network in the Borough. Hugh would continue to work in a voluntary capacity and it had been suggested that Hugh’s vast experience and knowledge in relation to the Borough’s PROW and open access would be invaluable to LCAF and that he therefore might want to apply to become a member of the Forum in his own right. There had been a number of strong applicants for Hugh’s role and the aim was to replace his post quickly. Hugh had kindly offered to help train the new ranger who took on his former duties.