Agenda item

Rose Wicks reported that the Red, White and Blue photo competition which aimed to celebrate London 2012 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee had closed for entries on Friday 28 September 2012. Ninety diverse photographic entries had been received, which would be judged in the next couple of months. The shortlisted entries would be exhibited at the Community Gallery at South Hill Park between 9 February and 7 April 2013.

The Parish and Town Councils in the borough, the public and the Environment, Culture and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel had been consulted on the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy. Objectives of the strategy fell under the headings of provision, maintenance, use and enjoyment. The consultation had finished and a decision was due on this on 12 October 2012.

A Walking and Outdoor Festival was held on 29 September 2012 to celebrate and promote the borough’s public rights of way. Activities included walking and leisure cycling from Frost Folly and horse-riding from Cruchfield Manor Farm. There were different walks to suit all abilities: advanced, intermediate and easy access. There was a good turn out of people at the event and positive feedback. People had expressed an interest in participating in more outdoor activities and volunteering. Smaller sessions may be held in future, but there was a logistical difficulty in holding a big event like this on a regular basis.

Graham Pockett reported that there was a temporary footpath diversion in place for Crowthorne Restricted Byway 12. This was to allow contractors (on behalf of Scottish and Southern Energy) to install a 33kV underground electrical cable to supply Crowthorne Substation via the Devils Highway Bridleway. The diversion had been negotiated with the Forestry Commission. The order had come into force on 1 October 2012 and once the work had finished the order would cease to apply. This was open access land and a new circular route would be created with long term benefits.

A footpath creation agreement had been drafted for signing regarding a proposed new footpath to Sunninghill Road for The Crown Estate. The path would run from the eastern end of Winkfield Footpath 15 at Sunninghill Park to Sunninghill Road opposite Ascot Gate, Windsor Great Park.

There had been applications for modification orders in relation to three footpaths in the borough. There was an application to remove Sandhurst Footpath 15 from the Definitive Map and Statement but after extensive consultation and research the decision was taken to decline the application. An appeal by the applicant to the Secretary of State was refused.

There were ongoing issues with obstructions to Sandhurst Footpath 15 and misleading signage. The western end of the footpath at Branksome Hill Road had been obstructed by a door and a scaffold tower, and the eastern end at College Road has been blocked with a wheelbarrow.

Under Section 143 of the Highways Act 1980, Bracknell Forest Council as the authority served notice to the resident of 26 Branksome Hill to secure the removal of an obstruction from Sandhurst Footpath 15, between Branksome Hill Road and College Road, College Town, Sandhurst. The notice stated that the obstructions should be removed from the Right of Way within seven days of the date of the notice (11th September 2012). In accordance with Highways Act 1980 section 143 (2)(3), if the obstructions have not been removed within one month of the date of this notice, the local authority may remove the obstruction(s) and recover the expenses reasonably incurred in so doing from the person having control or possession of the structures causing the obstruction(s).

The obstructions had been subsequently removed but the signage was still an issue as it was illegal to display misleading signs in relation to Public Rights of Way under section 57 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. There had been comments regarding the condition of the surface of the footpath. Vegetation management which had been delayed due to the obstruction had now been completed.

Two applications were received from the Open Spaces Society in relation to defining the widths of Sandhurst Footpath 21 and Crowthorne Footpath 8. The decision was to decline the application to modify the Definitive Statement by adding the claimed widths between 7.5 feet and 8.8 feet. It was considered appropriate that a width be stated and to add the alternative modification of 2.44 metres or 8 feet. The 1951 Parish Survey had been used as it provided a record of the width at the time of the first Definitive Map for East Berkshire. An appeal by the applicant to the Secretary of State was refused; the Inspector agreed with the council decision.

The number of Green Flag Awards being received for areas in Bracknell was increasing year on year. Awards had been received for Lily Hill Park, Pope’s Meadow and Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park (jointly with Sandhurst Town Council). Other sites to receive awards included Jock’s Lane Recreation Ground (Bracknell Town Council), Carnation Hall and Lock’s Ride (Winkfield Parish Council). South Hill Park would be entered next year, and community groups and private landowners could also enter.

It was queried how to find out how green a borough was. Further information would be sought regarding this.

(Action: Graham Pockett)

Bracknell in Bloom had achieved a gold award again in the small city category for the Thames and Chiltern Region, Britain in Bloom. Bracknell had the highest percentage of successes of any other local authority in the Thames and Chiltern area. Bracknell won the Small City category and also won the Regional Award for Best Roadsides and Roundabouts. Bracknell was nominated to represent Thames and Chilterns in the Britain in Bloom 2013 National Finals.