SMRA held a successful drop in event in the Village Hall on the 3rd October, advertised through a variety of media as ‘Have Your Say’, offering the opportunity to raise concerns or ask questions on any aspect of village life. What those organising the event couldn’t answer, SMRA committed to passing on to those who can. This report identifies all issues arising that SMRA could address and the response they made.
There will be further significant community consultation on the detailed design of the new village hall, the pitches and informal sports areas on the Bell Gardens Field and the opportunities this gives the village to provide a better range of services and facilities.
SMRA Item raised | Discussion at the Meeting or SMRA response | Action |
Various comments about lack of activity items for older age groups, though the Motoric Track had some interest. Zip wire hadn't been considered, despite being asked for. Climbing Wall, Skate Park, Pump Track, Street Art/Graffiti Wall | Play equipment suppliers had informed us that a zip wire was not suitable for the current location, however we have earmarked it as a potential for the new teen play area when it comes, along with a list of other potential older aged attractions. Also pointed out the new item (Motoric Track) contained many of the items the older age groups had requested such as monkey bars and hoops. | Responded /future consultation |
Exposed nature of Teen shelter, though positive about the teens having their own area | Discussed the SMRA planned tree and shrub planting due to start soon around the shelter for wind, rain and noise protection. A clear tarpaulin was purchased and installed as a temporary measure for this winter. | Responded /actioned |
Kickabout area too small, goals too narrow for diving | Informed that feedback on the now revised kickabout size had been positive and that the goals were being widened following feedback. | Responded /Completed |
Running track - Youths keen on athletics and want a 100M running track marked on the Rec | The potential to retain part of any school sports day running track markings across the adult pitch during off-season was agreed. Potential for a permanent running track as part of the new Village Centre. | Agreed /future consultation |
Impact of new path when winter comes and the hedges lose their leaves. Privacy issues looking into people’s gardens | Discussed proposed landscaping on boundary, hopefully to be planted soon, shrubs and trees should provide additional privacy and noise reduction. | Responded |
Lack of engagement/ communication with neighbours on Rec plans and other works going on in the village | Accepted. Committed to leafletting our neighbours for future rec works and events. Semi-regular drop-ins to be arranged for better engagement. | Responded |
Potential to move the Gym equipment away from the school into a more private location so thoseuncomfortable exercising in public can feel more comfortable | No suitable location exists under our control at the moment that will not cause neighbour complaints or be dug up in the short or medium term. Could be considered, if confirmed by design consultation on the new Village Centre. | Responded /future consultation |
The Rec plans keep changing without any updates or consultation with Neighbours, every time the plan is seen there are differences | Plans are continually evolving and were shared in various stages of development from May onwards. There were two late changes in the last few weeks caused by the relocation of the Witches Hat and potential for assistance with those costs from the Harris Trust. | Responded |
Willingness to make a sizeable charity donation to have play equipment relocated, including a willingness to pay for lost income | Would not consider a donation unless it did not compromise the layout of the Rec or range of equipment provided and was to the benefit of all residents. Sports England would not allow us to lose the Junior pitch which is intended for both hire and school use and will, during the period of construction of the Hall and expanded Rec, be the only | To be responded |
Height of the tops for the new equipment are too high causing invasion of privacy if children climb on top; ask if the manufacturer can | The manufacturer has been consulted. However, the customising they offered was restricted to the play equipment attached to the towers and not the towers themselves which are likely structural. | Responded |
Request to move some or all the play equipment to be close to the new | Could potentially be considered in the long term if consultation confirmed that was acceptable. | Future |
Several concerns raised about the compressed nature of the play and sports areas with everything | Explained our design took into account and attempted to minimise neighbour nuisance, whilst delivering the most appropriate and best value play equipment. | Responded |
2 basketball hoops instead of 1 | Second hoop at the current location would be a significant neighbour nuisance. However, BB court is a potential | Future |
Bike repair station requested | SMRA Supportive in principle - Investigate for new VC? | Future |
Bike lock ups requested | SMRA supportive of bike lockups for when the Rec becomes cycle friendly (School Expansion work and Rec expansion | Next phase plans |
The path from THR gate to the | Unlike other footpath repair queries which is SBC, this is 100% parish council and will be passed on to them. | pass onto PC |
The school temporary car park will be too far from the current village hall for those going to the Friendly club. When the new village centre is delivered access will be difficult, especially for coach pickups - could spell the end for the club | Out of school hours community parking will be available where the current car park is now. Accept that daytime | pass onto PC |
More litter bins especially by the teen shelter and football pitch | Litter/dog bins require road access in close proximity for the collection vehicles. SMRA to recommend relocation of the pair next to the school car park to where the new ROW | pass onto PC |