MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 21ST JUNE 2007 AT

Received from Middlesex Wildlife Trust 

Alternative Technology Shed:

Solar panels now installed in Southbrook Allotment shed and refrigerator working.

Leventhorpe Turbine:

No current up date

Short Walks:

 Decision to do one of these walks for the next meeting on Thursday 19th July and to meet at the Lock Keeper’s Cottage, Sheering Mill Lane at 7.30pm,  Walk would go along the River Stort and then into Pishiobury Park to look at the recently planted black poplar trees.

Woodland Trust:

“Trees for All” project.  Scout Association are offering trees for a copse or hedging – with 30 for each project of mixed variety.  To look at possible sites whilst on the walk planned for the next meeting.  Scouts to be asked to assist with planting trees in the autumn.

Esbies:    Letter received regarding appeal from residents against recent imposition of restrictions.

Petition from group has been sent to appeal committee. Letter received from Forebury Estates regarding land registry and owners of plots at Esbies.

Countryside Management Service have stated that finance is available for work to be carried out on the two pieces of land purchased.  One field is to be cut for hay and a fence erected around this so that Longhorn cattle or sheep will be able to graze the area. Help will be needed for raking out debris as the grass is cut.

Still awaiting a date for meeting.

May Fayre

A successful event with £34.70 profit.  There is an on-going quiz and John Rider has copies of this for sale at £1. each – closing date 14th September with three prizes on offer.

Southbrook Allotment:

Still awaiting a LEAF grant to improve drainage as flooding is a problem on some allotments.

Local Strategic Plan:

Awaiting information.

High Wych Fete:

Decision not to take part in this.

Farmers Market.

Clive Atkins remarked on how successful the first one had been and brought crowds into the town.  Unsure if trade in the existing shops had increased but many of the vouchers given away at the market had been used in shops.    Next Farmers Market is on Saturday 7th July, will be bigger than before and will also include a refreshment stall.

Sawbridgeworth Brook:

Clive Atkins reported that the Environment Agency had not done any work on this.  Retaining walls on the Brook Lane stretch have been damaged and the state of the brook along this stretch is uncared for.    Clive has sent a report to the local Council who have said they will act on this.  Bridge under the main road still has a blockage due to the build up of debris and the clearing of this cannot be carried out by volunteers.

Flats on junction All84 and Brook Road:

Clive reported that these are very pleasing buildings.

Rivers Orchard:

Clive stated that he has been cutting the grass around the field area to the rear of Gilders and also around the perimeter of the meadow adjacent to Rivers Orchard where many people walk with their dogs.  He had done this as he considered the area looked untidy and was not inviting to visitors.  However he said he had been informed of Health and Safety issues and stated he was aware of this situation but wanted to improve the area.  He also mentioned that the large Beech Hedge near to the meadow area and adjacent to Rivers Orchard was very overgrown and needed maintenance.  Informed that this information would be taken to the next meeting of the Rivers maintenance group.  Chair requested when the lease would expire in respect of Rivers Orchard and informed this would be in 2009.

Hazel informed the group that there was now a new name for the group caring for Rivers Orchard and this was Rivers Nursery Site and Orchard Group.

Clive said he would manage the group who were prepared to clear around the black poplar trees in Pishiobury Park.

Community Voice:

Next meeting is on Thursday 28th June – 7.30pm at Memorial Hall.

Land on the fringes of  Sawbridgeworth along the A1184 in the direction of Harlow has
been granted permission for development and a large number of trees have been demolished there.

Leventhorpe Swimming Pool:

Suggestion that this will be closed at the weekend due to lack of use although decision may be re-considered.

Friends of the Earth:

Information that the Bishops Stortford branch has been temporarily disbanded and although there will be no formal meetings they will still continue campaigning on relevant issues.

River Stort Survey:

Chris Reed mentioned that the Countryside Management Service are carrying out a survey together with Herts, Middlesex and Essex wildlife organisations, to monitor small mammals along the River Stort.  Where wild mink have been eliminated the water vole has come back.  There is a need to monitor the stretch through Pishiobury Park.