LECKHAMPTON & CHARLTON KINGS

A MEETING of the Full Parish Council will be held virtually on Monday at 7pm. All members of the public are welcome to attend also virtually. Please contact the parish clerk to obtain your invitation. You will be unable to join the meeting once it has begun.

» Grange Field is at the heart of Charlton Kings. Consultations with the local community over the last few years and the current crisis has highlighted the importance of such an area to people both young and old, and of all abilities. The Parish Council has listened and aims to work with the community to enhance this area and make it more attractive and multifunctional allowing people to use it and enjoy the space at all times of the year. The Parish Council want to work with residents now and in the future and to create a group who have a long-term interest in the Field and wish to participate in future plans for the enhancement of Grange Field. Any residents with particular concerns were invited to attend a virtual meeting on February 4 and CKPC was very pleased with the response and interest shown by parishioners. It was apparent that major concerns were around antisocial behaviour, litter and dog fouling. Some people were also unsure about the proposal to lay an all weather pathway around Grange Field. The Parish council wish to reassure residents that they are working very hard to address their concerns and the following actions are ongoing.

The Council has ordered a contamination survey by CBC engineers to assess the safety of the ground before undertaking any works. As leaseholders of Grange Field they are contacting CBC to determine whether it is the parish council or CBC as landlord who is responsible for the flooding which is caused by runoff from both the MUGA and the Kings Hall roof. Suitable action will be taken as soon as possible. They are working with our nominated Borough Council Community Support Officer to address continuing dog fouling issues. A free bag dispenser will be trialled and he will patrol the field from time to time with the power to impose an immediate fine on anyone who does not ‘pick up’ or who is not carrying a proper receptacle ready to do so. The litter bins will be assessed and new or re-designed lids will be provided where appropriate. A discussion with Ubico about collection will also take place. Several people raised the issue of difficulties in contacting the Police to report incidents so councillors will conduct a ‘trial reports’ exercise to understand the problem and if necessary will take this up with the local police force at the next opportunity. The design of the proposed all-weather exercise pathway around Grange Field needs to be clarified as some people had envisioned a circular ‘racing track’ type of installation. Many were relieved to learn that the intended plan was to link the walkway with 3 spurs to the adjoining pathways. This would provide a safe and dry crossing for pedestrians entering from all sides and form part of the current network of paths. If the working group wanted to extend the access they could add stepping stones to any planting areas provided in the future. It