Minutes of a Committee meeting held on 25 November 2008

Present: Dick Baxter (chair), Barry Higgs (Secretary), Brian Smale-Adams (Treasurer), Rosemary Davidson, Erica Hunter and Susan Stobbs. Apologies were received from Nick Levine. Councillor Tim Bick attended the meeting.

1. Milo Keynes.

The Committee expressed its concern that Milo Keynes is unwell and asked the Chairman to write to him on its behalf.

2. Councillor Bick.

The Chair welcomed Councillor Tim Bick and expressed FoMC’s appreciation of the interest and support he had shown since his election. FoMC wished to see the condition of the Common improved. FoMC also wished to see the Common used for events but with minimal damage and nuisance to neighbours.

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting.

Minutes of the 31st July Committee meeting were accepted. Matters arising would be covered in the subsequent general discussion.

4. General Discussion.

FoMC believes there are serious deficiencies in the management and maintenance of the Common. A major problem is that there is no discrete budget for the Common and nobody with overall responsibility to direct work. The following major issues of concern to FoMC were covered in discussion with Councillor Bick who also raised several matters.

1. The Grass. Mowing is too infrequent and undertaken at inappropriate times (only twice a year prior to the two main events). Reliance on grazing is impractical: the presence of cattle cannot be guaranteed, there are too few animals and they were absent for over half of the authorised time in 2008. Weed infestation is increasing and uncontrolled. Grass management and weed control should be carried out in accordance with informed agronomic advice and not based on the calendar or convenience. Streetscene, who carry out the necessary work, should be involved in the better management. Proper reinstatement following trenching for upkeep of the utilities should be insisted upon.
2. Infrastructure. Paving. The repair and replacement of paths with resin-bonded material bounded by concrete curbs and use of herringbone paving at some junctions is advocated by Council specialists. FoMC is concerned at both the excessive cost of this work (when routine maintenance cannot be afforded) and the difference in character of that proposed from the existing tarmac paths elsewhere on the Common. The vulnerability of the proposed surface to heavy fair vehicles must also be considered. The Common brings the country to the town. The fear is that elaborate paving will reverse this. Railings. Those serving Community Service Orders are carrying out rail repainting but work is slow and spasmodic. Rails outside Brunswick Walk were scraped back to brown in 2005: they remain unpainted. Elsewhere rails are chipped and unsightly. A properly funded repainting scheme is needed.
3. Electronic Gate. It has been wrongly represented that FoMC is opposed to the electronic gate whereas it simply expressed both concern at the likely excessive cost (still unknown) and doubts as to its practicality, effectiveness and robustness. A practical scheme devised in conjunction with and supported by the Fort Saint George and Midsummer House Restaurant management is needed.

5. Cambridge Regional College Planning Application.

FoMC was encouraged to take an active part in discussions on the plans for this site as the aspect from the Common was important.

6. Wildlife Trust Plans & Voluntary Work.

The Management Plan 2009 – 2014 prepared by The Wildlife Trust and currently being considered is supported in principle by FoMC but, as with all else in regard to the Common, it strongly believes empowered management will be needed to implement it. This is not possible under current Council structures. FoMC would welcome a voluntary role for its members working under the Wildlife Trust if required.

7. Events.

An increase in the number of major events on the Common (5 fairs, November 5 bonfire, a circus and 2 cycle rides) would further prejudice the condition of the grass. The intense political involvement in the licensing of Strawberry Fair for 2008 and 2009 has been appreciated by FoMC but it understands that this cannot become an annual process. However, although officials issue the licence it believes it will be important that some political interest and influence continues. The West/Central Area Committee may be the appropriate means of achieving this.

8. Appreciation.

The Chair thanked Councillor Bick for giving his time and support to FoMC.

9. AGM.

The Secretary was asked to arrange for the 2009 AGM.

B Higgs, Secretary.
Approved: R Baxter, Chair.
28 November 2008