Present: Cllrs. Phipson (Chairman), Doyle, Standley and Miss Whatmore, R Miller from Wadhurst Tennis Club and T Anstee and K Curtis from Wadhurst Junior Football Club.

Also in attendance: 5 members of the public.

1.            TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apology received from Cllr. Mrs Pearman.

2.            TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA.
Mr Miller declared an interest in item 6.2 floodlighting proposal.
Cllr. Standley declared an interest in item 10.1 grass cutting contract as cabinet member at Wealden District Council responsible for finance.

3.            TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MEETING 7.09.09
Resolved to approve Minutes of the meeting held 7.09.09.

4.            TO DETERMINE MATTERS ARISING ROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FOR UPDATING AND NOTING
None.

5.            PUBLIC FORUM
None.

6.            TENNIS MATTERS
6.1          To consider proposal for extension of Agreement with Wadhurst Tennis Club
The existing Agreement between the council and the tennis club for use of the courts and club room expires 31.03.10. The committee of Wadhurst Tennis Club considers that the future of the club and membership will depend on whether floodlighting is approved; a revised Agreement is not considered appropriate at the present time.

It was agreed to recommend to the full council that the existing Agreement be extended for one year and at the same rent.

6.2          To consider possible floodlighting proposal
The Consent Order has come through revoking the planning permission for floodlighting. Before the tennis club considers undertaking an ecological survey to provide the additional information required for a planning application, the parish council as landowner of the site is to be asked to consider if it supports the proposal for floodlighting tennis courts.

7.            JUNIOR FOOTBALL MATTERS
7.1          To consider proposal for alterations/improvements to pitches
Club report given:

• There are currently 168 members of the Junior Football Club (JFC) ranging from 5 to 14 years of age; membership is expected to increase over the next few years.
• Tuck shop and kit shop are operating very successfully and creating revenue.
• Storage container installed; planting was a condition of planning permission and will be completed in the spring.
• Patio to be constructed in the spring. Request for a contracting canopy to be installed over the patio to provide cover; plans to be supplied and request considered at the next meeting.
• The walkway to the Voelcker Land is very muddy and slippery. A lottery grant application by JFC for installing matting at this area and other improvement works was declined. JFC to provide suggestions/costing to improve the walkway for the council to consider.

A working party has been established to look at the pitches. The proposal is to keep the young children on the main pitch by creating 4 mini pitches with the Voelcker Land being used for 2 x 11 aside pitches and a small training area. This will involve improving the quality of the playing surface of the Voelcker Land and clearing the scrubland area in addition to drainage works for the main pitch; the total cost for the work is approximately £32500.

In order to raise funds, the JFC requires security of tenure. Council committee members were supportive of the principle of a long term arrangement for the Voelcker Land. JFC to draw up a proposal for a new agreement for consideration by the council. At present JFC uses the main pitch on a Saturday morning; there are no plans to extent this arrangement as this area is considered to provide a general recreation facility for the parish. Car parking on a Saturday morning continues to be an issue.

The area by the container is waterlogged. It was resolved to allow the Junior Football Club to carry out works to improve the drainage at this area; all costs to be met by the club. 

It was agreed that the barriers by the hedge can be removed to provide additional playing space; the barriers were installed as a requirement for senior football. The barriers by the car park and access road will remain to protect the pitch.

8.            PLAY AREA/EQUIPMENT
8.1          To consider amendment to plans for play project including the relocation of the kicking wall
JFC is concerned that the proposed location of the kicking wall will prevent 4 mini pitches being created. It was suggested that the wall be located behind the tennis courts; council members explained that this area was earmarked for a shelter under phase two of recreation ground improvements. The location of the kicking wall had already been moved as a compromise following comments from residents.

It was agreed that JFC will measure the pitch/layout and that the final position of kicking wall and adventure trail will be made by the committee before the play equipment installation date of 8.02.10.

9.            TO REVIEW FEES FOR HIRING PAVILION
It was resolved to increase fees for regular users by 50 pence per hour and casual users by £1 per hour as from 1.04.10. There is to be no increase for play and play tennis.

10.          TO CONSIDER MAINTENANCE/OPERATING ISSUES AND IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORISE EXPENDITURE
10.1        To approve grass cutting contract 2010.
Wealden District Council has advised that there will be a 5% increase on the 2009 price of £92 per cut of the football pitches. It was agreed that alternative quotes should be sought.

11.          URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN FOR NOTING OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDA.
None.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.00 pm.
Next meeting will be held Thursday 4th March 7.30pm at the Pavilion, Sparrows Green Recreation Ground