Playing field Committee Minutes August 24th 2023

Present.
Councillors Woodcock (Chair), Roberts, Elmer, Hockley, Rothwell, Dent and
Matthews
Apologises Councillor Miller

Declaration of interests None

Minutes of April 27
th
and June 29th Approved

Matters Arising
None that were not already on the agenda.

The Chair invited the tennis club to make their presentation under the heading
of agenda item 5, Tennis development Project.
Mark Anderson and Paul Cansdale thanked the committee for the opportunity
and distributed copies of the presentation and proposals.
The presentation then proceeded with achievements to date, visions for the
future, timelines, and the social benefits.
Councillor Matthews asked “How many of the 300 membership are local?”, and
was promised a breakdown would be forwarded.
Councillor Roberts asked “Vision objectives? Will there be more or less members
in 5 years time? What is the ‘must have’?”

Paul pointed out the LTA recommend 60 members per court (currently 100 per
court) but the vision is ‘ A club, a community, come and play’.
Councillor Roberts asked, in regard to short term proposals, “How long is
temporary?” Answer, ‘Long term’.
Councillor Rothwell enquired “Does low pricing account for popularity? How
many local residents play? How many from outside the village? You are very
competitive”.
This information will be relayed in the next few days, but added a guest may
attend for £5.
Councillor Hockley pointed out that the composition of all the cricket and football
teams also embrace members from beyond the parish boundaries. However
Councillor Roberts said “The tennis club is a large capital investment”.
The meeting was reminded that there are examples of ‘container conversions’ at
the Constable Park kayak centre.
Councillor Miller asked councillor Rothwell to convey her comments during her
absence.
‘Remember there are other reserves and sources to be explored’.
‘Is the Sports council aware of the project plan?’
‘Is the club aware the land and courts are owned by the PC?’
‘Any plans to share the facilities with other sports>’ A. No.
‘Feasibility study? For example, will the ground support the weight of a
container?’

Playground Maintenance.
The Annual Maintenance Plan, agreed by both the Playing fields committee in
April and the SPF committee in August has now been arranged with Kompan.
(This is 3 quarterly visits per annum with the 4th quarter being a full maintenance
service at a total price of 1,946 pounds per annum. This supports both parish
playgrounds).

Sports Council News
The chairman reported that the utility bills during the summer have fallen and
ongoing review of electricity costs were making savings. Councillor Hockley
reported that calculating costs to be shared takes a lot of time, and could be
controversial until the tennis club can have their own power supply. All necessary
electric improvements have, and are, on going. The 24/7 heating has now been
put on a 2 hour timer. However costs are still too high, but lets see what the new
winter rates will provide.
Our Parish clerk Louise has been working closely with Lee Partridge (football
youth teams) regarding football funding, and the possibility of hiring junior school
facilities. She is currently arranging a meeting with the local representative of The
Football Foundation to see what revenue possibilities are available. Councillor
Matthews has also investigated, and is forwarding their sport financing details to
the group. Councillor Hockley stressed that junior players fees of £130 cannot rise
further, thus restricting ‘those who can, and those who cannot’.

East End playing field/Broom Knoll Community Project.
The chairman reported the work on the Boules court had been completed and
used by families and friends. (No matches against Hare & Hounds yet!).
The wildflower bank is in full bloom and a delight for all to enjoy.
The playing field grass now being cut regularly and made the area a more
practical place to play.

Urgent Communications.
None

Summary
The evening closed with reference back to the Tennis Project.
Councillor Roberts still had concerns over tennis club independence and “Will the
investment go bust? The club needs professional help, it’s a first stage project”.

Councillor Dent agreed and said that a business plan and financial forecast are
required.
The proposal to be put to the SPF meeting and the full parish council
“The parish Council is in favour of the tennis club, and would assist it, in putting a
CIL application to Babergh District Council”
Proposed by Councillor Woodcock
Seconded Councillor Dent.

Date of next meeting

Thursday 16
th
November 2023