Issue - meetings

To discuss issues raised by representatives invited to attend the meeting of the Committee.

The Committee discussed issues raised by invited representatives.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Litter. The Chair informed the Committee that additional bins are being purchased and will be put on the Downs.

b)            Signs. The Chair confirmed that once he is aware of when the new signage and noticeboard content is being delivered, he will contact Consultative Committee Members and Invited Representatives to assist with installation.

c)            Derby impact. The representative from College Ward Residents’ Association raised the recent comments in the press from the Jockey Club about reviving the Derby Festival. The representative highlighted the importance of taking into account the impact on the local community, especially when talking about increasing the turnout. The Member from the Jockey Club expressed hope that changes to the Derby would have a positive impact and supports the additional efforts to increase turnout, improve customer experience and really invest in and champion the festival. The Member highlighted that from a residents’ perspective, the Derby Festival is a challenging time, but it is also a huge and historic event to be proud of. The Member made clear that it is not the Jockey Club’s ambition to make the festival longer and spread out over the week, but it is keen to increase the attendance and improve the experience of the two scheduled days. He explained that local residents have nothing to be fearful or worried about.

d)            Behaviour of attendees. The representative from College Ward Residents’ Association raised concerns regarding the behaviour of some of the attendees of the Derby. He explained that Cheltenham placed Portaloo’s throughout the town and that could help avoid some instances of anti-social behaviour. The Member from the Jockey Club explained that some facilities are placed by the Tattenham Corner Pub and the Tattenham strait. He acknowledged the concerns and comments raised. The Chair raised that communication is important and Committee Members and invited reps can help get the word out and help manage and raise relevant concerns. The representative from EDMAC raised that the Jockey Club could use a new style app for giving more in detail information regarding the weather forecast and specific times. He also suggested that the Jockey Club contact the special constabulary for policing the event. The Member from the Jockey Club confirmed that Surrey and Sussex Police do have links with the special constabulary and ensure they have the right teams in the right areas.

e)            Maintenance of Bunds. The representative from College Ward Residents’ Association raised concerns about the state of the bunds and the issue with fly-tipping and dumping in the car park nearby. He asked what will be done with the soil that has been put in place and if there is a management plan for installing and maintaining the bunds. The Chair explained that the bunds have been put in place as a deterrent to dissuade people from mounting the curb and driving onto that area. He informed the Committee that the soil used has been taken from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8