To appoint a Chair for Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee from Councillors representing Epsom and Ewell Borough Council for the Municipal Year 2021/2022.

Councillor David Reeve (Epsom and Ewell Borough Council) was appointed Chair of the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee for the 2021/2022 Municipal Year.

The incoming Chair, Councillor David Reeve, gave their thanks to the outgoing Chair, Councillor Jenny Batt for Chairing the Committee throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The incoming Chair also gave thanks to the Voles and Friends of Nonsuch for keeping the park going whilst it had been used by thousands of visitors during the pandemic.

To take any questions from members of the Public.

No questions were asked or had been submitted by members of the public.

Members are asked to declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in respect of any item of business to be considered at the meeting.

In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor David Reeve declared on behalf of all Councillors that all Councillors live within a close vicinity to Nonsuch Park and may use it regularly.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee held on 26 April.

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee held on 26 April were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

This item presents the Joint Management Committee’s final accounts for the financial year 2020/21.

The Committee received a report presenting the Joint Management Committee’s final accounts for the financial year 2020/21.

The Committee received a verbal introduction from the Chief Accountant.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)             Memorial benches: Following a question from a Member, the Officer explained that there is a 15 year-maximum lifespan for memorial benches, due to the difficulties relating to maintenance as they age. The Officer noted that a bench survey is conducted annually to ascertain which benches may need removing from the gardens, making room for new ones. Parties are informed that their memorial benches will be removed, provided their contact details are up to date.

b)            Occupation of Flat 3: Following a question from a Member, the Officer explained that occupation of Flat 3 had been delayed due to window issues. The replacement of these windows are now underway, and expected to be complete within a couple of weeks. It was requested that a note be circulated to Members of the Committee once the flat was ready to be occupied.

c)            Maintenance of road: Members noted that the road between Cheam Gate and the Mansion House had been in bad condition for some time, which worsened with the Mansion House being used as the vaccination centre. The Officer noted an £11,000 overspend in maintenance for the roads throughout Nonsuch Park, although this was partially offset by a contribution from the NHS.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that the Committee:

(1)      Agree to receive the final accounts for 2020/21

To agree a Committee Work programme to enable an annual Work Plan to be developed.

The Committee received a report requesting that it agrees a Committee Work programme to enable an annual Work Plan to be developed. 

The Committee received a verbal introduction from the Chief Legal Officer.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            COVID Memorial: Members spoke about the possibility of having a COVID memorial installed within Nonsuch Park. It was noted that local residents from both Sutton and Epsom used the Park throughout national lockdown, and many lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic.

b)            Queens Green Canopy: Members of the Committee noted that many local Boroughs were looking to plant trees in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee, and suggested that they would like the Joint Management Committee to look into the possibility of implanting a canopy.

c)            Car parking: Members spoke about the potential revenue which could be obtained from car parking. It was noted that some investment would need to be input prior to charging for parking e.g. to mark bays. Members noted the importance of employing strong communications to ensure residents are aware that any car parking fees would be re-invested in the Park itself.

d)            Events: Members noted the events which had previously been hosted in Nonsuch Park, which include the Royal Marsden annual fundraiser and Friends of Nonsuch band. It was noted that it would be of benefit to the Joint Committee if events which had previously been held at the Park could be re-established.

e)            Survey: Members noted the importance of understanding what visitors want from the Park. The Officer suggested that a visitors’ survey could be implemented to establish this.

f)             CIL Funding: Members noted the possibility of proposing a  bid for CIL funding from both Council’s in order to go ahead with some of the proposed works to Nonsuch Park.

Following consideration, it was resolved that the Committee:

(1)      Agreed that it wishes to develop a long term Committee Work Programme which would be brought to every meeting;

(2)      Considered items for inclusion within a Committee Work Programme; these included the Queens Green Canopy and a Covid memorial;

(3)      Considered what matters should be included in the Committee Annual Work plan for 2021-2022.