Agenda item

To discuss the feasibility of allowing vending on areas of Epsom and Walton Downs.

The Conservators received a report discussing the feasibility of allowing vending on areas of Epsom and Walton Downs.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Declaration. The Chair declared that they have been approached by a vendor regarding vending on the downs.

b)           Street trading. A Member of the Conservators asked if the Ice Cream Vendor vacates their current pitch, could another Ice Cream Van position themselves in the vacated pitch. The Streetcare Manager responded to inform the Conservators that due to the Ice Cream Vendor being moved from their current pitch due to health and safety concerns, the Council’s Licensing department would not accept an application for the same site.

c)            Timings. A Member of the Conservators asked if the licences will only permit vendors to work at times when they would not interfere with the training of racehorses, meaning after 12pm. The Streetcare Manager informed the Conservators that some trainers and owners have mentioned they would like to be able to get food and drinks when they are there during training hours but confirmed that no decision would be made without speaking to the training community and nothing that would negatively affect the training of racehorses would be permitted. The Representative from the Jockey Club confirmed that there is a balance to be found, through driving increased owners to have their horses at Epsom, whilst being mindful and careful to not attract too many users to the downs. The Streetcare Manager stated that all proposals and applications would have to be considered very carefully on a case-by-case basis.

d)           Car Park surface. A Member of the Conservators raised that the surfacing in the car parks is very poor and there is a health and safety risk if people are carrying hot drinks and food over uneven ground, and expressed hope that any money made through this scheme could be put back into improving the surface in the car parks.

e)            Tea Hut. A Member of the Conservators raised an issue about thecompetition this would bring to existing establishments on the downs, namely the Tea Hut.

f)             Litter. A Member of the Conservators asked about the litter management for this scheme. The Chair responded to inform the Conservators that the litter handling would be factored into the agreement with Vendors. The Streetcare Manager explained that applications that acknowledge and address litter management and sustainability would be looked upon favourably.

g)           Dogs. A Member of the Conservators suggested that offering treats or dog friendly refreshment options would be a popular addition that would be welcomed by dog owners.The Chair noted the comments.

h)           Toilets. A Member of the Conservators raised that the lack of toilets on the downs would be an issue if there are going to be additional food and drink vendors for public use.

i)             Sustainability. A Member of the Conservators expressed that environmental factors should be considered throughout this pilot scheme, namely reusable cups, bio-degradable plates etc., so as to protect the downs.

j)             Timeframe. A Member of the Conservators asked when the pilot scheme would be commencing, highlighting the difficulties that could be faced if the scheme does not begin until the Autunm and continues through the Winter months, when weather conditions are worse, and footfall is less on the downs. The Chair responded to inform the Conservators thatthe intention is to allow some vendors to begin trading on the downs before the end of Summer.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Agree to move the Soft Ice Cream vendor to the Downskeeper’s Hut Car Park on the grounds of safety.

(2)      Agree to advertise for submissions from mobile catering operators to provide catering facilities on Epsom and Walton Downs in Top Car Park and View Point Car Park for a six-month trial period.

(3)      Agree to delegate the award of mobile catering contracts to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Conservators.