Agenda item

To discuss any issues raised by representatives to the Committee, including the following:

·         Information signs

·         Car Park behaviour

·         Ice Cream Van location

·         Toilets on the Downs

·         Vending on the Downs

·         Antiques Fair Sign

·         Downskeepers’ Responsibilities

·         Grassland Management

·         Reintroduction of grazing to Juniper Hill

·         Spoil Heaps

·         Potholes

The Committee discussed the issues raised by representatives invited to attend the meeting.

The following matters were discussed:

a)            Noticeboard Content. The Chair acknowledged that this item had been discussed during Agenda item 2, the Committee Action Tracker.

b)            Car Park Behaviour. An invited representative informed the Committee about an incident in the car park they had experienced and that has been reported to the police. The Chair highlighted the importance of reporting incidents to the police, so the police can correlate and coordinate the data and provide an adequate response.

c)            Vending on the Downs. An invited representative raised concerns regarding the vending discussions that took place at the June Conservators Meeting and asked that no other vendors are encouraged to set up on the Downs. The Chair explained that the vending on the Downs scheme is a pilot scheme, which will be used to understand if there is any additional demand or need for more vending facilities on the Downs. The Streetcare Manager informed the Committee that there is a vendor who will begin a six-month trial, situated in the View-point Car Park. The Streetcare Manager explained that litter picking is covered under the scheme agreement, and the environmental impact has been considered by both the Council and the vendor.

d)            Antiques Fair sign. An invited representative raised that the sign should be moved. The Streetcare Manager confirmed that the sign will be removed.

e)            Downskeepers’ Responsibilities. The Committee asked for clarity as to what the Downskeepers’ are responsible for, specifically when it comes to grass verge cutting, and putting back posts that have been removed. The Streetcare Manager informed the Committee that Surrey County Council are responsible for the verge cutting, and they may not have included the area discussed as part of their responsibility now. The Streetcare Manager informed the Committee that the verges would be sorted, and the location communicated to the Downskeepers’. The Streetcare Manager explained that there has been a few temporary Downskeepers’ in place, covering staff absences, who might not have been as knowledgeable of the Downs. The Streetcare Manager committed to dealing with all of the points raised and encouraged people to raise issues with the Council’s Contact Centre, in order for them to be documented and dealt with.

f)             Grassland Management. The Countryside Officer provided an update on the grassland management work of the Team. The Countryside Officer signposted the Committee to the Habitat Management Plan for the Downs, which can be found on the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Website.

g)            Grazing on Juniper Hill. The Countryside Officer informed the Committee that the possibility of reintroducing grazing on the Downs, is being explored and investigated. The Countryside Officer explained that the next step will be a feasibility study to determine costs and logistics, before going out to public consultation.

h)            Committee visit. The Chair informed the Committee that an opportunity to go and do a tour of the Downs for Committee Members and invited representatives will be communicated soon.

i)             Spoil Heaps. An invited representative asked what will be done with the spoil heaps behind the Derby start. The Chair confirmed they would look into this and report back.

j)             Potholes. The Chair informed the Committee that potholes are the responsibility of Surrey Country Council and invited the Committee to raise pothole issues with SCC as and when they are aware of them.

k)            Epsom Downs Horse Riders Facebook Group. An invited representative informed the Committee that a Facebook Group has been set up for local horse riders. The group is currently made up for 240 members. The invited representative explained that events on the Downs will be publicised in the group, so horse riders are aware of what is taking place and when. The invited representative highlighted that the group can be used as a communication tool, to communicate to and from horse riders. The Committee asked that it is made clear and accessible which events on the Downs have been approved by Conservators and will be taking place. A Member suggested a live document is made publicly available so it can be updated as events are agreed throughout the year.

l)             Race Horses using Hack Tracks. The Chair noted comments made about race horses using hack tracks and confirmed they would speak to Nigel Whybrow and the issue will be addressed.

m)          School Run Traffic. An invited representative flagged an issue with speeding traffic on Chalk Lane and queried if the gate at the bottom of Chalk Lane could be locked. The Chair informed the Committee that Surrey Highways have looked into this and determined that the gate can be locked, but the logistics of how it will be managed is an issue that has not been sorted yet. The Chair committed to providing an update when there is more information to share. The Member from the BHS raised that the Traffic Regulation Order should be checked to see if it mentions all vehicular traffic or just motorised traffic. The Chair confirmed that they would check the TRO.

n)            Additional lighting. The Chair informed the Committee that they have asked SCC for additional lighting, to improve safety, to be put in place outside the Durdans. The Chair stated that if that can be achieved within their SCC Member allowance, it will be actioned.

Following discussion, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Consider the matters raised by invited representatives as set out in this report.