Agenda item

To discuss any issues raised by Invited Representatives, including the following:

·         Top Cark Park Rubbish

·         Noticeboards and Signs

·         EDMAC Runway Damage

·         Event Query

·         Grazing on Juniper Hill

·         Track and Grass Repairs

·         Noticeboards Content

·         Horse Numbers

·         Footpaths

·         Vehicles

·         Downs House

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

The following matters were discussed:

a)            Flying on the Downs. The Epsom Equestrian Conservation Team representative asked if there is a specific area where EDMAC fly their planes. The EDMAC representative explained that there is a specific zone within which EDMAC members fly their zone, it is bounded by the inner barrier of the racecourse. The EDMAC representative explained that there are noise restrictions on planes, and they can check planes, if there are any incidents, to ensure it meets the requirements of the club. The EDMAC representative explained it was probably an internal combustion engine plane that was making a lot of noise, as the electric planes are much quieter, and are the preferred choice of many members now.

b)            Runway Damage. The EDMAC representative explained that horses crossing the runway strips can cause damage and problems to planes taking off or landing. Alex Stewart explained that there is no reason for horses to be crossing the runway strips and stated that information could be shared on the Epsom Riders Facebook group to remind people where they should and shouldn’t be riding. The Chair agreed with the comments made by Alex Stewart.

c)            Hosting a family event. The EDMAC representative explained that EDMAC wish to encourage young people to join and wish to hold a family event to get young people involved and able to try it out.The Streetcare Manager explained that EDMAC need to apply to hold their event on the Downs via the normal form and process, which can be found on the Council’s website.

d)            Grazing on Juniper Hill. The Senior Countryside Officer provided an update on the feasibility study carried out regarding reintroducing grazing on the Downs. They explained that there is nothing in the act that does not allow grazing on the Downs, and shared the Conservators must agree before it is reintroduced.The Senior Countryside Officer shared that it would be sheep grazing. A report will be going to Conservators in June to seek their approval.The Senior Countryside Officer has consulted with relevant parties and the main issue would be animals getting lose and the proximity to the gallops, with solutions currently being considered. They explained that the project will be progressed through getting grants to fund it. An invited representative asked if the grazing will affect the movement of deer. The Senior Countryside Officer said it would not impact deer. A Committee Member asked if animals would be moving around or located in one area. The Senior Countryside Officer said the animals would be located in just one area. The Member suggested reaching out to NESCOT to get volunteers to help with the project. The Senior Countryside Officer noted the comment. The Senior Countryside Officer explained it would roughly cost £15K to set up the project and a key point to sort would be having a member of staff who is responsible for finding and supporting the volunteers who help with the project. The Senior Countryside Officer stated that the timeline of the project is up for discussion.

e)            Repair and reinstatement of tracks and grass. The Epsom Civic Society representative mentioned the damage caused by the repair of the lower track. The Chair mentioned that the area has significantly improved but there is still work to be done. The Epsom Civic Society representative asked if there is a date for when the work is due to be finished. Nigel Whybrow confirmed that the work would all be completed before the next meeting in October.

f)             Horse Numbers. The WERs representative raised concerns regarding the number of horses coming both ways through Langley Vale village. The Chair noted the comments and stated that communication would be made with the relevant parties to update them on the current situation and developments regarding Downs House. The Chair invited the WERs representative to a meeting on the Downs, to discuss areas of particular concern, regarding the condition of bridleways and pathways. The Chair shared that there is a new entrance at the back of Downs House and there is work going into looking at sight lines, visibility and awareness for those who aren’t familiar with the area.

g)            Fallen Tree. A Committee Member raised that there is some fallen tree across the paths on the Downs. The Streetcare Manager asked the Member to share the location of the fallen trees and agreed that the Downskeepers will have a look and move trees that are blocking paths. The Streetcare Manager stated that if the trees are too big to be moved by the Downskeepers, it will be referred to the Tree Officer to sort.

h)            Social Media Videos. The Chair stated that there are videos circulating on social media of hack riders riding up the Poly Gallop on a Sunday afternoon. The Chair shared that the gallops will be monitored more closely from now on and expressed that this behaviour is trespass and if people are caught, they may be prosecuted. The Chair asked the Committee to share that warning and information with users of the Downs.

i)             Open days. The Chair shared that there are dates that will be shared, once confirmed, regarding open days of stables on the Downs. The Chair asked the Committee to help publicise the dates once they have been confirmed.

j)             Filming on the Downs. The EDMAC representative raised that EDMAC would like to produce a video of a plane flying over the Downs, as a promotional element for the club. The EDMAC representative asked if they had permission to do so. The Chair invited EDMAC to submit an application to do so and encouraged them to avoid horse training times. The Streetcare Manager asked if EDMAC would be flying outside of the designated zone when taking the photo and video content. The EDMAC representative stated that they would not need to fly outside of the designated zone.

k)            Hack Gallop. An invited representative raised that there is no sign on a hack gallop, near the bottom gallop, informing people that it cannot be used until after 12. Nigel Whybrow confirmed that there are yellow hack markers in place to indicate that it cannot be used until after 12. The invited representative explained that a sign would also be helpful for those that do not know what the hack marker represents.

l)             Hack posts. The Streetcare Manager informed the Committee that additional hack posts are being installed across middle hill. The Chair asked that hack posts in place can be left where they are and not removed or disturbed.

Following discussion, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

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