Agenda item

This report presents an update on the Committee Action Tracker.

The Committee received a report presenting an update on the Committee Action Tracker.

The following matters were discussed:

a)            Condition of Hack Canter Ride. The Chair explained that a site visit and meeting had taken place between relevant parties and the solution agreed upon is to move the hack canter ride. Nigel Whybrow confirmed that the work is scheduled to be done. The Chair stated that this would remain on the action tracker and be updated on at the next meeting.

b)            Noticeboards on the Downs. The Chair informed the Committee that he had met with the Streetcare Manager in January to discuss the updates to the content proofs. The Chair explained that the final proof will be shared to Committee Members and Invited Representatives. The Chair stated that the final proof will be shared by the end of March 2025. The Chair explained once the proof is agreed, they will be sent off to print and put up on the boards as soon as possible. The EDMAC representative explained that an  EDMAC noticeboard was removed last June and has only just been returned. The EDMAC representative requested that in future when the boards are moved, please can they be returned as soon as possible. The Streetcare Manager noted the comment. The Epsom Civic Society representative asked if the noticeboard content would be put on the front and back of the boards or just the front. The comment was due to the back of the boards current displaying the byelaws using a sticky back plastic material, which was not working well. The Streetcare Manager stated that they would look at getting the byelaws printed onto a more durable material. The WERs representative asked if volunteers were needed to help with the maintenance of the noticeboards. The Streetcare Manager noted the comment and agreed to get the Downskeepers to check all the boards and clean off any graffiti.

c)            Spoil Heaps. The Streetcare Manager explained it has been a joint effort between Operational Services and the Jockey Club to begin clearing up the spoil heaps and fly tipping, that had accumulated in the top car park. The Streetcare Manager explained that it is a work in progress, but the site is becoming clearer. The Chair acknowledged Nigel Whybrow’s hard work on reallocating the materials in the spoil heap. The Epsom Civic Society asked what is happening with the other spoil heaps, not in the top car park. Nigel Whybrow explained that the spoil heap on Ebbisham Lane, is a project that is currently happening, and the soil will go onto the ruts along the tree line and be used. The Chair stated an update on all spoil heaps will be provided at the next meeting.

d)            Oak Trees. The Chair explained that a location has been agreed, and funding has been secured for six trees. The funding is being provided by the Epsom Tree Advisory Board and the Business Improvement District. The Chair stated the trees will be ordered shortly and then planted early April. The Chair expressed thanks to Epsom TAB and BID for the funding.

e)            Ice Cream Van. The Streetcare Manager informed the Committee that the Ice Cream Van has been resituated in the Downskeepers’ Car Park as of the 24^th of March. The Chair expressed thanks to the Streetcare Manager and lead Downskeeper for their working on organising this.

f)             Toilets on the Downs. The Chair explained there is still not budget but it will be kept on the Action Tracker so an update can be provided if some funding can be identified. The EDMAC representative asked if the toilets would be permanent or temporary. The Chair stated that they would be permanent facilities if the project was to be able to be funded and move forward.

g)            Fibre Sand Gallop. Nigel Whybrow informed the Committee that they have done what they can. The Chair stated that this item could be closed.  

h)            Resurfacing of Hack Track. The Chair stated that this item has been dealt with and can be closed.

i)             Events on the Downs. The Streetcare Manager informed the Committee that the Business Support Team agreed to put up the relevant information regarding applying to hold an event on the downs, and also the table of all booked events on the downs, onto the Council’s website. The Chair stated that the table of events would also be shared with the Epsom Downs Rider Facebook group.

j)             Race Horses using Hack Tracks. The Chair confirmed this item has been dealt with and can be closed.

k)            Additional Lighting. The Chair explained that some additional lighting will be going outside the Durdans, and progress should be seen shortly.

l)             School Run Traffic. The Chair looked into if there is a TRO for the bottom of Chalk Lane, and there is. The Chair explained that this is an ongoing issue and welcomed solutions from members and representatives.

m)          Dog Walking on the Downs. The Streetcare Manager explained that the Nonsuch Dog Walking licensing scheme goes live at the beginning of April. The Streetcare Manager shared that there is a dog walking code of conduct which can be shared before the next meeting, to get Committee member and representative thoughts.

Following discussion, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)        Note the status and update on actions listed in the Committee Action Tracker.