Minutes:
The following items were raised:
a) Quad Bikes. The Member from the Council informed the Committee of teenagers driving a quad bike up and down six-mile hill on Friday the 10th of October. The Member highlighted how none of the children had helmets on. The Member reported the incident to the Chair of Crime and Disorder and was attempting to report to the police. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare asked what time the incident occurred. The Member confirmed it was between 4 and 5pm.
b) German Shepherds. The Member highlighted that there was a German Shepherd fest held on the downs, with as many as 80 German Shepherds being walked on and off the lead around six-mile hill. The Member queried if it was an organised event that was approved. The Member suggested there is a risk assessment done as the dogs are large and unpredictable. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare highlighted the difficulties with trying to find out the event organisers for the aforementioned event but invited the Member to share any relevant information so the event could be looked into.
c) Illegal Betting. The Member raised that they had observed illegal betting taking place in nearby field following the September 28 Season Finale Raceday. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare explained that they tried to deal with this issue 5 years ago with the police and didn’t get anywhere with it. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare confirmed that they are aware of the issue. The Chair agreed to raise the issue with the Borough Commander at the next anti-social behaviour meeting and with the Community Safety Partnership to see if there is anything that can be done resource wise. The Member from the British Horse Society suggested that HMRC or Customs could be contacted to see if they would take any action to combat the issue.
d) Fallen Trees. The Member raised that there a few large fallen trees in the Warren woods and the Top woods that need dealing with. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare agreed to add them to the Winter Workplan 25/26.
e) EDMAC Noticeboard. The representative from EDMAC raised that the noticeboard next to the EDMAC noticeboard is about to fall over. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare confirmed that this will be rectified and dealt with as soon as possible.
f) Hack Riders. The representative from EDMAC raised a persistent issue with hack riders riding behind EDMAC Members, on the road parallel to the racecourse. The representative highlighted that on the noticeboard content map, hack riders should not be there. The Chair agreed to look at the map with the representative and if hack riders are not supposed to be there, this will be communicated to the relevant contacts and stakeholders.
g) Overgrown vegetation. The representative from EDMAC raised that there is overgrown vegetation by the gate at the top car park near the mile post, which is causing issues for access with wheelchairs, buggies, or trollies. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare confirmed that it will be cut back.
h) Positive relationship. The Member from the Epsom Downs Riders Protection Society expressed their thanks to the Downskeeper who had accompanied him and Nigel Whybrow on the meeting around the downs. The Member commended the positive relationships between hack riders, the Racecourse, and the Downskeepers. The Chair echoed the Members comments and highlighted the multiple positive actions and changes that have occurred on the downs.
i) Benches. The representative from EDMAC expressed their happiness at the new benches that have been installed on the downs. The Assistant Head of Service – Streetcare noted the comment.
j) Coffee Vendor. The Chair informed the Committee of another coffee van that will shortly begin vending on the downs.
k) Running Club Event. The Chair informed the Consultative Committee about an event application that has been received to reinstate an event in 2026 organised by the Oddballs Running Club.