Audlem Parish Council – The race is on!

At last night's Parish Council the election of new leaders took place as follows:

Heather Jones – continues as Council Leader
Geoff Seddon – Vice Chairman

and whilst a good deal of other business took place ( which we will report on separately), one of the key issues discussed was the progress on the leasing of the Playing Field and Children's Play Area. For several months now, as your reporter attended meetings the message from APC was – it is happening but no statement of real progress. Meanwhile the Public Hall Annexe has been making great progress.

On this occasion the Playing Field Committee were able to report on progress as follows;

• The Cheshire East portfolio holder has approved the lease, calling period passed, so legal team have been instructed to proceed.
• A condition survey will need to be completed and the poor repair to the football pitch rectified.
• Fields In Trust indicated that solicitors on both sides would be dealing with this. This is obviously a risk to good progress unless an end date is agreed.Fields in Trust have indicated that a non – charitable tripartite deed of dedication was the appropriate route.
• RoSPA have suggested a 3 layer of inspection of the play area is required.
• Risk assessments of the whole are required ASAP.
• APC are in discussion with Zurich Insurance about extending the current liability insurance.
• APC are to invite tenders for ground maintenance.
• ADAPT have offered to carry out woodland maintenance near the Shroppie Fly.
• It was agreed a policy for playing field use and charges needs to be drawn up.

So clearly a good deal of thought is now being given to moving forward but AudlemOnline raises these questions:

Is all this going to be completed by October? Because if not it is going to be very embarrassing for the new Annexe to be opened with great new football changing rooms and no pitch to play on!

The second question is:

Most of the actions above have been carried out by the Clerk to the Council, very commendable – but why is there not a lead Councillor for this undertaking most of the actions.

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