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Parish Council Report
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EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH NEW RECREATION
FACILITIES
I want to update you on two major community projects which will come under the Parish Council and have been discussed and negotiated recently. These facilities will be of major benefit to many groups within London Colney and our aim is to ensure that there is proper and sustainable management in place in order to maximise the use of these valuable resources
Napsbury Leisure and Recreation Facilities
This area consists of tennis courts/multi-use courts such as basketball, netball, and five a side football; pavilion and changing rooms; junior and large football pitches; and, a cricket area.
The Parish Council proposes to set up a London Colney Park Trust to manage the facility which will be directly responsible to the Parish Council. The trust management will consist of representatives from groups throughout the village as well as representatives from the Parish Council.
Where did the facilities come from? As a result of the planning enquiry into the land at Napsbury Hospital, the Inspector placed a condition on the developer Crest Nicholson which resulted in the recreation area being provided. Itís been a long time coming. The St Albans District Council has responsibility for this, but following an approach from the Parish Council, agreement has been reached that the Parish will manage the new facility and receive financial assistance.
What Stage Now? Before the District Council accepts the land from Crest Nicholson, they have to be sure that all safety issues are addressed and a ësnaggingí meeting was held in July. As a result a number of safety items were raised and Crest Nicholson had 12/16 weeks to carry out the works. We hope that all the works will be carried out by September when the St Albans District can then transfer the lease to us.
Next Stage? When the lease has been transferred the Parish will draw up terms of reference for the Trust Management Group and appoint a community development officer to maximise use and provide day-to-day management. An update will be given at the Parish Council meeting on 5 September.
Caledon Community Association
This will be the new name for the Caledon Club which will now come under the control of the Parish Council, following a decision by the Trustees, the management committee and the user groups.
The Parish Council wants to see this facility being developed as a centre for the whole community ñ just like the founders of the original ëCaledon Clubí intended. Pioneering villagers organised collections to finance the building of the Club over 40 years ago on Parish Council land, and the Parish wants to honour these endeavours, by the regeneration of community activity
What was the previous set up? There was a London Colney Community Association which managed the lease since 1967, who in turn transferred responsibility to their two Trustees. The bar area was run by a separate organisation called the Caledon Club Ltd with a management committee to run day-to-day activity
Why Change? Local police drew the Parish Councilís attention to anti social activity at the Cub, following organised parties. Police informed Cllrs that they were concerned about the way these events were managed, and were also concerned about access to alcohol by under age drinkers. The centre lost its licence following an inquiry by the licensing committee and objections by the police. The Parish Council supported the police but also accepted that not all anti social activity could be blamed on the Caledon. The previous management committee has lodged an appeal and during this time the bar (under the old Caledon Club Ltd) remains open
Repairs to the building, essential to the health and safety of users of the centre, had not been carried out and a recent survey revealed at least 50 serious items in need of attention, some of it urgently. These will need in excess of £30,000 of work
There is not enough money from membership fees to fund the repairs and the Caledon Club Ltd is experiencing financial problems.
The Future? The Trustees have surrendered the lease to the Parish Council. A new Management Committee has been formed. The Parish Council will apply for a new drinks licence. Existing users will continue to use the facility. There is no proposal to do anything with this centre other than to develop a thriving community association.
In fact, as a sign of support from the Parish Council, we propose to move the Parish office into the Caledon Community Association building, and pay rent into the Association Account. In addition, the Parish has allocated £5,000 a year to help with the development of activity and facilities
Malcolm MacMillan
Chair of the Parish Council
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