Agenda item

To receive a report from the Director for Safer Neighbourhoods and the Director for Finance and Resources, ELRS outlining recent management activity.

The Committee received a report from the Director for Finance & Resources and the Director for Safer Neighbourhoods updating members on recent management activity on the Scrubs.

The Chairman expressed his disappointment that to date Transport for London (TfL) and HS2 Ltd had failed to respond to the points raised by the Trust. He explained that he had met with HS2 and had raised his concerns, particularly in relation to the proposed wetlands creation. HS2 had recognised his concerns and promised a full response in time for this meeting, but this had not been received. It was agreed that the Chairman would write to HS2 to express the Committee’ regret and concern regarding the timeliness of communication. The Chairman also reported that he had met with TfL with the Friends of Wormwood Scrubs to discuss the proposals and was seeking a follow-up meeting but this had not yet been arranged. The Chairman explained that he did not want to attend a larger meeting with multiple organisations as he wanted the Trust’s perspective to get the consideration it deserved. He had written to TfL citing his strong objections and had received a response from the Mayor of London, with TfL now committed to a meeting.

Officers reported that the possibility of involving the Greater London Authority (GLA) had been discussed, as it was broadly aligned to the position of the Council and the Trust. The GLA was concerned that the proposed viaduct would limit the development potential of the site and, like the Council, supported TfL’s option C. Option C however would mean that the West London train line and HS2 interchanges would be 600m apart, which TfL had concerns about due to the negative impact on journey times. However with the wider remits of the Council and GLA, this option was viewed as being preferable. Representatives of the Friends of Wormwood Scrubs asked if the Trust had a view on the two station approach of option C. The Chairman explained that he would be reserving judgement until TfL properly consulted the Trust and presented the options fully as until then the proposals were hearsay and speculation. The Friends reported that the two station approach was very attractive to them.

The Friends also asked whether there had been any indication that HS2 would be dropping their plans to create a wetlands on the Scrubs. The Chairman explained that he had had an indication that HS2 would be dropping the proposal, but that the Friends should continue to oppose the wetlands creation until it was formally removed from the proposals. Officers explained that they would be meeting with HS2 the following week and that a further update could be provided after that meeting. It was also reported that other petition points included the plans for the closure of Old Oak Common Lane during construction and the need for a pedestrian and cycle route between East Acton and Old Oak Common stations. It was agreed that it would be useful for the Friends and the Trust to work together to produce a shared vision for the development that would protect the Scrubs while also delivering the infrastructure required.

The Friends asked for clarification on the boundaries of the opportunity area announced in a recent document published by the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), as the Scrubs appeared to be included. Officers explained that the Council was equally perplexed by this and that the Leader would be meeting with MDC to discuss as the Scrubs, the prison, the hospital and the stadium all appeared to be included. Concern was expressed by the Friends that the proposed development could seek to use the Scrubs as a substitute for  green space in the actual development and that any access to the Scrubs could harm wildlife. It was agreed that the Trust would respond to the consultation raising these points. Members asked that details of the proposals be circulated to committee members and local ward members, which officers agreed to do.

Action: Tom Cardis

The Committee also discussed plans for an open air music event to take place in September. It was asked where exactly the event would take place and officers undertook to clarify and circulate details. Members also commented that whilst the job opportunities created by the event were welcomed, it would be important to ensure people had sufficient time to be trained effectively to deliver a smooth event. Concerns regarding noise and traffic issues were also expressed, with the need for proper planning emphasised and acknowledged. Proposals to rent lorry parking spaces at the Red Gra were also discussed, with concerns regarding noise and the need to keep residents of Woodmans Mews informed reiterated.

Action: David Page

Officers updated the Committee on a recent meeting with the Head of Estates at the hospital regarding increased parking charges. The hospital seemed receptive to the suggestion, and acknowledged that parking charges for the hospital had not increased since 2010. It was proposed that charges increase at a rate linked to RPI, although discussions were still at an early stage.

The Committee discussed community safety on the Scrubs and noted that a new vehicle fleet was being introduced by the Parks Police. The fleet of seven vehicles was being reduced to four 4x4 vehicles and one electric, with ten bicycles also being used. The new vehicles would have a higher profile and look more like Police vehicles with blue lights. Officers explained that the Parks Police were a bi-borough service and that the parks were covered 365 days a year from 7am to 10pm in the winter and until midnight in the summer.

The Committee noted the Trust’s financial position and the forecast loss of £180,000 at the year end. For 2014/15 the loss was projected as being £124,000 so the budget was improving. Officers also explained that with the management action described in the report (such as the music event and lorry parking), it was hoped that the Trust could break even by the end of 2014/15.

RESOLVED –

That the Committee agree:

i)    that charging for parking at weekends be addressed as part of the future consultation on parking in the area;

ii)   that the Grounds Management Plan be approved;

iii)   that the proposed budget for 2014/15 be approved;

iv)  that the pre-audit approval of the 2013/14 Annual Accounts be delegated to the Director for Finance; and

v)   that all other activity detailed in the report be noted