Agenda item

To receive a report from the Report of the Director for Safer Neighbourhoods and the Director for Finance and Resources, ELRS updating the Committee on the management work undertaken since the previous meeting

 

The Committee received a report from the Director of Finance & Resources on the management activity carried out since the previous meeting.  The report covered the following areas:

 

·     Transport for London and the Potential Impact of HS2

Officers circulated a plan highlighting the key items contained in the Council’s petition against the High Speed 2 Hybrid Bill as follows:-

 

.1.         New London Overground Connections

 

Three options were being explored to deliver the Overground connection.  The Council was not in support of Option A as it would have a huge impact on the Scrubs.  Option B could not be supported as there could be a requirement regarding CPO and it is less desirable as trains need to turn around at the station. The most preferred Option was C.  H&F and RBKC are in support of this option while Brent and Ealing support Option A.  TFL will consult on the 3 options in September 2014.  The Trust requested officers to work closely with our neighbouring Boroughs to ensure we are presenting a joint approach.

 

Action – Tom Cardis

 

.2.         Support for provision of Crossrail Spur to West Coast Main Line (WCML)

 

Officers informed that Trust of the  benefits of the spur.

 

.3.         Improved Strategic Road Connections

 

The need for improved connections to the Old Oak Common station via a bridge link to the east of the station was supported.

 

.4.         Not relocate Heathrow Express (HEX) Depot to North Pole Deport East

 

The Trust noted that the Council wanted HS2 to consider the relocation of the depot elsewhere as its redevelopment could achieve 5,000 homes and unlock the full regenerative potential of the site.

 

.5.         Southern access route from Old oak Common to Wormwood Scrubs

 

The proposal for through movement of people from the north of the station to access the Scrubs to the south was noted.

 

.6.         Early delivery of Crossrail and Great Western Main Line (GWML) Station

 

Both construction projects are currently on schedule to be opened in 2016.

 

 

 

 

.7.         Wormwood Scrubs Wetland Habitat Creation

 

This was an issue of great concern to the Trust and Council as the proposal would take out the use of a large well used area of land for extensive sports, recreation and leisure activities.  The Friends of the Scrubs noted that they were entirely opposed to the proposal as it would be detrimental to the nature of the Scrubs.  An alternative should be found.  It was noted that negotiations were on going to abandon the proposal.  Officers were requested to seek confirmation in writing that HS2 had dropped the idea of flooding the land and seek funding, including covering the cost of decontaminating the Artillery Wall area. 

 

Action: Tom Cardis and Mark Jones

 

.8.         Temporary Closure of Old Oak Common lane

 

The Trust acknowledged that there might be a small period when both lanes might need to be closed but at least one lane should be open most of the time to car and pedestrian traffic during the works.

 

.9.         Removal of Excavated Material

 

It was affirmed that the Trust supported the removal of excavated material via the canal and rail rather than by road to avoid local road network congestion.

 

.10.      Pedestrian/Cycle Link to North Action Station from Old Oak Common

 

A dedicated link for pedestrians and cyclist allowing direct access between the central line and oak common station was supported.

 

The Trust requested officers to provide a timeline when critical decisions were to be made.  The Trust will work with the local councils on publicity to raise the profile and bring public attention to the issues discussed.  The Scrubs should not be seen as a private playground for the development towards the north of the Scrubs.  Any housing redevelopment in the area should have its own provision of open space.

 

 

Action : Tom Cardis

 

·         Up and Coming Events

 

Officers informed the Trustees that consultation was on going with three event organisers.  The Trustees noted that they had received a good timeline on the Good Times application but requested more detailed information about the actual event, precise location of activities, access and an impact assessment on nearby residents.  Officers agreed to circulate the management plan which would address the issues raised. 

 

Officers were also requested to ensure that the plans included training and employment of local people and consultation with local residents.  There was a concern about clashes with QPR football matches.  The Friends indicated their support for hosting events in the Scrubs.

 

It was noted that Olympia had successfully used the Red GRA area as a marshalling space.  This had radically relieved the pressure on parking around Olympia.  The Trustees indicated that Section 106 agreement funding could be suitable for putting in place traffic safety and security measure around the area and fund the replacement of the security barrier.

 

·         Sport Facilities

 

The BMX pump track held an open day on Saturday 24^th May 2014.  The Trustees welcomed the improvements and investment in the Linford Christie sport facilities and requested officers to promote more community participation and involvement in the site.  It was suggested that more events such as fun days, disability sport days should be encouraged.  Officers were requested to report back on the current usage and the future plans for the site.

 

The Trust was shown a picture of a bird mural drawn by a local artist.  It was suggested that designs reflecting a sports, recreation and wild life theme would be appropriate on the prison wall or community centre.  Officers would respond if contacted by the artist to explore what could be achieved.

 

Action : David Page and Mark Jones

 

·         Review License for the Car Park with Hospital.

 

The Trustees noted that time was of essence to conclude the negotiations on the review of the license and ensure proper review dates were included in the contract.   The Chairman requested fortnightly updates on progress.

 

Action : David Page

 

·         Community Safety

 

Officers provided an update on the community safety issues.  The Parks Police are working with the British Transport Police and Network rail to clear a large amount of fly tipping on Railway land.  The Trustees noted that officers are working more closely with the Neighbourhood Safety team to share intelligence and exchange information.  The Chairman requested an update on the outcome of the investigations around fly tipping.

 

Action :- Mike Rumble

 

·         Ground Maintenance Update

 

Quadron was drafting the Interim management report.  Stakeholders’ consultation will take place once it has been finalised.  Officers noted that they were trying to strike a balance between community safety aspirations and wildlife management.  The issue of bramble management will be looked into.

 

Action : Ian Ross

·         2014/15 Financial Forecast

 

A forecast loss of £121,000 was reported.  It was noted that a successful re-negotiation of the car park income would significantly improve the financial position.  Officers were encouraged to seek grant funding from other charitable organisations to fund further improvements to the Scrubs.

 

Action : David Page and Mark Jones

 

·         Other Issues

 

The Friends of the Scrubs commented that the Mayoral Development Corporation had included as part of the Old Oak vision boundaries the Scrubs, Imperial Hospital and the prison.  They were strongly of the view that the Scrubs should not be included in the boundary.  They felt that this was a land grab scheme to include the Scrubs as part of the open amenity space for the North end proposed housing development.  The MDC should not attempt to turn the Scrubs into a Central Park.  It further expressed concerns that the alteration to the London plan and the MDC consultation did not make mention of the Scrubs as a nature reserve nor that it was created and preserved by an Act of Parliament.

 

In light of MDC consultation which will end on the 18^th September, it was agreed to change the date of the next meeting to either 3^rd or 10^th September at Old Oak Community Centre if available.

 

Action : Kayode Adewumi

 

Co-Optees

 

The Trustees welcomed the idea of having non councillor members on the committee from special interest groups such as the Friends of the Scrubs and The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).