Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Operations & Estates Advisor.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Operations and Estates Advisor concerning potential changes to the Grounds Maintenance Contract.

One change was for the inclusion of wildflower areas in the closed churchyards of Holy Trinity and St Mary’s churches. The churches had approached the Town Council in the summer asking for wildflower planting in set areas to help reach eco church status. Although the Council had initially agreed to this request, unfortunately financial implications had since been forthcoming. Members, while still keen to support the scheme were advised no budget was in place for this scheme so it would have to be declined and further dialogue with the church should take place.

The second item concerned land adjacent to Burwell Car Park, Thorney Leys which, it had been established was in the Town Council’s ownership. Members agreed that this piece of land was causing issues for the residents so would need to be cleared and added to the annual contract.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, the additional wildflower planting at the closed churchyards in Witney be refused and,

3.      That, the additional works on Council owned land at Burwell Car Park be carried out for the one-off supplementary estimate £1,400 from the general fund and added to the Grounds Maintenance Contract annually.