Issue - meetings

The Committee considered correspondence which had been circulated in relation to the current closure of the wood. 

The Chair advised that members of the Committee had met to discuss the report which had been produced by the tree consultants and that the concerns raised by partners were communicated to the Executive Director shortly thereafter.  The importance of ensuring that the points raised by partners were taken into account when work begins in the wood was highlighted.

The Committee heard from Mr Brookfield and Mr Malone who advised that they had been tasked by senior management to ensure that the necessary works are carried out which would enable the wood to be reopened at the earliest opportunity.  They advised that following an assessment which was undertaken with a Health and Safety officer, there were a number of trees identified which would require urgent attention prior to the wood being declared safe to open.  The Committee noted that it was the intention for the initial tree work to be undertaken by the Council with the remaining work identified in the consultant report being carried out by a contractor.  Once the initial tree works have been completed, the Council will also work to repair fencing and bridges and carry out repairs to the car park and access road.  It is anticipated that this initial work will be completed by the end of January 2020, subject to favourable weather conditions and availability of manpower.

Decision

The Committee noted the positive update from officers and asked that all partners be kept informed as to when work was scheduled to be undertaken.

(Reference: Letter from Chair to Executive Director with responsibility for Development & Infrastructure and response to same)