Meeting 15 January 2008 at the Civic Centre. The meeting opened with an overview of Park Watch, the decision to hold quarterly general meetings etc. Steve Dewberry of the Youth Offending Service explained how his service can help Park Watch. They work with youngsters aged between 5 and 18 years; provide intervention strategies for those who could offend; and work with existing offenders to educate them away from crime.

The service has outreach workers (alcohol and sexual activities) who go out into the community to support youngsters - under aged drinkers etc. By engaging with them it is hoped to steer them away from trouble. Young offenders are also encouraged to undertake restorative community work such as litter picking in parks.

Updates were given re current park projects at Southchurch Park East and Bournes Green parks. The council officers advised that they had received Big Play Award funding  to create play areas in Eastwood Park, Leigh Marshes and Southchurch Park. An update on Southchurch Hall Gardens was given. Funding has been secured for 3 park rangers. Parks Management Officer, Ian Brown will be arranging walk-abouts in local parks to meet users and discuss issues. The next meeting of Park Watch will be held on Tuesday 15 April 7.30 pm in the Civic Centre

Meeting 15 April 2008 The meeting opened with apologies from Cllr David Garston. Ian Brown (Parks Management Officer) reported on various events that will be taking place in the Borough's parks. Greenspace (the national parks charity) are funding some events that will take place in mid June including a woodland walk in Priory Park. A query was raised on the question of tree pruning. Ian assured the meeting that any work on trees was carried out to a strict protocol. Trees were only felled in the interests of safety. Dead trees were often left with woodpeckers and insects in mind.

Some discussion took place concerning the proposed youth facility for Priory Park. It was stressed that there would be youth involvment in order to gauge the opiniions of those who will be making use of the facility. A meeting of the Priory Park Watch Management Committee would be arranged  soon.

Some discussion took place concerning graffiti and the possibilities of establishing a graffiti club or art wall at Southchurch Park. This was led by Constable Warren Lamb. Daniel Turpin from the Youth Council asked whether a mural on Priory Park Café had been considered. Ian Brown replied that this could be looked into.

Progress regarding projects at Southchurch Park East (wildlife area); Bournes Green Park (wheeled sports facility) Bonchurch Park (user survey) and Priory Park (youth facility) were discussed. 1100 wildflower plugs plus whips have been planted to date inthe wildlife area. The delivery of the bench is awaited. All plantings are surviving. Awaiting result of bid for Bournes Green Park; survey under way re Bonchurch Park. Meeting planned re Priory Park.

Some discussion was held re minor park issues. The meeting closed at 9 pm. The next meeting of Park watch will be held on Tuesday 15 July (St Swithins Day)

Meeting 15 July   Present: Alison Rogers, Mike Assenheim, Rob Dobinson, Constables Vix Bax and Warren Lamb, Ian Brown, Geraldine Scraggs, Mr & Mrs Mangora, Mick Holland. Apologies were received from Marion Livermore.  

Mick welcomed everyone and then gave a brief report on the progress of the current parks projects as follows:

Southchurch Park East conservation area - Planting was carried out during the spring and has resulted in a colourful display of wild flowers in the midst of a meadow. Rob Dobinson reported that dog walkers appreciated the paths cut though the meadow. Ian Brown told the meeting that the tree trunk seat would be arranged soon and that the next phase would be tree, whip and bulb planting in late autumn. A second wildflower bed would also be created encircling the first  

Bournes Green Park wheeled sports facility – Cory Environmental Trust has confirmed that they will fund the facility to a maximum expenditure of £50,000. Tenders have been sent out and it is anticipated that a contractor will be appointed to carry out the work by the end of 2008.  

Whittingham Methodist Church, who currently host a chill out zone for younger children, have said that they would be prepared to open the church hall up on some evenings to provide soft drinks for youngsters using the wheeled sports facility. There is also talk of a dedicated skateboard club being hosted by the church.  

Parks Overview Ian Brown informed the meeting that £1,000,000 worth funding over 3 years had been secured to improve and upgrade 25 playgrounds in parks across the Borough. In answer to a question from Vix Bax, Ian confirmed that one of the playgrounds earmarked for improvement was the Jones Memorial Ground.  

The question of weed in the lake at Southchurch Park was raised. Ian advised that this had occurred due to a rise in nutrients in the water. Measures were underway to eradicate it using barley straw, although it was likely that most would have to be removed manually. The Southend Model Boat Club will be celebrating its 60^th anniversary on Sunday 3^rd August so it is essential that the weed be removed by then.  

The Southchurch Park play area for teenagers has been well received  

The band stage at Priory Park is nearing completion and will be ready for the opening by the mayor on Sunday. In answer to a question, Ian confirmed that CCTV would be put in place to protect the site.  

Southchurch Hall – Ian gave a brief overview of the plans to restore the gardens and explained that as the hall and gardens is a scheduled ancient monument, all work had to be overseen by a professional archaeologist. The consultation process is ongoing.  

Ian also reported that the appointment of the three Park Wardens was at an advanced stage with offers of jobs sent out to the successful applicants.  

Priory Park Project: Mick outlined the proposed project, which is to apply for lottery funding to create a youth facility on one of the redundant tennis courts in the park. He explained that Park Watch was leading on this because only community groups could apply for this type of funding. Youngsters and adults alike were being consulted on the proposed project and to date he had only received one negative response.  

Some discussion then took place on potential problems that the facility might cause. Warren said that the youth facility at Southchurch was having a very positive effect on the area. Rob echoed this view.  

Police Report Warren outlined some of the work that he has undertaken in Southchurch parks to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Vix reported that Sutton Road Cemetery had been subject to theft of plaques and other items from children’s graves. An operation was ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.  

Any Other Business: Rob reported that the swan and 5 cygnets, which are now 9½ weeks old, were doing well. The area was being well patrolled by the local PCSOs, which seemed to be making a difference.  

Mike asked if future meetings could be given better publicity  

The next meeting will be held at Southend Police Station on Tuesday 14^th October 2008 commencing at 7.30 pm. Rendezvous in the front office. Ian and Mike tendered apologies for this meeting.