Meeting documents

4.1 Withdraw all existing arrangements for parking

Trustees favoured Option B as the one which would best regularise the position. However, they expressed an intention to act reasonably in carrying this out, as reflected in the measures within the resolution below.

On a motion from Councillor Vic Pritchard, seconded by Councillor Chris Watt, it was

RESOLVED to withdraw where possible all parking arrangements and enter into new agreements with users. Any unauthorised parking will then be subject of enforcement action. Notice will be given to all users of this intention and a period of grace will be allowed so they are able to adjust arrangements, before any punitive measures are enforced. Consideration will be given to arranging mutually agreeable dates with affected organisations for enforcement to commence, in order to fit in with their planning/budgetary cycles.

4.2 Enter into a new agreement with Bath Rugby to govern their use of the Recreation Ground for parking. Currently, the existing agreement restricts the Club to 20 spaces with 50 permits available for the use of these spaces.

Councillor Chris Watt commented that, as the previous resolution requires a new agreement to be sought, it would now be useful to have a period of time for discussion with the Rugby Club, particularly as there were elements of disagreement and differing perspectives on the current arrangements. (The 2004 document, circulated as an urgent item - minute number 22(1), refers.)

On a motion from Councillor Chris Watt, seconded by Counclllor Vic Pritchard, it was

RESOLVED to defer decision on this aspect to the next meeting so that Trust officers and Trustees can enter into negotiations with the Rugby club on the details of the agreement.

4.3 The car park adjacent to the Club's demise to be marked out with bays.

Trustees were in agreement that this step was necessary to improve access/egress to the area and address the problem of poorly parked vehicles.

On a motion from Councillor Vic Pritchard, seconded by Counclllor David Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED to proceed with the provision of marked bays and appropriate signage.

4.4 Instruct the existing or a new contractor to clamp any cars without a permit or not parked in the marked bays.

Councillor Chris Watt said it was clear that the existing contractor was not discharging their duties as diligently as they might be and this step would provide a better, more consistent service at a lower cost to the Trust.

On a motion from Councillor Vic Pritchard, seconded by Councillor David Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED that an agreement be pursued between the Trust and the Council to allow Parking Services to undertake the enforcement on the site. [A Traffic Regulation Order would need to be introduced to create permit only parking and enforce against unauthorised parking.]

4.5 The upper car park to be secured against entry by use of a lockable bollard. Use of this car park to be restricted to users of the Recreation Ground.

Councillor Chris Watt commented that use of a lockable bollard was not the best way to control parking, which would be regulated by other measures within this range of options.

On a motion from Councillor Chris Watt, seconded by Counclllor David Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED that no lockable barrier be installed and the area be covered by a traffic regulation order.

4.6 Existing barriers preventing vehicular access to the outfield to be repaired and/or replaced.

Trustees recognised the need for repair or replacement and favoured the wooden barriers whilst acknowledging they were more susceptible to damage. The hooped steel barriers were felt to be too industrial for the area.

Neil Jackson, a local resident, explained to the Board that, from his observation, the barriers became damaged through being knocked by bad parking or people sitting on them, and being wooden, they became waterlogged and weakened. He suggested a style of raised kerb used in the US which would mean no need for any barriers. He also commented that any barriers would not prevent all illegal access as people came in via other routes.

On a motion from Councillor Chris Watt, seconded by Counclllor Vic Pritchard, it was

RESOLVED that the existing barriers be replaced and that the Trust's Property Adviser be requested to investigate a robust and aesthetically appropriate option, bearing in mind that the hooped steel barriers proposed by the Park's department were not deemed to be appropriate.

4.7 The gates to the Recreation ground to be locked each night and unlocked in the morning. Consideration should be given to keeping the turnstiles locked at all times.

Councillor Chris Watt explained that the purported right of way over the Recreation ground was not currently accepted so they were free to select whichever option they found most suitable. Trustees supported the need to take steps to reduce the vandalism and other problems that currently exist, by locking the gates. Discussion would be needed with legitimate users to ensure that they could gain access for their purposes.

During the discussion, comments were offered from Keith Davies and Worthy Gilson, suggesting deferral until the public right of way issue was resolved (Mr Davies) and recommending locking from dusk until dawn (Mr Gilson).

On a motion from Councillor Vic Pritchard, seconded by Councillor David Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED that the gates to the Recreation ground be locked each night and re-opened each morning.

4.8 Casual use of the Recreation Ground to be restricted by number.

There was considerable discussion on this point. Comments were offered from Agnes Melling, Jill McGarrigle, Keith Davies, Neil Jackson, Councillor Tim Ball and Nick Parson.

Designating a certain area for casual use was considered during the debate as being a possible way forward; however, it was acknowledged that some activities could not be easily contained within a fixed area (eg, running, kite flying etc).

Limiting the size of groups was also debated; no more than 4 in number was suggested as being a little too restrictive, however some action was considered necessary to establish a difference between casual use and legitimate bookings.

On a motion from Councillor Chris Watt, seconded by Counclllor David Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED that casual use of the Recreation ground be restricted to individuals or groups of no more than 4 in number, with legitimate bookings taking precedence over casual use. Areas specifically set aside for cricket, croquet, tennis etc should have no access except by authorised bookings. This should be subject to review in 6 months time.

4.9 Signage to be provided indicating restrictions.

During the debate, comments and suggestions were offered from Richard Cook, Keith Davies, Neil Jackson, Worthy Gilson, Keith McGarrigle and Agnes Melling covering issues of signage location, style and information they displayed. Calls were also made for previously existing signs regarding times for locking the gates and prohibiting dogs to be replaced.

Councillor Vic Pritchard explained his opposition to signage in general although realised that, due to the last decision they had taken, they were probably obliged to agree some form of signage which needed to be aesthetically sensitive. Councillor Chris Watt agreed that some signs were needed so that users were completely clear on uses, booking arrangements etc, although thought was needed to the amount and style of any signs. He suggested that the display of signs should recognise the historic nature of the site and could echo the style of the turnstiles.

[It was recognised that any proposals for signage would need to be considered in the context of the World Heritage site status.]

On a motion from Councillor Chris Watt, seconded by Counclllor David Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED that signage be provided indicating restrictions to ensure that the previously agreed measures could be enforced. All of the comments and suggestions made should be considered and responsibility delegated to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, in consultation with his fellow Trustees, to work with officers to clarify issues of style, number and permanence of the signs.