Saturday 12 December 2009

Comments on changes to parks

Anne Garvey, from the Don't Make It Jesus Less Green pressure group, was unable to attend the AGM on December 3, but has asked if these comments on the changes to the parks be communicated.


I wondered , as I couldn’t make the meeting tonight, whether there would be any gap to express the view, which many people attached to the Don’t Make it Jesus Less Green group have made to me, that moving the playground would be a mistake.


Mothers have explained that they like the walk there, the fact that there is a ‘defensible space’ around it – not criss crossed by pedestrian traffic as at the other end and sunnier.

Others interested in Jesus Green express the view that the two sides of the swimming pool are now balanced and moving the playground would concentrate activity at one end, a shadier one.

Safety concerns for children- the propsed move end would bring the children nearer the pavilion which in any incarnation will be haunted by homeless drinkers, now separated from the children side. Also the move would bring the children nearer the water and the fascination of the weir, the river , the lock, an additional hazard now not visible to them.

Waste, a large majority of people took the view that this is simply unnecessary and a waste of public money.

Children at Park Street School, in the top two classes, with whom I had an hour’s consultation, told me that they would prefer some more exciting play equipment for their age group. Would it be a good idea to place THIS at the darker kiosk end and separate younger children who need supervision from older children who can go to the park alone and play? The link would be the skate park but it’s then TOO old for the late primary school children to use.

Safety concerns about the late night use of the skate park and undesirable males hanging about there, this from parents of teenage girls who go down there.

Monday 7 December 2009

Accounts for JGA 2009

Jesus Green Association: Accounts for the period 30 October 2008 to 29 October 2009

1. Receipts and Payments Account

Receipts

Balance at bank on 30.10.08 b/f from 2007/08 422.80
Cash donation 10.00
Gross interest, Cambridge Building Society 0.53
Grant, City Council, Room hire for AGM 40.00
Grassroots Grant, Cambridge Community Foundation (see Note 1) 250.00
723.33

Payments

Public Liability Insurance Premium, 2008/09 37.95
Hire of room at Wesley Church for AGM on 02.12.08 40.00
Print-Out, bill for leaflets and public notices 192.80
Hire of room at Wesley Church for EGM on 17.03.09 (+ photocopying) 43.50
Public Liability Insurance Premium, 2009/10 45.75
Tax paid on CBS interest 0.11
Balance in Cambridge BS account on 29.10.09 c/f to 2009/10 363.22
723.33


2. Balance sheet as at 29 October 2008

Accumulated Association’s funds b/f from 2007/08 422.80
Surplus/ (Deficit) for year (59.58)
363.22

Cash in Cambridge BS account on 29.10.09 (see Note 2) 363.22
Accumulated Association’s funds c/f to 2009/10 363.22



Notes

1. The Jesus Green Association is pleased to acknowledge receipt of a grant towards running costs from Grassroots Grants which is managed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.

2. In February 2009 the Association’s ‘Community’ bank account with Barclays was closed and the funds transferred to a Community Account with Cambridge Building Society.

Hon. Auditor’s Statement
I have examined the bank and building society statements and other documents provided to me and, in my opinion, the accounts are accurate and give a fair and true representation of the financial position of the Association.

Victoria Zeitlyn

Saturday 5 December 2009

AGM report AND APPROVED MINUTES

Dear JGA member,

The 2009 Jesus Green Association AGM took place at the Wesley Methodist Church on Thursday, December 3. In advance of formal minutes being posted on the website, here is a short summary of the key events and discussions at the meeting.

Possibly the most important item is that members agreed to levy an annual subscription of £2.

This is for several reasons. Firstly, financial. We have relied on a grant from the city council to cover the expenses incurred by the association and its committee. To obtain this money means jumping through many bureaucratic hoops and then we are not guaranteed the money. This should put the association on a better financial footing and allow us to possibly expand the scope of the association's activities.

Then there is the issue of members' engagement with the association. By imposing a token membership fee, it will increase people's sense of ownership towards the association. Instead of merely being a name on a mailing list, members will actively affirm their commitment to the association each year. This will also help us sort out who are active members and who no longer wish to be a part of the association, which will be useful to ensure we are quorate at future meetings.

As the JGA strengthens its position as a lobbying group (attending meetings, having a say on issues), it is important that we continue to engage with our members (so we can represent them properly) and the subs is an important part in this.

Can all those who wish to be a JGA member in 2010, please send their up-to-date contact details and £2 in cash to our treasurer, Richard Price, at 23 Portugal Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AW. Can people please drop this money round to Richard as soon as possible. I'll be sending out another reminder in January and doing a ring-round, so please help us to make the collection process as painless as possible.

Another item of note was announced by chairman Peter Constable. After some investigation, he had discovered the Rouse Pavilion (the toilets) were named after a Trinity College academic called Rouse Ball, who was also a long-serving councillor who provided the money for the building on the pavilion. Peter approached Trinity College about getting their support for refurbishing the pavilion and they have generously offered to provide some money towards it. This could be very useful in returning the pavilion to its former glory (it contains changing rooms, but much work needs doing).

We also agreed a strategic document detailing the association's priorities - and the basis on which the association would support any future lottery bid (see website).

There was also discussions over the green's rather abject playground - there is a report on this issue set to be discussed by the city council at a meeting in mid-January.

Peter Constable was elected again as association chairman, Richard Price treasurer, Jack Grove secretary and Martin Thompson vice-chairman. Anthony Bowen was coopted to the committee, representing Jesus College.

About 40 people and about 35 members attended the meeting, as well as councillors Tim Bick and Margaret Wright (Julie Smith sent her apologies as she was in Germany - the committee noted its thanks to her chairing the JGA working party over the year)

MINUTES OF JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION-ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD AT WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, CHRIST’S PIECES CAMBRIDGE
ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 2009

THE CHAIRMAN WELCOMED ALL THOSE PRESENT INCLUDING MEMBERS AND TIM BICK, MARGARET WRIGHT AND JOY ROSENSTIEL AS LOCAL COUNCILLORS.
1. APOLOGIES WERE RECEIVED FROM COUNCILLOR JULIE SMITH WHO WAS THANKED IN HER ABSENCE BY FOR CHAIRING THE JESUS GREEN WORKING PARTY DURING THE YEAR.
2. THE MINUTE OF THE PREVIOUS AGM HELD ON DECEMBER 2ND 2008 AND THE EGM HELD ON17TH MARCH 2009 WERE APPROVED BY THE MEETING AND SIGNED BY THE CHAIRMAN.
3. THERE WERE NO MATTERS ARISING.
4. THE TREASURER’S REPORT AND INSPECTED ACCOUNTS WERE PRESENTED AND ACCEPTED. THE CHAIMAN ON BEHALF OF THE ASSCIATION THANKED VICTORIA ZEITLIN FOR INSPECTING THE ACCOUNTS AND HER APPOINTMENT FOR 2010 WAS APPROVED BY THE MEETING. THE TREASURER REPORTED ON THE CARE OF THE GARDEN ON JESUS GREEN LOCK. THREE VOLUNTEERS OFFERED TO HELP LOOK AFTER THE LOCK GARDEN.
5. THE SECRETARY’S REPORT INCLUDED A CALL FOR AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION OF £2 TO PUT THE ASSOCIATION ON A BETTER FINANCIAL FOOTING AND TO INCREASE MEMBERS SENSE OF OWNERSHIP. THIS RECEIVED THE SUPPORT OF THE MEETING AND MEMBERS WERE ASKED TO SEND THEIR SUBSCRIPRIONS AND CONTACT DETAILS TO THE TREASURER, RICHARD PRICE 23 PORTUGAL STREET CAMBRIDGE CB5 8AW.
6. THE CHAIRMAN REPORTED ON THE YEAR’S ACTIVITIES INCLUDING ACTIVITIES SURROUNDING THE HLF BID, THE EDF DEPOT PROPOSALS, THE MEETINGS OF THE JESUS GREEN WORKING GROUP AND THE ONGOING PLANS FOR THE UPGRADING OF THE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, THE ROUSSE BALL PAVILION, THE SKATEBOARD PARK, TOILETS CAFÉ, JESUS DITCH (ONE MEMBER OFFERED TO HELP CLEAN OUT THE DITCH) ETC.
7. A GENERAL DISCUSSION FOLLOWED ON MANY ISSUES INCLUDING A STRATEGIC DOCUMENT DEALING WITH THE ASSOCIATION’S PRIORITES. THIS WAS UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED BY THE MEETING.
8. THE MEETING UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AN ALTERATION TO CLAUSE 7 C) i) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION SO THAT THE QUORUM FOR A GENERAL MEETING SHALL BE REDUCED FROM ONE THIRD TO ONE FIFTH OF THE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP.
9. PETER CONSTABLE WAS REELECTED AS CHAIRMAN, MARTIN THOMPSON AS VICE-CHAIRMAN AND RICHARD PRICE AS TREASURER. ANTHONY BOWEN WAS CO-OPTED TO THE COMMITTEE AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF JESUS COLLEGE.
10. THE MEETING CLOSED AT 10PM.

Strategic document agreed at AGM

This statement, drafted by committee chairman Peter Constable, was agreed unanimously at the JGA AGM on December 3.

The statement affirm the beliefs and guiding principles of the association, and to create a firm mandate for the group's actions throughout the year.

ONGOING VISION STATEMENT FOR JESUS GREEN

WE ARE VERY LUCKY IN CAMBRIDGE TO HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL GREEN OPEN SPACES WHICH NOT ONLY OFFER MASSIVE BENEFITS IN TERMS OF HEALTH, QUALITY OF LIFE AND WELL-BEING BUT ALSO BRILLIANT OPPORTUNITIES TO GET CLOSE TO NATURE AND ESCAPE THE STRESSES OF EVERYDAY LIFE. JESUS GREEN STANDS OUT AMONGST THE FINEST OF THESE OPEN SPACES AND IS USED BY TOWN, GOWN AND MANY THOUSANDS OF VISITORS.

HERITAGE IS NOT ABOUT THE PAST, IT IS ABOUT THE FUTURE AND IT IS IN THIS CONTEXT THAT WE SHOULD LOOK AT THE CONSERVATION,PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE GREEN.THE IMMEDIATE AND MEDIUM TERM PROJECTS IDENTIFIED BY THE JESUS GREEN WORKING GROUP (SEE SEPARATE DOCUMENT) ENHANCE THE AREA AND ADD TO THE BENEFITS TO HEALTH, QUALITY OF LIFE AND WELL-BEING.

THE COMPLETION OF THESE PROJECTS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME SCALE AND WITHIN AVAILABLE RESOURCES IS CHALLENGING. JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION WILL SUPPORT THE COUNCIL IN SEEKING ADDITIONAL FUNDING UNDER THE PARKS FOR PEOPLE OR SIMILAR SCHEME TO CARRY OUT ONLY THE MAJOR WORKS OF TREE PLANTING, DRAINAGE AND THE WORK ON THE SIDES OF THE PATHWAYS
NECESSARY TO PREVENT IMPACT DAMAGE TO TREE ROOTS AND GRASS VERGES.

HOWEVER THE ASSOCIATION WOULD NOT WISH TO SEE THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING FOR SHORT-TERM IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GREEN FROM SECTION 106 AND OTHER EXISTING PUBLIC SOURCES BEING THREATENED BY THE NEED FOR MATCHED FUNDING FOR THE MAJOR WORKS MENTIONED ABOVE.


ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
3RD DECEMBER 2009

Wednesday 2 December 2009

JGA AGM agenda

JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Octagon Room, Wesley Methodist Church, Christ’s Piece, Cambridge

Thursday, December 3 at 8.15pm


1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Approval of AGM and EGM minutes
4. Matters arising
5. Treasurer’s report and approval of inspected accounts. Thanks to Victoris Zeitlin and appointment for 2010. EDF energy plans. Care of garden on Jesus Lock.
6. Secretary’s report. Future of website. Subscriptions.
7. Chairman’s report

PC to address work by JGA on HLF situation and JGA meetings during year, Jesus Green Working Group and ongoing future of the plans using council funds, playground upgrade plans, concerns of JGA over procedures (public discussion) VOLUNTEERS : for clearing Jesus Ditch, litter collection, clear rubbish.
Rousse Ball pavilion plans for upgrading toilets and café etc

8. Nomination of officers, election of officers
9. Suggestions from the public, debate
10. Meeting to close by 10pm.

Restatement of JGA mission

In response to the Heritage lottery Fund and The BIG Lottery Fund decision to reject the bid of £3.3 million by Cambridge City Council for lottery funds for the wholesale development of Jesus Green, the Chairman of Jesus Green Association, Peter Constable comments:-
“ Jesus Green association, through its members, has been strongly opposed to the wholesale formal development of the Green and are relieved that the threat of reduction in the grassed area, the decimation of the tree population and the provision of wider intrusive pathways and piazza areas is now somewhat diminished.

The main concern was that the £4.4 million of changes would radically alter the character of the historic unspoilt green space, turning it into a “theme park” consisting of segmented amusement areas (high wire zone, ornamental gardens, ponds, adventure playground). It appears the Lottery Committee has had similar concerns about the “heritage” gains of the bid. Our argument was the high concept ideas behind the bid ran contrary to the historic “countryside in city” character of Jesus Green.

Jesus Green association is pleased that the City council has confirmed that the matched funding of £1.1 million is still available and that meaningful consultation will take place on how these funds and general annual maintenance monies are spent.
Membership of the Association reflects a wide spectrum of users of the Green and we take this into account in putting forward our concerns and ideas.

The association will strongly support conservation, preservation and regular effective maintenance of the Green. In particular it will support maintenance and drainage of the grassed areas, a comprehensive tree conservation and replacement strategy (no unnecessary felling of healthy trees), and maintenance/refurbishment of the tennis courts, swimming pool children’s play area, the riverside area, the brookside area and the skateboard park. Jesus Green association will also support the redevelopment of the Rouse Pavilion to provide up to date café and toilet facilities.
It would also welcome discussions on a litter enforcement strategy to make the Green a litter free area for all to enjoy.

I hope that the rejection of the Council’s bid can be used as a platform to bring about effective consultation and action on the maintenance and urgent improvements to Jesus Green to ensure that this beautiful heritage site retains its peaceful open spaces for all to use in an informal way.


Peter Constable
16th April 2009.

Sunday 15 November 2009

Monday 2 November 2009

Bonfires and barbecues on Jesus Green

The JGA has put up a notice about barbecues on the green in the summer - it is illegal but many people don't know this or simply know that no action will taken against them

Just to clarify it is against the bylaws that were constituted when the green was made a common in 1985.

Anyway a meeting regarding Midsummer Common in April touched upon these issues

Here is a quick synopsis:

The main focus was the problem of illegal fires on Midsummer Common where this is clearly a major problem (people pinch pallets and other rubbish from building sites to
build large bonfires) but damage to grass on Jesus Green by instant
barbecues was also mentioned.

It is in fact illegal to light a fire of any sort on common land and that includes the instant barbecues of the sort sold by the supermarkets and widely used on Jesus Green. The police appear to be unaware of the law and have been telling people who ask that they may light fires. (see List of Tasks one of which is to educate the police!)

Cllrs Julie Smith and Tim Bick both raised the very sensible question of
whether it might be possible to find way for people to continue to have
barbecues on Jesus Green without damaging the grass (and without falling
foul of the law).

Pleas made for larger and more rubbish bins on Jesus Green.

JGA response to proposed parks strategy

Response to draft Parks & Open Spaces Strategy 2009-2013 from Jesus Green Association

The deadline for comments during the summer ‘recess’ leaves little time to canvas the views of our members, so this is being copied to them in case they wish to add their own comments or take issue with this response on their behalf. However, in this response we have done our best to represent the wide range of users of Jesus Green.

Overall this is an aspirational document containing many laudable objectives only some of which will be achievable in the short to medium term. Some may not be achievable at all, for example "natural spaces have to be in the right places-within five minutes walking distance of the home" this will not always be achievable in an already built environment. The acid test will therefore be the manner in which this strategic document is translated into a short, medium and long term action plan.
It would be helpful if firm assurances were given to stakeholders that similar detailed consultations will be carried out before any specific aspects of the strategy are implemented.

Although we have certain criticisms of the wording of the draft (see section 2 below) we warmly welcome the inclusion of such statements as the intention to address local concerns about maintenance and to encourage more involvement of groups like the JGA.

Our detailed response follows your suggested format:

NATIONAL REGIONAL AND LOCAL CONTEXT.

We have already commented above on the accessibility within five minutes walking distance. Such a provision could be seriously wasteful of resources and spread the costs of maintenance, provision of services and security far too thinly.

Whilst growth and investment provision through section 106 monies is essential, there is also the maintenance, conservation and preservation of the historic green assets of Cambridge which should share in this 106 funding. Whilst we disagree with encouraging car access to central green spaces, enhanced public transport will give effective access to many more local families.

The key issues on page 8 cover all the essential aspects and we are pleased to see mention of "enhancement" of the parks and commons being achieved through the use of conservation and management plans. We are opposed to the spoiling of these spaces by the partitioning of selected areas for specialist purposes and the erection of buildings etc.
One large omission is the regulation of these open spaces by local government. Although local by-laws covering littering etc are available there is little or no indication that this is either pointed out or put into practice on the greens parks and commons, as far as behaviour, littering and good conduct are concerned.

UNDERSTANDING SUPPLY

4.3 Assessing quantity.
Does natural and semi natural space include allotments and would more allotments satisfy the shortfall in parks and open spaces? If so, would allotments and privately owned sites secured for community use fill the gap. The strategy document is not clear.

4.4 Assessing quality.
It is difficult to comment without seeing the "further text". No doubt this will be sent.

4.5 Assessing value.
This section seems to meet all requirements in Cambridge but we await the promised completion of conclusions.

4.6 Assessing accessibility.
We have commented on car access above. Strategy should focus on public transport facilities for wider access. This section also awaits completion of conclusions.


UNDERSTANDING DEMAND AND NEED

5.4 It is very satisfying to see that Jesus Green has risen strongly as peoples preferred park. It is therefore even more urgent to increase regular and effective maintenance and support conservation and preservation in this area and other historic open spaces.

The KEY ISSUES are fundamentally sound and it is appropriate that where external funds are sought then the need has been identified. However please add AND AGREED to the final key issue.


PARTNERSHIPS AND THEMATIC WORKING.

6.4 It is good to see that the strategy includes Friends Groups and volunteers. This will help the whole community to show individual and group responsibility.

The first KEY ISSUE is fine but the second one needs a note of caution added to the effect that the general use of open spaces for the use of the people should not be compromised by the needs of events which reduce usable space for significant periods and that income from these events should include a "maintenance and refurbishment" contribution.

SUMMARY OF EMERGING ISSUES

All stated are relevant although there is a certain amount of repetition and overlap.(see detailed notes in section 2 of this response)
Among the most important issues are: a) b) e) h) n) o) and q)
The five most important being:
a) b)e) n) and q)

Section 2
Specific comments on text

Page 8 section 3 end (and issue (m) in the summary of emerging issues):

"The need to raise the profile, understanding and value of parks and open
spaces in Cambridge". Is the intention to say:

"The need to increase public awareness and appreciation of parks and open
spaces"?


P10 Section 4.2, Standards of provision, assessment of quantity of open
spaces is based on the populations estimates in Table 1 on page 7 which
includes an estimate for the city's population of 113,900 for 2006. It is
not clear whether this figure includes:

(a) undergraduate and graduate students of Cambridge University most of
whom also have access to extensive university and college sports
facilities;

(b) undergraduate and graduate students of Anglia Ruskin University who
may not have access to such facilities.

The combined student bodies of these universities are a significant
proportion of the city's population (perhaps 20-25%) and the strategy
needs to recognise this and to state whether or not their needs are
recognised and addressed.

P14
Of considerable concern is the weight attached in Section 5 to
the data derived from " . . . three surveys (two by post, one by 'phone
with limited sample size) in which users of parks were asked questions to
explore aspects of the way they use parks."

The author of para 5.2 states that " . . . The answers are not necessarily
comparable in pure statistical terms because of different methodologies and
slightly different wordings . . ." but then goes on in sections 5.2 to 5.7
inclusive to use percentages derived from the responses in the surveys to
identify trends in the use of parks and open spaces. Without sight of the
data it is hard to comment but it would seem wise to treat the trends and
inferences in these sections with extreme caution.


Page 21: The second sentence of the second para in Section 7.5 at the top:

"There is therefore a tension between the need to conserve the historic
open spaces in the city centre and the need to improve and enhance spaces
in the residential suburban neighbourhoods."

It does not seem appropriate to use the word ‘tension’ here. The sentence quoted above can be made more relevant by deleting the words
'tension between the'.


P23
Further editing work needs to be done to the 22 emerging issues. As drafted they contain repetition and are a mixture of what might be described as broad aims such as:
(m) "The need to raise the profile, understanding and value of parks and
open spaces in Cambridge" which, as stated in 6 above, we think would be
better stated as "The need to increase public awareness and appreciation of
parks and open spaces".

and measurable objectives such as

(a) "Address local concerns about standards of provision and maintenance".

It would be better to separate these broad aims from the objectives. It
would also be helpful to subdivide both under headings such as:

Management issues (e.g. range of provision, standards of provision,
standards of maintenance)

Finance (funding of maintenance, funding of additions/improvements to green
spaces)

Engagement with citizens.

There is much repetition - the same thing being said in different ways. For
example, (a), (b), (c), (d), (j), and (n), all involve engagement of some
sort with citizens.

Another example is provided by (e) "Revise conservation and management plans of key parks and open spaces" and (r) "Develop conservation, habitat and management plans for parks and open spaces".


Once the strategy document has been finalised, the JGA looks forward to playing a full part in helping to formulate the action plan to follow.


Submitted on behalf of the Jesus Green Association 13/8/09
Peter Constable Chair
Martin Thompson Vice-Chair
Richard Price Treasurer

Skateboard competition

A skateboard competition took place at the Jesus Green skatepark on Saturday, September 26.

This was organised by Chypps, the young people's play activities team at Cambridge City Council.

This is exactly what the way the green should be used and a very good way to engage young people. It also follows a fantastic programme of events over the summer by this team, which kept thousands of children occupied and delighted during the holidays.

Children, parents and child care workers who used the scheme it was fantastic and let's hope they get the recognition they so richly deserve for their efforts.

DIsquiet over consultation process

Committee members of the JGA have written to the city council as we are concerned
about the current consultation over the new Jesus Green plans

The council is consulting a whole range of different organisations and groups, but the
JGA (set up as an independent voice to represent those with an interest in JG) has not been included in the list of those to be consulted.

The only mention of the JGA in the document is under 'Report' is where we learn that a report of the findings will be distributed to JGA (among others).

This only reinforces our suspicion that the council is trying to sideline the Association while driving an agenda that we might not want to support.

The play area questionnaire seems to cover the key questions but we are concerned about the following question in the extremely brief skateboard area questionnaire:
>
> "Would you like to see some equipment aimed at teenagers on Jesus Green?"
> Yes/No "If yes, what kind of equipment would you like to see?"

It seems pretty obvious that the answer will be "Yes" and that this will provide the council with the 'evidence' it needs to justify the creation of the 'adventure pay area' that keeps cropping up - in the lottery bid, the priorities list etc.

We have always expressed concern about this because details of what the council has in mind have never been forthcoming and we have doubts about whether such a thing is appropriate for the Green. The question of whether or not Jesus Green is the right place for something like this has never been raised by the council or discussed.

Although the framework is headed: "Consultation with children, young people and parents/carers re Jesus Green Play Park and Skate ramp" the very loaded question about equipment aimed at teenagers makes it clear that the council's thinking extends well beyond these two areas.

It would be worth reminding ourselves of the strongly supported views expressed at the JGA's two recent and well attended public meetings - our AGM on Tuesday 2 December last year and our extraordinary general meeting on Tuesday 17 March. The minutes of the AGM include this statement

" . . . there was much desire for maintenance and improvement of what
exists, but great dislike of novelty . . ."

A document opposing development of the Green, including an adventure play area, but supporting conservation, preservation and regular effective maintenance (incl skate board and children's play areas) was unanimously adopted at our EGM

Our next AGM will be on Thursday 3 December at which it would be good to express gratitude and support for things that the Association has been pressing for. However, we shall not hesitate to offer our members the chance to discuss issues that are of concern such as any plans to 'develop' the Green.

Good news on path

It appears the JGA's pleas for maintenance on the green have finally been listened to.

Plans to repair the plane tree avenue path have been adopted by the city council for possible section 106 cash. In terms of city-wide priorities, this path is second on the list behind the refurbishment of the Kelsey Kerridge climbing wall (surely something of a niche activity).

That means Jesus Green could be in line for some planning gain money for next year - a better scenario than the previous situation where Jesus Green was denied any money at all because of the distant promise of millions (for a scheme we didn't want)

Well done to Tim Bick for speaking at the West/Central committee in support of Jesus Green.

Interesting how well the Newnham ward does well under the West Central area priorities. Six out of the seven area spending commitments are for Lammas Land (including improved kiosk, benches, river access shelter, shelter and paddling pool). Saying that their tennis court doesn't get a look in and it's just as bad as ours.

Jesus Green AGM

The 2009 Jesus Green annual general meeting will take place in the Octagon Room of Wesley Church, in King Street, Cambridge, will take place on Thursday, December 3 at 7.30pm.

Please inform all JGA members and anyone else who is interested in the green or who wishes to become a JGA member.

An agenda for the meeting will be published on this site shortly

Sunday 26 July 2009

Shocking state of the grass tennis courts


I don't know if anyone has tried to play tennis recently on Jesus Green. If they have, good luck to them.

You will be lucky to get on one of the two hardcourts, which are constantly occupied by foreign language students tapping the ball to each other. This is fine but you will never get tired doing this, so such games can last hours and students have not compunction to get off after half an hour if people are waiting.

The lines on these courts have not been painted this year and are therefore hugely worn out and barely visible. There is also no winder on the net so it has inevitably lost tension and sagged below the required level. This leads to people making rather pathetic efforts to raise the net just so they can have a game (either attach winders or supervise the courts and have someone raise the nets when required, if that is the approach).

Then there is the terrible state of the grass courts. These are the worst they have ever been. I played a few decent matches on those courts two years ago, but the persistent neglect by the council means they are now unplayable. The ball bounces unevenly and jags off the surface at unpredictable and strange angles. This is part of grass court tennis (as McEnroe tells us at Wimbledon) but for every bounce. The nets are also badly damaged and the fences vandalised, encouraging footballers to play on it.

This is because there is virtually no maintenance of the courts. They are mowed to an acceptable level, but there is no pre-season care (rolling or spiking, which is essential) which means the court can never be flat. Street Scene say this is because there is no roller (an excuse put forward for the proposed scrapping of the Hobbs cricket pitch), but really there is no will to get the courts up to a playable level. Offers for volunteers to take over the maintenance were ebuffed due to health and safety reasons.

Sadly it's time to scrap the grass courts. These were great fun for many years but are just too awful to play on anymore. It is a shame to lose the city's last grass courts but, in truth, we have already lost them because they are so bad.

Bring on the proposed £80K pair of hard courts so at least tennis fans can get have a chance of getting a game. 

Friday 10 July 2009

Midsummer Fair problems and police action


This was a letter sent by Inspector Ian Lyons regarding the latest Midsummer Fair

Dear residents,

I am Inspector Ian lyons from the Cambridge City reactive policing teams. I have the responsibility of looking after community reassurance during the forthcoming Midsummer Fair from Wednesday,24th June 2009 until Monday, 29th June 2009.

It is paramount for me to hear what your concerns are regarding this summer fair, in particular the way it affects you or your local community. Once aware of these problems I can address them with you and take positive action.

So far feedback from residents shows concerns around the following:

 

      General disorder in the neighbourhood

 

      Loud parties causing disruption to the community after the Fair has finished.

 

      High volumes of traffic and parking issues

 

      Shoplifting

 

A lot of work has already been done with organisers and other partner agencies to minimise these issues. These include joint high visible patrols throughout the periphery of the Common.

For the fair site itself, this is subject to a planned police operation which has been refined over many years to deal with incidents on the site.

The fair can also have a wider effect on the local community & because of this we will have additional staff on duty many of whom will be your local officers, & the Rural Community Action Team. Whose role is to deal with the issues that affect the wider community. Please be assured that new police powers relating to alcohol based disorder will be used to direct people to leave the area in fitting circumstances - failure to do so may result in their arrest.

 

During the week leading up the fair the city council event management will be on site. They will hold daily meetings on the site at 10:00hrs  to which community representatives are invited to attend, the local police officers & community support officers will also attend. There will be signs placed out when community support officers are patrolling the area & I would urge you to make contact with them if you see them, any information will be greatly appreciated by them.

 

If you have concerns relating to a parking , then 'Legion Parking' can be contacted on 01223458500. Having already spoken to the Contract Manager of Legion, I have been assured that there will be an increase of patrols from their officers throughout the week.

 

During the week please feel free to use e-cops to pass messages to the Neighbourhood Officers. When the fair has finished, I would appreciate it if you are able to give the Neighbourhood Teams some feedback as to your general concerns relating to the Fair. Through this I will then be able to look ahead for next year.

 

Many thanks,

 

Ian Lyons

T/ Inspector

 



Jesus Green lock



Repairs to the Jesus Green lock are currently taking place and will run until the end of July.


River manager Phillippa Noon has asked JGA members to suggest ways to improve the lock island garden. If anyone has ideas, then please email us and we will send on the comments to her




Letter from Phillippa Noon


With reference to our brief conversation following the Jesus Green Stakeholder liaison workshop at the Wesley Chapel on 20 April, I can now confirm that the Conservators are due to suspend navigation through Jesus Lock for the period Friday 19th June to Friday 31st July inclusive.

During this period of closure, the old wooden v-doors will be lifted out and taken to a specialist workshop in Halifax.

There, they will be copied by craftsmen using new oak timbers, thence returned to the lock in late July.

A mobile crane is to be used to perform the lifting operations, positioned beside Jesus Green Lock-Keeper’s House.

In order to ensure public safety during operations, we have requested a public footpath closure along the frontage of Jesus Green Lock-Keeper’s House and Jesus Green footbridge on the following dates:Wednesday 24 June 2009, 8am to 6pm Tuesday 28 July 2009, 8am to 6pm.

We have allowed a generous time ‘window’ however, it is most likely that both footpaths will be reopened before the end of the afternoon.

Fencing will demarcate the site working area and signs will be in place to re-direct pedestrians and cyclists. Clearly, the footpath closure on both days will have an impact upon local residents and we should be grateful for any assistance which you might lend us in communicating this closure to local residents.

Pedestrians and cyclists wishing to seek access to and from Chesterton Road will have to use alternative river crossings (Victoria Bridge or Magdalene Bridge). Standard footpath closure notices will be displayed, in accordance with the County Council’s requirements, in due course.

Finally, the lock gate refurbishment project offers us with the opportunity of reviewing the design of the garden on the lock island. If the Residents’ Association has any views on the planting scheme, we should appreciate your feedback. Thank you for your attention and assistance.

Yours sincerely

Dr Philippa E. Noon

River Manager

EDF Energy depot latest


The JGA was delighted when the council threw out plans by EDF Energy to install a storage depot on the green near Park Street (see below)for at least 18 months.



But the work has to take place and there needs to be some viable storage alternative.

The JGA had suggested EDF Energy use the car park of the empty DWP building on Carlyle Road. EDF Energy seemed very keen on this site, but the DWP does not want to relinquish the building for this use, although the building has been empty for some time.

Other sites have now been identified on Madingley Road, but these are not exactly convenient and could be therefore unsuitable. If EDF cannot find a site, it could conceivably use emergency powers to gain control of an area of public land for its uses (not sure what legislation they would use but there must be something like this possible)

In the meantime, the council have prepared a report on ownership and public land issues relating to the green. This report is much welcomed as it helps to clarify some of the issues that relate to this application.

It was presented to the community services scrutiny meeting on June 25.

Report by Alistair Wilson to Cllr Julie Smith on proposed use of Jesus Green by EDF Energy 

 

Non-Key Decision 

  

1. Executive Summary  

EDF Energy is seeking to use part of Jesus Green for a temporary site  compound for works required at Thompson’s Lane sub station. Jesus Green  is owned by the City Council, and is registered common land. For EDF to be  able lawfully to use Jesus Green for this purpose, it would need: 

i) Planning consent; 

ii) Consent from the Secretary of State under Section 38 of the 

Commons Act 2006; and 

iii) The City Council’s consent as landowner.  

 

This report asks the Executive Councillor whether the Council should give its consent as landowner to this proposed use of Jesus Green.  

 

2. Recommendations 

 

 

The Executive Councillor is recommended to refuse permission for the use of part of Jesus Green by EDF Energy as a temporary site compound.  

 

3. Background  

 

Planning Application 

3.1 EDF Energy made a Planning Application (09/0087/FUL) on the 12th February 2009, through their agent MLM Consulting Engineers to use part of Jesus Green for a temporary site compound for works required at Thompson’s Lane sub station.  

 

3.2 The application proposed a site compound to be in place for eighteen months, in connection with work to renew the electricity substation in Thompson’s Lane. The application proposed the area be surrounded by a 2.4m-high plywood hoarding, to be painted olive green. Within this would be space for storage of materials and plant, ten car or van parking spaces, and four demountable buildings in two stacks of two, to provide office space and 

 

Report Page No: 2 toilets. At the south-west end of the site, a lay-by for delivery vehicles would be created alongside Park Parade, separated from the trees by a post-and- rail fence. The whole area would be surfaced with hardcore.  

 

3.3 At the end of the period of work on the substation, the site area would be recovered with topsoil and seeded with grass, and the whole avenue of cherry trees to Jesus Lock felled and replaced with new flowering cherry trees. 

 

3.4 This was a valid planning application accompanied by the correct certificate of ownership, and it was considered by the City Council in the same way as any other planning application. 

 

3.5 The Planning Officer recommended refusal. 

 

3.6 The application was refused by the Development Control Manager acting under delegated powers on the 9th April 2009, and the letter of determination was sent the same day.  EDF have the right of appeal 

 

Pre Planning Application Considerations 

3.7 Previously EDF have worked on Jesus Green to lay cables which they have statutory powers to carry out this work.  A payment was made with this way leave agreement, to permit the work.   These statutory powers do not extend to placing a compound on Jesus Green in connection with works at another location. 

 

3.8 Other sites considered before making the planning application include Jesus Green on the eastern side adjacent to Victoria Avenue, this was discounted due to disruption to traffic, the route taken from the site to Thompsons Lane, and for arboricultural reasons.  

 

3.9 A vacant site at the top of Castle Hill, was discounted as it was too small. 

 

Status of Jesus Green 

3.10 Jesus Green is designated as Common under the City of Cambridge 

Act 1985, Part II, Section 7. As registered common land, Jesus Green has 

special statutory protection and the land could not be used as a compound 

without the approval of the Secretary of State, under the Commons Act 

2006. EDF indicated on the 19th March 2009 their intention to submit an 

application under Section 38 to the Secretary of State.  

 

3.11 The City Council owns Jesus Green and therefore has the same rights 

as other landowners, subject to not interfering with public rights that attach to 

common land. Therefore, the City Council’s consent would be needed for the 

proposed use by EDF even if the latter obtains planning consent and 

 

Report Page No: 3 

consent under the Commons Act. Subject to statutory powers (such as 

compulsory purchase), the City Council is entitled to refuse or permit the 

use, or access to, Jesus Green for purposes unconnected with its status as 

common land.  

 

City Council considerations 

3.12 The City Council has to decide as landowner whether it will or will not 

permit this use of the common regardless of whether the Section 38 consent 

can be obtained. 

 

3.13 The proposal to use Jesus Green as a temporary compound will have 

significant impact on users and their enjoyment of the amenity.  There is no 

balance to drawn as the strategic importance of work to the substation has 

not been detailed.  

 

3.14 The Friends of Jesus Green have discussed this proposal at an 

Extraordinary General Meeting and are opposed to the use of part of Jesus 

Green.  

 

3.15 Representations to the Planning application were received from: 

• Park Street C of E Primary School 

• Park Street Residents Association 

• Save Our Green Spaces Cambridge 

• Savills acting on behalf of St John’s College 

 

3.16 The representations can be summarised as follows: 

• Loss of open space of recreational importance 

• Harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area 

• Loss of trees, including a memorial tree 

• Difficulty of ensuring proper restoration of the Green afterwards 

• Other sites could be used, such as Park Street car park 

• Work should have been undertaken before 24 Thompson’s Lane 

was developed 

• Site is Common Land 

 

EDF Consideration post Planning Application determination 

3.17 EDF and their Agent are currently considering the car park of Henry 

Giles House 73-79 Chesterton Road as a suitable alternative. 

 

Purpose of report 

3.18 This report is brought to Community Services Scrutiny Committee to 

determine whether or not the City Council will permit the use of Jesus Green 

for a works compound for EDF work. 

 

 

5. Background papers  

The following background papers were used in the preparation of this report: 

• Report by the Planning Officer in relation to 09/0087/FUL 

• Correspondence from EDF 

• Correspondence with Friends of Jesus Green