Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Yateley Common Management Committee Item 7

15 June, 2005

Yateley Common Site Manager's Report - March to June, 2005

Contact: Andy Davidson. (01252) 874376

1. Introduction

1.1 This report outlines the work undertaken at Yateley Common in the period since the last meeting.

2. Fly-tipping

2.1 Several incidents of fly-tipping have occurred without any particular pattern.

2.2 The Environment Agency will no longer investigate any incident of fly tipping of under a lorry load. This was in agreement with the Local Authority Association. Hart District Council is willing to assist with tracing any vehicles but any prosecution will be down to Hampshire County Council.

2.3 A series of structures built from stolen pallets and scaffold poles have been constructed on and around the West End. Local Beat Officers were involved as it was thought they may be used for drug taking. A large amount of this construction material was removed from the centre of the West End by site staff. Some of it was returned to the industrial units at Blackbushe Business Estate.

3. Motorcycles

3.1 Whilst in the early part of this year there was an apparent increase in the motorcycle activity has seems to have reduced in recent weeks. One resident has asked what `has happened to the motorbikes' as the amount of motorcycle activity in front of their property at Cricket Hill has reduced to almost nil.

3.2 The local beat officers have been very active on the common. The police are now satisfied that the common can be classed a public open space and the riders can be prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act for being uninsured, not having the appropriate licence, etc. Currently eight people are awaiting court appearances.

3.3 The Yateley Beat Sergeant, Dean Wakelen, has moved on to another station. I would like to acknowledge his invaluable help in addressing the motorcycle issues on Yateley Common, along with the Yateley Beat Officer Team. His post has currently been filled by Acting Beat Sergeant Kirsty Reynolds.

4. Fires

4.1 We have had two small fires after a very dry winter and spring.

5. Dumped Cars

5.1 There has been two burnt out cars and a landrover dumped since February. These were removed with the assistance of Lynn Broome of Hart DC.

6. Byelaws and Signage

6.1 We have been informed by the Office of Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) that we had been selecting the byelaws from an out of date set of model byelaw. We have been supplied with a new set, however we now find that DEFRA deals with byelaws relating to dogs and county councils are not among the authorities which can apply for them.

6.2 We hope resolve the issue of dogs in the near future and have submitted the byelaws selected from the latest model set to the ODPM.

6.3 The new signs have just been received and site staff will erect them through the summer.

7. Rights-of-Way Review

7.1 I have received the following report from Alex Lewis, Senior Rights of Way Officer.

7.2 "Two orders have been made giving effect to the proposed diversions of bridleways onto the used tracks, which were considered by this committee in 2003/4. The orders have been advertised and the period for public objection has now expired. The order for the diversions on the eastern part of the common has not attracted any objections and Hampshire County Council will be confirming this as an unopposed order.

7.3 There were objections to the order effecting diversions in the vicinity of Brandy Bottom, although they do not relate to the proposed diversions themselves but to the proposal to clear part of Bridleway 20 east of Brandy Bottom. The order is thus, technically, unopposed and will be confirmed by the County Council rather than being submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation (as would be the case if the objections related to the diversions). It is our intention to undertake a consultation with the local residents before clearing Bridleway 20, so as to ensure that their concerns about privacy, safety and intrusion are addressed and minimized wherever possible."

8. Site Maintenance

8.1 We have been successful in gaining the majority of the money for the track work from capital bids. Some work has also been carried out by residents under our supervision.

9. Volunteers

9.1 Volunteers have continued to be of great help to site staff.
The Yateley Society volunteers still fill their usual spot on the last Sunday of every month with their usual vigour and enthusiasm, a great deal of work is always completed.

9.2 Community Service has completed five tasks including scrub clearance and repairs work on bridleways.

9.3 We have had discussions with Entry 2 Employment (E2E) with a view to a group volunteering with us once a month. E2E is a course run by Farnborough College to help young people gain experience and confidence, to help them achieve employment.

9.4 We have been approached by a locally based student who wishes to volunteer with us this summer; she will join us in July and will work with us up until the end of August.

9.5 We have also been approached by Rushmoor Volunteer Service with a view to taking on other volunteers.

10. Archaeology on Yateley Common

10.1 Carol White will be carrying out archaeological work around Brandy Bottom heath from 13^th to 28^th August this year. Some samples from last years work have been sent away for carbon dating.

11. Ministers Visit

11.1 During March the Secretary of State for Rural Affairs Alun Michael visited Yateley Common. He was led on a 45 minute tour of the West End to look at the issues affecting the management of common land before returning to Peter Tiptons house for further discussions. He later expressed his gratitude for the tour. The Government are looking to launch a bill concerning common land registration and management.

12. Walks and Events

12.1 A program of walks has being scheduled on Yateley Common this year. The Dawn Chorus walk, which followed on from the May Day dancing by Yateley Morris at dawn at Wyndhams Pool, was attended by five hardy souls.

12.2 The following day site staff attended the Yateley May Fair. The Yateley Common interpretation boards excited a lot of interest, particularly the historic pictures of the common. Free badge and mask-making for children was also provided. We have since received additional enquiries from schools, brownies and adult groups for talks and visits. Following on from this success we intend to attend the May Fair every year.

12.3 The site visit by this committee was unfortunately postponed last year due to inclement weather. We would like to invite the committee to visit the site at a convenient time this summer.

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