Wednesday, 24th April 2002

We clearly cannot enjoy the amenity of three commons without trustees putting in effort on your behalf and, as reported, there have been a number of meetings this year dealing with various aspects of the management of the commons.

This latest meeting commented on the quality of the grass cutting on the Lower Common which, whilst being hampered by the very wet area, was not of the level previously experienced, although the contractors has returned to cut round the posts and applied weed-killer. However, a natural spring has appeared near the wet area where a deep rut is giving cause for concern and it was agreed to infill with hardcore topped with topsoil in the interest of safety and also enabling the fence to be removed. The question remains; is this a result of high river water levels or water rising from below.

Dyke clearance can now take place as the trees have been cleared and work can be done without risk of damaged to trees. The storage area for aggregate to maintain the car parks is now ready for retaining sleepers to be installed and this is to occur as soon as possible.

Its nice to see that the van has gone from the Upper Common car park, that the digger parked there during recent road works was used to tidy up the car park and that cattle will soon be returning to the Upper Common. It is intended to clear the dykes in the Autumn after the cattle have gone.

On Ling Common a 'tidy up' working party is to be organised and otherwise all seems sweetness and light with the horse problem seemingly disappeared.

The Friends of Coltishall Church were given permission to hold cake sales on Thursdays, 18th July, 15th August and 12th September, each for about 2 hours - giving them our support.

The new lease regarding moorings for the Broads Authority has been received, it is for 21 years and is subject to detailed perusal by James Wheeler. Public liability forms have been completed and sent off to Zurich Insurance.

Current Account balance stands at £2,986.89 with payments of £125 to the Clerk (3 months), £5 for April room hire, £24.63 Drainage Board rates and Zurich Insurance premium to be notified.

The Lower Common car parking boundary appears no longer in dispute and the chairman was asked to pursue outstanding rents due with the previous owners of the Rising Sun.

Gillian Riley and Peter Holdaway have agreed to become trustees, bring the number to seven. Existing trustees are James Wheeler, Alan Spinks and Stephen Coman with Provisional trustees Michael Spinks and Nigel Haines. A new Trust Deed will be drawn up and registered in the light of the proposed membership.

Well, there you have it, the Commons Trust meets again - I hope you enjoy being kept up to date!!

M D W