The Annual Assembly of the Parish of Sunninghill and Ascot was held at the Chandler Day Centre on May 4. Click on 'Read More', below,  to see the full report. Highlights include information from the local police on the lower number of burglaries, the absence of a real speeding problem, a rise in anti social behaviour and car crime, an update by the Racecourse on moving the police sation, planning a hotel and not re newing the Ex Servicemen's Club lease, as well as reports by local  charities and councillors, notably about  Heatherwood's future , the Special Protection Area (which is keeping a lid on new hosusing development), Garden in Bloom, the former Stock Exchange and  and other empty buildings, as well as several local political issues.

3749 POLICING IN ASCOT & SUNNINGHILL

PC Martyn Withers set out the top three priorities for the neighbourhood action team as Anti- Social Behaviour, Police Visibility and Burglary. There had been an 42% reduction in burglaries over the past year, but an 20% increase in reported incidents of anti-social behaviour.  Vehicle crime had also increased by 50%.

Questions were asked about how the priorities were set and what specific actions and timescales were envisaged for tackling the priorities.  PC Withers answered by explaining the community consultation process and the role of the Neighbourhood Action Group who were considering how to tackle the priorities.

3750 HIGHWAYS

Mr Carr from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead explained his role and that of his department.  He reported on Road Casulties in the Borough from 2005-2009 and then led a question and answer session.  Residents enquired as to how speeding limits were set and asked if the 20 mile zone could be extended in Sunninghill. Councillor Clark requested that the Windsor Road be re-surfacad and concerns over the quality and quantity of road re-surfacing was raised.  Residents asked if  whether bollards would be placed outside the Stock Exchange in Sunninghill High Street and the Head Teacher from St Michaels CE Primary School requested Borough and Parish Council assistance in developing a School Transport Plan.  Mr Carr stated that he would look into each of the matters raised.  The Chairman agreed that the Parish would support the School in it’s Plan.

3751 ASCOT RACECOURSE

Mr Barnett presented an overview of the Racecourse’s development plans.  The Police Station was to be moved this summer and designs for a Hotel would be drawn up, over the next two to three years, to be located in the area of the police station and old workshops.  Plans for crowd control during Royal Ascot Week were discussed and Councillor Knight requested that Course Road be closed as a pedestrian entrance. Councillor Yong congratulated the Authority on the success of it’s open evening and ‘free’racing day.  However, residents expressed concern about the proposed ending to the lease in 2011 of the Ex-Serviceman’s Club.  Mr Barnett ended his presentation by asking for suggestions as to how the tri-anniversary of the Racecourse in 2011 would be celebrated possibly during the King George weekend in July.

 3752 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Chairman gave a summary of areas of activity over the past year. A copy of his report is attached to the Minute Book copy of these Minutes.

 3753 LOCAL CHARITIES – ANNUAL REPORTS

• Ascot Fire Brigade Trust

Councillor D Hilton, a Trustee of the Charity, presented the Accounts for 2009/10 and mentioned some of the £30 000 of grants that it had made in the year. Councillor Hilton said that anyone who wished to propose payments to worthy local causes should write to the Trust.

• Sunninghill Fuel Allotment Trust

The Accounts were not presented but copies had been received and were available at this meeting.

• Sunninghill Parochial Charities

The Accounts were not presented for this charity which supported the Cheapside Alms Houses. Copies of the Accounts had been received and were available at this meeting.

 Copies of all the above Accounts are filed with the Minute Book copy of these Minutes.

 3754 REPORTS BY BOROUGH COUNCILLORS

Councillor Mrs Lynda Yong

Councillor Yong reported on three activities, anti-social behaviour outside a local public house, patient care at Heatherwood Hospital and the success of the ‘re-cycle bank’ trial in South Ascot which would be rolled out across the Borough.

 Councillor Mrs A Knight

Councillor Knight reported on the road re-surfacing programme, with an additional £100 000 being allocated from the Borough and an additional £195 000 from central Government.  She informed the meeting that double yellow lines would be extended in Sunninghill Road.  Residents expressed concerns about the Stock Exchange shop still being empty and she replied that beyond writing to the land owner, little could be done, unless the shop fell into significantly worse repair.  Mr P Standley from SPAE asked if Sunday trading laws would apply to the proposed Tescos in Ascot High Street and she agreed to look into this.  She invited residents to take part in the Borough in Bloom competition and finished her report by informing the meeting that the Borough had cut the council tax by 4% and thanked the Parish for it’s support to the Borough Councillors over the last year and for not increasing the Parish precept .

Councillor John Story

Councillor Story explained the reasoning and implications of the cut in Council tax.  He reported on the development of two particular services, that of the PCSOs and Community Wardens and the additional work involved in safe-guarding vulnerable’ children.  He explained that information regarding Councillor expenses and any Borough expenditure over £500 was available on the Borough’s web site.

Councillor Duncan McBride

Councillor McBride informed the meeting about his role within the audit and performance panel and with planning restrictions which had caused resident concern.

Councillor David Hilton

Councillor Hilton reported on two of his main concerns, the status of and use of land at Heatherwood Hospital and housing development.  He explained his support for retaining key services at the Hospital and that he would not support a change to the existing protective property status unless these services were guaranteed.  He went on to explain the importance of the current consultation regarding the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area regarding housing development in the Parish.

 QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

The Head Teacher from St Michael’s school requested assistance in developing sustainability policies and projects within Sunninghill.  Councillor Christine Gadd (Chairman of Sunningdale Parish) offered assistance as did the Chairman.

Questions about the community charge, the lease of Allens Field and the development of the site were also asked.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.25pm

ATTENDANCE: - Parish Councillors: M Hunter (Chairman of the Parish Council), , P Chivers, , G E Clark, P Deason,
R Ellison, M Fernandes, Mrs  B  Hilton,  D Hilton (also Borough Councillor), Mrs S McKechnie, Mrs B Story.


Borough Councillors: Mrs A Knight , Mrs L Yong , D McBride, J Story.

Clerk to the Council: Elizabeth Yates

Thames Valley Police: PC Martyn Withers
RBWM: Mr Tony Carr, Traffic and Road Safety Manager
Ascot Racecourse: Mr Charles Barnett, Chief Executive

In addition, there were 24 residents who had signed the attendance list.