At the Old Parsonage
Welcome: From the Meeting Chair
Attendees: Mike Corlett, Mary Christie, Carol Wilkinson, Ellie Sams, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Cllr J Leech, Alex Hemingway.
Apologies for Absence: Gordon Browne, Mark Clayton, Mandy Salmon MCC, Cllr Leslie Bell
Acceptance of Minutes: for the meeting 14th October 2024
Proposed: Carol Wilkinson Seconded: Mary Christie
Matters Arising during the Meeting:
Parrs Wood Triangle and Park was discussed as an outcome of the recent Dragons Den Event, for which the DCS had submitted a funding bid which was rejected. In the debate which took place it was advised that Didsbury East were only supporting projects in their own ward, rather than green projects generally reducing pollution and carbon and improving biodiversity for the benefit of all residents, and not just a matter of whether it was for East or West Didsbury, where the problems affect all and is oblivious to boundaries.
The event only had a total fund of £6k (or £3k per ward) and a filter for councillor approval or not was applied. The project was also over subscribed with around 15 projects submitted, so not all projects could be put forward to the Dragons Den Event even when worthy. On the night this was a very well attended event with a full audience in the room. The debate agreed the projects which were good enough and had met the criteria should be resurrected with Mandy Salmon and be resubmitted at a future Dragons Den Event as the projects still retain their value. Cllr Fitzpatrick advised he has devised an evaluation matrix and sent it to the Ward Management team for review and consideration for use in future events.
Agenda
Parrs Wood East Didsbury Victorian Veranda
Complaints have been received regarding the state of disrepair to the overhead canopy, which has a number of missing glass panels etc and deteriorating paint work and rainwater fittings. The complaints referred specifically to the clear danger from the deteriorating overhead glass fittings and the possibility of accidents to pedestrians, including school children. Though we have been advised that is regularly inspected for safety.
Questions were raised regarding ownership and responsibility for maintenance as it forms part of the public pavement and maintenance plans etc.
Cllr Kilpatrick reminded us that the same problem was also present on the West Didsbury Lapwing Lane veranda several years ago, where the facility was the responsibility of Landlords and Lease’s under a common lease. It is thought Parrs Wood will be similar.
Cllr Hilal agreed to write to the Didsbury East councillors who were not present at the meeting to make them aware of the concerns and poor state of repair.
Projects for the DCS
Gordon Browne has suggested that the story of Dr Milson Rhodes, who was a respected philanthropist, is further researched and developed with an improved historical plaque. Improvements to the clock tower failing security (with a new heritage door required at grade 2 and a new ladder investigated etc) are required. This would enable easier access and repairs to the monument rather than the problems encountered of the clock not working during the Autumn of 2024 to just before Remembrance Sunday and simply appearing that it was an access problem. MCC Monuments are responsible for its upkeep etc and that they hold the budget.
Parrs Wood H S Playing Fields
There is an action group questioning the positional erection of security fencing around the playing fields, which does have signs advising that the land is private, although it has been used regularly by both community groups and residents. Some opposition was originally registered to this planning application by individuals along with the DCS some 12 -15 months ago, with little or no response. The work has now started, although no written recent information has been communicated to the public about this intention. Letters have also been submitted by residents with copies forwarded to the DCS. It is understood that the situation has also been raised with the local Didsbury East councillors who it appears may not have been advised of the intention to commence this work. There also appears to be some confusion on the boundary lines and whether the fence should be on the Mersey (public side) or School side of the tree line.
The action also raises issues regarding the permissions to the school trust:
- Was the Trust assigned ownership of the land by MCC without any constraints?
- Has MCC granted rights to do this work when opposition has been raised through the correct channels and then ignored without explanation?
- Have any other rights been assigned which could see development of this land at any future time especially when Fields in Perpetuity is very topical at this current time to protect open spaces used by the public?
- Why has MCC Planning not consulted and worked with the public who took the time to lodge their opposition to this action generally?
It is understood that the application was approved under “delegated powers” and advised as a safeguarding issue. Is this correct and does this statement only apply to term time, school hours and weekends etc? In the past when the Didsbury Sports Ground submitted a similar proposal it was rejected due to the problem of the trapping of flood debris and the resulting debris clearing required, as it is adjacent to the flood plain with the residential side of the levee being the council`s responsibility.
Thorn Bank / Didsbury Community Wood
Recently a couple of residents have approached the DCS to help front the creation of a play and outdoor area for older children. The DCS wrote to Cllr Simcock whether such a facility could be accommodated in this particular area and whether it could be opened up to additional use, as it has direct access from Wilmslow Road and is next door to Beaver Road School.
It is understood that this land was gifted to MCC with a low book value and is heavily covenanted against future building on the site. There is also very little known of any plans for its use or notes issued of any meetings along with very little visible signage.
Increased use may help deter the current ASB, vandalism and the current need to use security fencing to protect the residences of Philip Godlee Lodge. The wooded area is also currently used for substance and alcohol participation etc which probably adds to the problems mentioned recently at the Didsbury West Ward Meeting.
The area also does not appear to have any trees or perennial bushes of real biodiversity value, wild life may also be at a minimum. Organised use may be a better way forward for the area with younger residents being included?
It is also understood that MCC Parks do not have and never have had a budget to maintain this gifted land. In making this land open, designating it a community wood may make the council responsible for safety of the public who enter and its arboriculture upkeep?
Finance
Currently the DCS has £16486.58 in deposit, which includes funding still available for the Garden of Contemplation.
Any other business
Cllr Leech advised that the community expect the installation of a Christmas Tree in the newly created G o C area whether annually or permanent, live or artificial, which the DCS fully supports. Though not a 30 foot one as tall as the flag pole restricting the vista to those enjoying the surroundings of the garden.
Mary Christie and Mike Corlett advised that they will progress discussions on the Christmas tree situation with the Didsbury Traders Association and devise a consultation process for a tree or suitable structure in time for 2025.
Ellie Sams advised that she was pleased that the bushes at the library have now been cut back and the Blue Plaques are back on view to the public. Unfortunately, graffiti has recently appeared on the library which is both a listed building and is a grade 2 listed Andrew Carnegie version built and gifted by his Foundation to the people of Didsbury, as a result of his philanthropy and friendship with Fletcher Moss.
On behalf of the Trustees, Wishing all members and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year in 2025
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
Last Updated: January 5, 2025 by Ellie
DCS Minutes for the General Meeting on the 9th December 2024
At the Old Parsonage
Welcome: From the Meeting Chair
Attendees: Mike Corlett, Mary Christie, Carol Wilkinson, Ellie Sams, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Cllr J Leech, Alex Hemingway.
Apologies for Absence: Gordon Browne, Mark Clayton, Mandy Salmon MCC, Cllr Leslie Bell
Acceptance of Minutes: for the meeting 14th October 2024
Proposed: Carol Wilkinson Seconded: Mary Christie
Matters Arising during the Meeting:
Parrs Wood Triangle and Park was discussed as an outcome of the recent Dragons Den Event, for which the DCS had submitted a funding bid which was rejected. In the debate which took place it was advised that Didsbury East were only supporting projects in their own ward, rather than green projects generally reducing pollution and carbon and improving biodiversity for the benefit of all residents, and not just a matter of whether it was for East or West Didsbury, where the problems affect all and is oblivious to boundaries.
The event only had a total fund of £6k (or £3k per ward) and a filter for councillor approval or not was applied. The project was also over subscribed with around 15 projects submitted, so not all projects could be put forward to the Dragons Den Event even when worthy. On the night this was a very well attended event with a full audience in the room. The debate agreed the projects which were good enough and had met the criteria should be resurrected with Mandy Salmon and be resubmitted at a future Dragons Den Event as the projects still retain their value. Cllr Fitzpatrick advised he has devised an evaluation matrix and sent it to the Ward Management team for review and consideration for use in future events.
Agenda
Parrs Wood East Didsbury Victorian Veranda
Complaints have been received regarding the state of disrepair to the overhead canopy, which has a number of missing glass panels etc and deteriorating paint work and rainwater fittings. The complaints referred specifically to the clear danger from the deteriorating overhead glass fittings and the possibility of accidents to pedestrians, including school children. Though we have been advised that is regularly inspected for safety.
Questions were raised regarding ownership and responsibility for maintenance as it forms part of the public pavement and maintenance plans etc.
Cllr Kilpatrick reminded us that the same problem was also present on the West Didsbury Lapwing Lane veranda several years ago, where the facility was the responsibility of Landlords and Lease’s under a common lease. It is thought Parrs Wood will be similar.
Cllr Hilal agreed to write to the Didsbury East councillors who were not present at the meeting to make them aware of the concerns and poor state of repair.
Projects for the DCS
Gordon Browne has suggested that the story of Dr Milson Rhodes, who was a respected philanthropist, is further researched and developed with an improved historical plaque. Improvements to the clock tower failing security (with a new heritage door required at grade 2 and a new ladder investigated etc) are required. This would enable easier access and repairs to the monument rather than the problems encountered of the clock not working during the Autumn of 2024 to just before Remembrance Sunday and simply appearing that it was an access problem. MCC Monuments are responsible for its upkeep etc and that they hold the budget.
Parrs Wood H S Playing Fields
There is an action group questioning the positional erection of security fencing around the playing fields, which does have signs advising that the land is private, although it has been used regularly by both community groups and residents. Some opposition was originally registered to this planning application by individuals along with the DCS some 12 -15 months ago, with little or no response. The work has now started, although no written recent information has been communicated to the public about this intention. Letters have also been submitted by residents with copies forwarded to the DCS. It is understood that the situation has also been raised with the local Didsbury East councillors who it appears may not have been advised of the intention to commence this work. There also appears to be some confusion on the boundary lines and whether the fence should be on the Mersey (public side) or School side of the tree line.
The action also raises issues regarding the permissions to the school trust:
It is understood that the application was approved under “delegated powers” and advised as a safeguarding issue. Is this correct and does this statement only apply to term time, school hours and weekends etc? In the past when the Didsbury Sports Ground submitted a similar proposal it was rejected due to the problem of the trapping of flood debris and the resulting debris clearing required, as it is adjacent to the flood plain with the residential side of the levee being the council`s responsibility.
Thorn Bank / Didsbury Community Wood
Recently a couple of residents have approached the DCS to help front the creation of a play and outdoor area for older children. The DCS wrote to Cllr Simcock whether such a facility could be accommodated in this particular area and whether it could be opened up to additional use, as it has direct access from Wilmslow Road and is next door to Beaver Road School.
It is understood that this land was gifted to MCC with a low book value and is heavily covenanted against future building on the site. There is also very little known of any plans for its use or notes issued of any meetings along with very little visible signage.
Increased use may help deter the current ASB, vandalism and the current need to use security fencing to protect the residences of Philip Godlee Lodge. The wooded area is also currently used for substance and alcohol participation etc which probably adds to the problems mentioned recently at the Didsbury West Ward Meeting.
The area also does not appear to have any trees or perennial bushes of real biodiversity value, wild life may also be at a minimum. Organised use may be a better way forward for the area with younger residents being included?
It is also understood that MCC Parks do not have and never have had a budget to maintain this gifted land. In making this land open, designating it a community wood may make the council responsible for safety of the public who enter and its arboriculture upkeep?
Finance
Currently the DCS has £16486.58 in deposit, which includes funding still available for the Garden of Contemplation.
Any other business
Cllr Leech advised that the community expect the installation of a Christmas Tree in the newly created G o C area whether annually or permanent, live or artificial, which the DCS fully supports. Though not a 30 foot one as tall as the flag pole restricting the vista to those enjoying the surroundings of the garden.
Mary Christie and Mike Corlett advised that they will progress discussions on the Christmas tree situation with the Didsbury Traders Association and devise a consultation process for a tree or suitable structure in time for 2025.
Ellie Sams advised that she was pleased that the bushes at the library have now been cut back and the Blue Plaques are back on view to the public. Unfortunately, graffiti has recently appeared on the library which is both a listed building and is a grade 2 listed Andrew Carnegie version built and gifted by his Foundation to the people of Didsbury, as a result of his philanthropy and friendship with Fletcher Moss.
On behalf of the Trustees, Wishing all members and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year in 2025
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
Category: Minutes
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