WSCT meeting

The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust meets on Wednesday 8 September at 6.30pm. It’s a virtual meeting. Public can watch the meeting on this YouTube link and can download the documents directly from here

Here is a report of the meeting from Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen and Miriam Shea, the Friends of the Scrubs trustees who have a non-voting presence at WSCT meetings.

WSCT Meeting 8th September 2021

This is available on the LBHF website to listen to for those who weren’t able to do so last night. As usual the FOWWS nominated and co-opted Members (Stephen and Miriam) were actively involved in putting forward FOWWS viewpoints.

The main points raised / discussed were:

Grounds maintenance, paths and the meadow

The issue of how to ensure existing paths remain walkable so that scrubs users are not forced off them and into more ecologically sensitive areas over the winter months was discussed at length. The following solutions were proposed:

The HS2 matting between Braybrook Street and the main east west path is left in place over the winter, Cllr Sanderson is going to discuss this with Braybrook Street residents. Note the ‘entrance’ from Braybrook Street would be made inaccessible to vehicles in this case; the matting would be removed after the winter when the ground dries out.

A new path to be created allow the Stamford Brook Sewer site boundary to replace the embankment path. This would reduce footfall on the main path and allow for scrutiny of HS2. It was suggested that this path could be created when HS2 is putting its hoardings up;

Continued use of sandy loam and woodchip;

Additional matting to be placed on the path between the model aircraft field and the main east west path, where it is much narrower between the meadow and the HS2 enclosure. This would also be removed after the winter when the ground dries out. Cllr Sanderson requested that we canvas FOWWs on this, so please let us know very soon what you think.

A ‘hidden’ entrance to be created on the east side of the meadow to allow access to the meadow, this entrance to be gated or roped off during the nesting season, with explanatory signage; it was understood that the volunteers who had created and maintained the hedging under would be making this entrance (similar to that on the south side) very soon. Cllr Sanderson noted that if this meant an end to vandalism and disagreements, it would be very welcome

Signage to be taken down now the nesting season is over but to be put back up in good time for the 2022 nesting season.

Better advance information on walking restrictions during nesting season.

Masterplan

Disappointingly the Ecological Masterplan (funded by HS2 as part of its ecological mitigation requirements) continues to be delayed due to the need for a more robust consultation process and depending on the results of said consultation a reworking of the plan. It was proposed that a finalised plan would be presented to the WSCT in June 2022, we pushed and will continue to push for an earlier completion date. It may be that the same consultants (LUC) will be involved, but it may be a new organisation

HS2

Discussions re CPO remain ongoing with written confirmation that HS2 will return the land at no cost still outstanding, although they have said, publicly, that this is the case. The hoardings on the sewer site will start to go up soon; all work should be completed and the site returned to WSCT in June 2022.

HS2 Protest camps

The eviction notices take effect on Monday next week, and it has been agreed between the protesters and LBHF that the protesters will move their dismantled structures to the edge of the wood from where LBHF will take them away from the Scrubs. It was confirmed that day-time protests or the presence of observers remained acceptable.

Law Enforcement Team

The law enforcement team (LET) is clearly a work in progress, we agreed to meet with them and walk the Scrubs. We also raised the issue of cyclists not sticking to the designated cycle paths.

They wear a uniform of white shirt and black trousers with high-vis waistcoat or jacket, and a cap clearly marked with LET in red.

They can be reached on 020 8753 1100 or LET>HF@lbhf.gov.uk. They are to provide an explanation of when they should be contacted and when the Met Police should be contacted.

New Grounds Maintenance Contract

This is moving forwards and going through the necessary LBHF processes, and should be ready for submission to the WSCT and approval during late October, when there may be a special meeting of the Committee.

Play Equipment Braybrook Street

A bid to HS2’s community engagement fund had been submitted and it was hoped this would enable new equipment to be put up; the details had been consulted with Old Oak Primary School children.

Weekend Parking Charges

These should begin fairly soon in the Scrubs Lane and Hospital car parks, for a trial period, and when a starting date is known this will be publicised. Monitoring will be both of the income achieved and the impact on nearby streets.

Pony Centre Income

LBHF agreed to work out the actual figures involved from 2016, with a view to recognising that all WSCT assets and income and expenses should go through WSCT and not be kept within LBHF.

Linford Christie Stadium and Thames Valley Harriers

The TVH plan to upgrade their club house was noted and it was agreed that approval was premature but the Committee welcomed the concept. They were to be asked whether any new café and toilets would be open to the public or restricted to TVH. It was not yet clear what the provisions would be if there was a later larger development on LCS, but Cllr Sanderson confirmed that these plans were still on hold.