Issue - meetings

To consider approval for a request for funding from the Green Initiatives Fund.

The Committee considered a request for funding from the Green Initiatives Fund to help fund the creation of a pond within the Staines Park section of Sweeps Ditch. Surrey County Council had agreed to fund a majority of the works as it was a flood alleviation project and would provide further biodiversity to the area. The installation of underwater sills would also work to prevent catastrophic water loss such as occurred over summer 2022.

The Committee noted that the Environment Agency supported the project. The Committee queried the depth of the pond and requested that safety and warning signs be clearly placed around the site.

The Committee acknowledged the loss of water and flow problems that were caused by the failure of a pump over the summer and queried if steps were being taken to avoid similar situations in future. It was confirmed that a further pump had been installed to protect against future failure, and contractors would be attending on a regular basis to monitor the performance of the pumps.

The Committee congratulated the team on their work and for their work with external agencies on the project.

The Committee resolved to approve funding of £8,000 from the Green Initiatives Fund towards the creation of a pond within the Staines Park section of Sweeps Ditch.