Round-up of key decisions from Environment and Services Committee
Weymouth Town Council’s Environment and Services Committee made the following decisions at its meeting on Wednesday evening, 4th December.
Cemeteries Consultation Outcome
In October, a consultation was carried out about grass cutting in cemeteries which Weymouth Town Council is responsible for maintaining. People were asked whether the Council should or should not continue to maintain different grass lengths, which would provide a designated area for wildlife in each cemetery. Of the 197 responses received, 60.91 per cent said the Council should continue with the current grass cutting practice, 36.04 per cent disagreed and thought that all the grass should be cut short all of the time, while 3.05 per cent said they did not know. Based on the results, the committee decided to continue with the current arrangements to have designated areas that are managed as ‘Living Cemeteries’.
Allotments
Rental fees are due to increase in 2025, bringing this in line with charging at other councils. A standard plot will be charged at £60 per year to rent, which will apply across all the allotment sites managed by the Council. The change will not come into effect until April of next year and the Council will be writing to allotment holders to inform them of the changes and charges that apply.
Weymouth Water Fest 2025 Proposal
September saw the first Weymouth Water Fest event take place on Weymouth Beach, which proved popular with residents looking to try out different water sports. Councillors agreed this will now become an annual event managed by Weymouth Town Council.
Skatepark art at the Marsh
A unique piece of artwork is to be installed at The Marsh Skatepark. Local artist Simon Davis will create a design and has agreed to provide the materials at no cost to the Council.
Sea Water Testing
A trial of water quality testing will be carried out at Greenhill Beach. This continues to be a popular spot for sea swimmers and other water users in the off-peak months, when testing is not currently carried out by the Environment Agency. The trial will be carried out between January and May next year by the Council’s Resort Team and an update provided to a future committee meeting.
Radipole Park and Gardens Drainage options
The committee gave the green light for officers to explore the options for installing additional drainage and / or raised paths at Radipole Park and Gardens and the associated costs. A report containing the outcomes of this work will be brought back to a future meeting.
Fairground Working Group Update
As well as the fun fair dates already agreed for the Jubilee Clock site between August 8th and 20th, additional dates will also be available for operators to rent at the clock’s prominent location.
The Committee approved fun fairs could take place at the Jubilee Clock on 28 days of the year in 2025. Should operators want to operate outside of the agreed 28 days, officers will apply for planning permission with the cost to be covered by the fairground providers.
Cllr Matt Bell, Chair of Environment and Services Committee, said: “From agreeing additional dates for the funfairs to operate at the Jubilee Clock site next year, to deciding on grass cutting in our cemeteries based on the results of a public consultation, it was a packed agenda at the committee meeting.
“I am especially delighted that officers have now been tasked with investigating the options, and their associated costs, for improving drainage at Radipole Park and Gardens. It is crucial that we do all we can to ensure this much-loved facility is available to the community throughout the year. Another key decision confirmed the inclusion of Weymouth Water Fest on the annual Weymouth Town Council events schedule following the success of its debut event this year.”
To view the agenda, visit https://www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/committee/
