The Town Council’s Environment & Property (E&P) Committee is authorised by the Full Council to take responsibility for the protection and improvement of the town. We make recommendations to the Full Council regarding any land or property purchases or sales, seeking professional advice where appropriate. By a process of regular audits, we keep an eye on work required to footpaths, pavements, cycle-ways, roads, waterways, horticultural and arboriculture works, street furniture (seats, planters and waste bins), play areas, and play equipment.
Not all of this falls within the Town Council remit, however, so we liaise closely with our District and County Council partners on the maintenance of those items for which they have responsibility.
A major project at the moment is extending the existing offices in Cornwalls Place to provide more suitable accommodation for our staff, a community meeting room, and some much-needed public toilets.
Since 2008, we have been assisted by the Friends of Brackley Road Cemetery to help maintain this as a suitable place to remember our loved ones. We are currently working towards extending the cemetery.
Much of our "estate" comprises Chandos and Bourton Parks, the Railway Walk and other open spaces. Apart from ensuring that these areas are properly maintained, we work closely with BTCV and various "friends" groups to maintain and improve these valuable resources and protect the indigenous wild life. During 2009, we plan to replace the play equipment in Chandos Park, improve the provision of play equipment in Bourton Park, and improve security at the Ken Tagg Play Area.