Agenda item

Mr Williams introduced the report which related to the London Borough of Brent Welsh Harp Management Plan.

He outlined that Brent have undertaken an exercise to look at areas of habitats and there seems to be an increase in reed beds but a reduction in marshland.

Regarding rough sleepers there had been one report.

Mr Sawyer also added that the healthy walks programme continues at the reservoir.

Councillor Hart said that the redevelopment of Brent Cross and those attractive aspects of it will be returned to its natural shape.

Mr Shepherd asked whether Brent was planning to look at the erosion of the beach. The Chairman requested that this should be reported at the next Committee meeting and Leslie agreed to report this at the next meeting (Action: Mr Williams).

Councillor Langleben invited the resident Ms Jackeline Parsons to make a comment.

Ms Parsons addressed the Committee and said that she lives very near the small lake by the Welsh Harp and referred to an incident that happened a few months ago regarding a floating dead swan. Ms Parsons said the swan was floating for weeks and it was distressing. She also raised the issue of security as there is abuse on the Welsh Harp, it was not safe to walk on one’s own and mentioned that the fence in the Silkstream by the park had been smashed again.  There have been previous incidents with dead swans.  She had contacted several agencies but no one helped. 

She received a call from Sanctuary and they said that if she took the swan there, they could establish how it died.

Ms Parsons also mentioned that there are rough sleepers around the Staples Corner area. Residents can also hear gun shots during the night.

She also requested that protection needs to be provided to these animals because they are having a rough time. She also mentioned that there is illegal fishing, bonfires, swimming and barbecues taking place.

Mr Shepherd agreed with the points that Ms Parsons raised and he added that foxes kill swans and people fish them and consume them.

The Chairman responded to Ms Parsons said that the Committee has noted the points she raised and will investigate to see what can be done.

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Mr Shepherd requested for patrols in that area now that there is no breeding taking place.

Mr Hider mentioned that if there is a dead swan during the breeding season taking a boat through would cause a number of young bird casualties if someone intervenes. It was agreed that during the March-June period Mr Shepherd can contact Mr Beddard to see how to best approach such incidents.

Mr Cohen asked whether Mr Shepherd could help to remove some of the debris that exists. Mr Shepherd responded that they are already picking logs and they would be happy to do so if needed however, they are not allowed to go near the margins of the Harp.

Mr Beddard mentioned that there is excessive debris in the eastern marsh and he is not sure whether the boats could deal with that. This is a responsibility for contractors rather than volunteers. There is also natural debris in the Harp and this is not an easy task. They can work along the edge but not far in.

Mr Shepherd added that this is what the management plan should be addressing. He also suggested that an efficient method would be using a hovercraft. 

The Chairman asked Brent Council what are the possibilities of getting professional help. Brent agreed to provide a report to the next meeting regarding Brent’s policy for removing dead animals from the Reservoir. (Acyion: Mr Williams)

The Committee noted the Welsh Harp Management Plan from the London Borough of Brent.