16 July 2026 – Community Projects Committee (minutes)

Great Sankey Parish Council
Community Projects Group
Minutes of the meeting held at 7:00pm on Thursday 16th July 2026 at Tim Parry Community Centre.
Present: Cllr Andrea Morley (Chair), Cllr Nikki Cotter, Cllr Steve Pennington, Cllr Peter Watson & Cllr Nigel
Catlow.

1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies from Cllr Chris Wren.

2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting (4 June 2026)
The minutes of the meeting held on 4th June 2026 were approved, having covered the Great Sankey Fun Day
and related actions, including those concerning a young volunteer and minor amendments to the event
management plan.

Matters Arising: Boat Park
● An update was received on the Boat Park: Your Housing had made contact to arrange an inspection of
the area, though their response time has been slow.
● A realistic timeline for opening was discussed, with September considered achievable.
● The quality and longevity of the existing play equipment was raised; a section of energy-absorbing
floor surface needs replacing, and the possible reinstatement of spring swings was discussed.
● It was noted that a residents' association covering the area exists but currently lacks momentum.
● It was suggested that grant funding (e.g. National Lottery) be explored to support play areas or outdoor
gyms, referencing the success of previous applications.
● Cllr Hussein agreed to chase Your Housing for a further progress update.

3. Review of the 2026 Great Sankey Summer Fun Day
3.1 Parish Office Operational Review
● The number of hay bales was increased from 40 to 55 (a 55% increase), which was well received.
● Additional seating and the use of trolleys to move hay bales were both noted as beneficial.
● More volunteers are needed to manage stalls, and sufficient space must be allocated for them next year.
● The financial summary showed a saving of approximately £1,205.51 against the previous year.
● No response has yet been received from ESAG, and no invoice has yet been issued by Warrington
Borough Council for the event — understood to be linked to the Council's new finance system. The
Council has, however, resumed invoicing for other events (e.g. football).
● More toilet provision is needed next year; this year's disabled toilet was reported blocked during the
event.
● A formal safety checklist and attendance register are needed for future safety briefings, with a sign-in
list recommended to confirm attendees understand their responsibilities.

3.2 Feedback from Stallholders and the Fairground Operator
● Feedback received was positive overall, including complimentary comments passed on via Lyn.
● It was suggested that the number of stalls be increased next year to offset a reduction in fairground
activities.
● Better promotion of the event was recommended for next year, including through social media and
local schools.

4. Fairground Income and 2026 Charitable Donations
CPC/2026/14 Chairs Signature and date ………………………………………
The Committee noted the income received from the fairground and confirmed the recipient charities for the
2026 donation. A total of £880 was confirmed for distribution to local charities, including the Forget Me Not
Cafe (Oak Centre) / Dementia-Friendly Warrington and Warrington Youth Zone. Payment method for each
recipient is to be confirmed before funds are transferred (see Actions 5 and 6).

5. Christmas Tree for 2026
● An update was received (via Nigel) recommending that a local landscape company, David Platt, be
engaged for the 2026 parish Christmas tree.
● The Committee discussed the cost of the tree and the purchase of new lights, including the option of
remote-control/smart LED lights.
● It was agreed the cost of the town centre LED lights from last year should be checked to inform this
year's budget decision.
● Paul Warburton's involvement in organising the tree switch-on event was noted.

6. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Community Projects Group was confirmed as Thursday 17th September 2026.

Action Log
No. Action Owner Deadline

1 Chase Your Housing (via Mo) for a progress update on the Cllr Hussain By 17.07.26
Boat Park opening.

2 Locate the missing Summer Fun Day safety checklist and Clerk Before 17.09.26
attendance register and add to the parish office file.

3 Re-share SEN Hour session information across networks to Committee Ongoing
encourage further sign-ups from families with children with
SEN.

4 Confirm with the Forget Me Not Cafe (Oak Centre) and TBC Before 17.09.26
Dementia-Friendly Warrington how their share of the
fairground income should be paid (direct vs. via the Oak
Centre), and report back before funds are transferred.
5 Contact Dave at Warrington Youth Zone to confirm preferred TBC Before 17.09.26
method of receiving their share of the fairground income and
arrange transfer.

6 Raise with the parish office and Warrington Borough Council Clerk Before 17.09.26
that stallholders must use diesel generators only on council
land; add this requirement to the booking form and confirm in
writing with the Radio Warrington team.

7 Arrange hire of CO2 fire extinguishers and fire blankets for TBC Before 17.09.26
the 2027 Summer Fun Day, including a price comparison
between hiring and purchasing, and confirm stallholders using
gas equipment carry suitable fire-fighting equipment.

8 Obtain a quote from ITP Hire for portable toilets, including TBC Before 17.09.26
disabled units, for the 2027 Summer Fun Day, reflecting this
year's feedback on capacity and reliability.

9 Update the 2026 Christmas Tree recommendation (David Nigel September Parish
Platt landscaping, remote-control LED lights) and present the Council meeting
full package to Parish Council.

CPC/2026/14 Chairs Signature and date ………………………………………
10 Check last year's accounts for the cost of the town centre LED TBC Before 17.09.26
lights and share the figure with the Committee to inform the
tree-lighting budget.

11 Contact David Platt to confirm whether they can supply, TBC Before 17.09.26
install, store and fit the LED lights for the parish Christmas
tree.

12 Circulate these minutes to the relevant parish officer to hold Steve ASAP
pending formal approval.

Minutes prepared from meeting notes; owners marked "TBC" should be confirmed and updated before
circulation.

CPC/2026/14 Chairs Signature and date ………………………………………