Mike Cartwright gave a very thorough report on the Pit development from the hazard point of view.

His findings are important as it is planned by the Vale to move all waste along Fernham Rd. past the school and residents and possibly expose both local residents and those who buy the houses to pollution for some considerable time.

The requirements on the builder EDE to clear the site were summarised:

• Notification given of start of work on October 14th 2002-12-12
• All excavations must be carefully monitored (who is responsible is not known!)
• Ede requires an approved protocol from HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
• Ground must be kept damped down
• All vehicles must be cleaned before leaving the site and drivers are not allowed out onto the site

The following points give rise to considerable worries by Residents:

• No attempt by the Vale to identify the spread of contamination
• Many hazardous substance levels, as identified by the builder’s own surveyors, were far in excess of levels requiring action. Examples are:

Lead and its compounds nearly 90% of site is above the action level of 500 parts per million and many reached 22000 ppm!

Poly aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzenes etc.) are at the dangerous level (50ppm) when only 1mgrm is permitted in gardens. Note. These hydrocarbons get into the body fat and very often are not metabolised hence the danger to health.

• Levels of arsenic compounds at 1 bore hole were 830ppm compared with the maximum permitted level of 50ppm
• No attempt has been made to analyse the water that has seeped into the (shallow) test boreholes and it is feared that contaminated water has been seeping into the spring for some considerable time
• No mention is made of methane filtering upwards yet a 7% level in an enclosed space is an explosive mixture.

Changes in regulations in 1996 means that Councils by law, now have to identify contaminated sites and ensure that they are correctly cleaned.

At present, 11000 tonnes of waste has to be removed and that is a lot of lorry loads past the school and residents.

Simply capping the area will drive the contamination to the edges and worsen the problem in the future.

Having discovered that the original figure of £300,000 will not cover the cost of the clearance work, Ede was given permission to build a further 5 houses on the most contaminated area.

FAR recognised that the Vale has not understood the problem and seems to be letting things slide.

Pump House Don Moorhouse reiterated FTC views that the lack of action was due to the problem with the 3 Trustees and forced upon them by the Auditor. He also said that the decision by FTC to keep the Pump House was the only way out even if it will make a loss for the foreseeable future. It would cost £235000 (over 2 years) to hand back and £27500 (over 24 years excluding the annual loss) to keep. It was noted that Cllr Alan Hickmore reported at the previous FAR meeting that a figure of £220000 was

considered much higher than anticipated.

A member asked why the Business Plan presented at the September Town Meeting was in fact changed to a “fait accompli” and no discussion was allowed. Don again stated that “Faringdon voted overwhelmingly” to keep the Pump House but under pressure did state that the size of the majority may be debateable and that he could not recall when the vote was taken. He will find out and report to FAR.

Don quoted 53 organisations in the Town and that there would no difficulty in fully utilising the overhauled Pump House.

The tenant was given a lease by the old Community Association with no paperwork and Don had no idea to whom he has been paying rent for the last 3 years since they have tried to evict him. (A member pointed out that a court order takes only 30 days to evict not 3 years!) However, he is now out and clearance of the asbestos will be complete by 18th October.

The 146 action on FTC by the owners (action to force FTC to undertake repairs), is unlikely to proceed once the refurbishment has started.

Don stated that Faringdon has to get on with the job as the Vale is in reality only Abingdon.

Skate Park

Don reported that FTC decision to go ahead with the Willes Close site was still standing but, after questions regarding noise, progress and the cost of the skateboard demonstration at £5 per minute he implied that perhaps Willes Close may not be the final resting place. He reported that Cllr Leniec would answer all question on this and other topics at the January F.A.R meeting.

No report back from Cllr Hickmore had been received concerning the noise problems which had led to a closure in Oxford.

Other Updates

Folly Park
No news but Cllr Leniec will update in January No information had been received from Cllr Hickmore regarding clearing the Faringdon to Gt. Coxwell footpath or the rubbish at the end of Fernham Rd. (encouraging rats) which residents raised at the previous meeting.

Police Report
It was reported that the Police Stn was now permanently closed but our views had been made known.

Residents agreed that the Town Centre desperately needs a policeman particularly in view of Residents complaints of increasing hooliganism and intimidation in and around the Car Park and the previous report that the Town does need a police presence is wrong.

Miscellaneous
It was reported the Vale had refused planning permission for new Tennis Courts for the Town on the Coxwell Rd. and no reasons were given. FAR had supported the application with minor changes.

Treasurer's Report at 20/09/02
General Fund........... £400.73 Project Fund ............£357.82 Contingency Fund.... £ 12.74 Total ........................

£771.29

The meeting proposed that the other serving Officers be re elected for another term and this was carried unanimously.

Richard Grecian offered his services as Secretary and this was accepted with thanks. (NOTE. Subsequent to the meeting Richard regretfully wrote to say he was resigning on the grounds of not being a Faringdon Resident.)

Next Meetings.
...............13/01/03, 14/4/03, 14/7/03, 13/10/03 Old Town Hall, 7.30 pm