Edlesborough Parish Council (EPC) owns and operates the Pavilion which is situated on Edlesborough Green, near the tennis courts. The Pavilion is used by football and cricket teams, the Edlesborough Tennis Club and for one or two other activities such as on Carnival Day.

Unfortunately, EPC has to spend a lot of Council Tax payers’ money in continually having to remove graffiti from the exterior walls of the Pavilion, replacing gutters and repairing damage to the roof. Some of this damage is caused by children and youths using the building as a "kick wall". When not in use, all the windows are protected by heavy steel shutters. Consequently, the Pavilion is somewhat of an ugly building and not befit of The Green’s role as Edlesborough’s ‘jewel in the crown’.

EPC is therefore considering two ideas to improve this situation.

Firstly, we are investigating the provision of a purpose designed kick wall, which we believe would be welcomed by children and youths, and which would be located somewhere appropriate on The Green. We will publish our specific proposals in ‘Focus’ in due course, and on www.edlesborough.gov.uk and will, of course, then welcome comments from all parishioners.

Secondly, we are considering whether to replace the ugly steel shutters with some ornate metal grilles. This may also involve replacing the ordinary window glass with an unbreakable/laminated specification.

But should we also be considering whether we can financially justify the continuing operation of the Pavilion?

EPC would very much welcome parishioners’ comments on the above, and any other suggestions for helping to ‘beautify’ Edlesborough Pavilion. Please let the Clerk have these by Monday 30^th November 2009 so that they can be fully considered at its next meeting.

Lin Sargeant, Clerk to Edlesborough Parish Council. parish.council.clerk@edlesborough.gov.uk    Tel: 01525 220859