Ruscombe Brook update

Tuesday night there was a Ruscombe Brook Action Group meeting. Minutes will be out soon but here are a few of the issues raised (with cake):

Photo: Ismaila and Helen earlier in year at The Lawns

1. Update on the poaching in Ruscombe Valley - see blog entry for 6th July for full story
2. Update on Ismaila - second lot of sampling been done - Ecoli in one of the springs at Ruscombe - more to feedback later - see blogs on 12th and 30th May re Ismaila
3. Cashes Green Fun Day on 12th August - we're planning an RBAG stall to share initial thoughts re brook plans with other members of community.
4. Severn Trent have confirmed that the leaflet we have designed with them will be ready next week - we need to plan delivery of it. Offers welcomed!
5. Should we join Waterkeepers? We are exploring options - the Thames Canalkeeper are the only UK group so far.
6. Report back on flooding at Puckshole recently and a possible Slad Brook Action Group forming after they had a meeting following houses being flooded there.
7. A SVP group will do some grass cutting at Hamwell Leaze.
8. Responses re Memo of Cooperation (this is the document that looks at how we will work with others to bring about changes - see blog on 6th June). This is an update from various groups:

1. British Waterways: "While I fully support the aims of the Memorandum and we will, I hope and am sure, continue to work together on projects relating to the canal such as the Local Heritage Initiative Project, the proposed work is outside British Waterways’ remit. I need to concentrate our limited resources on the restoration itself and then the future operation and maintenance of the canal itself. We do, of course, have an interest in the quality of water entering the canal and as such British Waterways can continue to be a stakeholder but I cannot promise much involvement. Where we have information or data that will assist RBAG in its aims I am quite happy to make that available to you where practicable. In the short term I look forward to continuing to work with you on the Lawns and with the Cotswold Canals Trust on the Local Heritage Initiative Project."
2. Stroud Town Council: signature received
3. Randwick Parish Council: agreement made at Parish meeting 21st June
4. Highways: replied and are looking into it
5. EA: no reply
6. Cainscross Parish: signature received
7. Community Land Trust: awaiting confirmation
8. Vision 21: hopefully confirmation imminent
9. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: no reply
10. Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council: Environment sub-group to look at it and report to next meeting
11. District Council: still awaiting final confirmation
12. Severn Trent: acknowledged receipt