Agenda item

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment presented the report on scrutiny review options in relation to the Council’s parks and open spaces provisions as requested by the Committee at the last meeting.

Members raised questions and responses were provided as follows.

Cllr Brown welcomed the report and the opportunity for a task and finish working group which she would want to join. She asked if there were any plans for the Parade Pavilion that had been left unused and was ground for antisocial behaviour as well as if some support towards the Parade Park could be considered given the substantial investment from Silverdale Parish Council.

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment advised that there were currently no money for the Parade Pavilion but the suggestion would be discussed with the portfolio holder. The Parade Park as for itself could be included in the list of neighbourhood parks to look into as part of the Plan.

Cllr Wright enquired about parks that had been awarded green flag status.

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment responded that Lime Valleys, Queen’s Gardens and Bradwell were among then.

A full list was confirmed as follows: Wolstanton Park, Brampton Park, Queen’s Gardens, Lyme Valley Parkway, Bradwell Crematorium and Keele Cemetery.

Cllr Whieldon congratulated the team as well as the Council for protecting the green and open spaces and parklands so that development can come after that. She noted that there were, however very few litter bins and wondered if an audit could be undertaken.

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment replied that the bins were under constant review. The bin emptying and availability assessment was carried out by street scene services. Adding new litter bins had a cost in terms of equipment and maintenance and the review was notably looking into moving existing bins locations as required. The opportunity of combining dog waste and regular bins was also being considered.

Cllr Whieldon reiterated the need for the number of bins to be also reviewed.

Cllr Reece wondered if thought could be given to retaining old dog bins alongside putting up multi-use ones.

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment responded this would depend on design considerations.

Cllr Reece enquired about buildings in his wards that were well used and financially viable despite being eyesores and if there were any plans to upgrade them.

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment said there were currently no capital funding towards that purpose at the moment but sports clubs were well positioned to apply for grants and the Council could help facilitate things.

Cllr Dymond asked about refurbishment at Clough Hall Park and whether there were any plans to re-open the closed area that the Borough would look into perhaps opening a café or if this would need to be a community led initiative.

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment advised that the Council wouldn’t be running a café and this would need to be a community solution with local ownership which the Council could do its best to support.

Cllr Barker expressed her enthusiasm at the idea of involving communities and businesses to look for fundings for which she successfully provided assistance over the years.

Cllr Richards asked about recycling in the parks.

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment responded that while people were getting good at separating things at home it was exceptionally difficult to get them to recycle on the go. A deposit return scheme had however been initiated by the Government in 2018 as part of its Resource and Waste Strategy, and would likely be the answer when launched in 2027.

The Chair concluded the discussion which had been about maintenance of the parks by bringing members attention to the need to determine what would be the focus of the Task & Finish Working Group to be set up, which should be as specific and manageable as possible. Section 2 of the report was providing suggestions.

Cllr Richards suggested that the review of current play areas provisions would be important especially regarding tackling child obesity, which the Chair supported.

Cllr Reece commented on enhanced biodiversity in which local schools and colleges could be involved.

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment responded that the Grassland Strategy would address these could be brought back to scrutiny. Suggestions could be made by members based on the report.

Cllr Brown wished to endorse the idea of making suggestions based on the review of parks made by officers and the need for proper funding.

The Service Director for Sustainable Environment commented that play areas in particular required a substantial maintenance budget along with regular reviews to ensure the equipment was and remained fit for purpose.

Based on officers’ recommendations the Chair proposed that a task and finish working group be set to review play park provision and options for the future including potential funding arrangements as per paragraph 2.4 of the report.

Cllr Richards seconded the proposal and all agreed.

Members who wished to volunteer and join the group were invited to liaise with the Service Director for Sustainable Environment.

Resolved:    1. That the report be received.

2. That a task and finish working group be set up to review play park provision and options for the future including funding arrangements.

Watch the debate here