Previous Reference: Council, Minute 21 (2018/19)

The Committee is asked to consider (Document “Q”) which outlines a petition that has been presented to Council requesting the cessation of the removal of play equipment and fencing and a halt to the closure of the lower play area in Peel Park.

The report also provides the response of the Strategic Director, Place to the petition.

Recommended –

That officers work with the local community and the park’s friends of group to identify a more suitable and sustainable site for all age groups and ensure local user buy in to the scheme to foster a sense of local ownership and the inherent benefits this can bring.

(Regeneration & Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Phil Barker – 01274 431301)

Previous Reference: Council, Minute 21 (2018/19)

Resolved –

(1)  That officers work with the local community and the park’s friends of group to identify two more suitable and sustainable sites for fixed play areas for all age groups and ensure local user buy in to the scheme to foster a sense of local ownership and the inherent benefits this can bring.

(2)  That officers be requested to work with the Friends of Peel Park to investigate additional funding streams.

(Regeneration & Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Phil Barker – 01274 431301)

Previous Reference: Council, Minute 21 (2018/19)

The Committee considered (Document “Q”) which outlined a petition that had been presented to Council requesting the cessation of the removal of play equipment and fencing and a halt to the closure of the lower play area in Peel Park.

The report also provided the response of the Strategic Director, Place to the petition and members were advised that no works had been undertaken at the lower play area since the petition had been received. They were also advised that, while the location of the lower play area was problematic, it was recognised that a play area was needed and a budget had been set aside to work with the park’s trustees to ensure that one was put in place.

Several petitioners attended the meeting and their spokesperson advised members that the lower play area had been established many years ago; that the friends of Peel Park had recently installed play equipment which had not been vandalised and disputed the issue of ground stability as a reason for removing play equipment. She also advised that funds could be matched by the Friends group and that the group ran a café in the park which was well used and generated income. She stressed that the petition was still gathering signatures and that the recommendations of this report were factually inaccurate. She concluded by stressing that the lower play area was popular with families and should be retained.

Another petitioner also addressed the meeting and advised that funding streams were available to be spent in the park, which she reminded the Committee was the biggest in the District. She urged members to take up the support being offered and make Peel Park an exemplar park for the twenty first century.

A member stated that there was no dispute about the facilities that were needed in the park, rather that the question was the siting of those facilities.

Members were advised that discussions were already underway with Better Start Bradford and Active Bradford and that officers were keen to work with the Friends of Peel Park to find an holistic solution.

A member stated that he would oppose the play equipment being in a single location and would prefer two play areas. Officers confirmed that the same message had come through feedback from the Friends group and that there was sufficient funding to maintain two play areas.

Resolved –

(1)  That officers work with the local community and the park’s friends of group to identify suitable and sustainable sites within the park for two fixed play areas for all age groups and ensure local user buy in to the scheme to foster a sense of local ownership and the inherent benefits this can bring.

(2)  That officers be requested to work with the Friends of Peel Park to investigate additional funding streams.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place

(Regeneration & Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)