The Strategic Director, Place will submit the annual report for the devolved Parks & Green Spaces Service (Document “M”) which reviews activity during thepast year and also considers the significant issues and proposed management structural changes that will have an effect over the coming 12 months with optionswhere available for future service delivery, investment and savings.

Recommended –

That the content of Document “M” be noted and the planned merger of the Cleansing Service be welcomed.

(Regeneration & Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee)

 (Ian Wood – 01274 432648)

Resolved –

That the content of Document “M” be noted and the planned merger of the Cleansing Service be noted.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Regeneration & Environment

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place

The Strategic Director, Place submitted the annual report for the devolved Parks and Green Spaces Service (Document “M”) which reviewed activity during thepast year and also considered the significant issues and proposed management structural changes that will have an effect over the coming 12 months with optionswhere available for future service delivery, investment and savings.

The Principal Manager, Parks and Green Spaces, provided a summary of the report.  He highlighted the closer working relationship with the bowls clubs as well as the upcomingoperational and structural changes within the service which would see a merger of the Parks and Cleansing services; this would create a larger, more resilient, workforce and would allow greater flexibility across the service areas as detailed in the report.

A Member commented that he appreciated the challenges facing the service but was concerned about the lack of information in the report about positive developments at Bingley St Ives. In response, the Principal Manager reported that the Bingley St Ives Estate was managed by the Trees and Woodlands unit, however, he was able to inform Members that trees had been felled due to illness, new planting was scheduled in early 2019 and the Trees Manager was working on improvements at the location with the aim of getting its Green Flag status back. 

Following a request from the Chair, the Principal Manager agreed to circulate further details of the events listed in paragraph 2.5.1 of the report, in particular where they were delivered and by whom.

The Chair stated that it would be useful for Members to see an operational plan of how the structure would work.

A Member stated that she had previously spoken about improving the signage for the tennis courts on Temple Rydding Drive as many people living in Baildon did not know the facilities were there.  The Principal Manager agreed to chase this up.

Resolved –

That the content of Document “M” be noted and the planned merger of the Cleansing Service be noted.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Regeneration & Environment

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place