The annual report of the for the devolved Parks & Green Spaces Service by the Strategic Director, Place (Document “T”) 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 West Area Committee note the content of this report and welcome the planned merger of the Cleansing Service.

(Ian Wood – 01274 432648)

Resolved –

That the contents of Document “T” be noted.

LEAD: Strategic Director, Place

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Regeneration and Environment

The annual report of the devolved Parks & Green Spaces Service by the Strategic Director, Place (Document “T”) reviewed activity during the past year and also considered the significant issues and proposed management structural changes that would have an effect over the coming 12 months with options where available for future service delivery, investment and savings.

The Assistant Director, Neighbourhood and Customer Services, was invited to introduce the report to the Committee. He highlighted that the play area maintenance, highway weed-spraying and technical services were all delivered on a District wide basis whilst the management and maintenance of local parks and green spaces was provided through at least one operational depot based within each Area Committee boundary. The operational areas, using a total of 74 permanent gardeners, managed and maintained 36 parks, of which 6 had Green Flag status, 115 recreational ‘grounds’ (including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and bowls facilities), 283 outdoor play/fitness facilities across 163 sites, 50 pavilion/changing rooms, 20 lodges and 5 cafes and 40 War Memorials. The PGS also provides support to communities, voluntary and ‘friends of’ groups, including the booking of some 230 events held annually within Parks and Green Spaces ranging from Bingley Music Live to the local village gala.

During the discussion, the Committee praised the service for the past year’s events and further frontline roles were needed in order for the efficient management and maintenance of local parks. Children were waiting at least half an hour to get on the swings during their summer park visits and therefore more should be done for young people during their summer park days out

The Assistant Director, Neighbourhood and Customer Services explained that management posts would be combined in order to create efficiency and this was not about recruiting new staff but to bring two posts together and there would be an overall reduction of managers.

Resolved –

That the contents of Document “T” be noted.

LEAD: Strategic Director, Place

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Regeneration and Environment