Previous reference: Minute 19 (2017/18)

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

Recommended –

That the report be noted and the planned  merger of the Cleansing Service be welcomed.

(Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Ian Wood – 01274 432648)

The Strategic Director, Place, presented the annual report for the devolved Parks and Green Spaces Service (Document “N”).  The report 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 managed facilities in Keighley and district were reported together with the current managerial structure and details of an operational depot review in 2018. New projects which had been successfully delivered in the last 12 months were reported together with future events planned.

It was explained that following a planned move for the service to the Neighbourhood and Customer Services there would be some operational and structural changes to consider.  A planned merger of the Parks and Cleansing services would take place which would positively create a larger more resilient workforce and would allow greater flexibility across the service.  A management restructure would also take place and see the creation of five new Parks and Street Cleansing Manager roles that would be responsible for the combined service and report directly to Area Co-ordinators.  There would also be a post of a senior Parks and Green Spaces Manager based at a more strategic level and reporting to the Shipley Area Co-ordinator.  It was anticipated that the proposed new structure would be implemented early in the New Year.

Members questioned the current situation at Devonshire Park, Keighley, and it was explained that the park was an arboretum containing some of the finest trees in the district.  The trees did, however, have low hanging branches which restricted visibility in some areas.  The warden service patrolled the area regularly and no major accounts of drug use or drug paraphernalia had been reported in the park. No reports of rubbish bins or benches being burnt had been reported although some trees had been burnt during the hot summer months.

There had been some criticism that there was nowhere for children to play in the park.  In a bid to increase visibility and access some shrubs around play areas had been removed.  It was explained that the lifting/removal of any further trees to increase access would destroy those trees. The Friends of Devonshire Park had worked with the Council in the area and Wardens patrolled to deter anti social behaviour.

Delays to the drainage of the rugby pitch at Silsden Park were queried.  In response Members were advised that the drainage was being conducted over an 18 month programme.  A new drainage system had now been installed and grass seeded with sand banding carried out.  The field would be allowed to grow throughout the summer ready for the commencement of the rugby season in August.

Reports of water in an open drain in fields opposite the pitch were raised and concern that this would become a bog in the winter was expressed.  In response it was explained that the area used to slope and had been levelled to allow for a play area.  Farm land in the area now ran into that field and there were no drains in that field to alleviate the problem. Following discussions it was agreed to investigate the possibility of connecting to other drains in the area.

The Chair expressed his thanks on behalf of all Friends of Groups which the Parks and Green Spaces Service had worked with throughout the year.

Resolved –

That the report be welcomed and the good service of the department throughout the years and the planned merger of the Cleansing Service be noted.

ACTION: Strategic Director Place

(Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee)