Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – PLACE

To establish an approved direction for the future of two play areas in Royston and to investigate potential for improving play in those play areas already decommissioned according to the resolution of Cabinet in March 2018

County Councillor Fiona Hill thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address Cabinet regarding the report entitled Playgrounds.

Councillor Tony Hunter thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address Cabinet regarding the report entitled Playgrounds.

RESOLVED:

(1)     That delaying the removal of play equipment at Betjeman Road and Farrier Court both in Royston until the 31st March 2020 be approved;

(2)     That the additional expenditure of £4,400 for 2019/20 be agreed.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That a revenue budget of £4,400 for the financial year 2020/21 (as part of the budget setting process) to further delay removal of play equipment at the two play areas in Royston until 31st March 2021 to provide sufficient time to re-evaluate the current Green Space Management Strategy (GSMS) with regard to playground provision in the District and align this with a review of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

REASON FOR DECISIONS:

To delay the removal of the remaining two play areas identified for decommissioning, to allow sufficient time to evaluate the current GSMS (which may include re-evaluation of demand) with regard to playground provision in the District and review the MTFS.

Audio Recording – 32 minutes 32 seconds

County Councillor Fiona Hill thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address Cabinet as follows:

·           She thanked the Executive Member for taking account of the needs of Royston.

·           She did not support the decision taken to decommission playgrounds;

·           She had been due to meet with a potential funder for the remaining playgrounds in Royston, although, depending on the result of Cabinet’s discussions, this may not now be required;

·           Younger children preferred smaller playgrounds;

·           Childhood obesity was a major problem;

·           Active play was encouraged:

·           She appealed to Cabinet to accept the recommendations contained in the report.

Councillor Tony Hunter thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address Cabinet as follows:

·           He was quietly delighted that their efforts had delayed removal of equipment;

·           Removal of equipment was a false economy;

·           Betjeman Road was a focal point for youngsters;

·           Farrier Court was a favourite for small children;

·           He hoped that the Greenspace Strategy would be reviewed.

The Executive Member for Environment and Leisure presented the report entitled Playgrounds together with the following appendices:

·           Appendix A – Table of previous committee decisions regarding this issue;

·           Appendix B – Table of play areas considered for closure.

The following alternative option was considered:

To implement the recommendations of Cabinet 27th March 2018 and continue to remove the two identified sites.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·           Councillor Ian Albert;

·           Councillor Judi Billing.

It was moved by Councillor Steve Jarvis, seconded by Councillor Ian Albert and:

RESOLVED:

(1)     That delaying the removal of play equipment at Betjeman Road and Farrier Court both in Royston until the 31st March 2020 be approved;

(2)     That the additional expenditure of £4,400 for 2019/20 be agreed.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That a revenue budget of £4,400 for the financial year 2020/21, (as part of the budget setting process) to further delay removal of play equipment at the two play areas in Royston until 31st March 2021.  This would provide sufficient time to re-evaluate the current Green Space Management Strategy (GSMS) with regard to playground provision in the District and align with a review of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

REASON FOR DECISIONS:

To delay the removal of the remaining two play areas identified for decommissioning, to allow sufficient time to evaluate the current GSMS (which may include re-evaluation of demand) with regard to playground provision in the District and review the MTFS.