Council and democracy

Jahur Ali, Recreation and Leisure Services Manager, updated Members on the progress made to the parks, play and open spaces in Thurrock. The Park Improvement Programme had identified 11 priority parks across the borough that required investment over a three year period and referred Members to Appendix 1, the Park Improvement Phase 1 Timeline. Jahur Ali also referred Members to the two objectives of the programme and stated the approach taken for each site would be different but had welcomed the engagement from Friends of Thurrock Parks, community forums and the wider public.

Councillor Lawrence asked if there was a set budget for each park. Jahur Ali stated there was an overall budget but the amount spent on each park would be different, due to the size and different equipment at each site and confirmed that residents had been given the opportunity to have their say on the parks delivered so far and would get a chance to input on the future projects..

Councillor Lawrence stated that the £75,000 spent on Horndon Rec seemed a lot of money and had received comments that residents were unhappy that the play area had not been fenced off which now allowed dogs to foul in that area. Councillor Lawrence stated that if the budget had been scheduled and budgeted better the residents of Horndon Rec could have got what they deserved. Jahur Ali stated that a launch event had taken place with over 70 residents attending who had welcomed the park.  He advised that residents had not been told that the fence could not be replaced around the play area. Jahur Ali informed Members that play equipment was very expensive to purchase and had been fitted to British Standard. Julie Rogers, Director of Environment and Highways stated that there were few providers, cost of play equipment was expensive and there are strict procurement rules in place, it should be remembered that when purchasing play equipment, safety was paramount.

Councillor Fletcher stated his concern that the timescales to improve lighting at these parks was only at procurement stage and questioned whether this should have been anticipated better to get the lighting sorted before going into the winter months. Jahur Ali stated that long term impact and costs were being assessed prior to installing LED solar lighting. The contractor was being verified and rapid work to install these lights would continue into parks.

Councillor Rigby questioned when the others parks in the borough would be rolled out. Jahur Ali stated that the 11 parks on Appendix A would be rolled out with existing funding.  Capital bids were being made for other parks, the outcome would be known in February 2020.

Councillor Mayes questioned whether different spends had been allocated to each park and had the money been distributed to accommodate all the 11 parks. Jahur Ali stated that there was a provisional budget for all 11 parks and spends were dependent on the size and the equipment required.

Councillor Mayes asked for clarification that there would be enough budget for each of the 11 sites. Julie Rogers advised that initially funding was spent in all parks to replace broken and missing equipment, she also confirmed that there was funding available for all 11 parks. Each park was different in size and some had equipment which could remain, others needed all new equipment.  Officers were working with park groups and forums to inform the overall design and scope of work required.  In some cases groups were bidding for funding, in some cases this required match funding and the Council were supporting groups in this way to ensure the funding was maximised. 

Councillor Lawrence invited Officers to attend the Horndon Rec forum.

RESOLVED

That the Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the progress of the Parks Improvement Programme.