Issue - meetings

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a report on the progress on the High Level Action Plan created as part of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2013-2018 reviewed and adopted by the Council in October 2013.

Councillor E Buckmaster suggested two initiatives in Sawbridgeworth, which would benefit from improvement; The Green and the toilet blocks.  Councillor R Beeching also asked that any new signage in parks and open spaces be kept to a minimum.  The Head of Environmental Services stated that negotiations were taking place with the Town Council in relation to the toilets and of the need to develop service level agreements.  In relation to open spaces, there was no provision in the capital programme but the Council was keen to undertake measures to improve a number of open spaces.  Reassurance was given that the new information boards and signage would be placed appropriately at the entrance points with minimal ‘way markers’ used within the natural setting.

In response to a query from Councillor R Beeching regarding planned circular walking routes, Officers confirmed that they would link up.

In response to a query from the Chairman, regarding the play audit, Officers confirmed that an audit in terms of equipment had been undertaken and they were now progressing matters to a higher level in terms of equipment for “natural play”.  It was anticipated that the audit would by completed by the end of 2015.

The Committee received the report.

RESOLVED - that the progress on the High Level Action Plan be received and noted.