Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support submitted a report providing an update on the progress of the Parks and Open Spaces Development Programme since March 2009, the detail of which was set out in Essential Reference Paper “B”.  Updates were also provided in relation to the Play Area Development Programme and other improvements made.

Members were provided with a presentation of the works which had been carried out at three particular sites:

·                          Southern Country Park, Bishop’s Stortford

·                          The Ridgway Local Park, Hertford; and

·                          Pishiobury Park, Sawbridgeworth

The Chairman reminded Members that the Parks’ Management Plans were on display at the back of the Council Chamber.  The Committee supported a suggestion that these plans be made available for all Members to view at the next Council meeting.

The Chairman on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Officers for all their hard work in achieving such significant improvements within the District.  Members were advised that by continuing to allocate resources enabled the Council to secure match funding to support many of the initiatives which might otherwise not have been possible.

A Member congratulated Officers on the work done specifically in Pishiobury Park, Sawbridgeworth and also thanked the volunteers and particularly Town Councillor Rochester for his work.  He suggested that in relation to Southern Country Park that consideration be given to improved signage to the entrance from the by-pass road.  The Vice Chairman commented on the improvements to The Ridgeway, Hertford which he believed had played a strong role in bringing the community together. 

The Committee noted the progress of the Parks and Open Spaces Development Programme 2007 -2012 and the Play Area Development Programme 2007 – 2012 and that a further report be submitted to Committee in 2012.  The Committee also agreed that the Council should continue to earmark funding in the capital programme to take advantage of opportunities to secure external match funding bids as they arise.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Committee note the progress within the Parks and Open Spaces Development Programme 2007 – 2012 and the Play Area Development Programme 2007 – 2012 and that a review of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2007 – 2012 be undertaken and submitted to Committee 2012; and

(B)       East Herts Council continue to earmark funding in the capital programme to enable advantage to be taken of opportunities for external match funding bids as they arise.