Issue - meetings

The Group to receive a report from the Head of Housing and Property Services updating them on consultation with Parish and Town Councils regarding future provision of play areas and the offer for them to take ownership.

The Group had before it and NOTED a report * from the Head of Housing and Property Services updating them on consultation with Parish and Town Councils regarding future provision of play areas and the offer for them to take ownership.

The Open Spaces Manager answered the questions that had been raised by Councillors from Willand Parish Council during Public Question Time.

With reference to questions asked by Mr Ursell, the Officer explained that the map overlays had been too large to send to all Towns and Parishes but that a link had been forwarded to them all so that they could be viewed on the website. He would be pleased to receive any information to update the maps as this was a living document which would evolve over time. The Officer confirmed that he was in receipt of the letter referred to in the question.

In answer to the question asked by Mr Grantham the Officer informed the Members of the Parish Council that before the matter of ownership of the play areas could be agreed he would need to meet with individual Parish/Town Councils to discuss details and to discuss individual requirements. 

Regarding the question asked by Mr Mander, the Officer informed the Willand Parish Councillors present that he had considered the précis of their answers to be adequate but he apologised if they did not consider this to be the case.

In answer to the question asked by Mr Warren the Open Spaces Manager confirmed that this was a typing error and that the sentence should have read that further consultation would be necessary. He also confirmed that there were 9 play areas in Willand.

Referring to the question regarding fencing, the Officer replied that he agreed with the Parish Councillors and that the fencing was in good condition.

In answer to Mr Warrens question the Officer stated that should a play area be decommissioned there would be consultation regarding future use of the land.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         The terms of transfer should play areas be taken over by the Town and Parish Councils;

·         How usage was identified;

·         Conflicting information in this report and the consultant’s report;

·         Lack of feedback received from Town/Parish Councils.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    Officers consult with Town and Parish Councils regarding the future of the play areas listed in annex 5 of the report.

b)    Officers set up a questionnaire on Survey Monkey and post notices in play areas to identify the value of the play areas listed in annex 5 to their communities.

(Proposed by Councillor Mrs N Woollatt and seconded by Councillor Mrs D L Brandon.) 

Note: -* Report previously circulated and attached to Minutes.