Issue - meetings

To consider an update on work undertaken, future plans and performance of the Park and Green Environment Service.

Mr Paul Latham, Park Service Manager, presented an update report on the work undertaken by the Parks and Green Environment Service.

The Committee stated that although the report contained many positive points about the work undertaken more information could have been provided regarding the pressures it faced and feedback from volunteers used by the service. Mr Latham acknowledged that the service had experienced significant reductions in its resources, however officers remained positive about what could be delivered and that had been reflected in the report.

Councillor Maria Kirkland, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Leisure, informed the Committee that the report provided an outline of what was underway within the service and that it was important that members were aware of this. She also highlighted the success of the Better Start partnership and emphasised that each park represented a different challenge but that the Council would work with community groups to improve them.

Members noted that despite an increase in the number of events delivered and supported by the service, income had reduced. Mr Latham explained that this was due to some of the events being free. The amount that could be charged varied between £50 and £1600 depending on the location and size of the event, with the majority costing closer to £50. Mr Latham also informed the Committee that figures for 2017/2018 had been inflated by a one off dinosaur themed event that had raised £15,000, which had not been repeated during 2018/2019.

The Committee also queried the relocation of the Common Edge football pitches. Mr Latham explained that the current location of the pitches in the Squires Gate enterprise zone had meant that an alternative location had been needed. This had been identified as an unused portion of Blackpool Airport and the relocation would take place during late 2019.

The organising of events was also discussed with Members asking what support had been available to help deliver events. Mr Latham responded that a single corporate form had been developed to make organising events easier. The Council also offered one-to-one support to assist in the completion of the form. He also explained that smaller events could use the Council’s insurance cover and risk assessments. However this did not cover the use of fairground rides, animals or inflatables, such as bouncy castles. These would require organisers to obtain their own insurance and the completion of a risk assessment. Mr Latham also recognised that this had led to some complaints from community groups looking to organise events.