Agenda item

The Committee will receive a report on all aspects of Public Open Space in King’s Lynn.

 

Maps will be provided on individual wards.  Please note these were produced in 2015 but little will have changed in terms of the areas which are maintained.

 

Minutes:

The Public Open Space Manager introduced the report and explained that in relation to Play Areas, there had been no significant changes in the previous information supplied regarding play areas.  However, the Friends of Peppers Green managed to secure WREN funding, which meant that the area could be refurbished with a new layout and equipment being installed.  The park reopened on Friday 11 August 2017. 

 

There was no major play area refurbishments planned for this financial year.

 

In relation to allotments, it was reported that there were now 422 plots across 7 allotment sites within King’s Lynn which were managed by the Borough Council, charged to Special Expenses.

 

It was explained that North Lynn Allotments had now become an association, which had reduced the managed stock by 135 allotments and had resulted in an income reduction of £4,725, which was slightly off-set by an income from the association of £1,250.00.  There would also be a reduction in the management and administration of allotments, due to the association being formed.

 

In relation to dog waste bins, it was reported that there were now 126 dog waste bins within King’s Lynn, an increase of 12 since the last report; these additional bins were emptied on a weekly basis.

 

A full review of the grass cutting regime across the Borough was carried out in late 2015 and came into force from March 2016 and was continually reviewed and revised throughout the year, with a full review carried out in late 2016, in preparation to the 2017 season.

 

It was explained that a log had been established to record any service requests so the situation could be monitored and revised as necessary, to date there have been 6 service requests.

 

Councillor Mrs Wilkinson made reference to the play area at Woodside on the Fairstead estate and explained that the swings had been removed for the older children, and the matting needed to be replaced. 

 

Councillor Mrs Wilkinson also explained that the position of the goal posts had been changed and she was receiving complaints that the ball was going into the road and people were worried about their cars.

 

The Public Open Space Manager responded that the matting would be replaced and the swings reinstated.  In relation to the goal posts being moved, the Public Open Space Manager advised that nets had been installed however these only lasted for two weeks.  They had been moved as the balls were going up against a neighbouring property.  He suggested that one of the goal posts could be removed and the other one moved to face the allotments.  He would keep Councillor Mrs Wilkinson updated.

 

In response to a query from Councillor Joyce as to how much it cost to move the goal posts, the Public Open Space Manager advised that it would be around £30.00

 

Councillor Smith commented that the play areas at Peppers Green were looking so much better.

 

Councillor Smith referred to an issue in Reffley Woods where people had been hanging dog waste bags on trees.  The Public Open Space Manager advised that this had been an issue and two bins had been installed.  He advised Councillor Smith to report any further issues to Chris Durham or John Hussey.

 

The Committee then received presentations in relation to allotments and grass cutting.

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