Agenda item

(A report by Matt Fisher, Operations Manager)

[Councillor Dorrian joined the meeting at 6.55 pm.  Councillor Alison Austin left the meeting at 7 pm.]

The Operations Manager presented an annual update on improvements made to BTAC’s open spaces.

Members had attended a tour of BTAC open spaces and play facilities on 21 August 2019.  Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no tour was undertaken in the current year; however, the improvements previously identified, had continued to be delivered and the details were set out in the report. 

Following the illegal encampment at Woodville Road in August 2020, the Committee met in September and Members requested details of how other vulnerable public open spaces could be protected from any future illegal encampment. An assessment had since been carried out on all BTAC open spaces to identify those that had a vulnerability to illegal encampments. These were identified at Garfit’s Lane, Burgess Pit, Shelton’s Field and Broadfield Lane, as shown in Appendix A, and the report set out a costed solution to improve security.  The Committee was asked to approve a total of £14,947 funding for these improvements. 

The report also provided information with respect to the ‘wish list’ for the remainder of 2020/21 and plans for the coming year 2021/22. 

BTAC had supported the practice of considering environmental impacts in recent years through planting projects across its open spaces and support for groups such as Boston in Bloom.  Further community orchards across the BTAC open spaces would continue to support the town in its endeavours to capture and reduce its carbon footprint.  Members were asked to consider reallocating the £3,000 saved from the Woodville Road security-fencing project to enable an external grant application to Trees for Cities for match funding for the establishment of new community orchards.

The Open Space Consultation 2020 had been limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, but had provided valuable information to help make informed decisions on future development opportunities within open spaces.  Details were set out at Appendix B.  Members were asked to consider the approval of funding for one improvement in 2020/21, which was for £16,000 for the delivery of new outdoor gym equipment in Central Park, and to refer the future ‘wish list’ improvements to the BTAC Working Group for Open Spaces to cost up options for a future report.

There was a view that security fencing should have been provided long before now, particularly to ensure children were safe from traffic, and there was concern as to whether the fencing was fit for purpose, as it had been installed in soil with only 300mm concrete bases.

The Operations Manager explained that pedestrian guardrail fencing had been used, the same type was installed at Pelican crossings.  It acted as a deterrent and afforded reasonable prevention of illegal encampments.  A procurement exercise had been undertaken, with those participating offering the same specification, and a recommended installer had carried out the work.  The fencing would be routinely inspected and its condition would be monitored so that any damage would be quickly repaired. 

There was a call to install the proposed CCTV camera at Woodville Road immediately, as it was felt to be imperative to deter illegal encampments, and it was proposed that this be added to the recommendation set out in the report.  It was noted that the camera would require planning permission. 

There was a call for assistance for Fenside from the Ward Members, particularly the lack of provision for children in the ward.  Lobbying of the Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP), in whose ownership some of the areas lay, had proved fruitless.  Other Members and the Chairman agreed, though it was noted that the Woodfield Road play area was used by children from Fenside and three other wards.  It was explained that consideration was being given to a play area in Fenside, but it was subject negotiations with a developer.  Information would be forwarded to the Members and then all Committee Members could meet informally to discuss questions that could be put to LHP regarding its plans for the improvement of open spaces in Fenside at a future meeting. 

The Chairman of the Open Spaces Working Group noted that BTAC could have proposed that security fencing be installed at play areas in the past.  The lack of provision in Fenside was recognised, but the work carried out in BTAC’s open spaces in general was commended.  There was particular appreciation of the work of the Play & Physical Activity Officer who had worked tirelessly on consultation and implementation of schemes.  The Chairman asked that officers relayed the Committee’s thanks to that officer and all members of the team working on BTAC’s open spaces.