Agenda item

9.1

The Committee received a presentation from Ruth Bell, Head of Parks and Countryside. The aim of the presentation was to provide an overview of the varied work of the Parks and Countryside Service and further information about activities with the North Local Area Committee wards. There were 800 sites managed by the team across the city that included city parks, district parks, local parks, playgrounds, as well as sports facilities, allotments, closed burial grounds and boating facilities. Budget cuts due to austerity had meant more creativity was needed around spending, along with the need to look at other funding opportunities. She acknowledged the invaluable work of ‘friends’ groups across the city, particularly around fundraising and identifying needs. Other challenges across green spaces included anti-social behaviour, flytipping, litter and tree disease. Use of green spaces had increased since Covid, and more ‘friends’ groups had been set up. Approximately 78% of green sites in the North of Sheffield met the current ‘Sheffield Standard’. It was hoped that further improvements could be made to increase this to 100%, and there were some capital improvement plans that aimed to work towards that goal. Ms Bell praised the work of volunteers in leading activities across green spaces. She noted that the waiting list for allotments was long in some areas, and work was needed to manage this. She believed that rents were reasonable and there was a generous discount scheme for those claiming benefits. Fees had not been increased, meaning that site improvements were not currently possible. She also outlined improvements made to Ecclesfield Park and, Oxley Park and Newhall Woods.

9.2

The Chair thanked Ms Bell and attending and invited questions from those present.

Adam Hurst

A lot of our country parks have problems with off-road biking. What is being doing about this, and is it possible to identify alternative sites for this activity?

In response Ms Bell advised that complaints regarding off-road biking were dealt with on a case-by-case basis, working in conjunction with the police to identify and review access points, and noted a suggestion that was made to look at alternative sites for off-road biking.

Robert Marsden, Friends of Ecclesfield Park

We have received feedback that there is not enough seating in the play area in Ecclesfield Park. We provided 3 benches and litter bins last year.

My wife was Chair of Friends of Ecclesfield Park, until she passed away five years ago, and she had raised the question as to what had happened to the money from the pavilion.

Ms Bell advised that she would investigate these issues and provide the questioner with a full response.

Trevor Bagshaw

1.     One-third of the city was situated within the Peak District National Park. To what extent do your activities connect with the Peak District National Park Authority to address the issues that occur in those parts of Sheffield, and how do they work together to work to address those needs?

2.     Over the last five years, the Sheffield Wildlife Trust and its partners have secured £3.2m of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. That project closes in spring, and the money is all spent but there is a 10 year forward plan. How does Sheffield City Council plan to invest in those parts of north Sheffield that are not park sites or woodland? Should we be doing more to publicise what the Council is trying to do, and open up volunteering opportunities for people?

Ms Bell advised that Sheffield City Council had very strong links with the Peak District National Park, and noted that some sites were managed by partnerships that has faced similar budget challenges.

In response to the second question, Ms Bell noted that these issues would be discussed with relevant partners, such as Sheffield Wildlife Trust and Green Estate. She explained that the Parks and Countryside team had an oversight of woodland areas and public rights of way. She advised that any further queries could be directed to her at ruth.bell@sheffield.gov.uk

The Chair noted that three of the Councillors present were members of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee, and had received a briefing on the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Project. He also advised that Mr Marsden speak to his local councillors present regarding seating in Ecclesfield Park play area.

Councillor Richard Williams added that the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Project had been an excellent project, and although coming to and end, had now been extended. He suggested that it would be useful to bring a summary of the project to a future Local Area Committee, to discuss its achievements.