Presentation by Ruth Bell, Head of Parks and Countryside
Minutes:
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7.1 |
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 within the East 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 landfills, closed burial grounds, fishing sites and housing land. The revenue budget had been reduced over the last 14 years and, although income was increasing, it was not ‘plugging’ the gap. Other challenges across green spaces included anti-social behaviour, fly tipping, litter and tree disease. The introduction of cafes in some parks had helped to increase use of parks, although this came with management challenges. Use of green spaces had increased since Covid, and more ‘friends’ groups had been set up. ‘Ash dieback’ was a disease affecting ash trees across the city and it was expected to cost over £10million over a ten-year period to remove affected trees safely. There were costs associated with staffing and providing up-to-date machinery. Anti-social behaviour and fly tipping were a big problem across the city, and there was a cost involved in dealing with particular hotspots. Ms Bell noted her appreciation to the hundreds of volunteers working across the city and providing valuable support to sites. She added that 72% of sites across the East Local Area Committee area met the Sheffield Standard. There were challenges around allotment provision, and it was estimated that around £6,000 would be needed to bring unlettable plots back into use and align with the Sheffield Standard. Issues affecting some plots included fly tipping, anti-social behaviour and burning of materials. She noted some of the recent improvements at Hollinsend Park tennis courts and playground, Skye Edge Fields access, and new playgrounds at Woodthorpe Ravine and Mather Road. Further improvements were planned for Handsworth Recreation Ground, High Hazels Park, Tinsley Meadows and Tinsley Green. |
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7.2 |
Ms Bell noted that other members of her team would be available during the breakout session to discuss any issues raised. |