Issue - meetings

To propose funding to be received from the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund be used to enhance open spaces facilities and play areas across the district in line with the Fenland Inspire! project aims.

AGREED to:

·         Approve the allocation of the £1.5 million Pride in Place Impact Fund allocation to the delivery of improved open spaces and play park enhancements across the district.

·         Delegate authority to the Corporate Director, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Open Spaces and Inspire! Projects, to commence an assessment of open spaces facilities and play parks to identify, alongside local elected Members, sites for improved or new facilities and return to Cabinet with a report with recommendations on the specific projects to be undertaken.

·         Note the necessary recruitment of a part-time, fixed term contract Project Officer to ensure that the organisation has the capacity to deliver this work in a timely manner, within the tight timeframe and deadline of March 2027 stipulated by Government.

Members considered the Pride in Place Impact Fund project proposal report presented by Councillor Boden.

·         Councillor Tierney said this is fantastic news for Fenland as it will deliver great changes for this area; members should contact officers and say what they want done.

·         Councillor Imafidon said he would like to see an improvement to the playground at Jasmine Close in Wisbech as the equipment there has deteriorated over the years.

·         Councillor Boden thanked Councillor Imafidon and said the Council will look at where the greatest need is. There are some areas with no play equipment at all, and some with an increased population which has made existing provision inadequate; it is not a one size fits all and everywhere will be considered.

·         Councillor Hoy said there needs to be a clear process on how ideas are proposed. She feels the west side of Wisbech is poorly served whilst there is more provision in the centre. Heron Road in Wisbech is badly maintained and there is potential for a soft play area in the Pavilion. She feels there should be surveys of cold spots and the conditions of equipment in each location.

·         Councillor Seaton said he appreciated the ideas, and they emphasised why someone is needed to do this work and ensure an even spread across the district before the money must be spent by 2027. The decision will be member-led, and ideas will come back to Cabinet to be followed by a consultation.

·         Councillor Mrs French said as Portfolio Holder for parks she is aware of the requests, and some additional staff may be required to look at this.  

Proposed by Councillor Boden, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and AGREED to:

·         Approve the allocation of the £1.5 million Pride in Place Impact Fund allocation to the delivery of improved open spaces and play park enhancements across the district.

·         Delegate authority to the Corporate Director, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Open Spaces and Inspire! Projects, to commence an assessment of open spaces facilities and play parks to identify, alongside local elected Members, sites for improved or new facilities and return to Cabinet with a report with recommendations on the specific projects to be undertaken.

·         Note the necessary recruitment of a part-time, fixed term contract Project Officer to ensure that the organisation has the capacity to deliver this work in a timely manner, within the tight timeframe and deadline of March 2027 stipulated by Government.