Agenda item

The report of the Director Communities, Housing and Environment is to provide members with feedback on previous years Community Committee funded projects and explains changes to bedding and floral decoration in parks and greenspaces in the Outer West area. This report also proposes a discussion about gardening resources in the Outer West and provide an overview of the service today and, suggest how the Outer West Community Committee might assist the service to the benefit of parks and green spaces in Farnley, Wortley, Pudsey, Calverley and Farsley.

The report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment provided Members with feedback on previous years Community Committee funded projects. The report also provided information in relation to the changes to bedding and floral decoration in parks and greenspaces in the Outer West area.

At the request of the sub-committee chair the report also presented a proposal to instigate discussion about gardening resources in the Outer West area and provide suggestions on how the Outer West Community Committee might assist the service to the benefit of parks and green spaces in Farnley, Wortley, Pudsey, Calverley and Farsley.

Members were informed of the following points:

·  Topsoil was to be dropped at Calverley Victoria Park to cover the hoof prints which had happened as a result of horses being let loose on the park.

·  Roundabouts are now grassed areas. Mixed wildflower seed would be added in the Spring.

·  The Parks and Countryside Team had met with Ward Councillors to discuss plans for the local parks in the Outer West area. It was noted that there would be no changes to cemeteries.

Responding to questions from Members the Community Committee were informed of the following:

·  In relation to the Garden of Remembrance, Parks and Countryside were asked to keep the roses as these had been provided through voluntary donations. It was noted that these would be retained.

·  The changes from floral bedding plants to wildflowers was not just a cost saving but would also encourage pollinators. Maintenance would be carried out of the wildflower areas with 30% of seed gathered for subsequent years and weeds such as nettles and thistles removed. The wildflower beds would provide colour in the parks until September.

·  Litter picking would continue on the roundabouts. It was the view that the proposal for less manicured roundabouts would assist with climate change

·  Members were advised that sponsorship of the roundabouts would continue.

·  In relation to Western Flatts Park Members noted that the Parks and Countryside Team were working with Goundworks. Roses could be incorporated into the planting scheme with Ward Councillors consulted on planting options. Ward Members requested that the newly formed Friends of Western Flatts also be included in discussions

·  Members welcomed the work that had been undertaken in Tyersal Park. Members asked if fruit bushes and bulbs could be planted. It was noted that the Parks Team did not have the funding for bulbs or fruit bushes. However, if Members wished to fund them the Team would plant and maintain them.

·  It was noted that the upgrade for Hainsworth Park had been raised by crowd funding. Members were in support of the scheme and liked the proposals for the park. The work was due to start in March / April 2022. The work was due to be carried out by a separate organisation and Members requested that Parks and Countryside ensure that the work does go ahead as planned and is of good quality. It was noted that Parks and Countryside had met with Groundworks and Members would be kept informed.

·  Members welcomed the use of wildflowers. However, they did have concerns that the wildflower season was not a long one and wanted to ensure that the parks would look good throughout the seasons.

·  It was recognised that some of the parks in the Outer West area had areas which were ‘boggy’ and Members wished to see these areas planted with appropriate plants and where necessary drainage issues addressed

The Parks Technical Officer, Phil Staniforth was in attendance at the meeting. The Chair advised Members that Phil was due to retire, she passed on the thanks of the Ward Councillors for all his hard work in the Outer West area and wished him a happy retirement. Members showed their appreciation with a round of applause.

RESOLVED – To note the content of the report.