Minutes of Friends of Westpark meeting, 18th of October 2018 Present. Andrew Buckingham, Jackie Buckingham, Warren Bearpark, Ron Denham, Neil Brimmer, Margaret Vaughn, Rob George, Representative from the Scouts
Apologies, Pippa Smaling, Cll Richmond, Tony Cooper. Levy Update, MV gave an update of the levy situation identifying the state of play for this year’s collections. Around 20 payees remain outstanding at this stage and these will be sent a final reminder in the next few days. Following this, the remining non payees will be pursued as in previous years which may leave us with the last few long term outstanding debtors. RD questioned why people were still being chased so late in the year. MV said it wasn’t that unusual that a small number of residents levy’s still remain un-settled at this stage. AB stated how good the return rate was compared with for example, the council tax. MV described how all sorts of activities go on in the background to chase up the late payers which results in a relative few people not paying. These will still be chased up, perhaps with another letter and then if agreed, by other means. Some of the last few have already agreed to pay but two commercial entities, are taking their time but have also agreed to settle the debt. MV also gave a description as to how charity law applies to the way CDCF operate in handing out the ‘grants’ for the work to take place on the park MV also tabled several spread sheets that identified the last three years main items for expenditure. During this, MV and RG explained that the items that were listed were those that were above and beyond both basic maintenance, which is carried out by DBC. This includes activities such as emptying the bins and looking after the play area. It was also explained that It doesn’t itemise the annual work programme, required to enhance the biodiversity of the park despite this cost being covered by the levy. This involves the habitat
improvements which up till now have been carried out by DBC’s parks and countryside rangers as well as using other volunteers or voluntary organisations such as the probation service.
There was in addition a discussion around how best to share this information which was picked up upon later in the meeting. It was decided to circulate the minutes via e mails as well as ensure that the notice board was used in the park. We would also continue to utilise social media in the way we do at present.
Rangers update Ponds works on the SNCI and Dipping pond are being organised/priced Wildflower meadows in the amenity areas are to be put in the park next spring Rivers Trust will be removing some Birch trees which will aid with the thinning out of the stands Hopefully Warren will be involved in thinning out of the stands too with some assistance from probation. TBC. Fencing at Comets Garth to be repaired after sourcing the correct sized timber. Paths and BMX track repairs/improvements have been completed Flag Pole to be put up for the green flag Dipping Pond gate back on but already being tampered with. Warren believes it is an adult who is purposely taking off the hinges and spring using tools and it has happened 3 times since spring already. Tree house in the play area was badly damaged but quickly repaired by the council. The walkway between the George Stephenson bridges and the SNCI pond has grass cuttings dumped on the beck banks. This is being monitored as it seemed to stop when residents began noticing it. 1- Santa Run – 2nd December at 10am. Starts at the academy.
Projects update.
RG reported that most of the issues have been covered by the Rangers report but added comments he had picked up regards the effectiveness of the tarmacking of the bike track. It has ‘made the track much better to ride as well as safer, allowing the expert rider greater ability to pick up speed and make better use of the jumps.’ It has also ‘allowed the novice rider a greater sense of security that he / she will not lose traction on the loose gravel berms’. RG reported that he and the landscape architect have discussed the possibility of tarmacking more of the berms in the future given the success of this action.
Residents feedback. RG reported a number of conversations he has had during recent site visits including continued concern over the slipperiness of the humpback bridge and issues relating to litter caused by overflowing bins although it has been acknowledged that this has improved in recent months. WB agreed to have another look at anti slip paint on the bridge. (Since enacted)
Any other business. There was a general discussion throughout the meeting about the history of the levy and how it has enabled the continued development of the park, helping it evolve into a mature landscape where the duel activities of nature and people are mutually recognised in the rolling out of the management plan. Without the levy, the lack of resource, especially now that the Council is under such a devastating period of austerity would inevitably have compromised this delicate balance resulting in the gradual decline of a landscape under intense pressure from a multiple range of demands and changing pressures. The continued availability of the levy as well as its further development into its soon to be delivered, next phase as the estate expands beyond its existing boundaries, guarantees that this process continues. However, its success it was pointed out depends a great deal on making sure that the proposed, new Westpark Trust is established successfully, taking over from the much more informal arrangements that have sufficed up until this point in time. The apparent ‘looseness of the existing arrangements was a feature of this discussion but it was pointed out
by both NB and AB that although an informal structure, it has performed very well in the past, providing effective commissioning, managerial and overseeing functions through the past 13 or so years. It was added that if it had been made much more formal from an early stage, it is strongly believed that the extra administration costs would have severely impeded the ability for the key parties to deliver the management plan. Every effort is being made that the new arrangements will continue to be very cost effective.
Date of next meeting, January 17th 2019, 6.30, Westpark Academy.