henleaze&westburyvoice
December, 2017
31
News and views from our city councillors Clare Campion-Sm ith (Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze) Libraries and Parks Two important motions on the future of libraries and on Bristol par ks and green spaces were debated at Full Council in November. The motion on libraries proposed, by the Liberal Democrat gro up, was to keep open all libraries for two years, some on reduced hours, run by pro librarians and community fessional volunteers. This would deliver the require d savings and give time to pursue an alte rnative model of service such as public sec tor mutualisation. The mutualisation model is not privatisation; it has the support of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has been implemented in sev authorities and would allo eral other w the service to be innovative and seek additional funding from external sources. After three debates on petitions in support of libraries (they
had all reached over 350 0 signatures) and the motion, it was clear that there is a lot of passion across the city and conviction of their essential part in a city that aspires to be a healthy city and also a UNESCO learning city. The motion wa s carried by one vote but is not binding on the Mayor so we await with interest and some trepidation the final proposals for decision at the Cabinet Meeting on 4 Dec ember. I spoke in the second deb ate on parks emphasising the needs of families for good quality open space where children can develop social and physical skills and have the sheer enjoyment of play. I could have spoken with equal conviction on the benefits to older people and section of our society. The indeed to any original idea of ’cost neutral’ where inc ome generated must cover expenditure has fortunately been abandoned but the re are still hefty savings proposed. I believe it essential tha t there is a core budget for health and safe ty work in our parks. It is the responsib ility of the council to inspect and repair chi ldren’s play equipment, to inspect and ma intain trees, paths,
gates and fencing etc. Dare I also add, to provide toilets in the main parks? Volunteers can do much but the management of the infrastructure is the council’s and should be budgeted for and not left to the uncertainties of income from events etc . If you have ideas for inc ome generation, expenditure reduct ions or stories of the importance of parks to you and your family and friends, then please look at the consultation propos als and add your comments. The consult ation closes 29 January https://bristol.cit izenspace.com/ neighbourhoods/parks-a nd-green-spaces/ consult_view/ Further information on meeting of Full Council can be found on the website Clare Campion Smith
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