Issue - meetings

This report presents a summary of the latest operational issues relating to Barham Park for the committee’s consideration.

RESOLVED: That the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment providing an update on the operational issues relating to Barham Park Trust Committee be noted.

Chris Whyte (Operational Director Environment Services) introduced the report updating members on the operational issues relating to Barham Park. The committee heard that a job description had been created for the proposed Projects Officer post and recruitment to the position would be pursued as part of a wider reorganisation of the council’s Environmental Services directorate. Members’ attention was drawn to the twelve month summary provided by the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), which identified that eleven crimes had been reported in the Park, two stop and searches had been performed and twelve calls for police attendance in the park had been received. The SNT reported a reduction in street drinking in the park and confirmed that the park was patrolled daily.

Sarah Chaudhry (Head of Property) updated the committee with regard to property issues for Barham Park, confirming that the lease for Unit 1 of the Barham Park Buildings complex (Card Room) had been signed and was ready for completion following the expiry of a statutory notice period. A tenancy at will had been entered to allow early access by the tenants from the 30 June 2017. The lease for Unit 2 (Snooker Room) had also been agreed with the Barham Park Veterans and would be completed following the expiry of the statutory notice period.

In discussing the report, the committee cautioned sensitivity in the language used to discuss incidents of crimes in the park. Noting that a new ice-cream vendor was needed for the park, Members questioned what arrangements were in place to ensure that this was filled for the summer period. In response, Amanda Haines (Resources Manager) confirmed that a vendor had been secured for the interim and the council would re-tender after the summer.

RESOLVED: That the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment providing an update on the operational issues relating to Barham Park Trust Committee be noted.