Agenda item

To discuss any petitions from members of the public, in accordance with Standing Order 66.

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by a member of the public, Nicola O’Brien, presenting a petition with 236 signatures requesting the reinstallation of a water standpipe in Roundwood Park.  Referring to a response received on the petition, she began by highlighting what was felt to be the disproportionate response to the recent vandalism of the standpipe involving its entire removal.  Whilst recognising the issue about water wastage as a result of the damage caused, it was pointed out that the standpipe had been suffering from a slow leak which was unrelated and had remained unfixed prior to the vandalism.  Although advised that the standpipe had not been designated for public use, Nicola O’Brien pointed out it had been relied upon and used by park users without any previous objection or issue prior to the current vandalism.  She also queried its use purely as a source of water for the surrounding habitation pointing out that the design of the standpipe included an auto shut-off press tap which faced away from the flowerbed and towards the public footpath.  As such it was felt the design encouraged use by park users looking for a quick supply or refill of water.

In terms of the alternative option suggested regarding use of the café to purchase or supply water, those who had signed the petition did not feel this was appropriate given the busy nature of the café, costs and fact this would involve the supply of plastic bottles which would also be wasteful and more damaging to the environment than use of a public water supply.  Whilst noting the proposal currently being investigated to restore the original public water fountain by the main entrance to the park, concerns had been expressed that no timescale had been provided on this.  It was noted that similar water supplies appeared to be available in other parks and green spaces with the petitioners feeling the removal of the standpipe to be unjustified given the impact on park users.  As a result, Nicola O’Brien advised that the petitioners were asking the Council to reconsider its original decision and to reinstall the standpipe and tap.

In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Lead Member for Environment), began by thanking Nicola O’Brien for her presentation and advised that the original decision to remove the standpipe had been made due to a number of acts of vandalism that had taken place in quick succession of repairs being undertaken.  This had included damage to the auto shut-off tap, which it was acknowledged had been a feature of the standpipe.  Given the constraints on the Parks Service budget, the combination of the repeated vandalism and associated cost of repairs along with the resulting loss of water the decision had reluctantly been made to remove the pipe and ensure there was a connection only for use by the contractor for watering the surrounding flowerbeds.  Confirmation was provided that, although used by the public, the standpipe was not designed for that purpose with its intended use only to provide water for the surrounding flower beds.  The level of local concern regarding its removal had, however, been recognised with an assurance given that the Council was continuing to investigate the cost and work required to restore the original water fountain at the main entrance to the park.  This would include available options to seek external funding with Nicola O’Brien advised she would be kept updated on progress, as lead petitioner.

Having noted the response provided, Councillor M Butt (Leader of the Council) ended by welcoming the contribution made at the meeting and reaffirming the Council’s commitment to ensure, working with all stakeholders and Friends of the Park Groups, that the facilities and access available to parks across the borough were maintained for use by everyone.  Recognising the level of local concern amongst park users, an assurance was provided that the Council would consider the specific issues raised in relation to the standpipe in Roundwood Park and any alternative solutions available, although it was pointed out this would need to be within the context of the significant financial pressures needing to be managed across the Authority.

Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) welcomed a member of the public, Nicola O’Brien, to the meeting as an online participant who had been invited to address the meeting in order to present a petition with 236 signatures requesting the reinstallation of a water standpipe in Roundwood Park.

Referring to a reply received on the petition, Nicola O’Brien began by highlighting what was felt to be the disproportionate response to the recent vandalism of the standpipe involving its entire removal.  Whilst recognising the concern around water wastage as a result of the damage caused, it was pointed out that the standpipe had been suffering from a slow leak which was unrelated and had remained unfixed prior to the vandalism.  Although advised that the standpipe had not been designated for public use, Nicola O’Brien pointed out it had been relied upon and used by park users without any previous objection or issue prior to the current vandalism.  She also queried its use purely as a source of water for the surrounding flower beds, pointing out that the design of the standpipe included an auto shut-off press tap which faced away from the flower beds and towards the public footpath.  As such it was felt the design encouraged use by park users looking for a supply or refill of water.

In terms of the alternative option suggested regarding use of the café to purchase or supply water, those who had signed the petition did not feel this was appropriate given the busy nature of the café, costs and fact this would involve the supply of plastic bottles which would also be wasteful and more damaging to the environment than use of the standpipe as a public water supply.  Whilst noting the proposal currently being investigated to restore the original public water fountain by the main entrance to the park, concerns had been expressed that no timescale had been provided on this.  It was noted that similar water supplies appeared to be available in other parks and green spaces, with the petitioners feeling the removal of the standpipe to be unjustified given the impact on park users.  As a result, Nicola O’Brien advised that the petitioners were asking the Council to reconsider its original decision and to reinstall the standpipe and tap.

In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth (Lead Member for Environment), thanked Nicola O’Brien for presenting the petition and advised that the original decision to remove the standpipe had been taken following a number of acts of vandalism which had taken place in quick succession of a number of repairs having been undertaken.  This had included damage to the auto shut-off tap, which it was acknowledged had been a feature of the standpipe.  Given the constraints on the Parks Service budget, the combination of the repeated vandalism and associated cost of repairs along with the resulting loss of water, the decision had reluctantly been made to remove the pipe and ensure there was a connection only for use by the contractor in watering the surrounding flower beds.  Confirmation was provided that, although used by the public, the standpipe was not designed for that purpose with its intended use only to provide water for the flower beds.  The level of local concern regarding its removal had, however, been recognised with an assurance provided that the Council was continuing to investigate the cost and work required to restore the original water fountain at the main entrance to the park.  This would include options available to seek external funding with Nicola O’Brien advised she would be kept updated on progress, as lead petitioner.

Having noted the response provided, Councillor M Butt (Leader of the Council) ended by welcoming the contribution made at the meeting and reaffirming the Council’s commitment to continue working with all stakeholders and Friends of the Park Groups in order to ensure access was maintained for everyone to parks and their facilities across the borough.  Recognising the level of local concern amongst park users, an assurance was provided that the Council would consider the specific issues raised in relation to the standpipe in Roundwood Park and any alternative solutions available, although it was pointed out this would need to be within the context of the significant financial pressures needing to be managed across the Authority.