Agenda item

To receive an update on the Play Strategy from the Community Project Officer, A Avery.

Chair welcomed Adrian Avery (Community Project Officer) who introduced himself and explained the purpose of his report was to update members in relation to the Play Area Strategy.

The Community Project Officer referred members to the papers supplied at the meeting, which provided a comparison on ratings from May 2021 and February 2023.

An overview of the work that has been taking place was provided for members.  It was noted that there had been significant improvements in the previous 12-18 months, but the target to reach all play areas rated as good was still to be achieved. Two further play areas have moved to a good rating since December.

The number of departments involved in progressing the improvements within TDC was noted, especially the work of the Estates Team.

The inspections process was explained for members and it was confirmed that the introduction of more independent inspections was being planned.

The work of the Grounds Maintenance team was also highlighted, along with the use of a new portal for reporting issues at play areas.

It was confirmed that there was still an ambition to reduce the stock, but the challenges of this were recognised. 

The planned work at Victoria Park was mentioned along with plans to work towards Green Flag status.

Members were asked for their questions.

Following a question in relation to Green Flag status, it was confirmed that none of the parks in the area currently have this status.  The Community Project Officer highlighted some of the potential sites that were being explored.

Members noted that, given initial concerns regarding the set budget, they were please to see improvements and that the budget is working well.

Clarity was sought regarding the funding regarding Short Close play area and Chestnut Drive.  The Community Project Officer explained the funding allocation and how it was being proposed to use this.  It was confirmed that the communities using the areas had also been consulted and they had engaged and supplied their ideas on how to use the sites. 

Members noted the lack of movement on Victoria Park, the delays in hearing back on funding bids was highlighted and the Community Project Officer recognised this frustration and was awaiting the outcome of the Rural Prosperity Fund bid.

Following discussions regarding the rating of Westward Ho! Green site it was agreed that the Community Project Officer would meet with Councillor Hodson and Councillor Laws on site to discuss concerns.

Concerns were raised by members in relation to the inspections process being completed internally.

There was a query in relation to the budgets being used for maintenance rather than improvements. The Community Project Officer recognised that they were still dealing with the legacy of work that hadn’t been completed in the past. The aim of the strategy was to first deal with maintenance issues, before starting on improvements and bringing sites up to a better standard. 

The skate park was also noted and a rating of excellent was explained as relating to the play element of the area only.

There was a discussion in relation to budgets and the challenges associated with managing safety alongside the replacement and improvements of sites.  The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) explained the council’s position in terms of the available budget and a focus on maintenance. It was explained that this was why the Play Strategy was also focused on community engagement and work with Parish and Town Councils.

Members queried the criteria for rating the play areas and restated the need for more detail on how rating decision are made.  The Community Project Officer explained the rational for the reporting on the sites and detailed the inspection processes in place.

Members asked how many items had been removed and not replaced. The Community Project Officer confirmed that most have been replaced now and the work was on track – where areas were marked green.

Following a discussion regarding funding and budgets the Community Project Officer confirmed that applying for Section 106 money was part of his role and this was done at the start of applications, but it took time for the funds to become available. The work to access these funds was also highlighted.

There importance of robust inspection regimes were highlighted and the need to build in capacity and revenue for regular checks and record keeping to be completed was felt to be key way to evidence that parts have been viewed and checked.

Following a query regarding Green Flag Status it was recognised that there was only a benefit to apply for this status and it was confirmed the Community Project Officer would be taking this forward.

Members asked for more details in regards to work on Victoria Park. The Community  Project Officer provided members with a summary of the bid for funding and work to plan for a larger scale item to be a feature in the park.

The community engagement work was detailed for members, which included the survey which received over 900 responses, mostly from young people.

Following discussion regarding other successful lottery bids for Parks in Devon it was confirmed that Lottery funding was being explored for Victoria Park.

Following a query in relation to the funding of an independent annual inspection of all sites the Community Project Officer confirmed that these discussion are taking place with the Contract Manager currently.  Members stressed the importance if these independent inspections.

Members noted the progress that has been made and thanked the Community Project Officer for his time.