Somercotes Park
Management Plan
2014 - 2019
Amber Valley Borough Council
Somercotes Park
Amber Valley Borough Council
Management Plan 2014 - 2019
Document History Date Written Description Author (s) 2013 Management Plan 2014 - 2019 AVBC 2014 Update AVBC 2015 Update AVBC 2017 Update AVBC
2
Contents
Page Executive Summary 5
Chapter 1. Introduction, background & context
1.0 Introduction & background 6 2.0 Vision 6 3.0 Aims 6 4.0 Site name 7 5.0 Location & size 7 6.0 Site description 7 7.0 Land tenure 11 8.0 Legal factors 11 9.0 Local demographics 12 10.0 History 13
Chapter 2. Where are we now?
11.0 Introduction 16 12.0 The Green Flag Award 16 13.0 A welcoming place 16 14.0 Healthy, safe and secure 18 15.0 Well maintained and clean 24 16.0 Sustainability 25 17.0 Conservation and heritage 26 18.0 Community involvement 28 19.0 Marketing 32 20.0 Management 33
Chapter 3. Where do we want to go?
21.0 Action plan 2014-2019 36 22.0 Monitoring and Evaluation 40
3
Appendix 1 – National and local context - page 41 Appendix 2 – Maintenance Schedules Appendix 3 – Covenant and Ownership Plan Appendix 4 – Tree Survey Appendix 5 – Play Inspection Appendix 5a – Skate Park Inspection
List of figures and tables
Table Title Page Number 1 Legislative Framework 11 2 Population Data 12 3 Site Risk Assessment 23 4 Previous Expenditure 33 5 Capital Expenditure 34
Figure Title number 1 Staff Structure 34
Contact: Richard Hodgkinson Open Spaces Officer
Amber Valley Borough Council Landscapes, Growth & Community Safety Town Hall Ripley Derbyshire DE5 3BT
Direct Line Tel: 01773 841230 Main Switch Board: 01773 570222
Website: www.ambervalley.gov.uk Email: [email protected]
4 Executive Summary
Amber Valley Borough Council is committed to providing high quality parks and open spaces throughout the Borough. In 2011 Amber Valley Borough Council focused their efforts on ‘Making Everywhere in Amber Valley a Great Place to Live’. Radical improvements have been made to Parks and Open Spaces, which have enabled Amber Valley Borough Council to apply for Green Flag Awards where appropriate.
In January 2017 a new structure was put in place forming ‘Landscapes, Growth and Community Safety’ led by the ‘Environment’ Portfolio. The service is responsible for all outside development and provision, which includes community safety, grounds maintenance, town centres and regeneration and development and facilities management.
References to Landscape Services and Landscape Development remain within this management plan; they formed part of the previous staff structure and implemented a large proportion of the previous development at Somercotes Park.
In 2016 Amber Valley Borough Council were successful in holding eight Green Flags with plans to achieve nine in 2017.
The completion of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy in November 2013 gives a rounded strategic approach, providing the tools necessary to achieve Amber Valley Borough Councils strategic aims.
Somercotes Park is on the fringe of the town centre and can be easily accessed by local people. It is an important asset to the Council and local community. The Borough Council works with the local community to ensure this park is developed to its full potential.
This management plan is written as a strategic overview to ensure the Park is developed with the needs and expectation of the public. The plan will also enable the Council, and partners to keep focused on future strategic aims for the Park and will be updated and amended annually to reflect developments and changing priorities.
5 Chapter 1 Introduction, background & context
1.0 Introduction and background
1.1 Summary of management plan
This management plan is to be used in conjunction with other corporate documents as mentioned earlier to ensure the future development of Somercotes Park. It is not intended to include sections of supporting Strategies or Policies within this document, but these documents will be referred to, and if the reader wishes to gain a greater strategic understanding or detailed information they can do this by accessing Amber Valley Borough Council’s website to download the appendices - www.ambervalley.gov.uk
1.2 Format
The plan is set out in three distinct sections, which provide the following:
A general background history of the park and how it fits into the Council’s policy aims and objectives; Where the park is currently and an assessment of strengths and weaknesses following Green Flag judging criteria; Management needs and future objectives to improve the park including a five year action plan starting in 2014 and ending in 2019.
1.3 Target audience and usage
Primarily the management plan is to be used by council officers and maintenance staff to ensure continuous development and improvement and to prevent deviation from the consultation framework written into the plan. Secondly the plan is for the wider community for information and for them to be aware of key issues and development progress.
2.0 Vision
The vision for Somercotes Park is to protect and promote this important green space for future generations to appreciate.
3.0 Aims
The future development of the park has come about from Corporate Aims, ‘Landscapes, Growth and Community Safety’s’ objectives and consultation with both the Community Association and the wider community. All development works have been undertaken following the Green Flag judging criteria as follows:
To provide a welcoming park for members of the community and visitors. To provide a safe, healthy and secure park for all users. To achieve a consistently high standard of cleanliness and maintenance.
6 To promote and demonstrate environmental sustainability. To protect and promote the heritage and conservation value. To enable community participation and involvement. To promote the park by maximising marketing opportunities, thus raising the profile. To ensure effective management and corporate support.
4.0 Site Name
Somercotes Park is in the centre of Somercotes Village and is the main recreational open space in the area.
5.0 Location & Size
Somercotes Park covers an area of 2.74 hectares and is located off the B6017 Main Road, on Sherwood Street Somercotes which is north of the village centre. It is easily accessible from all areas of Somercotes having the main entrance from Main Road, which is the vehicular access to the car park, and pedestrian accesses from the Market Place, Farm Close and Brenden Avenue.
Grid Reference: SK 4253NW
6.0 Site Description
7 6.1 Background
Somercotes is a village which developed rapidly in the 1800 and 1900’s, sporting activity was an important aspect of village life and it is believed that the park evolved over time from these activities, which would explain its odd shape and layout. It is mainly a recreational open space offering something for everyone; the main hub is the Somerlea Centre which was funded by the Lottery.
Somercotes Park is the main park in Somercotes; there are smaller play areas and open spaces, but nothing that offers the facilities held at Somercotes Park.
6.2 Context within green space network
Somercotes Park is located off the B6017 and is only a short walk from the centre of the market square of Somercotes, which has a mix of retail and commercial premises and is surrounded by an urban mix of housing.
6.3 Landscape Zones
The recreation ground has evolved over time and has a mix of landscape features, which are listed below.
8 6.3.1 Somerlea Centre The Somerlea Centre is the main hub of the recreation ground; it offers toilet facilities, meeting, training and changing rooms an indoor gym, and a large function room upstairs with bar facilities.
6.3.2 Car Parking Facilities The car park was white lined to ensure parking is consistent; this car park was extended in 2012 to allow for overflow parking, which is constructed from grasscrete to lower the visual impact.
6.3.3 Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) The MUGA is free to use and is flood-lit on darker nights, the fencing was replaced in 2011 using Section 106 funding.
6.3.4 Synthetic Pitch The Synthetic Pitch was formally the tennis courts. The Somerlea Centre were successful in bidding for funds to create a synthetic pitch with ball stop fencing and games equipment is 2012. There is a small charge made to use this facility.
6.3.5 Play Area The play area is a traditional style which caters for children under 12 years of age, it has been complimented with a new outdoor gym and zip wire facility.
9 6.3.6 Outdoor Gym The outdoor gym and zip wire were added in 2013 and funded by the Parish Council, it is well used by local teenagers.
6.3.7 Skate Park The skate park is the traditional ramps with skatelight boards, Somercotes Parish Council funded an extension in 2013 with consultation with local teenagers.
6.3.8 Bowling Green The bowling green area is used by Jacksdale bowling club, the bowling green surround was refurbished in 2010, with new pathways and seating.
6.3.9 Landscape Features The park is mainly laid out with amenity grass and hardy shrub borders, plus semi mature trees on the boundaries. There is a small avenue of trees on the main entrance gateway, the boundaries are fenced either by resident’s gardens fences or more corporately by the school.
6.3.10 Original Entrance The original main entrance to the park is off Main Road Somercotes and is now only used as a pedestrian gateway as the Somelea Centre is now the main hub of the site.
10 6.3.11 Storage Hut The storage hut was once the changing rooms for the tennis courts, when the Somerlea Centre was built there wasn’t a need for separate changing facilities, so this building was converted to a store and welfare facility for park staff.
7.0 Land Tenure
Somercotes Park is owned by Amber Valley Borough Council and the Centre stands on land which is owned by the Parish Council, the bowling green, synthetic pitch and surrounding area are licensed to the Somerlea Centre from Amber Valley Borough Council, the whole area is maintained by the Landscapes, Growth and Community Safety Team at the Borough Council.
8.0 Legal Factors
8.1 Byelaws
The park is not covered by any specific bye laws. However, there is a legislative framework covering Somercotes Park which addresses and controls behaviour and activities within public green spaces. The following legislations are applicable to the Park:
Legislation Relevance Responsibility The Dogs (fouling of land) Fines, education Amber Valley Borough Council Act 1996 and disposal Crime and Disorder Act Community safety, Police nuisance and anti social behaviour Disability Discrimination Access and Amber Valley Borough Council Act 1995 participation Occupiers Liability Act Health and Safety Amber Valley Borough Council for Visitors Road Traffic Act (various) Illegal access by Police motor vehicles including motorbikes and mini motos Environmental Protection Litter, Fly Tipping Amber Valley Borough Council Act 1990 & Clean and abandoned Neighbourhood and vehicles Environment Act 2005 Table 1. Legislative framework
11 8.2 Public Rights of Way
There are two rights of way through the park connecting Sherwood Street with Farm Close footpath number 11, and Leabrooks Road and the Market Place footpath 12.
8.3 Covenants
Covenants & Easements are shown in Appendix 3
8.4 Designations
Somercotes Park is designated as Playing Fields, Parks and Informal Open Space - LC3 in the Local Plan
9.0 Local Demographics
9.1 Introduction
Amber Valley Borough Council has a population of 122,309; this figure is based on the 2011 Census. Somercotes Park is located in the centre of Somercotes and lies in the Somercotes Electoral Ward.
9.2 Population Data
Local population data for Somercotes is identified below:
Ward Male Population Female Total Population Population Somercotes 3,084 3,171 6,255 Total Population 6,255 Table 2 - Population Data
9.3 Employment Data
Amber Valley has an employment figure of 49,102; these figures were obtained from the 2011 census and were taken from the National Statistics website.
9.4 Tourism
In 2010 the Tourism Economic Impact Assessment was carried out and provided key figures for the number of visitors to the Borough. Figures show that during this assessment a total of 3.816 million visitors came to the Borough.
Although there are no official figures for visitors to the park, the park does offer visitors a comprehensive range of free activities, and the Somerlea centre is a thriving indoor facility for users who want to partake in the more formal facilities on the site.
12
10.0 History
10.1 In the Beginning
Derbyshire played a leading role in the Industrial Revolution – the Silk Mill in Derby and Arkwright’s Mill at Cromford being amongst some of the first mills in the country. Somercotes was affected by this revolution as demand for coal and other raw materials were in demand, mining developed rapidly and transportation became necessary. In 1759 an Act of Parliament was obtained to repair roads from Nottingham to Alfreton and to make a turnpike road from there to Newhaven. The old road between Alfreton and Selston ran from Flowery Leys Lane over Cotes Park to Pye Bridge. The turnpike trustees’ did not widen or improve this road, but built a new one over Somercotes Common. This new road was a toll road and one of the toll gates was situated in front of the Black Horse inn house in Lower Somercotes, and thus Somercotes was born into being a proper village.
10.2 The Nineteenth Century
By the early nineteenth century this was a busy settlement having two inns and a chapel.
The development of the present village began about this time and the common land was ‘enclosed’. Previously land was held in common hence its name. People had a right to graze animals upon it, but the practice had been growing of fencing off this common land and putting it into private ownership. The land parcelled out among claimants whose only obligation and expense was to fence their plot. This happened at Somercotes and the common land was used to build small rows of cottages in which the house workers from Oakes Ironworks and the collieries at Cotes Park and Birchwood. The housing was of very poor quality.
The nineteenth century was a period of rapid growth from a small settlement to a busy community with its rows of brick terraces providing houses for people drawn to the area by the prospect of employment. It was a very different place from the village today. The housing lacked sanitation and running water, the air was polluted with smoke from homes and industry. The men’s working conditions in mines and factories were harsh, resulting in deaths and accidents. Poor health care led to high infant mortality. The community would be self-sufficient with most of people’s needs being met in the village. A directory of 1916 lists 156 businesses in the village.
The construction of the Cromford and Pinxton canals around 1800 and the coming of the railway about 50 years later ensured that the local industries continued to grow and attract increasing numbers of workers. In 1870 Thomas Coupland had houses built at Coupland Place in Somercotes for workers in his mine. Roughly a third of their occupants came from more than 5 miles away from Somercotes and one couple came from Ireland.
It is thought that from this growth the demand for outdoor activities grew and playing pitches were developed creating Somercotes Park, and as the population grew, facilities were added as time went on.
13
Early pictures of the recreation ground
Picture of the tennis courts, now the synthetic pitch
Amber Valley Borough Council took ownership of the park in 1974.
10.3 Recent History
Somerlea Park Community Centre opened on the 6th December 2008 after successful bids for funding totalling £765,000 for a community project supported by the Big Lottery Fund, Coalfield Regeneration Fund and Derby & Derbyshire Economic Partnership.
The name is derived from the park being on the border of Somercotes and Leabrooks.
The project was the work of Somercotes Leisure Development Group, a voluntary community group that supports projects related to sport and leisure in
14 Somercotes. The group decided that it was time to ‘make a difference for its own community’.
The group has supported other local projects including securing funding for the provision of lighting for the multi-sports hard courts (£30k) and the grasscrete parking area.
Somerlea Park Centre started as a Social Enterprise a ‘Community Interest Company’ but has attained Charity status (in July 2010) and looks forward to expanding its profile to support the local community.
15 Chapter 2 Where are we now?
11.0 Introduction
Amber Valley Borough Council have made a commitment to improve parks throughout the Borough using the Green Flag criteria as a benchmark on quality and sustainability, for each criteria section there is a summary and a table indentifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
12.0 The Green Flag Award
The Green Flag Award is managed by Keep Britain Tidy. The scheme has been running for 20 years and had become a recognised national standard for publicly accessible parks and open spaces.
It is a quality award recognising well maintained green spaces and encourages high standards to be achieved and sustained.
The eight judging criteria are as follows:
A Welcoming Place Healthy, Safe and Secure Well Maintained and Clean Sustainable Conservation and Heritage Community Involvement Marketing Management
13.0 A Welcoming Place
13.1 Welcoming
There is a finger post on Main Road for traffic to find the Somerlea Centre, in the car park there is a welcome sign which is designed to the corporate style with a map showing the layout of the park.
16 A member of staff is based on site throughout the year to promote a feeling of well being, and support for the visitor.
The Somerlea centre staff are also on hand for visitors if they have any queries, they are open six days a week from 8.00am until late, the trustees and manager of the centre are all volunteers.
13.2 Good and Safe Access
The park is generally level, there is one set of steps from the grasscrete car park to the synthetic pitch but ramped access is available adjacent to these. The park is lit at night along the main access routes through the park, and the Somerlea Centre is open until early evening
13.3 Signage
Site specific signage is to be provided in early 2016 at all entrances to the park, the overall style is being delivered throughout the Borough. Each sign shows the name of the park, approved / discouraged activities and contact details. On leaving the park visitors are thanked for visiting and asked for any comments/suggestions. Appropriate signage is also located at the entranceway to the play area
The notice board in the Somerlea Centre gives more detailed information about any local events and activities and is updated regularly.
17 13.4 Equal Access for All
The paths within the park are generally level and gateways are wide enough to Accommodate most pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Play equipment in the park has elements for both able and less able-bodied children, and is accessible from the pathway. Benches are provided throughout the park to sit and rest.
There are toilets available, including an accessible toilet for wheelchair users and a lift in the Somerlea Centre.
Strengths Weaknesses Level site with good access points. Small charge made for some activities Toilets Benches throughout the site. Coloured gateways to play area. Disabled parking provision is available in car park. Staff on site Opportunities Threats Warden Patrols to deter dog mess and Located a few minutes walk away from litter. the town centre and used as a shortcut. Higher potential for dog mess and litter.
14.0 Healthy, Safe and Secure
Amber Valley Borough Council has a legal responsibility and is committed to ensuring employees and visitors who visit or work within parks and surrounding areas can do so safely.
All relevant employees are trained accordingly to carry out specific duties within parks, and volunteers are trained and supervised when carrying out volunteering activities such as litter picks or marshalling on event days.
All relevant regulations and best practice are adhered to:
Risk Assessments COSHH Assessments Safe Operating Procedures Safe chemical storage, application and disposal PA 1-6 (where chemicals are used) Specific training and certification – e.g. chainsaw use, playground inspections. Recognised First Aiders A regular inspection regime
18 14.1 Equipment and facilities
There is a detailed maintenance regime in place to ensure standards within the park are consistent. (Appendix 2)
Daily bin emptying and litter pick. General daily inspection of the park, any issues of vandalism or maintenance are dealt with immediately anything that needs specialist attention will take longer. Daily inspection of the play area and other games equipment. Offensive graffiti and vandalism deemed a hazard is removed/made safe within 24 hours from receiving the report, non-offensive is within 5 days. The Somerlea Centre is well maintained and staffed from 8am until close 6 days a week. Monthly technical inspection of the play equipment, outdoor gym and skate park. Annual independent inspection of the play equipment, outdoor gym and skate park.
Issues are dealt with daily, anything considered dangerous or offensive is made safe/removed immediately, full repair is dependant on damage and whether parts or specialist services are required. Amber Valley Borough Council operates an out of hours service for emergencies, which can be accessed through the main switchboard.
14.2 Personal safety
The park has a dedicated parks gardener full time throughout the summer season April – October and part time November - March, the reduction in hours in the winter is that mowing is not required, and other staff or contractors are brought in throughout the winter to carry out specialist work and to do winter maintenance this ensures problems are dealt with quickly and allows the public to feel safe and secure.
Staff at the Centre are not Council employees but do take reports from the public and ensure that Council staff are informed of any issues. The park is not locked as it has public rights of way through it; the Somerlea Centre toilets are opened daily except for Sundays unless there is an event on, you can get more information about the Somerlea Centre from their website www.somerleaparkcentre.co.uk
The park’s main walkways are lit throughout the night and the MUGA is lit on a timer which switches off automatically at 9pm.
Instances of anti-social behaviour such as arson, severe damage to equipment and motorbike nuisance were regular occurrences before 2008, which instigated the formation of the Somercotes Leisure Development Group, Since 2008 and the opening of the Somerlea Centre, calls for service at the park have reduced to 0 for these types of nuisance related activities.
19 The antisocial instances on the park are now isolated to dog fouling which is being targeted by our Community Wardens, who have targeted the area in 2015 with educational visits, if dog fouling becomes an issue in 2017 enforcement action will be taken. There have also been instances of discarded hypodermic needles in shrubberies near the main entrance, hence the removal of the overgrown shrubs in this area, coupled with surveillance, police intelligence and subsequent action on local drug users.
14.3 Dog Fouling
Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 the Council has the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone found to be allowing their dog to foul the land. Enforcement of the law is carried out by the Neighbourhood Wardens. The bins are dual use so there is abundant opportunity to dispose of dog bags.
14.4 Provision of quality facilities
Operational staff are on site to assist visitors, the Somerlea Centre is opened daily and the park is well maintained.
The play equipment conforms to all current BSEN 1176 & 1177 standards; bins and benches are well maintained. Many footpaths have been resurfaced, new signage and information at the Somerlea Centre.
The skate park has been extended with funding from the Parish Council and is a popular facility.
The synthetic pitch and MUGA are robustly built and well maintained.
The Somerlea centre is an excellent community facility, offering classes and social activities.
14.5 Promoting Well Being
The park is well used on a daily basis from people walking their dogs and children playing on the equipped play area to the local work force taking exercise at lunch times.
Connecting footpaths link the park to the housing estates and village centre to provide joggers and walkers easy access into and around the park.
20 There is a well-equipped play area, which allows children to stretch themselves in a safe environment. There is an outdoor gym and zip wire, teenagers can play on the skate park and use the multi user games area all free of charge.
There is a synthetic pitch is available for hire at a nominal fee and coaching sessions are regularly organised, the bowls green is used by Jacksdale Bowling club and has a healthy membership.
There are seats to sit and relax in the park and a well-used bowling green.
The Somerlea Centre has a well-equipped indoor gym, the membership fees are very competitive, regular classes are organised such as zumba and yoga.
The park has entranceways which deter people with disabilities from using the park, and are not welcoming, these are to be removed early 2016 for self-closing gates and more attractive fencing.
21
Old entrances before removal
At the rear of the play area there is an overgrown section which is to be redeveloped and incorporated into the play area as a dog free grassed picnic area, with features for very young children.
Overgrown area at the rear of the play area
The school has palisade fencing along its boundary which detracts from the aesthetics of the park giving it a municipal feel. Funding is to be sought to provide a hedge along the front of the fence to soften the harshness of it.
Existing school fencing
22 14.6 Generic Park Risk Assessment Item Hazard Seriousness of Likelihood Control measures potential injury of injury occurring Paths 1. Slipping and Low Medium The paths are kept tripping clean and are in a good condition. Multi User 1. Slipping and Medium High Fencing in good order, Games tripping surfacing is anti slip Areas 2. Collisions Events 1. Public liability Medium Low Events are monitored issues. closely through a strict application procedure. Children’s 1. Injury from playing Low Medium The equipment and Play Area on equipment. installation conform to current BS standards. Daily inspections and an in house maintenance team ensure problems are resolved quickly. Skate 1. Injury from Medium/High Medium Well maintained Park falling equipment 2. Collisions Somerlea centre close at hand Trees 1. Falling branches 1. Medium 1. Medium Trees are inspected 2. Falling from 2. Medium 2. Medium regularly and branches. maintenance or felling 3. Low branches 3. Medium 3. Medium carried out as necessary. Dogs 1. Attack from a dog 1. Low 1. Medium The play area is a dog 2. Contact with dog free zone. Dog safety mess 2. Medium 2. Medium is promoted through the community warden scheme and guidance is given on the information signage. General 1. Visitors becoming 1. Medium 1. Low Trained staff on site, Public ill or suffering a minor close to the town centre Safety injury. amenities. 2. Anti-social Somerlea Centre behaviour and crime 2. Medium 2. Low Table 3 - Risk Assessment
Strengths Weaknesses Full time member of staff April - October. Part time member of staff during the winter Part time staff in the winter months months on the grounds. Well equipped and staffed Somerlea Centre Risk Assessments carried out. Dog enforcement implemented. Close working relationship with local police Opportunities Threats Closer working arrangements with the Anti-social behaviour at night. Somerlea centre Vandalism of facilities.
23 15.0 Well Maintained and Clean
15.1 Litter and waste management
The operational staff carries out daily litter management within the park, this includes daily emptying of litter and dog fouling bins. It is also the duty of the operational section to carry out any maintenance on the park, such as play inspections and general repairs. The depot has a green waste bin, so all green waste is recycled.
15.2 Grounds maintenance and horticulture
Maintenance schedules are followed to ensure borders are well kept and grass cutting is done regularly, regular sweeping of hard surfaces and grass cutting is carried out fortnightly in the spring and summer, sweeping increases through the autumn due to leaf fall. (Appendix 2).
Shrub and tree pruning is carried out in the winter months and any gaps are replanted with new shrub or tree stock.
15.3 Building and infrastructure maintenance
On site staff can action minor repairs immediately. Larger problems are made safe and dealt with as quickly as possible by specialist staff or contractors. Landscapes are fortunate to have a Building Surveyor in the team. The buildings are surveyed and tested for legionella each year including the Somerlea Centre as they are part of our procurement basket.
15.4 Equipment maintenance
The play area is inspected daily and cleaned if required, and has a monthly operational inspection; independent inspections of these areas carried out annually. Any repairs are carried out by qualified team members or contractors.
Both multi use games areas, the skate park and bowling green are all inspected on a daily basis for litter or graffiti and are operationally inspected monthly.
Furniture and signage is inspected daily and repaired if required.
Strengths Weaknesses Full time member of staff April - October. Part time member of staff during the Risk Assessments carried out. winter months. Dog enforcement implemented. Reliant on contractors for building Building Maintenance controlled by the maintenance. Buildings and Open Spaces Team. Apprenticeship scheme working well Opportunities Threats Lack of capacity within the workforce due to budget cuts
24 16.0 Sustainability
The Borough Council adopted the Environmental Policy in April 2007, there is also an Environmental Partnership consisting of AVBC, Derby and Derbyshire Groundwork, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, and Derbyshire County Council, linking with local businesses, schools and other authorities such as the Police. This can be viewed on Amber Valley Borough Council website click on the directory E, and then look under Environmental Protection.
The new policy was launched in April 2007 outlining best practice and giving practical advice to all on how they can do their bit; this has been delivered to businesses and organisations throughout Amber Valley.
Landscapes, Growth and Community Safety lead on the Landscape elements within the Strategy, details of how the Strategy is promoted can be found in Supplementary Planning Documents where developers and partners are directed to ensure they work to the AVBC ethos on sustainability.
A capital bid for LED lighting was successful in 2014 to replace all the lights in the indoor market and town centre offices.
In 2015 another capital bid for LED lighting was successful to replace all the lights in the Town Hall, further bids are being put in to roll this programme out to all our buildings which would include the staff welfare and storage in Somercotes Park.
The Somerlea Centre is built using the most modern methods of construction and is well insulated; there are also solar panels on the roof.
16.2 Pesticide and Herbicide use
Pesticide and Herbicide usage throughout the Borough is kept to a minimum. Where pesticides and herbicide do have to be used the Borough Council will not purchase any product containing UK “red list” or EU “black list” chemicals.
Where it becomes necessary to use chemicals care is taken not to allow the product to enter watercourses, ponds, drains etc. The use of residual chemicals is kept to an absolute minimum.
Within the park any chemical weed control would be by the use of a bi-active formulation of glyphosate.
Any pesticides used are selected and used in accordance with the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Amendments Regulations 2004 (COSHH 2004), the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 acts and the Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA).
25 16.3 Peat use
Peat based products will not be used for landscape works. Wherever possible all tree planting on this site will use bare-rooted field grown nursery stock. If container grown specimens have to be used then a peat free or reduced peat growing medium would be preferred. Tree planting composts and other soil ameliorants will be peat free. Amber Valley has a reduced peat approach in regards to all annual bedding, we were peat free for two seasons in 2009 and 2010, but unfortunately the peat content has had to be reintroduced due to poor performance, to 20% peat content, however the summer and spring bedding order has been reduced by 50%.
There is no annual bedding at Somercotes Park
16.4 Waste minimisation
The Council implements green waste management, the Park composts the majority of its green waste off site for reuse on shrub beds; this is carried out at the depot.
All metal and plastic is separated at the depot and put into separate disposal systems from general waste.
16.5 Arboricultural and woodland management
The Councils Tree Officer maintains the Borough’s tree stock, trees within Somecotes Park are monitored on a regular basis (triennial), and replacement tree planting is in keeping with the landscape.
Strengths Weaknesses Development commitment to the Lack of capacity within the Arboricutural Environmental Policy and partnership. Team to undertake site specific Dedicated Arboricultural Officer. management plans. Use of pesticides and herbicides kept to Reduction in energy use and waste a minimum. management is reliant on funding and Commitment to reduce peat use. resources. Commitment to reduce energy use Opportunities Threats Failure of reduced peat products to perform.
17.0 Conservation and Heritage
17.1 Natural features, wildlife and flora
Somercotes Park is bound by properties in an urban environment, the site is predominately recreational, there is not a great deal of space left over for mass tree planting, however, additional shrub and tree planting has taken place in the borders to encourage wildlife and bird boxes have been installed.
26 17.2 Landscape features
Set in the heart of Somercotes, the park provides residents and visitors a place to relax or enjoy activities, meet friends and improve health and wellbeing; the features are all in keeping with a recreational park, built up over time.
17.3 Heritage features
There are no heritage features in the park, as this is a modern park, but there are some nice ornamental trees, the park is set in an urban environment and meets the need of a multi-functional recreation ground.
17.4 Buildings and structures
The park is situated to the north of the village centre and is only a short walk away. The Somerlea centre dominates the centre of the park, along with the Multi Use Games Areas and Skate Park.
The park has a park keeper’s welfare building for storage and a small kitchen and toilet facilities.
There is a substantial car park, with an overflow area which is grasscrete to ensure the green visual effect.
Strengths Weaknesses Local community Involvement. Issues relating to anti-social behaviour Children’s playground and skate park. during the evenings. Multi User games areas Local schools involved at the Somerlea Centre Opportunities Threats Develop the website further Severe vandalism
27 18.0 Community Involvement
The Somerlea Centre project was the work of Somercotes Leisure Development Group, a voluntary community group that supports projects related to sport and leisure in Somercotes. The group decided that it was time to make a difference for its own community’ and secured Lottery Funding for the Somerlea Centre.
The Centre is now the main focus for fund raising, the trustees are all volunteers, they focus their energies on raising funds for the community and work in partnership with Amber Valley Borough Council to ensure the funding bids are focussed and appropriate, once the funding is secured depending on the project either the Leisure Development Group or Borough Council staff procure and install the new project.
In November 2015 a consultation was carried out to ask the public what they thought of the park, 140 letters were sent to every household on streets adjacent to the park, informing them of the workshop, and asking them for their ideas and thoughts if they couldn’t attend the workshop. We advertised the event in the local library, school and Parish Council centre as well as posters in the park.
In the workshop event Officers showed layout plans of the park and photos of other parks to give the public ideas of what could be achieved.
The session was held from 3pm until 7pm and was visited by about 40 people and local borough councillors.
Generally people were happy with the park but suggested the following improvements:
Improve the access into and from the park to local facilities. Cut back the overgrown shrubs at the main gated entranceway. Enforce against dog fouling Install CCTV signs by the centre to deter anti-social behaviour. Extend the play area for young children to provide a dog free area. New link footpath from the car park past the skate park.
28 Additional seating in the recreation ground area.
Following the event this information was put on a plan and displayed in the Somerlea centre. Works are commencing on a programme of improvement over the next 3 years.
The improvement plan can be viewed at Appendix 5
18.2 Appropriate provision for the community
The Somerlea Centre provides a pre-school nursery, with free spaces for children under 4 years old, more information can be found from www.little-sunshines.com
The Somerlea centre has regular activities as follows:
Mondays Keep Fit - 10.30 - 11.30 where active lifestyles are part of daily life, over 50’s find that it may also positively affect some medical conditions and can help to maintain a healthier heart and body.
Little Kickers (4-7 Years) - 17.00 - 18.00 is a revolutionary new way of teaching 4-7 year olds using Tae Kwon- Do as a platform. The children will learn conflict avoidance, discipline, courtesy, respect, confidence and fitness.
Tae Kwon-Do - 18.30 - 19.30 is a scientific use of the body in the art of self-defence. It is an excellent way of improving fitness and overall health. Gain confidence, discipline, have fun, feel better, defend yourself.
29 Zumba Fitness - 19.45 - 20.45 With the Mexican Twins Liz and Dey - Get ready to shake it with Dey and Liz. Join the Party!!! (Starts 1st December 2014) Email: [email protected] | Phone: 07812 837969
Tuesdays Slimming World - 09.30 - 11.00 whatever you’d love to achieve – a slimmer figure, a more active life with your family, a fitter, healthier future – come along to a warm and friendly Slimming World group and we’ll give you all the know–how and support you need to help you reach your dream weight and stay there for good.
Line Dancing Beginners / Improvers - 14.00 - 15.30 To keep healthy and fit and have fun at the same time come line dancing. For the beginner / improver.
Slimming World - 18.00 - 19.30 whatever you’d love to achieve – a slimmer figure, a more active life with your family, a fitter, healthier future – come along to a warm and friendly Slimming World group and we’ll give you all the know–how and support you need to help you reach your dream weight and stay there for good.
Line Dancing Class - 20.00 - 22.30 To keep healthy and fit and have fun at the same time come line dancing. From the beginner to the more adventurous who want to compete - there is something for every level. Wednesdays
Pole Intentions - 20.00 - 21.00 is a great way to get fit, stay in shape and build confidence as well as having fun. It’s a great workout for all shapes and sizes. Thursdays
Tae Kwon-Do - 18.30 - 19.30 is a scientific use of the body in the art of self-defence. It is an excellent way of improving fitness and overall health. Gain confidence, discipline, have fun, feel better, defend yourself.
Saturdays Baby Ballet - 08.30-12.30
Come and join the fun! The award winning movement to music, dance and singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run within a fun, safe and caring environment.
30 Meeting rooms, bar and parties
Somercotes Park offers the community a wide range of facilities including a Community Centre a well-equipped play area, which is a dog free zone. Multi user games area, a synthetic pitch, bowling green, skate park and seating is provided throughout the park.
Alfreton Town football club use the park for training and junior activities.
31 They have a programme for youngsters to come through the junior teams into professional football, some young talent has been found locally.
Jacksdale Bowling are the team who use the Bowling Green, they encourage junior players and hold regular matches.
The grassed areas are well maintained and are ideal for informal recreation such as kick about and other forms of informal recreation.
Strengths Weaknesses Excellent range of facilities. Misuse of the area out of hours. Facilities for all age groups. Good relationship with the Somerlea centre Opportunities Threats Closer working with local sports teams. Closure of the Somerlea centre
19.0 Marketing
19.1 Marketing and promotion
Somercotes Park is well known locally and is promoted mainly through word of mouth. Information on the park can be found on the Somerlea Centre’s website which is being developed further with support from the Borough Council.
32 Events are not arranged by the council but are community led within the park and are advertised through the local press and the website.
19.2 Marketing information
The Somerlea Centre run the activities on the Park, they have the synthetic pitch, bowling green and football pitch through license from the Council, they organise the events and activities such as coaching and pay and play.
They have a website www.somerleaparkcentre.co.uk and do supplementary advertising of specific events through local press and posters.
Amber Valley Borough Council have a facebook and twitter account to advertise events and inform the public about any activities www.ambervalley.gov.uk
20.0 Management
20.1 Finance Below is a breakdown of the revenue financial profile; however the figures for 2016/17 are not available at this point in time.
Expenditure Type 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Welfare building £130 £850 £885 Vandalism £228 £0 £0 Utility Services £495 £809 £490
Total £853 £1659 £1375 Table 4. Previous expenditure.
33 Grounds maintenance is carried out by our in house landscape maintenance team, larger grassed areas are cut by a mowing team and any tree works required are completed by contractors.
20.2 Capital Expenditure
Refurbishment of the park took place over a number of years starting in 2008 when the centre was built which was funded by the Lottery, the skate park, outdoor gym and zipwire were funded through the Parish Council, the synthetic pitch was mainly funded through Biffa, but topped up by the Borough Council and Police and the most recent expenditure was funded by the Borough Council capital spending scheme.
Project Amount Funders Year Centre £765,000 Big Lottery 2008 Lighting £30,000 Various 2009/10 Gym and zip wire £15,000 Parish Council 2013 Synthetic Pitch £70,000 Biffa, AVBC, Police Funding 2013 Welfare Building Refurb £9,000 AVBC 2013 Skate Park £15,500 Parish Council 2014 Paths and drainage £35,000 AVBC 2015 Play, access and planting £25,000 AVBC 2015/16 Total £964,500 Table 5 – Capital Spend
20.3 Personnel
The implementation of the following staff structure from January 2017 will enable Amber Valley Borough Council to carry out effective management of Crays Hill. The dark green colour shows which officers are directly involved at Crays Hill, the lighter green shows officers who support on occasions.
Landscapes, Growth and Community Safety Structure
Fig. 1 - Staff Structure
34 The Trustees and volunteers run the Somerlea Centre and they have a small team of paid staff including sports coaches and reception personnel, these are self-funded through the income from the centre.
The Borough Council support the centre with practical advice and support on maintaining the building; we use the meeting rooms for public consultations and meetings, we maintain the areas that are licensed to the centre, such as the bowling green and grassed areas.
20.4 Implementation of the management plan
There has been a shift in priorities at Amber Valley, which has enabled a substantial commitment to improvements to all parks and open spaces on a rolling programme for the foreseeable future. Capital investment, utilising Section 106 contributions to their full potential and applying for external funding in a co-ordinated way are all key approaches to improvement.
Strengths Weaknesses A dedicated team following the Long term decline of parks leading to management plans and pursuing high numbers needing refurbishment. appropriate funding. High volunteer numbers at the Somerlea Good community links. Centre Opportunities Threats Support the Somerlea Centre in more Withdrawal of corporate support innovative ways. Limited financial resources within the Landscapes Team
35 Chapter 3 Where do we want to go?
21.0 Action Plan 2014 - 2019
21.1 Introduction
This section sets out the intended actions and improvements required in the park over the 5 years of the plan.
The action plan outlines achievable targets in a realistic time frame, which reflect the contents of the management plan in line with the expectations of the community.
Landscapes, Growth & Community Safety will implement the action plan, with support from the Somerlea Centre and other relevant partners, it is meant as a working document subject to change and improvement.
The x indicates the year the project or action should take place, and the financial amount is representative of each project or action, and indicates when an action or project is achieved.
36 Somercotes Park Action Plan 2014- 2019
Aim Description Estimated Action Date/Year Progress Cost 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Welcome Ensure Welcome boards have been installed Completed early 2016 Conduct user and non-user surveys Workshop in November 2015 Provide customer care training for all staff x x New staff trained each year. Ensure plantings are maintained to a high standard Operational x x New planting each winter season Replace ‘A’ frames at entrances for new gateways £18,000 Funding secured work completed early 2016
Healthy, Safe Ensure all equipment is maintained to the highest Operational x Annual work commitments and Secure standard to keep standard high Ensure anti-social behaviour issues are resolved Partnership x x Low instances in 2015 Carry out pro-active tree surveys and site specific safety Officer Time x Completed in 2015 audits Install new path link from car park past skate park £5,000 x Funding required
Action Plan Continued: Aim Description Estimated Action Date/Year Progress Cost 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Well Extend the play area to provide dog free area £5,000 Funding required Maintained Promote positive liaison with the community and visitors Officer Time Education work carried out and Clean with the Community Wardens in respect of dog fouling in 2015, enforcement in 2016 if required. Ensure the tree stock is kept in good order Officer Time x Additional tree planting proposed for 2016 Restock bare planted areas £500 x Planting done in winter 2015 Repaint furniture and buildings £2,500 x Next due in 2017 Review maintenance schedules Operational x Reviewed annually to meet public expectations Resurface paths at main pedestrian entrances £18,000 Completed in 2015
Sustainable Introduce composting all green waste on site This has been implemented Introduce new machinery to reduce emissions and £15,000 New fleet bought and improve efficiency tracking system introduced Reduce the use of peat in bedding and replanting Operational Reduced by 50% Reduce the need for herbicides using mechanical Operational This has been introduced sweeping on hard surfacing and hand weeding further to the park in 2014 areas Monitor energy consumption and review £15,000 x New boilers required & LED in buildings in 2018 Promote the use of recycled & environmentally friendly Operational x Reducing our corporate products carbon footprint with LED and lower emissions on vehicles
38
Action Plan Continued: Aim Description Estimated Action Date/Year Progress Cost 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Officer Time Next due in 2018 Conservation Carry out a comprehensive tree survey x and Heritage Encourage biodiversity in the park £1000 Planting and bird boxes introduced Ensure park layout is retained x New master plan developed in 2015
Community Ensure close working with the centre, and support as Officer Time x Working to support the Involvement necessary manager of the Somerlea centre Continue to encourage the Somerlea Community Group Officer Time x x Opportunity for funding in to apply for external funding 2016 from communications company Consultation with the wider community and partners Officer Time x Workshop in 2015, new consultation due in 2018 for new plan
Marketing Support the Centre in the development of their website £500 We will progress this with x the Somerlea centre using our in house expertise Develop a site specific section on the website Complete
Management Ensure investment in training and resources is Operational x New staff training annually, maintained yearly apprenticeships introduced Ensure the management plan is adhered to and updated Officer Time x Updated annually Ensure management plan is fully reviewed Officer Time Consultation to take place x to inform full review in 2019
39
22.0 Monitoring and Evaluation
The Parks management plan will be regularly reviewed using the process below:
Annual Review The review will be done by the Buildings and Open Spaces Team and presented to the Community for comments and ideas for the following years. Any aims, which were not completed, will be moved to subsequent years accordingly
Revisions New strategies and policies may affect the management plan during the course of the five years; these will be incorporated into the action plan if relevant.
Review
A fundamental review will be taken in year five (2019); all partners and stakeholders will be consulted. A thorough investigation will be made to evaluate whether objectives were met.
40 Appendix 1
1.0 National Context
In developing the Management Plan for Somercotes Park it is important to recognise the current political and policy context Landscapes Managers are operating within. These national strategic contexts set out the framework and determine the aims and objectives for future management of parks and open spaces. A number of current policy guidance notes and publications are relevant and are listed below:
1.1 The Big Society
The three strands to The Big Society: Public sector reform.
Fundamental Actions A right to know – Transparency and Public accountability A right to Challenge – so consumers never again feel powerless to challenge the way public services are deployed Turning Government on its head – so it works for communities not just for ministers.
Community empowerment. Locally led innovation, allowing and supporting local communities to be empowered to help themselves make improvements in areas important to them.
Philanthropic action. Helping others to achieve their goals, by sharing information and best practice, working together to support others to make the improvements and changes they want.
1.2 Developing Accessible Play Space
A good practice guide published by the former Officer of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM, now the “Communities and Local Government” from May 2006). It is recognised that all children make life development through the social and emotional skills of play. The introduction of the Disabled Discrimination Act of 1995 led the guide to understand that each child can be different and that a child’s life development through access to play is key. The guide’s recommendation is to make the developer concentrate on making the environment fit for the child.
During 2015 a consultation workshop was carried out and a master plan developed which showed that local people wanted more dog free play space for young children. This has been incorporated into the master plan and will be implemented in 2016.
1.3 Parks and Green Spaces: Engaging the Community
Published by Greenspace in 2002 as a guide for local authorities outlines the reason for engaging local communities and encouraging community participation in the management and development of parks and open spaces. The guide suggests that:
41 Community engagement is not about reaching an end point but is a dynamic process requiring high and substantial levels of involvement; It is important to establish the reason for engaging the community; Community based activities ought to compliment the aims of the organisation; Developing site management plans in partnership with the community helps to ensure ownership.
Linking community groups together as part of a wider supportive umbrella can add more support to the local authority.
AVBC have achieved this by regularly attending meetings with the staff at the Somerlea Centre, the council also use the centre to submit project ideas, and consult on any changes or improvements to the park
The volunteers at the Somerlea Centre have worked in partnership with the Borough Council for many years and have used their connections with the local community to undertake consultation to ascertain the needs and requirements of the local community on various issues relating to the park.
1.3 Policy Planning Guidance No17 (PPG17) and Assessing Needs and Opportunities: A companion guide to PPG17
Originally published by the former Officer of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM, now the “Communities and Local Government” from May 2006).
The policy planning guidance sets out the policies needed to take into consideration by regional planning bodies in the preparation of regional planning guidance and by local planning authorities in the preparation of development plans.
The guide sets out the government objectives for open space and recreation and views firmly in achieving the following:
Networks of high quality, accessible open spaces, which are economical, and environmentally sustainable and meet local needs. An appropriate balance between new and the enhancement of existing open space provision. Deliver clarity to the developers in relation to the requirements and expectations of the local planning authorities.
Local planning authorities are required to demonstrate that open space and recreation meets the local demand based upon Accessibility, Quality, Multi functionality, Primary Purpose and Quantity.
AVBC have recently updated their Supplementary Planning Documents to give a clear direction to developers what the needs and expectations are for Amber Valley.
42 2.0 Local Strategic Context
This management plan sits alongside the wider strategic context of other Amber Valley Borough Council Policies and Documents currently in place. The Councils aim is to achieve the objectives of the strategic framework set out within the following Policies and documents that are appropriate for Somercotes Park.
2.1 Amber Valley Borough Council Values
Amber Valley Borough Council Strategic Objectives
The Council has a vision of Making Everywhere in Amber Valley a Great Place to Live and is focusing on its ambitions of: • Vibrant and Sustainable Local Governance • Sustainable Housing • A Sustainably Clean, Green and Safe Borough • Healthier and Equal Communities • Thriving Economy and Employment
We have identified the following priorities under these five ambitions, the delivery of which will have significant community outcomes.
• Deliver to the Council's Budget Reduction Plan • Deliver the transition to Individual Electoral Registration • Deliver the Housing Strategy commitments • Prepare a new Amber Valley Borough Local Plan through to adoption • Keep the Borough clean and minimise litter • Facilitate recycling and the minimisation of waste sent to landfill • Maintain our award winning parks and raise standards in other parks, play areas and open spaces • Implement actions that contribute to maintaining low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, and reduce crime in identified priority area • Facilitate the improvement of the sports and leisure 'built' facilities infrastructure in the Borough • Improve the health of residents and specifically address health inequalities within the borough. • Deliver the Ripley Gateway Scheme • Deliver the Town Centre Master Plans for Heanor & Ripley
2.2 Corporate Improvement Plan 2015 – 2018
Amber Valley Borough Council has an annual revenue budget of approximately £10 million which will decrease over the next three years, meaning revenue income will need to be increased from other means.
Amber Valley is third largest district in the East Midlands and is one of eight district councils in the County of Derbyshire. The authority is one of the largest employers in the Borough and employs 254 fulltime equivalent staff. The Borough is made up of 23 political Wards and is currently led by a Conservative majority.
43
Every year Councillors and Officers review progress against the Council’s priorities for improvement and identify any emerging priorities from central government, our partners and stakeholders and the community.
Current priorities include: 1. We want the Council to be responsible to local residents and businesses and offer value for money services. 2. To contribute to a prosperous and healthy Amber Valley and 3. Help achieve a good quality local environment
Our values guide the way we work which are: • Excellent People Focus • Value for Money Service • Progressive Partnership Working • Decision Making of the Highest Standard • Sustainability
Parks and open spaces fit under Priority 3, with a commitment to work with local communities to achieve a safe Amber Valley with low crime, clean streets and town centres, and high quality parks and open spaces, that meet the needs of local residents and are accessible to all.
This will be measures by the % of residents who are satisfied with Parks and Open Spaces and the number of sites which are awarded Green Flag status.
2.3 Community Safety Strategy
Amber Valley Community Safety Partnership recognise the impact that crime and the fear of crime can have upon the quality of life.
This strategy aims to build upon the achievements of the previous three years and to direct activity towards meeting key priorities and targets up to the year 2008.
Strategic priorities set for 2008 are as follows:
To reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour. To reduce the incidence of theft of and theft from vehicles. To reduce the incidence of domestic burglary. To reduce violent offending.
A number of youth diversionary schemes have been launched in the borough, aimed at reducing crime committed by young people, such as multi user games area activities, the County Youth bus attending parks and actively engages young people.
The strategy is supplemented by detailed action plans, which provide a template for partners to follow in working towards the targets. The action plans will be reviewed annually to ensure continual progress is being made towards meeting the targets.
44
2.4 Environmental Strategy
The Council’s Environmental Strategy has been produced with the aim of improving the quality of life for people who live and work in the Borough. Local, national and regional strategies have been taken into account when preparing this document.
The strategy covers a wide range of issues which all have an impact on the environment:
Climate change / energy Material resources / waste Physical landscape, including street scene, public spaces Biodiversity Air Water Soil
Within the Environmental Strategy three areas have been identified as priorities, they are:
Climate change / energy Material resources / waste Physical landscape, including street scene, public spaces
The Landscape Services Section led the Physical landscape section of the Strategy and has incorporated fundamental considerations in regard to new developments throughout the Borough, using Supplementary Planning Documents as the driver.
2.5 Open Space Strategy
The Open Spaces Strategy was adopted in November 2013; it focuses on action plans for improvement of open space for the whole Borough. Informs developers and partners of our future intentions to help them match in with our overall vision for open space, and helps the Council to focus resources accordingly.
2.6 Regeneration Strategy 2005-2015
Amber Valley have developed a set of shared outcomes to achieve the vision of a thriving economy.
A key outcome within this strategy is to develop prosperous market towns. Somercotes is a village but hosts a large industrial area, the park offers a green area for people to relax and enjoy activities free of charge, the paid for activities are offered at a very reasonable price, lower than neighbouring sports centres.
45
2.7 The Local Plan
Amber Valley Borough Local Plan was adopted on April 2006 and was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
The Plan sets out the planning policies and proposals for Amber Valley up to the year 2011.
The proposal map indicates that Somercotes Park falls within the following criteria:
LC 3 – Recreational Open Space
2.8 The Play Strategy
Play is a vital part of every child's growth and development. Active play promotes an energetic, healthy lifestyle, and enables children to develop their learning and social skills.
Our aim is that all children living, visiting or going to school in Amber Valley should have access to good quality play services and facilities. We want to provide a variety of safe and stimulating play environments, in which children are not only given opportunities to learn but also to have fun and enjoy themselves!
This Strategy outlines our commitment towards making that a reality.
In preparing the Strategy we have worked in partnership with a number of agencies that are involved in the provision of services to children in Derbyshire. We have also consulted directly with children, and their parents and carers, to determine their views on existing and future play facilities within the Borough.
We will continue to involve local communities in future decision-making around play services to ensure that the plans we develop are inclusive, and fully meet the needs of children and young people across Amber Valley.
The Play Strategy was adopted in 2016 and runs for 5 years.
46 2.9 Service Development Process
Aim Objective Success/End outcome Continue to undertake Obtain baseline site audits. Assess A rolling program of information on all parks funding requirements to development using the Green Flag enable these to be criteria brought up to an appropriate standard. Two parks upgraded in Ensure all open spaces the next three years. Obtain at least 9 green are accessible, clean DDA assessments flags by 2016 and well maintained undertaken
Ensure the publics Ensure comprehensive Implementation of a needs are met in the consultation with the Parks and Open Spaces provision of parks and public, partners and Strategy open spaces stakeholders Develop a fees and Maximise Revenue charges policy through As above. consultation. Investigate concessions on parks. Table 6. Proposed aims & objectives that will contribute to the continued development of Somercotes Park.
47