Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Report to the Cabinet Member for Youth and Cultural Services

27th March 2003

The Sandwell Valley - A Vision 2003 - 2013 (Forward Plan Ref Y020)

1. Summary Statement

1.1 This report sets out the results of the consultation process on the Draft Vision for the Sandwell Valley which was approved for consultation purposes on 26th September, 2003 and submits for approval, and subsequent adoption by the Cabinet, the Final Document “The Sandwell Valley - A Vision 2003 - 2013”.

1.2 A survey was undertaken to allow residents, user groups, organisations and elected members to have an input into the Sandwell Valley Vision. Key points were taken from the Vision and allocated a score to form the basis of the survey form, but the form also allowed a free choice section, so that respondents could enter their own ideas for the future of Sandwell Valley. The final section allowed people completing the form to give their highest and lowest priorities, to give an idea of respondents absolute likes and dislikes.

1.3 A display was produced, charting key points about the Vision and Sandwell Valley, which toured the Borough along with the survey forms to the following sites.

Sandwell Park Farm West Bromwich Central Library Great Barr Library Hamstead Library Stone Cross Library West Bromwich Town Committee Gayton Road Community Centre Lodge Road Community Centre Yew Tree Community Centre

Publicity for the display was achieved via the Ed Doolan Show on Radio WM, article in the Sandwell Herald and further publicity in the Express and Star.

1.4 Completed forms were fed into Pinpoint survey software at Sandwell Park Farm as they were returned and final analysis carried out on site. A list of those organisations who were consulted and responded can be found at Annexe 1 to the Vision Document.

Over 200 responses were returned and within this figure, there are organisations representing many individuals. From the existing survey analysis there are Key Points from the consultation process and these are set out at Annexe 2 to the Vision Document.

Annexe 3 gives an overview of the consultations in a pie chart format, and will be used to identify under represented groups for further consultation.

1.5 The consultation process has proved to be very successful and the key priorities arising from this are:

Conservation

• Review management plans for existing local nature reserves and identify further potential sites within the Valley.

• Develop further rare breeds programme and ensure vegetables grown in the kitchen garden are those that were available in the 19th century, and do not use hybrids.

Heritage

• Restoration of Dartmouth Park through Heritage Lottery Fund.

• Refurbish the historic farm equipment to a working condition

Interpretation

• Develop more public information leaflets and booklets with appropriate interpretation signage throughout

• Develop small animals area at the two farms

• Identify potential areas for new technology e.g. interactive computers

• Encourage more countryside type of events such as game fairs and

falconry shows.

Sport and Health

• Develop junior soccer at King George Playing Fields

• Improve pathways for walking throughout the Valley

• Develop Swan Pool into a water sports centre

1.6 The Valley is a very important part of the Visitor economy to Sandwell, it has the most number of visitors each year of any leisure facility within the Borough and the key uses arising from the consultation process are clearly linked to Education and Health and things for young people to do.

In order to implement the vision there is a need to produce an Action Plan for each of the key themes within the vision. The Action Plan will be subjected to further wider consultation, in order to prioritise the resources and funding opportunities to deliver the plan, targeting particularly those groups under represented in the original consultation.

The Final Vision Document attached hereto provides an overview of how the Valley will be managed and used for the next 10 years for a number of purposes themed around Heritage, Conservation, Education and Health. This will provide a distinction between the functional and visionary aspects.

Further details are attached for your information.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That the Cabinet be recommended to approve and adopt the final document “The Sandwell Valley - A Vision 2003 - 2013 set out in the Appendix attached hereto.

2.2 That officers be instructed to develop Action Plans through wider consultation, particularly targeting young people as part of the process, for each of the key themes now identified within the Vision.

2.3 That further reports be submitted in due course to the Cabinet Member for Youth and Cultural Services on any proposed Action Plans and how those actions can be resourced.

In accordance with the authority delegated to the Cabinet Member for Youth and Cultural Services, the following course of action has been agreed, which will be set out in the formal record of the decisions taken by the Member:

(1) the recommendation(s) above is/are approved.

(2) the recommendation(s) above is/are approved as now amended.

(3) the recommendations above are not approved.

______Cabinet Member for Youth and Cultural Services

27th March 2003

Paul Slater Head of Leisure Direct

Contact Officer

David Brown Development Manager 0121 569 3874

A Vision for Sandwell Valley Country Park

3. Resource Implications

At present the Valley performs an extremely valuable contribution to the quality of life for the residents of Sandwell. However it’s development and promotion as a recreational, educational, sporting and heritage centre will demand additional resources of funding and staffing. Further work will be undertaken to produce an action plan with potential services of funding.

4. Policy Implications

Should the Valley continue as at present then there are no policy implications. However, further examinations of the funding opportunities available from other agencies might require that policies are reviewed in respect of the Valley.

The development of opportunities within the Valley must conform to those issues associated with the UDP and Policy RL1 in particular, Agenda 21, the creation of opportunities for young people and the Birmingham and Black Country Bio-diversity Action Plan.

5. Crime and Disorder Implications

In the context of the Valley as a whole, the more the visitor attractions are promoted and developed the greater the use is made of the Valley. Greater public awareness should contribute to overcoming anti-social activities.

6. Sustainability Implications

The very nature of the Valley and the need to maintain and strategically develop the environment for active and passive recreation supports in the concept of sustainability in environmental terms and Agenda 21 in particular.

7. Implications for Young People

Where the educational aspects are developed then the Valley will offer new and greater perceptions for young people. Better promotion of activities will also encourage greater participation particularly amongst families. Young people will be encouraged to contribute as part of Consultation process to develop Action plans arising from the vision.

8. Background Details

8.1 A summary of the key areas for consultation within the vision, are given below. These key areas are based on the physical areas that constitute the Valley.

1. Sandwell Park Farm • Further develop the rare breed centre • Develop the small animal areas • Review of the layout of the new reception area • Improve access for the disabled

2. Forge Mill Farm • Illustrate the process of dairy production from grass to cream, possibly by way of computers. • Introduce small animal areas • Develop a catering facility • Improve access for the disabled

3. Swan Pool • Develop a water sports centre

4. King George Playing Fields • Junior soccer centre of excellence • Encourage community tennis club • Area for special sporting events • Improve the new pavilion/changing rooms

5. Dartmouth Park • Improve the infrastructure and develop a new play area • Improve footpaths and boundaries and arboriculture work • With water features

6. Showground • Enhance existing facilities

7. Priory and Priory Wood • Landscape and interpretation of the archaeological dig • Promote the original sand well

8. The procurement of commercial • Catering services • Caravanning • Equestrian Centre

8.2 It is these 8 key areas that provided the focus for the consultation exercise. Conservation of the natural environment also featured within the comments received. Therefore it is appropriate to identify the existing local nature reserves within the Valley and identify possible new sites. A detailed management plan can then be developed for protecting and enhancing these areas. It is envisaged a new Conservation Officer will be recruited to undertake this work.

8.3 The survey was undertaken to allow the residents of Sandwell to have an input into the Sandwell Valley Vision, a draft document produced and circulated to user groups, organisations and members.

Key points were taken from the Vision and allocated a score to form the basis of the survey form, but the form also allowed a free choice section, so that respondents could enter their own ideas for the future of Sandwell Valley. The final section allowed people completing the form to give their highest and lowest priorities, to give an idea of respondents absolute likes and dislikes.

8.4 A display was produced, charting key points about the Vision and Sandwell Valley, which toured the Borough along with the survey forms to the following sites.

Publicity for the display was achieved via the Ed Doolan Show on Radio WM, and article in the Sandwell Herald and further publicity in the Express and Star.

8.5 Completed forms were fed into Pinpoint survey software at Sandwell Park Farm as they were returned and final analysis carried out on site. Together with the group responses received from the Vision document sent to organisations and letters received at Environment House, over 200 people contributed to the consultation process. The results area appended in the form of graphs, showing the preferences of those responding (see Annexe 3 to the Vision Document).

8.6 The free choice section of the questionnaire covered many of the points included in the survey, but several other points of concern were raised, including the following:

• Security and access to staff. Many respondents felt that there was need for more countryside rangers on visible patrol in the Country Park, both as a deterrent to criminals and to provide a ready source of aid and information.

• More activities and demonstrations with a rural theme were requested by many, together with children’s workshops and environmental activities

• Two respondents mentioned problems with the RSPB, without being specific.

• Access, both for pedestrians and cycles was mentioned in several replies.

• Countryside events such as game fairs and falconry shows were requested.

• The most common theme of the answers to the free choice section was that of conservation and good countryside management practices. Respondents generally requested the continued development of the Valley along current lines, with no major changes and sympathetic use, which was in keeping with the Valley’s status as a green oasis for Sandwell residents and others to enjoy. 8.7 The main areas of concern, which recurred throughout the survey, were the suggestions of a caravan site. Only 6% supported caravans, giving a clear indication of the feelings of those who filled in the questionnaire.

Strong support was given to all aspects of the farming and countryside elements, with sporting elements, water sports and the proposal for junior soccer also receiving support from over 30% of respondents.

Source Documents

A Draft Vision for Sandwell Valley Country Park September 2002 A Vision for Sandwell Valley Country Park - ADAS consultants Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre Galton Valley Heritage Centre - Discussion paper Outline of Proposed Management Plan - WJK Little The Restoration of Sandwell Park Farm Regeneration Zones and the Environment Birmingham and Black Country Bio-diversity Action Plan Annual Budget Internal Files

LD/DB/17.02.03/Vision for Sandwell Valley Country Park

THE SANDWELL VALLEY

A VISION

FINAL DOCUMENT

The Sandwell Valley – A Vision

Introduction

Sandwell Valley is one of the largest areas of urban green space in the West Midlands and forms part of the green belt of the area. About two thirds of the Valley belongs to Sandwell whilst the other third belongs to Birmingham. Those two thirds constitute about 690 hectares. In 1947 the Council started to acquire the land and the estate and it has gradually developed as a country park since that time. As the land was part of an agricultural estate, it was mainly tenanted farmland and parkland. Thus the process of conversion to the country park has, of necessity, been gradual. Land has been added to the park only when surrendered by the outgoing tenant.

The last twenty five years have seen some remarkable changes in the Valley, with many derelict buildings, notably Sandwell Park Farm and Forge Mill Farm, being renovated and used on a daily basis. Latterly the Valley is a thriving centre offering a range of opportunities for the people of Sandwell. One of the significant developments in this transformation has been the restoration of Sandwell Park Farm and Kitchen Garden, which is the most major of the attractions closest to the centre of West Bromwich.

With the recent completion of the barn complex of Sandwell Park Farm, the time is now right tot build on the enormous success of the Valley and to produce a vision for its further enhancement. The document assets out a vision for the enhancement of the Valley, in keeping with its status as a national and regional visitor attraction but also consistent with its contribution to the local and national agenda concerning Health, Education and things for young people to do.

The major benefit of having a large open space with a number of attractions means that the community can benefit from the leisure and recreational opportunities. This leads to a better quality of life and contributes to physical and social well being of the community. In an area of population and housing density the countryside within the Valley provides a much needed green lung. There is also an opportunity to experience a way of life that is not available to the majority of the population of Sandwell. This and the wide range of activities available within this particular environment give Sandwell a sense of perspective and identity. Such is the broad range of opportunity that it can also be a centre for formal and informal education. However the care and management of the environment is critical to all of this and the preservation of the Valley contributes to the Council objectives on Agenda 21.

Wider Context for Development of Vision

The value of parks and open spaces is recognised at national level in terms of the contribution they make to healthy lifestyles, quality environments, sustainability and opportunities for learning.

In its publication, ‘The Historic Environment: A Force for Our Future’, (2001), the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, emphasises the part played by countryside landscapes, saying:

“It is central to how we see ourselves and to our identity as individuals, communities and as a nation’.

As the statutory body with responsibility for conserving and enhancing England’s countryside, the Countryside Agency says:

‘Our goal is that everyone should be able to enjoy attractive, accessible greenspace near where they live’.

(Towards tomorrow’s countryside A Strategy for the Countryside Agency, 2001).

As one of the largest areas of undeveloped countryside in the West Midlands, Sandwell Valley is clearly a major asset with, as yet untapped, potential – not only for Sandwell but for the wider region.

Response to consultation demonstrates the value which local people attach to the Valley – and the range of ways in which they use it for informal recreation and as a focus for family outings.

Through a strategic, but sensitive approach, we can build on its strengths, to make even more of its facilities and opportunities. More can be made, and should be made, of the contribution of the Valley to the regeneration of Sandwell. Linking in to the priorities for the borough which have been developed by the Sandwell Partnership, there is scope to bring out more fully its role in:

Lifelong Learning – through engaging people both young and old in active learning, in ways which are creative and innovative.

Healthy Lifestyles – through promoting the offer which the Valley has for a wide range of formal and informal outdoor recreational pursuits.

Transforming the Environment – through promoting the Valley’s role as a tremendously important ‘ green lunch’ within the heart of a densely populated urban area.

Creating wealth through revitalising the economy – through using the Valley’s learning offer to underpin the growth of personal, social and technical skills which are transferable to other areas of training and employment.

Creating a safer Sandwell – through encouraging greater use of outdoor spaces and the development of an upward spiral of confidence within the borough.

Through adhering to the ethos of the Valley, and respecting its historical roots, we will improve its offer to local communities, and secure its place as a regional resource through focusing on these 4 strands:

A resource for education and learning – including opportunities for interaction and interpretation;

A focus for conservation and heritage – through the diversity of features inherent in the Valley, from forms to nature reserves to built heritage;

A place for encouraging healthy lifestyles – through informal recreation and more structured opportunities for sport;

A key part of the region’s visitor economy – through focussing on the family market from Sandwell and the wider region.

The Aim of the Vision for Sandwell Valley

To provide recreational and educational facilities and opportunities for the benefit of Sandwell’s residents and visitors, consistent with its setting in the green belt.

The Role of Sandwell Council

The Council’s role is to act as responsible landowner in the management and development of the Valley. It will take a lead role in the achievement working to this vision by directly developing some enhancements and by working with a broad range of partners. The current land ownership consists of the following principal blocks of land:

Name Area in Comments Hectares

Forge Mill Farm 38.4 Council run demonstration farm

Wigmore Farm 38.0 Tenanted Riding school

Hill House Farm 48.2 Used for livery, woodland and access Dartmouth Golf Club 20.6 Tenanted to the Golf Club

Forge Farm 41.7 Tenanted farm

RSPB Nature Reserve 10.1 Adjacent to Forge Mill Lake

Swan Pool 9.1 Water Sports Area

Jubilee Nature 33.5 Nature Reserve Reserves & Swan Pool meadow

Priory Meadow 19.5 Grazing land, used for horses

Priory Woods 16.8 Local Nature Reserve

Sandwell Park Farm 19.32 Visitor Centre and Victorian Farm

King George Playing 10.8 Football fields and pavilion Fields

Showground 11.0 Showground and screen planting

Mini Golf Course 4.0

Dartmouth Park 27.1 Main Victorian park for West Bromwich

Sotts Hole 3.46 Local Nature Reserve

456.58

The remaining 234 hectares of land not listed above consists of small thin blocks of land running north from the main block, adjacent to the M5. The land ownership ceases just north of the M5/M6 interchange around Dartmouth High School.

The Consultation Process to determine the Vision

A draft vision was submitted to the Cabinet Member for Youth and Cultural Services on 26th September 2002.

The Cabinet Member resolved that the draft vision document be agreed as the basis for wider consultation.

The survey was undertaken to allow the residents, user groups, organisation and elected members to have an input into Sandwell Valley Vision (see Annexe 1).

A display was produced, charting key points about the Vision and Sandwell Valley, which toured the Borough along with survey forms to the following sites:

Sandwell Park Farm West Bromwich Library Great Barr Library Hamstead Library Stone Cross Library West Bromwich Town Committee Gayton Road Community Centre Lodge Road Community Centre Yew Tree Community Centre

Publicity for the display was achieved via the Ed Doolan Show on Radio WM, and article in the Sandwell Herald and further publicity in the Express and Star.

The consultation process proved to be very successful and the key priorities arising from this are:

Conservation

• Revise the management plans for existing local nature reserves and identify further potential sites within the Valley

• Develop further rare breeds programme and ensure vegetables grown in the kitchen garden are those that were available in the 19th century and do not use hybrids.

• Appoint a Conservation Officer

Heritage

• Restoration of Dartmouth park through the Heritage Lottery Fund

• Refurbish the historic farm equipment to a working condition

Education and Interpretation

• Develop more public information leaflets and booklets with appropriate interpretation signage throughout

• Develop small animals area to the two farms for young people

• Establish areas for new technology e.g. interactive computers

• Encourage more countryside type events such as craftwork.

Sport and Health

• Develop junior soccer at King George Playing Fields

• Improve pathways for waking throughout the Valley

• Develop Swan Pool into a Water Sports Centre

Completed forms were fed into Pinpoint survey software at Sandwell Park Farm as they were returned and final analysis carried out on site.

200 responses have been received to the consultation exercise. Many of these responses are on behalf of major organisations representing hundreds of people. By taking this into account the survey has been very comprehensive.

The Valley is a very important part of the Visitor economy to Sandwell and the key issues arising from the consultation process are clearly linked to Education, Health and things for young people to do. In order to implement the Vision there is a need to produce an action plan for each of the key themes within the Vision action. This action plan can be subjected to further consultation. This will provide a distinction between the functional and visionary aspects of the Valley. The Vision provides an overview of how the Valley will be managed and used for the next ten years for a number of purposes themed around Heritage, Conservation, Education and Health. The 2002/2003 consultation process was based on the physical areas that constitute the make up of Sandwell Valley along with an additional one called new opportunities.

The key headings are:

Sandwell Park Farm Forge Mill Farm King George Playing Fields – sport Dartmouth Park The Showground Area Interpretation and Education Nature Conservation and the Nature reserves The Priory and the Sand Well Swan Pool – sport New Opportunities

Sandwell Park Farm

In order to give Sandwell park Farm an authentic setting, a number of rare breeds (e.g. long horn cattle, Tamworth pigs) are raised at the Farm. The Council is an active member of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and is committed to the protection of these threatened breeds.

Historically the farm has concentrated on developing the rare breeds and these do prove very popular with visitors. However many young children do like to handle small animals and learn about them in this very active way. Development of small animal areas at Sandwell Park Farm would prove extremely popular.

Museum areas at the Valley depict the history of the Valley from the establishment of Sandwell Priory through to the development of the estate by the Earl of Dartmouth through to the present day. These displays are very popular and further minor improvements can be made.

With the completion of the barns all of the former derelict barns are now in use. As buildings have been bought into use gradually over the last 20 years, now is the time to reconsider the use of space within Sandwell Park Farm. In particular the flow of visitors: the design of a new reception area: and increasing the access for people with disabilities throughout the complex.

In relation to Sandwell Park Farm it is recommended that:

• That the farm is further developed as a rare breed centre and ensure vegetables grown in the kitchen garden are those that were available in the 19th century and do not use hybrids

• That small animals areas be developed for young people

• That the museum area is improved by way of touch screen technology to enable people to better understand the static displays

• That the use of all space within Sandwell Park farm is reconsidered to improve visitor flows. In particular consideration be given to a new reception area, improved access for people with disabilities and an area for new technology for young people to gain a good understanding of how the Valley works

Forge Mill Farm

Although Forge Mill Farm is now a fully operational diary unit it is time to reconsider whether other animals should be added to the visitor attractions in order to provide a more rounded experience of a modern farm.

Forge Mill Farm is a very popular destination for school visits and we need to consider how we can enhance the experience for these children by providing more information and interpretation about the aspects of farming that they see.

As with Sandwell Park Farm there is not provision for visitors to handle animals and therefore to learn actively about their welfare etc.

Because of the nature of the buildings at Forge Mill Farm access for people with disabilities is severely limited. This needs to be addressed.

In relation to Forge Mill Farm it is proposed that:

• Further interpretation of the visitor experience is developed

• That small animal areas are developed for young people

• That access for people with disabilities is improved

• Consider new interactive computer technology to demonstrate how modern farms work

King George Playing Fields

King George Playing Fields is one of the largest playing fields site within Sandwell. It currently has 7 full sized soccer pitches with adequate changing accommodation. There are also 4 tennis courts, crazy golf area and a mini pitch and putt 18 hole course.

In March 2002 the Council agreed a Playing Fields Strategy for the borough. It is this document that provides the basis for the Council and its partners to improve the provision of playing pitches. Within the Strategy there is an action plan and the recommendations for King George Playing Fields within that action plan are incorporated into the recommendations set out below.

Sandwell Horse Show which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend causes some damage to a number of the pitches at King George Playing Fields and prevents there use early in the season.

In relation to King George Playing Fields it is proposed that an grant application to the football foundation be submitted to:

• It be developed as a junior soccer centre of excellence linked to the Council’s football development plan.

• Consider moving Sandwell Horse Show to another area of Sandwell Valley, in consultation with the equestrian people.

• Target sports investment in pitch surface drainage infrastructure and changing facility improvements.

Dartmouth Park

The park provides a valuable recreational resource for the people of West Bromwich and is designated a town park. The designation is due in part to its proximity to the Sandwell Valley Farm which attracts a significant number of visitors in a year and of which the park is seen as an integral part. Its status is also due to the historical momentum of the opportunities it offers, both through informal leisure activities and as being the venue for a number of major events. It has in recent years suffered serious decline and is now in need of restoration. A number of reports have highlighted the need for investment to halt this decline and restore the park.

In relation to Dartmouth Park it is proposed that an application for Lottery Funding be submitted to:

• Improve the standard and layout of the footpath system

• Repair and replacing of the fencing, walls and boundaries

• Essential work to the trees, based on the tree survey in the Scott Wilson report commissioned by Sandwell Council in 2001

• Managing the shrub beds and remove some overgrown areas

• Fencing the children’s play and lido area from dogs

• Replace the children’s play area and lido to meet national standards

• Improve access from Dartmouth Park entrance to the old bowling green and boating lake

• Provide appropriate dog bins throughout

The Showground Area

The showground is the venue for many of the Council’s major events including the Historic Vehicle Show, Sandwell Show, Red Bull Mountain Mayhem, Dog Show and Caravan Rallies along with many small events organised by the staff at the Valley.

The consultation process highlighted the need to focus this area on more countryside type events such as craft work, in keeping with the Valley setting.

In relation to the Showground Area it is proposed that:

• The showground area be included within the Councils Events Strategy as an area for Countryside events such as game fairs and falconry shows

• Review the layout of Sandwell Show to enable better visitor flow and clearer themes within the show such as youth activities, countryside and horticulture

• Encourage classical music events

Interpretation and Education

A key area for ensuring visitors have a good understanding of the Valley works is by way of leaflets and booklets. Accompanied by appropriate interpretation signage throughout.

Such information can provide a valuable education resource for schools and individuals. The surveys identified the current range of leaflets to be limited. A key element within the action plan arising from this vision will be to identify appropriate funding resources for wider information in line with the Council’s Marketing Strategy.

In relation to interpretation and education it is proposed to: -

• Develop more public information leaflets and booklets with appropriate signage throughout.

• Develop small animals area at the two farms.

• Encourage more educational countryside type of events such as falconry shows

• Develop more conservation activities with local schools.

• Identify areas for new technology e.g. interactive computer to enable more young people to gain an understanding of Sandwell Valley

Nature Conservation

Sandwell Valley is one of the largest areas of urban green space in the West Midlands. It is home to a range of wildlife both plants and animals. An important function of the Valley lies within its value as an area for nature conservation.

There is a need to produce management plans for existing local nature reserves within the Valley, and to identify further potential sites that can be designated.

In relation to Nature Conservation it is proposed to: -

• Appoint a Conservation Officer.

• Review the Management plans for existing local nature reserves within the Valley.

• Identify other areas within the Valley that can be designated as local nature reserves.

• Examine opportunities for young people to be more involved with conservation projects

The Priory and the Sandwell

Sandwell Policy is a site of significant historical importance and this is a scheduled ancient monument. It is in need of further interpretation and landscaping in order to reflect more fully its historical significance.

In relation to Sandwell Priory it is proposed that: -

• Further landscaping and interpretation to take place, to reflect the importance of the Sand - Well to the name of the borough.

Swan Pool

Swan Pool is a large expanse of water used for a variety of water activities including sailing, fishing, windsurfing, canoeing and open water swimming. It is served by unsatisfactory ancillary facilities which have been partially developed from the former pithead baths.

The potential for the development at Swan Pool is enormous and it could provide a wide ranging water sports centre based in the heart of the industrial Midlands. The consultation highlights the need for young people to play an active role in water sports. Swan Pool provides excellent opportunities for young people.

In relation to Swan Pool it is proposed that: -

• A water sports centre be developed.

New Opportunities

The only permanent catering outlet within the Sandwell Valley is a tearoom at Sandwell Park Farm. There is a need to re-examine the catering throughout the Valley in order to provide appropriate visitor refreshments.

There are a number of very successful horse events that take place in the Sandwell Valley. For example there is an equestrian event every month during the summer in the Valley.

In relation to new opportunities it is proposed to: -

• Review the catering facilities throughout Sandwell Valley

• The feasibility of an equestrian centre be explored, in line with the survey results.

• The possibility of holding a farmers market be explored.

• Consider sponsorship and advertising as one means of funding information leaflets and booklets.

• Identify areas for new technology e.g. Interactive computers

Annexe 1

Groups and Organisations representing significant numbers of people consulted on the Sandwell Valley Vision

Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and Black Country R.S.P.B (Great Barr) SANDNATS BTCV Black Country Sandwell Health Authority (cycling) Trails Group Sandwell Valley Riding School Pat Collins Fun Fair Birmingham and District GSD Association North Worcs LG Sandwell Valley Sailing Centre Sandwell Cardiac Club W Whittaker Tours Sandwell Model Boat Club Shropshire Sheep Society Westbury/Sandwell LG Birmingham LG British Long Distance Swimming Association Rare Breed Survival Trust National Probation Service ADAS Pro – Velo Support ALS Wooden Toys Mrs Maureen Brimmell Arts & Design Mrs Christine Duckhouse Les Harris Happiness is Homemade B.W.A. West Midlands Group Rass Futures Michael A Merrell D.D. Photography Leanne Jones Waxworks Jaynes Cheney The Guild of Model Wheelwrights Great Barr Photographic Society Linda Swindells National Federation of Anglers Regional National Federation of Anglers Angling UK Mr K Cope Old Hill Legion AC Ridgacre Canal AC Croft Angling Club Midland Anglers British Driving Society Black Country Tourism Heart of England Tourist Board West Bromwich Town Committee Sandwell elected members

Annexe 2

Sandwell Valley Survey 2002

Key points from the consultation process

Sandwell Valley

• Enhancements to be in line with green belt and unitary development policy.

• Buildings, paths, boundaries and signage enhancements. Supported by a majority.

• Farming and Countryside practices be developed further for educational purposes. Seen as key issue by many respondents.

• Corporate Issue. Marketing Strategy. Leaflets and literature

• Council to work with user groups and organisations for implementation of the Vision.

Sandwell Park Farm

• Further developed as a rare breed centre. Strong support.

• Small animals. Supported and seen as a major issue.

• Introduction of interactive computer based displays, at appropriate locations was supported.

• Review of visitor areas. Important in the context of disabled access.

Forge Mill Farm

• Bringing in other livestock. Not seen as important. Only 16% felt this mattered.

• More interpretation and educational information. Reasonable amount of interest.

• Small animals. Seen as a major issue.

Swan Pool

• Water sports centre. Very well supported, but no powered craft.

King George Playing Fields

• Junior soccer centre. 39% support.

• Community Tennis. Low level of support.

• Development of area for special sporting events. Low level of support.

• Equestrian Centre Low level of support.

• Investment in pitch drainage and infrastructure. Not specifically included in survey, but supported through the junior soccer centre.

Dartmouth Park

• Footpaths 28% support

• Fences, walls and boundaries repaired and replaced. 38% support. This ties in with concerns expressed about security.

• Essential tree work undertaken and shrub beds management. Linked to security and anti social activity to open the areas up.

• Introduction of improved water area to replace lido and playground for young people. 34% support.

• Children’s play areas fenced. Strong support in the general replies.

• Access from Sandwell Valley entrance should be improved.

Showground

• Strong interest in countryside events and general events, appropriate to Sandwell Valley setting, less in improvements to the show ground, Support for more farm market type of events.

Priory

• Landscaping and more interpretation through signage, information booklets and leaflets. 34% supported this proposal.

New Opportunities

• Review of catering provision for all Sandwell Valley.

• Caravan Site. Definite opposition, only 6% support for caravans.

• Equestrian Centre. Not much general interest, only 18% support.

• New interactive computer technology for young people to gain a better understanding of the Valley areas.

• New interactive computer technology at appropriate locations for young people to gain a better understanding of Sandwell Valley.

Annexe 3

Survey Results Overview

Security, fencing 38% pruning trees & shrubs 15%