PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE SERVICE PLAN 2006/07

0.0 INTRODUCTION

0.1 The Parks and Countryside Service Plan sets out the targets of the Parks and Countryside Service within the context of the Council’s corporate objectives and the Education and Cultural Services Departmental Service Plan for 2006/07. The targets are listed in full in the Action Plan in Appendix 6. It is intended that the Parks and Countryside Service Plan be updated annually.

1.0 COUNCIL OBJECTIVE 1 - PROTECTING & IMPROVING OUR ENVIRONMENT

1.1 Following the Council’s best value review of Streetscene, which was completed in December 2002, the responsibility for the maintenance of highway verges and trees and highway weed spraying was transferred from the Parks and Open Spaces Service to the Technical Services Department in April 2003 to enable the Technical Services Department to improve the co-ordination and quality of Streetscene services. It was subsequently agreed that responsibility for the maintenance of a further 123 open spaces adjacent to the highway would be transferred to the Technical Services Department in January 2006.

1.2 All open spaces associated with Streetscene are now effectively managed and maintained by the Streetscene Service. It is therefore proposed that the name of the Parks and Open Spaces Service be changed to “Parks and Countryside Service” to reflect the core elements of the service and avoid confusion with Streetscene services. The only highway sites that continue to be maintained and funded by the Parks and Countryside Service are roundabouts with floral displays.

1.3 The Parks and Countryside Service is actively involved in a range of environmental initiatives and has won a number of awards at the annual Merseyside Local Agenda 21 Awards over the past few years. In March 2003 the Parks and Countryside Service produced a Biodiversity Action Plan for Wirral in association with the Wirral Biodiversity Partnership. Funding was obtained through the Big Lottery Fund to implement some of the projects identified in the Biodiversity Action Plan. These should be completed by the end of December 2006. The Parks and Countryside Service hosts annual meetings of the Wirral Biodiversity Partnership Forum. Working with partners such as Wirral Wildlife, the management of parks and countryside areas will be reviewed, particularly in urban areas, to enhance their contribution to biodiversity and incorporate proposals into management plans for each park. To assist the implementation of these plans more training will be given to staff in biodiversity and conservation awareness.

1.4 Efforts are being made to reduce the amount of peat used at the Warrens Nursery. The compost currently used contains 50% peat and the target is to phase out the use of peat-based compost completely by the end of 2009. As part of the Council’s Environmental Management System, environmental audits are carried out on a regular basis at parks and associated depots. These audits routinely identify issues relating to green waste, energy conservation and minimising the waste of water and fuel. Some green waste separation already takes place in parks and some of this waste is recycled as compost or woodchips. It is proposed that the separation and recycling of green waste be extended to all sites.

1 1.5 The Parks and Countryside Service is actively involved in the Council’s recycling plans and an experimental recycling plant is located at the Warrens Nursery, designed to produce methane gas from green waste. The plant was designed and constructed by AMEC who have now completed their experiments and no longer use the facility. Efforts are being made to find a sustainable use for the facility. Sacks of compost made from Wirral’s recycled green waste and a range of compost bins are currently sold to the public at the Warrens Nursery.

1.6 Many of Wirral’s parks and countryside areas are located within Wirral’s Green Belt, while in the more urban areas of Wirral, most parks green spaces are designated as “Urban Greenspace” in the Council’s Unitary Development Plan.

Parks and Countryside Actions: - · Change name of Parks and Open Spaces Service to Parks and Countryside Service · Implement the Biodiversity Action Plan projects · Incorporate action for developing biodiversity into park management plans · Provide training for staff in biodiversity and conservation awareness · Phase out use of peat-based compost at the Warrens Nursery · Extend the separation and recycling of green waste to all sites

2.0 COUNCIL OBJECTIVE 2 - PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING THE ECONOMIC REGENERATION OF WIRRAL

2.1 The Parks and Countryside Service makes a major contribution to tourism in Wirral, managing parks, coastal facilities and events, which attract large number of visitors to Wirral. The money spent by these visitors helps to sustain a wide range of local businesses. Research shows that investment in the restoration and improvement of parks, such as , has a positive impact on neighbourhood property values and provides valuable employment opportunities.

2.2 The Parks and Countryside Service applies for external funding whenever possible to improve facilities. In 2002, it secured £11.5 million for the restoration and improvement of Birkenhead Park over five years. This includes £7.4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £2 million from the European Regional Development Fund and £245,000 from the Single Regeneration Budget. This will make an enormous contribution to the regeneration of the Birkenhead area.

2.3 In 2004 the Big Lottery Fund (Transforming Your Space initiative) awarded £1.2 to the Council for improving parks and cycle routes. This has funded a number of improvements, which are due for completion by the end of 2006. The government has recently announced a new source of capital funding for park improvements called the Parks for People programme, to be funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. In order to access this funding the Council will need to find matched funding contributions of 25%. Without matched funding the Council will not be able to access the funding.

2.4 The Parks and Countryside Service continues to work closely with the Corporate Services Department and the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park in developing and implementing Wirral’s Tourism Strategy and Coastal Development Strategy. A number of coastal projects are being worked up and particular attention is being

2 paid to the implementation of the Hoylake and West Kirby Master Plan. The Council has also engaged consultants to produce proposals for improvements at .

Parks and Countryside Actions: - · Complete the Birkenhead Park restoration programme · Complete the BLF Transforming Your Space Programme · Progress projects in the Hoylake and West Kirby Master Plan

3.0 COUNCIL OBJECTIVE 3 - PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

3.1 Rangers work closely with schools to support field study opportunities linked to the National Curriculum. Wirral Country Park, the Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm, , Hilbre Island and Leasowe Lighthouse are particularly popular with schools, while Birkenhead Park, Royden Park, , Central Park and Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve are also well used. A new resource centre for use by schools and volunteers was completed in 2004 at the Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm Trust, funded by the North West Development Agency and the Onyx Environmental Trust and external funding has been secured for a Community Liaison Officer at the Farm. The new Birkenhead Park Pavilion includes a room for school and other groups and there are also plans to develop a field study centre on Hilbre Island and to improve the visitor centre at Wirral Country Park.

3.2 A wide variety of events are arranged in parks each year. Some are organised by the rangers and parks staff, but many are organised by Friends of Parks groups, user groups and other organisations. Concerts and plays are run each year at various parks including Royden Park and Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm and concerts are currently being planned for Birkenhead Park. A comprehensive Parks and Countryside Events and Activities Newsletter is produced each summer and winter. To coincide with Liverpool’s Capital of Culture programme of events a historic parks exhibition is planned for the new Birkenhead Park Pavilion for 2007.

3.3 The Parks and Countryside Service works in partnership with Sure Start in improving play areas for children aged 0 to 4. The Parks and Countryside Service also works with the Play and Community Services Section and other organisations in the running of play schemes and youth activity programmes within parks. There are also activities, which take place within parks, organised by volunteers (e.g. Watch Club at Wirral Country Park for children interested in natural history). Young people are consulted wherever possible regarding provision of opportunities for children’s’ play e.g. skateboard parks.

Parks and Countryside Actions: - · Plan historic parks exhibition for Birkenhead Park Pavilion

4.0 COUNCIL OBJECTIVE 4 - IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF WIRRAL PEOPLE

4.1 Parks and countryside areas provide valuable opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience and enjoy fresh air and exercise. When the first public parks, such as Birkenhead Park were created in the 19th century, they were intended to help improve the health of people living and working in towns and cities.

3 The contribution of parks to health is just as important today. All Wirral’s urban and country parks have free access and many are located in poorer parts of the borough with relatively high levels of deprivation and high mortality rates. Improving the parks in these areas can be a valuable way of improving the health and quality of life of people on low incomes or who are not able to travel to other facilities. Today, Wirral’s parks and countryside areas provide a wide range of opportunities to experience fresh air and exercise, through organised sports such as football and golf and through informal activities such as walking, cycling and children’s play.

4.2 The Parks and Countryside Service currently maintains 135 soccer pitches and a small number of rugby and cricket pitches. A Pitch Strategy was completed in 2004 in conjunction with Sport England, the Corporate Services Department and the Sports Development Section. There are also four municipal golf courses in Wirral, which are all very well used.

4.3 The Parks and Countryside Service co-ordinates a Walking to Health Scheme in association with the Wirral Primary Care Trusts, which provides supervised walks for people with health problems referred by their GP’s. Cycling facilities have been improved in association with the Technical Services Department at Arrowe Country Park and Eastham Country Park and more recently at Wirral Country Park in association with the Technical Services Department and the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park. Further improvements are planned at Wirral Country Park.

4.4 The Parks and Countryside Service currently manages 70 children’s play areas and the Council has invested considerable sums of money in recent years to ensure that these continue to meet the necessary safety standards. The playground refurbishment programme is due for completion in March 2006, after which no further capital funding is currently allocated for playground improvements. The playgrounds that were refurbished at the beginning of the programme are now, however, in need of modernisation and consideration should be given to continuing the refurbishment programme.

4.5 A skateboard park was completed at Eastham in 2002 and three further skateboard parks are planned at Gayton, New Brighton and Moreton. Seven new multi-use games areas (MUGAs) have been completed in 2005 and one is currently under construction. Six of these were funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and two were funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Efforts will continue to secure external funding for facilities including skateboard parks and multi-use games areas.

4.6 Management plans will be drawn up for all parks and countryside areas (166 in total). These will be used to support applications for Green Flag awards and external funding. A new Local Performance Indicator (1093) has been agreed for the production of action plans for parks. The targets are that 20 (12%) will be completed by March 2006, 50 (30%) by March 2007, 83 (50%) by March 2008, 125 (75%) by March 2009 and 166 (100%) by March 2010.

4.7 The Parks and Countryside Service also manages a comprehensive allotments service with 1758 allotments on 44 sites throughout Wirral. These give people the opportunity to produce healthy food and to have valuable exercise and fresh air. Some of the allotment sites are in the most deprived areas of Wirral. At one site in Tranmere, plots have been constructed for use by local primary schools and for adults with physical disabilities. The Allotments and Horticulture Officer has also

4 assisted a number of schools in developing plots within the school grounds. There are many ways in which the existing allotment facilities can be further improved and an Allotment Strategy is currently being produced.

Parks and Countryside Actions: - · Develop the Walking to Health scheme in parks · Seek continued funding for playground refurbishment · Provide three new skateboard parks · Seek external funding for play facilities including skateboard parks and multi-use games areas · Complete Action Plans for parks (166 sites) · Produce an Allotments Strategy

5.0 COUNCIL OBJECTIVE 5 - MAKING WIRRAL SAFER

5.1 Vandalism is a problem in Wirral’s parks and countryside areas and is a significant drain on limited revenue resources. CCTV cameras have recently been installed at Central Park, Wallasey and Birkenhead Park. There is also a need for new and improved security fencing at many parks and allotment sites. Parks staff work closely with the Police and the Community Patrol Service to try to reduce vandalism wherever possible. Damage is repaired as quickly as possible to discourage further incidents.

5.2 As part of the restoration scheme for Birkenhead Park, the Council has funded a number of additional staff in the park, including two Security Staff. It would be beneficial to have more staff based in other parks in general and at weekends in particular, to assist the public and deal with any problems, but financial constraints make this impossible at the present time. Recent reductions in budgets have resulted in a reduction in the number of permanent staff in parks.

5.3 A new Local Performance Indicator (1170) has been agreed for improving safety in parks. This will involve the completion of security audits at all parks, allotments and play areas over the next few years (222 sites). The results of these security audits will be incorporated into the park action plans. The target is to complete 20 (9%) security audits by March 2006, 67 (30%) by March 2007, 111 (50%) by March 2008, 167 (75%) by March 2009 and 222 (100%) by March 2010.

5.4 The Parks and Countryside Service has regular meetings with the Police, the Community Patrol Service and the Youth Service to discuss problems in parks and identify the targeting of resources. This includes helping to provide a range of activities for young people, which will discourage them from antisocial behaviour, but also involves enforcement by the Police where necessary. Parks and Countryside staff also work closely with local schools, where possible, to reduce anti-social behaviour by young people in parks.

5.5 In 2002 a skateboard park was developed at Eastham Rake as a result of co- operation between the Parks and Countryside Service, pupils and teachers at South Wirral High School, Eastham Residents Association and the Police. The Youth Service also has specialist outreach youth workers who engage young people in the parks and try to involve them in positive activities. A range of activities is provided for young people in parks, particularly at holiday times, such as play schemes, in co-operation with the Youth and Community Services Section and other agencies.

5 Parks and Countryside Actions: - · Undertake security audit for all parks, allotments and play areas and prepare Action Plan (222 sites)

6.0 COUNCIL OBJECTIVE 6 - MEETING THE HOUSING NEEDS OF WIRRAL

6.1 Parks and countryside areas are a major factor in the character and desirability of residential areas and can directly influence property values. They can also have a major influence on people’s quality of life. The Parks and Countryside Service maintains parks and play areas in and near to many private and public sector housing areas and maintains the gardens of elderly and disabled people on behalf of Wirral Community Homes.

7.0 COUNCIL OBJECTIVE 7 - SUPPORTING AND PROTECTING VULNERABLE PEOPLE

7.1 The Parks and Countryside Service is currently discussing with the Social Services Department ways of developing the use of the Warrens Nursery as a horticultural training centre for people with learning disabilities. Schemes providing training for people with learning disabilities already exist at a number of urban and country parks, including Royden Park, Dibbinsdale, Central Park and Dale Farm, adjacent to . The Parks and Countryside Service also employs a small number of staff with learning disabilities who receive support from Workstep.

7.2 The requirements of people with disabilities in parks and countryside areas need to be identified. Disabled access could be greatly improved by resurfacing damaged paths and by providing new paths where they do not currently exist. No funding is available for this at present. A new cycle way at Wirral Country Park has significantly improved disabled access along the Wirral Way and at Ashton Park, West Kirby. Allotment plots for adults with physical disabilities were provided at Church Road allotments in Tranmere in 2003. Further plots will be provided where possible. Some specialist play equipment has been provided for children with wheelchairs and fishing ‘pegs’ have been provided in a number of parks for wheelchair users. Once the restoration of Birkenhead Park is completed, it is intended to operate a park mobility scheme in the park with motorised wheelchairs for loan.

Parks and Countryside Actions: · Identify the requirements of people with disabilities in parks and countryside areas · Develop a park mobility scheme in Birkenhead Park

8.0 COUNCIL OBJECTIVE 8 - IMPROVING TRANSPORT

8.1 The Parks and Countryside Service works closely with the Technical Services Department in developing cycle ways and safe routes to schools and work through parks, such as Central Park, Arrowe Country Park and Eastham Country Park. A new cycle way was completed in April 2005 along the Wirral Way between West Kirby and Thurstaston. Plans are being drawn up to extend this to Heswall.

Parks and Countryside Actions: -

6 · Extend Wirral Way cycle route from Thurstaston to Heswall

9.0 COUNCIL OBJECTIVE 9 - CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING OUR SERVICES

9.1 The Parks and Open Spaces and Sport and Recreation Services underwent a Best Value inspection by the Audit Commission in October 2001 and were judged to be “fair” and “unlikely to improve”. The services were re-inspected in June 2003 and were judged to be “fair” with “promising prospects”. The Parks and Countryside Service underwent a major restructure in 2004/05 including a reduction in the number of parks management areas from 5 to 4. In 2005/06 the Council decided to reduce the Parks and Countryside budget by £350,000. This reduction is being achieved mainly by converting a number of full-time gardener posts into summer seasonal gardener posts and by reducing the cost of operating the Warrens Nursery. The Council has agreed a number of further economies for 2006/07, including increases in charges and a review of the engineering workshop, which maintains parks machinery, to achieve a saving of £70,000.

9.2 Over the past 20 years there has been a decline in horticultural skills within parks services locally and nationally. This needs to be addressed if maintenance standards are to improve. The Parks and Countryside Service is currently participating in a review of training being carried out by the North West Parks Forum. A Modern Apprenticeship scheme for gardeners has been in operation for a number of years in conjunction with Reaseheath College, but needs to be reviewed.

9.3 The level of staff absence due to sickness in the Parks and Countryside Service has decreased, but needs to decrease further. There were 10.41days absence per full time post in the Parks and Countryside Service in 2004/05 (compared with 11.38 days in 2002/03). This was worse than the average for the Council as a whole (9.44 days), but better than the average for Cultural Services (12.32 days). Staff absence levels will continue to be monitored.

9.4 The Council has a number of Performance Indicators relevant to the Parks and Countryside Service. These are listed in Appendix 2. According to the three-yearly public satisfaction survey of Council services carried out in 2003/04 (Best Value Indicator BV 119e) 76% were satisfied with parks and open spaces. This is relatively high when compared with other local authorities.

9.5 The Green Flag standard is an annual award administered by the Civic Trust and is widely recognised as the national standard for parks management. To achieve a Green Flag Award, parks must be judged by an external assessor against a wide range of criteria (see Appendix 3). The Parks and Countryside Service achieved its first ever Green Flag Award in 2002 for Vale Park, New Brighton. By 2005, Green Flags had also been achieved for Ashton Park, West Kirby and Thornton Hough Recreation Ground (the first village green in the country to receive the award). An application has recently been submitted for a Green Pennant Award for the Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm. This is the Green Flag equivalent for voluntary organisations. More applications for Green Flags are planned over the next few years (see appendix 4). It is, however, a concern that the Green Flag for Vale Park may be at risk as a result of the delay in providing new public toilets in the park.

7 9.6 The Crematorium and Cemeteries section of the Parks and Countryside Service is currently working towards the Charter for the Bereaved, which is the national standard for bereavement services.

9.7 In 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 Wirral’s allotments service received the national award from the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners for the best local authority allotments service in the country, in the category of local authorities with populations of more than 200,000.

9.8 A considerable amount of information is now provided on the Council web site about the facilities and services managed by the Parks and Countryside Service, particularly in relation to country parks and nature reserves. Information about the Parks and Countryside Service needs to be better co-ordinated and updated on a regular basis. It is also proposed that the golf till system be upgraded to improve the booking system and provide better management information on golf usage.

9.9 The Parks and Countryside Service works closely with an extensive network of Friends of Parks groups, park user groups and community groups to help meet local needs. The number of Friends of Parks Groups continues to increase. There are now 26 Friends of Parks Groups, as well as five Advisory Groups and Committees (see Appendix 1). Two Friends of Parks Forums are held each year. These give representatives of the groups the opportunity to network and share information and knowledge. The Friends of Parks groups now produce a joint newsletter and are also becoming adept at attracting external funding for park improvement schemes. Continued support will be given to the development of Friends of Parks Groups and to increasing their involvement in the management and development of local facilities.

9.10 The Parks and Countryside Service also provides opportunities for many people to carry out voluntary work in a range of parks and countryside areas, mainly co- ordinated by the rangers. This can provide people with valuable work experience and help them to find work in Wirral or elsewhere. Support will be given to extending the amount of voluntary work carried out in parks and countryside areas.

Parks and Countryside Actions: - · Carry out a review of the horticultural workshop · Produce a Training Action Plan for Parks and Countryside staff · Review the Parks Modern Apprenticeship scheme · Improve public satisfaction with parks · Retain Green Flag Awards for Vale Park, Ashton Park and Thornton Hough Recreation Ground and achieve further awards in future years · Achieve the Charter for the Bereaved for the crematorium and cemeteries service · Undertake the cemetery and crematorium improvement programme · Improve the provision of information on the Council web site about the facilities and services managed by the Parks and Countryside Service · Upgrade the golf till system · Encourage the development of Friends of Parks groups · Support the extension of voluntary work in parks and countryside areas

8 APPENDIX 1 - FRIENDS OF PARKS GROUPS

Friends of Ashton Park Friends of Friends of Birkenhead Park Friends of Central Park Friends of Coronation Gardens Friends of Dibbinsdale Friends of Eastham Country Park Friends of Flaybrick Memorial Gardens Friends of Gilroy Nature Reserve Friends of Harrison Park Friends of Hilbre Island Friends of Hoylake and Meols Gardens and Open Spaces Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse Friends of North Wirral Coastal Park Friends of Quarry Recreation Ground Friends of Rock Park Friends of Royden Park Friends of Tranmere Parks Friends of Vale Park Friends of Wallacre Park Friends of Wirral Country Park Gilroy Nature Conservation Society Greasby Outdoor Activity & Leisure (GOAL) – Coronation Park Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm Trust Thornton Hough Community Trust Wirral Urban Farm Association

Advisory Groups and Committees Arrowe Park Advisory Group Birkenhead Park Advisory Committee Heswall Dales Advisory Group Nature Reserve Management Committee Royden Park Advisory Group

9 APPENDIX 2 - PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

PI TITLE 2003/2004 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 NUMBER ACTUAL ACTUAL TARGET TARGET TARGET BVPI Satisfied with Cultural 76% N/A N/A 80% N/A 119 (e) and Recreational Services: parks and open spaces LOCAL Playgrounds: The 1.42 1.41 1.45 1.45 1.45 1013 number of playgrounds and play areas provided by the council per 1,000 children under 12 LOCAL Playgrounds: % of these 73.24% 80% 81% 81% 81% 1015 which conform to national standards for: Local equipped play areas LOCAL Percentage of parks that N/A 0% 12% 30% 50% 1093 have a management plan LOCAL Population of birds 124,629 172,962 122,000 122,000 122,000 1109 overwintering on the Dee Estuary LOCAL Safety standards in N/A 0% 9% 30% 50% 1170 parks (Percentage of parks for which a security audit has been carried out) LOCAL % of residents surveyed N/A 18.4% 18.5% 18.6% 18.7% 4064a saying that they feel ‘fairly safe’ or ‘very safe’ after dark at the local park LOCAL % of residents surveyed N/A 77.4% 78% 78.5% 78.7% 4064b saying that they feel ‘fairly safe’ or ‘very safe’ during the day at the local park

10 APPENDIX 3 GREEN FLAG PARK AWARD - KEY CRITERIA

1. A welcoming park The overall impression for any member of the community approaching and entering the park should be positive and inviting regardless of the purpose for which they are visiting. Features of particular importance are: · Good and safe access to the park; · Good signage to and in the park; · Equal access for all members of the community.

2. Healthy, safe and secure The park must be a healthy, safe and secure place for all members of the community to use. Relevant issues must be addressed in management plans and implemented on the ground. New issues which arise must be addressed promptly and appropriately. Particularly important issues are: · Equipment and facilities must be safe to use. · The park must be a safe place for all members of the community to use or traverse; · Dog fouling must be adequately addressed; · Health and safety policies should be in place, in practice and regularly reviewed. · Toilets, drinking water, first aid, public telephones and emergency equipment where relevant (e.g. lifebelts by water) should be available in or near the park and clearly signposted.

3. Clean and well maintained For aesthetic as well as health and safety reasons, issues of cleanliness and maintenance must be adequately addressed. In particular: · Litter and other waste management issues must be adequately addressed; · Grounds, buildings, equipment and other features must be well maintained; · A policy on litter, vandalism and maintenance should be in place, in practice and regularly reviewed.

4. Sustainability Methods used in maintaining the park and its facilities should be environmentally sound, relying on best practices available according to current knowledge. Management should be aware of the range of techniques available to them, and demonstrate that informed choices have been made and are regularly reviewed. Specifically: · An environmental policy or charter and management strategy should be in place in practice and regularly reviewed; · Pesticide use should be minimised and justified; · Horticultural peat use should be eliminated; · Waste plant material generated in the park should be recycled; · High horticultural and arboricultural standards should be demonstrated; · Energy conservation, pollution reduction, waste recycling and resource conservation measures should be used.

5. Conservation and heritage Particular attention should be paid to the conservation and appropriate management of: · Natural features, wildlife and flora;

11 · Landscape features; · Buildings and structural features.

These features should serve their function well without placing undue pressure on the surrounding environment.

6. Community involvement Management should actively pursue the involvement of members of the community who represent as many park user groups as possible. Management should be able to demonstrate: · Knowledge of the user community and levels and patterns of park use; · Knowledge of community involvement in park management and/or development and results achieved; · Appropriate levels of provision of recreational facilities for all sectors of the community.

7. Marketing · A marketing strategy should be in place, in practice and regularly reviewed; · Good provision of information to users e.g. about management strategies, activities, features, ways to get involved; · Promotion of the park as a public resource.

8. Management A green flag Park must have a management plan or strategy in place which reflects the aspirations of Agenda 21 and clearly and adequately addresses all the above criteria and any other relevant aspects of the parks' management. The plan must be actively implemented and regularly reviewed.

Financially sound management of the park must also be demonstrated.

12 APPENDIX 4 PRIORITY PARKS FOR GREEN FLAG APPLICATIONS

Existing Green Flag Parks

Vale Park (awarded in 2002, 2003,2004,2005) Ashton Park (awarded in 2003,2004,2005) Thornton Hough Recreation Ground (awarded 2004, 2005)

Future Priorities for Green Flag Applications Eastham Country Park (2006) Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm (2006) Birkenhead Park (2007) Wirral Country Park (2007) Royden Park (2008) Coronation Gardens (2008) North Wirral Coastal Park (2009) Harrison Park (2009) Dibbinsdale/Brotherton Park (2010)

13 APPENDIX 5 MANAGEMENT PLANS

BEING PRODUCED IN 2005/2006 TO BE PRODUCED IN 2006/2007 Ashton Park Arrowe Country Park Beechwood Park Bidston Court Gardens Citrine Park Bromborough Cycleway Coronation Gardens Carr Lane Recreation Ground Coronation Park Central Park Dawstone Park Eastham Country Park Elleray Park Flynn’s Piece Flaybrick Memorial Gardens Hamilton Square Harrison Park Heswall Cemetery Meols Lower Green Higher Bebington Park Meols Parade Gardens Hilbre Island Local Nature Reserve Meols Recreation Ground Holm Lane recreation Ground Royden Park Lingham Park Tam O’Shanter Urban farm Marine Park Recreation Ground The Puddydale Mayer Park Thornton Hough Recreation Ground Mersey Park Vale Park New Ferry Park Victoria Gardens Newton Park Victoria Park Queens Park Walker Park Saughall Grange Recreation Ground Wirral Country Park Stanley Park The Arno The Captain’s Pit The Grove Recreation Ground The Tower Grounds Torr Park Upton Park Warwick Park Whitfield Common Wirral Gardens

14 APPENDIX 6 ACTION PLAN FOR PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE

Objective / Action By when Lead Officer Performance Resource Contribution to Partners (including Indicators/ Implications Council and other departments) Outputs Departmental Priorities Change name of Parks and 31.03.2006 Dave Cowling Change of name None Open Spaces Section to Parks and Countryside

Implement the Biodiversity 31.12.2006 Lance Farlam Implementation Big Lottery Fund Council Priority 1.2 Technical Services/ Action Plan projects of projects Corporate Services/Big Lottery Fund Incorporate action for 31.03.2010 Lance Farlam Production of From existing Council Priority 1.2 Wirral Wildlife developing biodiversity into management resources park management plans plans Provide training for staff in 31.03.2009 Lance Farlam Provision of From existing Council Priority 1.2 Wirral Wildlife biodiversity and training resources Council Action conservation awareness 9.2.2 Phase out use of peat- 31.12.2009 Anthony Phasing out of From existing Council Priority 1.2 Compost producers based compost at the Bestwick peat resources Warrens Nursery Extend the separation and 31.03.2007 Roger Calvert Volume of waste From existing Council Action Technical Services recycling of green waste to sent to landfill resources 1.2.1 all sites

15 Objective / Action By when Lead Officer Performance Resource Contribution to Partners (including Indicators/ Implications Council and other departments) Outputs Departmental Priorities Complete the Birkenhead 31.03.2008 Dave Cowling Completion of Capital and Council Objective Birkenhead Park Park restoration programme restoration additional 2 Advisory Committee programme revenue Council Action allocations 4.1.3 approved plus external funding from HLF, ERDF and SRB Complete the BLF 31.12.2006 Mike Garbutt Completion of Big Lottery Fund Council Objective Big Lottery Fund Transforming Your Space programme 2 Programme Council Action 4.1.3 Progress projects in the 31.03.2007 Dave Cowling Completion of Capital Council Objective Corporate Services/ Hoylake and West Kirby plan programme 2 Mersey Waterfront Master Plan Council Action Regional Park 4.1.3

Plan historic parks exhibition 30.06.2007 Martin McCoy Completion of From existing Council Action Other Merseyside for Birkenhead Park Pavilion exhibition resources 3.2.6 Councils Develop the Walking to 31.03.2007 Martin McCoy Production of From existing Council Action Health Links Health scheme in parks walks programme resources 4.1.1 PCTs Seek continued funding for 31.03.2007 Roger Calvert Local PI 1015 Capital Council Action Community playground refurbishment programme 4.1.2 consultations Provide 3 new skateboard 31.12.2006 Roger Calvert Completion of External funding Council Action Community parks facilities 4.1.2 consultations Seek external funding for 31.03.2007 Roger Calvert Local PI ‘s 1013 External funding Council Action Community play facilities including and 1014 4.1.2 consultations skateboard parks and multi- use games areas

16 Objective / Action By when Lead Officer Performance Resource Contribution to Partners (including Indicators/ Implications Council and other departments) Outputs Departmental Priorities Complete Action Plans for 12% (20) by Lance Farlam Local PI 1093 From existing Council Action Friends of Parks /user/ parks (166 sites) 31.03.2006 resources 4.1.3 conservation groups 30% (50) by 31.03/2007 50% (83) by 31.03.2008 75% (125) by 31.03.09 100% (166) by 31.03.10 Produce Allotment Strategy 31.03. 2007 Lance Farlam Production of From existing Council Action Allotment holders and strategy resources 4.2.3 associations Complete security audits at 9% (20) by Lance Farlam Local PI’s 1170, From existing Council Action Community Patrol, all parks, allotments and 31.03.2006 4064a and 4064b resources 5.1.6 Police, User groups cemeteries and prepare 30% (67) by Action Plan (222 sites) 31.03/2007 50% (111) by 31.03.08 75% (167) by 31.03.09 100% (222) by 31.03.10 Identify the needs of people 31.12.2007 Lance Farlam Production of From existing Council Disability groups with disabilities in parks and plan resources Action7.3.8 countryside areas Develop park mobility 31.03.2007 Martin McCoy Development of From existing Council Action Disability groups scheme in Birkenhead Park scheme/ resources 7.3.8 Extend Wirral Way cycle 31.03.2007 Lance Farlam Improvement of Mersey Council Priority 8.1 Cycling Officer route from Thurstaston to facilities Waterfront Heswall Regional Park

17 Objective / Action By when Lead Officer Performance Resource Contribution to Partners (including Indicators/ Implications Council and other departments) Outputs Departmental Priorities Carry out a review of the 31.03.2007 Anthony Completion of Revenue saving Council Action horticultural workshop Bestwick review of £70,000 9.1.2 Produce a Training Action 31.12.2007 Dave Cowling Production of From existing Council Action Plan for Parks and Action Plan resources 9.2.2 Countryside staff Review Parks Modern 31.03.2007 Dave Cowling Completion of From existing Council Action Corporate Services Apprenticeship scheme review resources 9.2.2 Improve public satisfaction 31.03.2007 Dave Cowling BVPI 119(e) From existing Council Priority 9.3 with parks resources Retain Green Flag Awards 31.07.2007 Roger Calvert Number of Green From existing Council Priority 9.3 Friends of Parks, Civic for Vale Park, Ashton Park Flags awarded resources Trust and Thornton Hough Recreation Ground and achieve further awards in future years Achieve the Charter for the 31.03.2007 Lisa Parkes Award of Charter From existing Council Priority 9.3 Institute of Cemetery Bereaved for the resources and Crematorium crematorium and cemeteries Management service Undertake cemetery and 31.03.2007 Lisa Parkes Improvement of Capitalised Council Priority 9.3 Funeral directors/ crematorium improvement facilities Revenue Clergy programme Allocation Improve the provision of 31.03.2007 Lance Farlam Improvement of From existing Council Priority 9.4 information on the Council web site resources web site about the facilities and services managed by the Parks and Countryside Service Upgrade golf till system 31.03.2007 Roger Calvert Improvement of From existing Council Priority 9.4 till system resources

18 Objective / Action By when Lead Officer Performance Resource Contribution to Partners (including Indicators/ Implications Council and other departments) Outputs Departmental Priorities Encourage the development 31.03.2010 Dave Cowling Improvement in From existing Council Action Friends of Parks of Friends of Parks groups support and co- resources 9.5.2 groups ordination Support the extension of 31.03.2007 Lance Increase in From existing Council Action Friends of Parks and voluntary work in parks and Farlam/Anthony amount of resources 9.5.2 other voluntary groups countryside areas Bestwick voluntary work

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