Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008-2018
Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008-2018
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Green Spaces and Amenities Unit
Queen’s Park Management Plan
Contents
Introduction 3
Description 4
Vision, Aims and Objectives 9
History 10
Policies 11
Analysis of Existing Management 16
Managing to Green Flag Standard 22
Proposed Management and Maintenance 31
Appendix 34
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Introduction
This Management Plan was first produced and adopted in 2000, in preparation for an application to the Green Flag Park Award. It has been updated annually to reflect progress implementing the action plan, to incorporate ideas and suggestions from the Friends of Thompson and Queen’s Parks and to take account of feedback that is received from the Green Flag judges after each annual inspection.
The management plan for Queen’s Park has a number of aims:
Guide the future management and development of the park Ensure that resources spent on maintenance of the park are used efficiently To promote interest and community involvement Ensure the park meets the recreational needs of users To preserve the built and natural heritage of the park To assist the Council to secure external funds for the improvement of the park To help ensure that the Park meets and maintains Green Flag award standards
The plan has been prepared with reference to; CABE Space’s “Guide to producing Park and Green Space Management Plans”, “Raising the Standard – The Green Flag Guidance Manual” and the HLF’s “10-year Management and Maintenance Plan Guidance.
This plan was originally written by the Parks Officers (Nick Williams and Andy Buck) responsible for the day-to-day management of Queen’s Park in consultation with the Friends of Thompson and Queen’s Parks, parks staff and other officers of the Council.
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Description of Queen’s Park
Queen’s Park is situated approximately 0.6km North East of Burnley Town Centre and is a 11ha triangular site bounded by Ormerod Road, Queen Victoria Road and Queen’s Park Road. The original lodge house, (now rented out for business use), however has been separated from the Park by the extension of Belvedere Road in the early 20th century, the lodge house gardens are still maintained by the Park staff.
The main entrance to the Park is opposite the lodge on Queen Victoria Road, two other main public entrances are on the corners of Ormerod Road and Queen’s Park Road, and Queen’s Park Road and Queen Victoria Road, all have imposing Victorian ornamental gates. There are two further entrances on Queen Victoria Road; access to the council’s main Park depot, and a new entrance recently opened to provide cycle access through the Park (eventually another gateway will be opened adjacent the entrance to the new school to be built on Ormerod Road), this will be part of a new cycle path and a safe route to school for pupils.
Facilities within the Park include:
Two bowling greens with pavilion: Queen’s Park bowling club is the most popular in Burnley with over 100 members, the green are extensively used during the season for competition, casual play and for coaching and fun sessions.
Bowling at Queen’s Park
18 hole putting green: Adjacent the bowling greens, tickets and clubs are issued by the bowls club who keep all income.
Four tennis courts: The original clay courts were upgraded in 2004 as part of the Teenzone skate park project. The courts are now high quality tarmac and available for use all year. Casual play and coaching sessions are free of charge and the very popular Burnley Evening Tennis League have exclusive use of the courts for competitive games. Floodlighting was installed in 2005 to allow evening play.
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Tennis Courts and Skate Park
Skate Park: This opened in 2004 with funding secured as part of the Council’s “Teenzones” project. All the equipment was chosen with full consultation with skaters, Bmx, etc and it is extremely popular. As with the tennis court it is floodlit and overlooked by a CCTV camera.
Skate Park
Multi Use Games Area: Consists of a ball court marked out for basketball, football, cricket, etc, and is part of the of the skate park / tennis project.
Playground: Close to the skate park is a children’s play area, aimed at the 5-14 bracket. The playground was upgraded in 2000 and equipment includes climbing net and frame, swings, slides, etc., the playground is also designed to be accessible and suitable for disabled children. All the equipment and surfacing (bark and sand) complies with BSEN1176 and 1177.
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Queen’s Park Playground
Cycle Track: Situated adjacent the playground, this was opened in spring 2008 thanks to funding secured by the Friends group. It is laid out as a miniature version of a public highway and is designed to develop road sense amongst children.
Bandstand: The original bandstand was located on the high ground immediately to the rear of the present bandstand, overlooking the playing fields. After falling in to disrepair this was demolished in 1963. A round timber shelter on the present site was converted in 1964 to replace the original. Unfortunately this burnt down in 2005 and was replaced by the present bandstand. Several concerts and theatre events are held annually.
The new Bandstand
Blind pavilion: Opened in 1953 for use by the visually impaired, a sensory garden was originally planted behind the building. It is now used as changing rooms for sports and as a meeting place and base for the Friends during events. In 2005 the Friends secured funding to replant the sensory garden.
Toilets: The toilets are situated near the bandstand and blind pavilion and are in need of substantial improvement. Work is due to start in spring 2009 to bring the toilets up to DDA standard.
Two Football pitches: The two pitches are adjacent Queen’s Park Road and are used by several teams; during the week Burnley College, and at weekends Burnley Ladies and Ighten Leigh. Changing facilities are provided in the Blind Pavilion.
Arboretum Walk: A large number of specimen trees have been planted in Queen’s Park as part of the Forest of Burnley project, as they have matured a trail has been mowed out
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guiding people around the Park through the planting. Trees for Burnley and the Friends have provided sculptures, plaques, etc to enhance the walk.
Tree sculpture in the Arboretum
The rest of the Park is laid out with ornamental planting including bedding schemes at the entrance and around the memorial fountain, shrub beds, trees, etc. Picnic tables are available near the playground and cycle track.
Memorial Fountain
Queens Park is the base for the Operations Section of Burnley Borough Council Green Spaces and Amenities Unit. The Depot is located at the northern corner of The Park. The Park’s in-house gardener is based here along with all relevant machinery.
Exactly how long this site has been used for a depot is not known, however one building now used as a store was originally built as a stable and other buildings appear to have been built at the same time. This would suggest that the depot dates back to the Parks opening. As Queens Park is the towns oldest park and at the time other parks in The borough may well have been in the planning stages it would have made sense to have the Park as the base for the new Parks Department.
As well as the previously mentioned buildings the site contains garages that act as machine stores, tractor garages, and base for the Tree Team. - 7 - Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008-2018
The depot also contains glasshouses and a nursery area, which are used to make up hanging baskets and other floral displays for the town; bedding is stored here before being allocated to other parks.
Other buildings in The Depot area contain office space, toilet / washroom facilities and a dinning room for staff. There is also a small potting shed and a staff car park.
Adjacent the compound is an area known to staff as The Ginny, so called as it is adjacent to the remains of an underground railway or “ginny” track that in years gone by served the coal mine across the road (now Bank Hall Park). It is used as a store for bulk materials such as bark mulch and sand etc. At present the surface is loose stone although plans are in place to resurface the area and possibly convert it to a recycling centre.
To encourage a diverse range of wildlife several areas are left unmown as meadow, mainly through the arboretum walk, bulbs and wildflowers have been planted here.
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The Vision for Queen’s Park
The Friends of Thompson and Queen’s Parks and the Council are working towards the achieving the vision for Queen’s Park:
“Queen’s Park will be a dynamic and sustainable public park that meets the needs of the community. The park, through its continued improvement, will help contribute to the development of Burnley as an attractive and prosperous town.”
Figure 1. Illustrative Plan of Queen’s Park
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The History of Queen’s Park
In 1888 Sir John Hardy Thursby donated 11.2 hectares of land to Burnley Corporation for the creation of Burnley’s first public park to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, celebrated the year before, hence the name Queen’s Park. The land, valued at £27,000, was adjacent a mine owned by Sir John Thursby at Bank hall and was “a bare irregular slope with hardly a vestige of foliage”.
A design for the proposed park was drawn up by Robert Murray and work commenced in 1891. During the two years of construction 27,500 trees and shrubs were planted at a cost of £12,000 and on the 1st July 1893 the Park was officially opened by Sir John Thursby with a procession, massed bands and a luncheon.
Original features included outdoor gymnasia, a bowling green (a second was added some years later), bandstand, tennis courts, and putting green. The remainder of the Park was laid out with ornamental features such as the monument and floral displays.
Over the years the Park has continued to develop with the introduction of the Blind Pavilion, the second bowling green, football pitches, a skate park, and a children’s cycle track.
The Park has always been a popular venue for outdoor events (see Chapter 6, Events), even after the demolition of the original bandstand.
Most original features still survive, including the imposing gates, although these are now separated from the Park by the Queen Victoria Road extension. The only features no longer in existence are the gymnasia (now “The Ginny”, a storage area for Parks Services), and the original bandstand.
Main Entrance and Lodge House – Queen’s Park
The Park is Grade 2 listed by English Heritage.
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Policies Relevant to Queen’s Park
Burnley’s Community Strategy and the Burnley Borough Council’s Corporate Plan provide the strategic framework and priorities for the work of the Council. These strategic documents also provide the context for the Council’s Green Spaces Strategy and the Play Strategy, both of which help to guide the future management and improvement of Queen’s Park.
Regional Policies
Investing in quality green spaces is a key transformational action highlighted in the Northwest’s Regional Economic Strategy. The Lancashire Economic Strategy and the Lancashire City Region Development Programme both emphasise the economic contribution that a quality environment plays in improving the economy.
Burnley’s Future 2007 – 2017: The Sustainable Community Strategy for Burnley
This document, developed by Burnley Action Partnership (the local strategic partnership), sets out the vision for the Borough and the strategic priorities for the next ten years. To achieve the sustainable community that is described in the vision, the Council’s Strategic Objectives are illustrated below:
Figure 2. The Councils Strategic Objectives
Within ‘Places’, the Sustainable Communities Strategy identifies that over the next 3 years:
“The implementation of Burnley’s Green Spaces Strategy 2007-2011 will be progressed to help us maintain high standards in the quality and accessibility of parks and gardens, sport and play areas, natural and amenity open spaces, allotments and cemeteries. Local resident’s involvement in improving green spaces will have flourished and significant levels of external funding will have been secured to help deliver the objectives of the Strategy”
Burnley Borough Council’s Corporate Plan
The Council’s strategic objectives reflect those of the Sustainable Communities Strategy:
People: creating healthy and flourishing communities Places: making the Borough a place of choice Prosperity: Creating opportunities for a secure economic future - 11 - Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008-2018
Performance: Continually improving our services
Burnley’s green spaces, and especially the heritage parks such as Queen’s Park contribute to the achievement of these objectives in a number of ways:
People Parks help to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Burnley and Padiham performs particularly badly in the indicator of health deprivation and disability, with two thirds of the borough living in neighbourhoods that are in the 25% most deprived in the UK. Burnley’s Sport and Physical Activity Alliance action plan aims to increase participation by 1% per year:
Good quality parks on the doorsteps of these communities encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles by participation in play, sport, walking, running, cycling, etc. This is supported by evidence from the Green Spaces Strategy consultation which identified how highly the public rate parks and green spaces for recreation.
Queen’s Park also has an important role in sustaining a flourishing community in Burnley. The Friends of Thompson and Queen’s Parks are a focus for community involvement organising successful events and activities that involve people in improving their parks and creating a stronger sense of ownership.
Places Burnley’s Economic Strategy (2007) identifies that, in addition to retaining its own economic base, Burnley and Padiham must orientate itself as a place where people who work in nearby growth centres choose to live. High quality parks, public spaces and access to the countryside help to determine these choices.
Green Flag parks, such as Queens Park help demonstrate that Burnley can offer a quality of environment that will attract people to choose Burnley as a place to live and help to create the positive image that Burnley needs. Queens Park is located very close to the Daneshouse, Stoneyholme, and Burnley Wood Housing Market Renewal areas and plays a key role in improving the image of these areas.
Prosperity Investing in quality green spaces is a key transformational action highlighted in the Northwest’s Regional Economic Strategy. The Lancashire Economic Strategy and the Central Lancashire City Region Development Programme both emphasise the economic contribution that a quality environment plays in improving the economy.
The continued investment in Queen’s Park and it’s surrounding area will have a positive impact on the prosperity of Burnley.
Strategic Objective Delivery Plan
The Council’s Strategic Objective are achieved through a Delivery Plan which contains a number specific actions relevant to Queen’s Park:
Ref Strategic Objective Action Relevance to Queen’s Park L5 Increased participation in cultural activities
L5c Establish a varied, exciting and Park festivals including brass The Council provides funding and sustainable festival programme that band concerts, friend’s fun days, helps to organise events in Queen’s celebrates and promotes Burnley, and open-air theatre productions, Park encourages visitors from within the sports events. Borough and the wider region.
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Ref Strategic Objective Action Relevance to Queen’s Park L5e Adopt and implement a 'Play Strategy The 5-year Strategy has been The play area in Queen’s Park has for Burnley 2007-12' with the aim of adopted and include been significantly improved recently. improving opportunities for children's refurbishment of play areas in The friends and the council have play. the main parks secured funds to build the new children’s cycle track in the park. L5f Tackle antisocial behaviour through Coordinated action between There is active monitoring and seamless partnership working. park ranger and MAPs teams, management of anti-social behaviour engagement though PACT in Queen’s Park meetings
PL2 Higher quality housing and neighbourhoods
PL2e Implement the Borough’s Green Action plan approved in Oct The Green Spaces Strategy identifies Space Strategy 2007 and in progress. that Queen’s Park is a top priority for investment and restoration PL3 A more sustainable environment
PL3g Increased the Borough’s woodland Woodland planting and Queen’s Park contains woodland and cover to 8% management in green flag parks arboretum trees that are managed is contributing to achieving through the Forest of Burnley project targets
The Burnley District Local Plan
The Burnley District Local Plan states under Policy CF4: One of Burnley’s prime assets is the network of public parks and open spaces that effectively bring the countryside into the urban area…’
Policy FC4 – Protection of Existing informal recreation areas, parks and major open areas states that these areas ‘… will be retained, and where possible enhance, for their recreation and amenity value. Development will only be permitted in the following circumstances a. Where appropriate the site can be incorporated into the East Lancashire regional Park b. It is in connection with, and will enhance, the recreational and amenity value of then open space c. It is not of a size or scale that detracts from the character of the area d. It will not have a detrimental effect on residential amenity, nature conservation or features of historic value
The Green Spaces Strategy 2007 – 2012
The Green Spaces Strategy and Action Plan was adopted in 2007 and identifies the priorities for the management and development of Burnley’s parks and green spaces, taking account of the anticipated reductions in revenue expenditure.
The Strategy identifies that the Council will work towards each of the 5 district parks achieving Green Flag standard together with Towneley Park (which is a Borough-wide park). Currently 5 of these 6 parks hold Green Flag.
The Strategy also identifies that the Council will use sources of funding such as S106 to improve the park. In addition the Strategy identifies that Green Flag criteria will be used to improve management of other neighbourhood parks and green spaces.
The Full Green Spaces Strategy and Action Plan can be viewed online at Burnley.gov.uk.
Annual Service Plan
Actions from the Green Spaces Strategy are included in the GS&A Annual Service Plan that can be viewed on line as above.
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Improvement projects such as the children’s cycle track and improvements to the disabled toilets which are identified in the management plan through discussion with the Friends group are included in the GS&A annual service plan.
The Green Spaces Strategy established the following local standard for provision of greenspace the category ‘parks and gardens’:
Quantity: 0.8 hectares per 1,000 population
Quality Vision: “We aim to maintain to a Green Flag standard of: a welcoming, clean and litter free site with a wide range of leisure, recreational and enriched play opportunities for all ages, varied and well-kept vegetation, including flowers, trees, grass and shrubs, good visual supervision and well-maintained ancillary accommodation (including benches, toilets and litter/dog bins) with some active community involvement.”
Accessibility : a 15-minute walk (1.2km)
Tree Management Policy 2007
This policy identifies the Council’s approach to the management of trees growing on land owned by the Council. The policy helps ensure a consistent approach to the management of trees, particularly in response to requests to fell or prune trees growing in parks and green spaces but close to private properties.
The Policy identifies the importance of a robust approach to tree management using quantified tree risk assessments and work plans based on these risk assessments.
A full copy of the Tree Management policy can be found on Burnley.gov.uk.
Burnley Play Strategy 2007-2012
Burnley’s Play Strategy was adopted in October 2007 following extensive consultation with children and carers and a detailed analysis of play provision across the Borough. A copy of this strategy is available at Burnley.gov.uk.
Land Ownership
The Park has been owned and maintained by Burnley Borough Council since opening in 1893.
Byelaws
Queen’s Park is covered by the 1977 byelaws covering Parks and Pleasure Grounds. These byelaws are enforced by the park ranger service. These are to be reviewed using the model “byelaws for Pleasure Grounds, Public Walks and Open Spaces” that were issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government in 2006.
The byelaws are enforced by the ranger service in partnership with the police.
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Dog Fouling
Dogs are not allowed in Queen’s Park.
Anti-Social Behaviour Policy
The six-person park ranger team takes the lead in dealing with anti-social-behavior in parks. They aim to deal with situations in a friendly but very firm manner.
Park rangers are linked to the Multi Agency Problem Solving team (MAPS). This co-ordination team is made up of the police, anti-social-behavior officers, fire service and park rangers. The delivery mechanism for this group is Multi Agency Task and Co-ordination group (MATAC) who deploy officers and resources at a concentrated level to address issues in a proactive way
They have strong links with the local Community Beat Managers and Police Community Support Officers, meeting these on a regular basis as well as attending the Police & Community (PACT) Together meetings were local residents identify the issues they have.
A variety of sanctions are used to deal with ASB, including: Youth Referrals, Acceptable Behavior Contracts and Anti-Social Behavior Orders. Illegal off-road motorbikes using open space are identified to police leading to confiscation and disposal.
There is a CCTV camera installed by the skate park with a help point. The camera is monitored from the central CCTV unit.
Alcohol Policy
Queen’s Park is covered by a Designated Public Places Order (covering all major parks), which gives Police powers to act against anti-social drinking. Joint park ranger and police patrols are undertaken within the park to control the problem of groups of underage youths drinking and the situation is presently well managed and under control.
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Existing Management and Maintenance
Queen’s Park is managed by Burnley Council’s Green Spaces and Amenities Unit (GS&A), which is one of 16 service units within the Council, as illustrated below.
Figure 3. Burnley Council Organisation Structure
Green Spaces & Amenities are responsible for management and maintenance of 511 hectares of green spaces within the borough. Five neighbourhood green space teams directly employed by GS&A deliver the service. Each team is based in a district park and maintains both the park and surrounding green spaces. Towneley Park, which is Burnley’s main park covering 180 hectares, has its own team. The teams undertake all horticultural maintenance and are supported by a playground maintenance team, a tree team and a mobile street sweeper.
The neighbourhood green space team based in Thompson and Queen’s Parks consists of five full time gardeners, plus one seasonal gardener. Two of these staff, are permanently based in the parks and the remainder are on a mobile team maintaining the Nursery, Town Centre planting and assisting, as necessary, in the two Parks.
A very experienced park ranger team, consisting of six permanent rangers, (one dedicated to Thompson and Queen’s Parks), and two seasonal staff are responsible for patrolling parks, dealing with anti-social behaviour, enforcement of littering and dog fouling, helping to organise community events & activities and delivering educational activities and guided walks. The rangers keep a record of incidents and work closely with the Police.
Administrative, technical and managerial staff based in GS&A’s main office at Burnley Cemetery support the Neighbourhood teams. This resource includes a Parks Development Manager, Operations Manager, Parks Officers, Woodland Officer, Landscape Architect, Tree Officer and a Play Officer. (A diagram showing the staff structure of GS&A is shown in Figure 4. below
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Figure 4. GS&A Management Structure Chief Executive
Director of Community Services
Head of Green Spaces & Amenities
Parks Development Manager Operations Manager Bereavement & Customer Curator of Service Manager Towneley Hall
Technical Officer Park Landscape Trees & Team Ranger Woodland Service Forest of Parks Officer Parks Officer Playground Officer Tree Officer Burnley
3 Team Playground Team Park Leaders Tree Rangers Team Leader Team Thompson & Team Leader Team Leader Queen’s Scott Park Parks NE & SE Burnley
Thompson Park Town Centre & Queen’s Park Nursery Craftsman Gardener Craftsman Gardener Craftsman Gardener and Gardeners
Assistant Gardener
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Management of the Park is the responsibility of the Parks Officer who directly manages the neighbourhood teams and liaises closely with community groups (including the Friends groups), sports clubs, park rangers, etc. The Parks Officer has full responsibility for all aspects of the management of the park and a small budget for equipment, materials, etc. There is also a separate budget for park events and nurseries. The Parks Officer attends the Friends meetings and because he has full management responsibility is able to act immediately on matters raised by the group.
Maintenance of Buildings, etc.
The Council’s Property Service is responsible for the maintenance of buildings, shelters, perimeter walls and railings and other structures such as the memorial fountain. Any property repairs are reported by the Parks Officers directly to a nominated building surveyor in Property and the necessary repairs are than carried out usually within 24 hours.
Building repairs are undertaken by contractors from an approved list and these contractors are regularly assessed for performance, reliability etc. The arrangement generally works very well and Property Services are both responsive and have helped to support the implementation of the management plan.
Details of Staff that work in Queen’s Park
Name of Managed by Main duties % time Based in Post dedicated to Park Park Yes/no Craftsman Team Leader All aspects of Horticultural maintenance 90% Yes Gardener
Gardener Team Leader Horticultural maintenance 30% No
Assistant Team Leader Horticultural maintenance 50% No Gardener Team Leader Parks Officer Supervises gardeners 30% No Horticultural maintenance
Park Ranger Senior Park Patrolling park & supervising undertaking enforcement, 25% No Ranger managing ASB and involvement with events, etc.
Parks Officer Operations Manages Neighbourhood Team 10% No Manager Liaises with users & Friends group Implements management Plan Organises events Green Flag application & liaison
Sweeper Parks Officer Sweeping Queen’s Park using mechanical sweeper 6% No Driver
Other Staff
Tree Officer + Operations Tree team undertakes 3% tree team Manager
Playground Operations Maintaining play equipment, ballcourts, skate ramps. 3% No Officer + play Manager Etc. team
Management and Maintenance Budgets
A summary of the overall budget for Queen’s Park is shown below. All costs both direct (such as employees, machinery & equipment) and indirect costs such as management overheads and apportioned budgets for materials are contained within the budget together with all property maintenance, asset rentals and any income.
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Table 1. Management and Maintenance Budget
Queen’s Park Budget 2009/10
Shortcode Description Budget
£ R7091 – QUEENS PARK R7091/0081 Salaries 25,957 R7091/0082 Overtime 150 R7091/0095 National Insurance 1,565 R7091/0096 Superannuation 5,191 R7091/0098 FRS17 Retirement Benefits Adj -825 R7091/0158 Employee Related Insurances 241 R7091/0201 Reactive Mtce-Buildings B.Cons 866 R7091/0208 Planned Mtce-Buildings 2,099 R7091/0210 Vandalism-Buildings 4,463 R7091/0251 Reactive Plant Mtce 204 R7091/0252 Burglar Alarms 354 R7091/0258 Planned Mtce-Mechanical 2,168 R7091/1353 Electricity 1,349 R7091/1354 Gas 1,349 R7091/1383 N.N.D.R. 1,159 R7091/1391 Water Charges (Metered) 1,208 R7091/1420 Property Rentals 0 R7091/1491 Fire 838 R7091/1492 Consequential Loss 69 R7091/1606 Fuel & Lubricants 4,918 R7091/1828 Maintenance Contracts Equip. 0 R7091/1973 Telephones 202 R7091/2022 Subscriptions 0 R7091/2110 Arts & Entertainment 790 R7091/2327 Personnel Unit 149 R7091/2333 Accountancy Services 547 R7091/2337 Building Consultancy 0 R7091/2344 Debtor Services 0 R7091/2381 Machinery/Stores 1,470 R7091/2384 Clean & Green 1,197 R7091/2386 Tree Team 465 R7091/2390 Rangers 3,477 R7091/2397 Waste Removal 175 R7091/2393 GSA Management & Support 1,174 R7091/2395 GSA Misc Parks 492 R7091/2396 Area Teams 11,402 R7091/2400 Capital Charges 0 R7091/3503 Dwellings -4,097 R7091/3517 Catering Rights -1,525 Total 69241
The costs of tree maintenance are apportioned pro-rata to the area of the park and costs for the playground maintenance team, sweeper, etc. are similarly charged.
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Machinery and Equipment
The neighbourhood team for Thompson and Queen’s Parks is equipped with its own inventory of vehicles, Ride-on mowers and other machinery and equipment necessary for maintenance. The equipment is directly owned by the Council and maintained through an agency agreement with a local supplier. Specialist equipment such as stump grinders, mobile platforms, etc. is hired as required.
Specification and Inspection Regimes
All horticultural and general maintenance tasks are held on a database (MapInfo Confirm) and detailed weekly work tickets that scheduled each individual task were previously issued. However, following the Best Value Review of parks the use of this system (which was administratively very complex and burdensome) has declined and daily/weekly duties are now identified by the team leader and craftsman gardener and recorded on weekly work sheets. A simplified system of work scheduling is currently being developed (Appendix 2.) and will be linked to achieving maintenance priorities identified through the management plan.
The service standards that GS&A aims to achieve were developed from the local quality standards identified in the Green Spaces Strategy and published (burnley.gov.uk)
Community and Volunteer Involvement in Managing Queen’s Park
Since it opened in 1893 Queens Park has always been a very important centre for community activities. The old band stand provided a venue for weekly brass band concerts during the summer, the bowling greens and tennis courts were and still are well used by locals and people from outside the area, and of course the new skate park has now become an important place for the younger members of the community to gather.
There are now several community groups other community organisations which either have their base in Queens Park or use it regularly. They are as follows-
Queens Park Bowling club Trees for Burnley Sure Start The Burnley and Pendle Tennis League Burnley Boys Club Football Club Burnley ladies football club Burnley Youth Theatre Brunshaw Action Group The Friends Of Thompson and Queen’s Parks
By far the most active and vocal of these groups is of course The Friends Group which includes in it’s membership representatives from the other groups above.
The Friends Group was formed in 1998, originally as The Friends of Thompson Park by a small group of people who lived near The Park, and in 2001 the group voted to include Queen’s Park within their remit. These people initially were concerned about an increase of antisocial behaviour and what they perceived as falling standard of maintenance. Spurred on by the news that Thompson Park had just achieved Green Flag status they began to put pressure on Burnley Borough Council to bring Queens Park up to the same standard.
At present The Friends Group have about 20 members have adopted a formal constitution, appointed a chairman, treasurer, and secretary. - 20 - Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
Examples of minutes are included in the appendix.
Thanks to the enthusiasm of the members the Friends now organise most events within the Park, and raise funds for Park improvements, these include:
Improvements to the Blind Pavilion and sensory garden Tree and bulb planting Improvements to the toilets Additional seating and signage The creation of a childrens cycle track (£40,000 raised) Picnic tables
Projects they are working on at present include:
Developing the Blind Pavilion still further (possibly as a café, or venue for children’s parties) Various ambitious events such as a temporary artificial ice skating rink
Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7.00pm in the Ranger Centre (Thompson Park).
Other Partners
Other groups and agencies work with the Friends of Thompson and Queen’s Parks these include the Police (who attend Friends meetings as required) Youth Services, Burnley Disability Network, Myerscough College, the Bowls Club, Burnley and District Evening Tennis League, etc.
The Park Friends Forum
Each of the 5 Friends groups is represented on a Parks Friends Forum, which meets annually at Towneley Hall to network, share ideas, receive briefings from Parks officers and celebrate success.
The friends also intend to carry out a visitor survey in conjunction with the rangers.
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Managing to the Green Flag Standard
This section of the Management Plan provides an assessment of the present management of the park in relation to the eight criteria against which the park is assessed for the Green Flag Award and identifies key recommendations for improvements; these criteria are:
1. A Welcoming place 2. Healthy Safe and Secure 3. Well Maintained and Clean 4. Sustainability 5. Conservation and Heritage 6. Community Involvement 7. Marketing 8. Management
General Assessment
Burnley’s 511 hectares of parks and green spaces are regarded as one of the town’s key assets, being extensive and general well maintained. The most recent General User Satisfaction Survey identified that 74% of people are satisfied/very satisfied with parks, open spaces and play areas although this figure has declined over recent years, in line with a reduction in GS&A’s budget.
Five of the six main parks in Burnley (including Queen’s Park) currently hold a Green Flag Award. This is the result of a systematic programme improvement in management over the last ten years, starting with the first award for Thompson Park in 1999.
Queen’s Park has held a Green Flag Award since 2004.
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1. A Welcoming Place
Green Flag Objective: The overall impression for someone approaching and entering (the park) should be positive and inviting: good and safe access effective signage to and in the park the principle of something for everyone
Assessment
Issue Current Position Recommendation Access Access is good at all entrances and A pedestrian crossing from the car throughout the Park. park on Queen Victoria Road would make access safer. Entrance signage Existing main entrance signs and notice Provide additional notice boards for and information board. Finger posts within park. Brown main entrances signs directing to the Park. Interpretation boards required for arboretum Ensure contact details for Ranger Service are well advertised Events An established programme of The Friends group are keen to community events, brass band develop the events programme as concerts, theatre, and sporting events. capacity allows with emphasis on performances and links to local groups Friendly and One on-site Gardener and park Provide staff with customer service approachable on- rangers wear visible corporate training to ensure consistently high site staff uniforms standards of service and equip staff to deal with difficult situations. Encourage flexible working by staff to meet needs of park users. Code of Conduct Most visitor behave very well and Develop a simple (graphical) code of – a good user rangers available to deal with problems conduct based on revised byelaws to guide positively promote good behaviour within the park. Quality of facilities The toilets are very unwelcoming and New toilets opened in summer 2009 – something for in need renovation to meet DDA everyone requirements Green and Park is generally well maintained and Preserve green character of park pleasant character litter is cleared daily. Dogs are not Continue high standards of cleaning of park allowed in the Park. Vandalism and and maintain enforcement & graffiti promptly fixed. education activities by rangers. Cycling within the Cycling is only permitted on the skate Need to identify measures to park park and cycle track, however the new discourage cyclists from using other “Safe routes to School” cycle path will non-designated footpaths run through the Park when the new Trinity College is built.
Issues that require capital improvement
Improved signage
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2. Healthy, Safe and Secure
Green Flag Objective: The green space must be healthy, safe and secure for all members of the community:
Issue Current Position Recommendation Fear of Crime, The Park is generally considered safe, Maintain high profile of on-site Anti-Social behaviour and although there are some concerns from uniformed and approachable staff vandalism Park users. Investigate flexible evening and A higher proportion of non-users identify weekend working patterns concern with personal safety Continue managing vegetation to There is active management of this issue by improve sight lines. park rangers and the police with an Continue working with Police directly emphasis on dealing very quickly with any and the multi-agency team problems before they get worse and there Extend child protection training and is evidence that this approach is successful. CRB checks to all park based staff Carry out a visitor survey in order to identify safety concerns Safety of paths and steps Slips, trips and falls are main type of Implement recommendations from accident in parks the Footpath Condition Assessment and Access Audit Control of dogs Dogs are not allowed in Queen’s Park General health and safety Risk assessments are prepared for all public Develop and maintain a park health issues and operational activities and events are and safety file and operating assessed using a risk matrix. procedure. Staff trained in basic fist aid, etc. First aid boxes located in park buildings and vehicles Traffic and Parking Potential vehicle/pedestrian conflict at Additional gate installed close to depot gate depot providing access for Pedestrian safety in crossing from car park pedestrians and cycles to the Park A pedestrian crossing from the car park on Queen Victoria Road would make access safer. Training of staff Gardening staff are adequately trained in maintain training and use staff reviews safe use of plant and equipment and in- and training matrix to determine house trainer and assessor is employed further training needs Rangers are trained in first aid, handling conflict and aggression and experienced in dealing with situations Toilet Facilities The main toilet block renovated 2009. Renovated toilet block opened Disabled facilities are available in the Blind summer 2009 Pavilion, but not always open. Bowlers have separate facility within the Bowls Pavilion. Health and well being There is a well developed range of Develop programme to recruit and activities through the BEEP programme and train Community Activity Rangers to the Park provides facilities for many sports, engage a new audience in events, and casual exercise. activities Cycle track provides opportunity for Increase coaching opportunities on children to increase awareness of road use. bowling greens, tennis courts, etc Provide cycle proficiency training on the cycle track.
Issues that require capital improvement
Implement footpath improvements to reduce slips, trips and falls Pedestrian crossing for Queen Victoria Road Replace old and worn out play & sport equipment
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3. Well Maintained and Clean
Green Flag Objective: For aesthetic as well as health and safety reasons the park must be clean and well maintained. Litter and other waste management issues must be adequately dealt with Grounds buildings and other features must be well maintained A policy on litter and vandalism should be in place, in practice and regularly reviewed
Issue Current Position Recommendation litter The importance of this issue in creating a Audit provision of litter bins; size, welcoming park is recognised and litter location and condition to picking is done daily during the week and minimise need to litter pick weekends during the summer. Ensure that rangers continue to Recognised that preventing littering is identify littering and issue fixed better than picking it up, so rangers penalty notices to offenders and enforce. publicise the outcomes on notices in the park. General Horticultural standards in the Park are review and implement working horticultural high, there is a site based Craftsman practices and introduce simplified maintenance Gardener system for scheduling and recording work continue to develop and train staff Policies on litter, The policy/standards are set out in Maintain under periodic review in vandalism and Green Spaces published service response to customer feedback maintenance standards Publicise service standards on notice boards Complaints and Wherever possible complaints and None identified service requests service requests are recorded and actioned within set time limits Maintenance of Maintenance systems for the public Monitor and review maintenance buildings and buildings in the park are generally good. of public buildings in park to features Faults are usually promptly rectified. ensure standards are achieved. Monument requires some restoration Funding is being sought for work. restoration of all Park monuments. Maintenance of play There is a system of recorded Ensure that equipment on the and sports facilities inspections and risk assessments in place skate park, playground, etc is kept and teenzone and this is audited annually. Park staff are up to date equipment trained to inspect facilities, and inspect daily
Issues that require capital improvement Provision of new and replacement litter bins Replacement of play equipment, ball court and teenzone equipment Restoration of Monument
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4. Sustainability
Green Flag Objective: Methods used in maintaining the park should be environmentally sound, sustainable and contribute to biodiversity;
Issue Current Position Recommendation Waste management Non-organic waste collected from the park is Investigate alternative means of green removed from the park by a private, licensed waste waste disposal (mobile shredder and bay management firm composting) or static shredder and Green waste skips are removed by the same firm vertical composter (partnership with but alternative solutions are being investigated Groundwork) Situated in the Ginny. Retain & compost green waste on site as a mulch Investigate separation and recycling of cans, plastic bottles, etc. Recycling plant material Volunteers from the Friends group are active in Continue good practice recycling spring bedding such as polyanthus and bulbs which are planted out in the park. Annual bedding The Park entrance area is planted with bedding Investigate designs that use perennial planting for some of the beds in order to reduce CO2 and reduce plant and labour costs of bedding Peat use Peat is not used as a soil conditioner and non-peat none substrates are specified for bedding although it is likely that small quantities of peat are used in plant production Energy conservation The depot mess room and offices have poor consider energy conservation in design insulation and this will be addressed The toilets are of any new depot facilities unheated The bowls pavilions are used largely during April to Sept with little or no winter use Use of herbicides, Herbicide use is restricted to controlling weeds on Continue current practices pesticides and fungicides tarmac surfaces. The use of fungicides and insecticides on the bowling greens and in the greenhouses is kept to a minimum Moss on tennis courts and other hard surfaces is controlled by natural products Biodiversity Woodland has been actively managed through the Manage the park for maximum Council’s Forest of Burnley project since 1998 biodiversity and wildlife benefit A phase 11 habitat survey has been completed train staff on biodiversity and Rangers carry out environmental awareness conservation sessions with local schools and other park users Update the woodland management plan Several meadow areas planted with wildflowers, etc and implement tree management plan develop a Habitat Action Plan for the park to identify in more detail existing habitats and action that can be taken to increase biodiversity undertake monitoring link park management to Biodiversity Action Plan develop a programme of events and activities as part of the ‘Wildabout Burnley’ project
Issues that require capital improvement Green waste composting Bins to allow separation of waste Energy efficiency improvements
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5. Conservation and Heritage
Green Flag Objective: Particular attention should be paid to conservation and appropriate management of natural and landscape features, buildings and other structures
Issue Current Position Recommendation Awareness and expertise Staff have awareness of the heritage and Use research from the Conservation of staff conservation of the park and are involved in Management Plan as the basis of reviewing and implementing the management plan providing training for staff, including staff The Park is Grade 2 listed by English Heritage from other sections of the Council, including property maintenance. Protection of built Buildings and structures are generally well investigate securing listing of park heritage from maintained and the heritage of the buildings has buildings, such as shelters and an English inappropriate been respected, with appropriate materials and Heritage listing for the park. maintenance or techniques being used. update the building condition surveys development There are regular recorded building inspections develop and formally adopt However, the built heritage lacks any formal guidance/specifications for maintenance protection of built heritage elements Style of furniture, signage, There are a variety of styles of seat and bin. agree styles of furniture and ensure that Etc. only this style is installed when funds are available for replacement Natural heritage and There is no current written specification or Develop the management plan to include landscape features guidance available for park staff on management and clear management prescription for maintenance of natural heritage and landscape maintenance objectives and frequencies features. This information needs to be needs to be of maintenance of different landscape collated, documented and communicated to all areas within the park relevant staff develop and implement a habitat action plan update the woodland management plan prepare a more detailed tree management plan based on recently completed tree survey prepare a specification for the management of ornamental planted elements such as shrub beds
Issues that require capital improvement replacement/additional furniture
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6. Community Involvement
Green Flag Objective: Actively pursue involvement of members of the community, with representation of as many park user groups as possible.
Issue Current Position Recommendation Friends of Thompson and The group is well established and dynamic, Continue to support the Friends group Queen’s Parks with clear views on how the park should Agree the minimum level of support that should develop and how use of the park can be be provided, (e.g. frequency of meeting and increased. attendance at meetings, financial support for events, etc.) as discussed at the Park Friends There is a very good working relationship Forum between the Friends group and Green Prepare a simple ‘welcome pack’ for new friends Spaces officers (to be used across all Friends groups) Provide training support to Friends and Meetings are held 2nd Monday of each volunteers (see Training Plan) month Other park user groups There is regular contact with other user Organise an annual park user consultation event groups such as the bowls club, tennis for representatives of all of the user groups and league, football clubs, etc. and public to attend – use this as an opportunity to representatives have a standing invitation review progress and update management plan to Friends meetings through short workshop sessions as used for Towneley Park MMP Schools The park is used by local primary schools Work with ‘Wildabout Burnley’ to develop an for environmental and play activities but education pack in consultation with use is infrequent and ad-hoc representatives from primary school. Burnley College football teams play their Park rangers to develop closer links to schools home games in the park and assist with visits and deliver existing Environmental Pride package
Wider community A good mix of events and activities are Develop the programme of events and activities organised through audience development plan Provide more opportunities for drop-in participation in volunteering, arts projects, etc. Non-users Park events, such as theatre performance Implement actions identified in Audience and brass band concerts are promoted development Plan that are derived from the and attract some new users survey of non-users
Issues that require capital improvement none
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7. Marketing
Green Flag Objective: To increased the use and enjoyment of Queen’s Park, by providing information on events, activities, and ways to become involved.
Issue Current Position Recommendation Marketing Plan There is no formal marketing plan for Queen’s Park Develop a marketing plan for Queen’s Park although much marketing and promotion activity to provide a clear direction for promotion does take place through: and marketing activities Strengthen joint marketing and promotion Park notice boards with the bowls, tennis, football clubs, etc Newspaper adverts for events Use the recently completed Access and Posters in park/in shops Audience Development Plan to help inform Friends leaflet the marketing plan particularly regarding BBC website non-users Word of mouth Undertake regular consultation to inform Banners promoting events the AADP, including customer satisfaction Brown tourist signs surveys at events in the park Entrance signs and fingerposts Further develop the website Articles in press Publish a ‘Burnley Parks Guide’ Promotion of Green Flag awards Improve signage and interpretation Flying the green flag at entrances
Communication Other council departments and partner Communicate in very brief ways the organisations may lack awareness of role of objectives and opportunities of the park Queen’s Park and the opportunities it can offer.
Issues that require capital improvement Improved signage and interpretation
The events & activities regularly held in Queen’s Park include:
Annual Brass Band Concerts Annual Fun Run Volunteer/Friends group bulb planting Trees For Burnley Tree Planting and Woodland works Ranger guided walks The Burnley Community Festival Theatre productions Christmas and Easter events, (such as Easter egg hunts) Orienteering Bowls coaching, events and competitions including the Annual Open Day Tennis Competitions Football competitions Sports Development led Events such as SHOUT, SPLASH, School Field Trips BEEP activities such as walking for health, bowls coaching, etc.
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8. Management
Green Flag Objective: There should be a Management Plan that takes account of community needs in setting out the maintenance and management priorities of the Park, resolves conflicting demands and provides an opportunity to secure investment.
Issue Current Position Recommendation Management Plan There has been a management plan for Develop the management plan further, Queen’s Park since 2000. This document is defining in more detail maintenance tasks, updated annually in response to progress, frequencies and standards for each feedback and comments from Green Flag landscape character area within the park. judges hold an annual park user forum in addition to the regular friends meetings maintain and update the action plan
Management structure, roles There is an effective management structure Allocate separate budget for materials & and responsibilities with clear lines of responsibility but equally it events is recognised there opportunities for Develop relationship between parks staff improvement and partnership organisations
Management and There are published service standards, Improve procedure for scheduling, Maintenance Standards formally agreed by the Council’s Executive monitoring and reviewing maintenance based on the Local Standards adopted in the operations and standards Green Spaces Strategy Maintain Green Flag award
Issues that require capital improvement Green Flag award will be lost unless the are improvements to the parks essential infrastructure and facilities
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Proposed Management and Maintenance
The Council recognises the importance of continuing to improve the management of Queen’s Park. It also recognises that any future restoration of the park and improvements to facilities must be supported by enhanced maintenance and that this must be sustainable over the long term.
To achieve improved maintenance and management the following areas need to be addressed:
Management structure & staffing Partnership working and volunteering Staff training and development Budgets and resources Parks for People Project Delivery
Management Structure & Staffing
The existing management structure is shown earlier in this document. In many respects the existing structure works well and this is evidenced by the improvements that have been made and sustained over recent years:
There are clear lines of responsibility with staff reporting to the Parks Officer who has full management responsibility for the Queen’s Park area. The park has a site based Craftsman Gardener. There is good support from the in-house tree and playground teams A park ranger is assigned to Queen’s Park Effective arrangements are in place for building maintenance
However, there are concerns over maintenance standards, which although not obvious to the untrained eye are nevertheless known and recognised by GS&A staff and are raised as concerns by the Friends group. These problems are mainly centred around budget cuts and reduced staffing level
Partnership Working and Volunteering
Community Activity Rangers
The Training and Volunteering Plan identifies that an opportunity will be created for volunteers to work in the Parks as volunteer Community Activity Rangers, assisting with organising and delivering community activities such as events, practical volunteering, play activities, together with gaining experience in day to day park ranger activities etc.
The volunteer rangers will be provided with training to achieve an accredited NVQ and will be paid a modest attendance allowance, and/or a payment on completion of the volunteer programme. The programme is likely to appeal to students in full-time education who are considering a career in recreation/environmental management or adults changing careers or retirees with time to spare.
The Community Activity Ranger posts will be funded through the Parks for People programme over a two year period and will play an important part in developing both the volunteering programme and expanding and developing the events programme that is outlined in the Conservation management Plan and which public consultation has identified as a key to attracting new audiences to the Parks. Volunteer ranger schemes are already run successfully by a number of other local authorities and will be used as a model. Volunteering Activities
The management and maintenance of Queen’s Park is already supported through volunteers from the Friends and other groups. The value of volunteering activity and the cash funding that has been - 31 - Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018 raised is high. The range of volunteering activities will be extended through and provide an important contribution to implementation of the Access and Audience Development Plan. Volunteer support will be directed to increasing the programme of events and activities in the park and into a structured programme of environmental and horticultural tasks within the park.
The Audience Development Plan also considers and proposes ways of encouraging new types of volunteers and involvement of hard to reach audiences and non-users.
Training and Development
The Council recognises that sustainable improvements in the management and maintenance of Queen’s Park can only be achieved if staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve the quality and efficiency of their work and are motivated to achieve high standards.
A Training and Development Plan will be developed in more detail, with a thorough analysis of the existing skills and knowledge of all of the staff involved in managing Queen’s Park, an assessment of the diverse range of skills that will needed to take forward the management of the park over the next ten years and a plan for how these can be acquired.
The Council also sees the project as an opportunity to improve the skills and knowledge and motivation of Green Spaces gardening staff working in other parks and have done this at Towneley Park (HLF) where teams of staff from other parks are helping to implement the project and benefiting from the training opportunities.
The Training and Development Plan also identifies the learning and development opportunities that volunteers will gain through the project and the wider educational opportunities that the project affords.
Budgets and Resources
The existing budget for Queen’s Park is £69,241, a detailed breakdown is shown earlier in this document.
At this stage there are no proposals to increase the maintenance allocation for items such as toilets, shelters, play areas, ball court etc. These costs are all contained within the existing budget and reflect the costs associated with maintaining the existing facilities. The Parks for People project seeks to replace these old facilities, which are relatively expensive to maintain, with new facilities built with high quality materials and it is therefore anticipated that the existing maintenance budgets will be adequate. However this will be examined in more detail at later design stages.
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Monitoring and Review
This management plan has existed and has been updated annually since 2000 under the review of the Friends of Thompson and Queen’s Parks and in the light of feedback from Green Flag judges.
It is proposed that review of the management by the Friends group shall continue in the long term but this should be supplemented by input from an annual user forum to which all stakeholders and park users will be invited.
As part of the annual review and monitoring of the management plan it is proposed that the following performance indicators will be monitored:
Satisfaction measured by GreenSTAT/user survey Number of littering and dog fouling enforcements (95FPN’s issued so far this financial year) Records of ASB incidents (currently recorded) Number of events and audience (partially recorded) Number of school visits Number of volunteer hours Green Flag points score (currently recorded)
33 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
Appendix
1. Examples of Risk Assessments
2. Examples of Friends Minutes
3. Tree Management Policy
4. Events List 2011
5. Health & Safety Policy
6. Development Action Plan
34 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
Appendix 1
Examples of Risk Assessments
BURNLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
SERVICE: GREENSPACES SECTION / TEAM: SOUTH EAST BURNLEY Ref. No. 25 Job/ Area / Task covered by this assessment: PARK RISK ASSESSMENT Location / site: Persons or groups affected: QUEENS PARK STAFF / PUBLIC Any special considerations needed for women of child-bearing age / young people under 18:
Names of all involved in assessment process: (e.g. Worker rep, supervisor, assessor, adviser) Assessment date: N.WILLIAMS, E.KERSHAW, ROBERT BROWN 01/04/11 Can I do anything else? Hazards / risk identified Current precautions Action Date (further action) priority completed rating Person responsible 1. Footpaths Daily visual inspections by site based staff Continue to action works identified within L Parks (slips, movement of vehicles) footpath inspection process. Initiate annual officer Annual inspections to footpaths carried out by Parks improvement programme. officers which generate a prioritised works programme 5mp speed limit within parks 2 Structures (falling debris, Daily visual inspection by site based staff immediate unauthorised access, repairs dealt with through Property consultancy. appliances & services, 3 yearly structural survey carried out by PP building fabric issues, slips Improvements identifying and placed with PP annual trips &falls maintenance plan Buildings secured & climbing aids removed where necessary.
35 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
3. Trees (falling branches, Daily visual inspection by site based staff timber striking passers by, Branches beneath a height of 2.3metres removed climbing trees by children) where trees are overhanging: Railings Watercourses Steep embankments highways Growing beneath power lines Other structures of features which may cause serious injury if child
4.Lawns & Grass area Daily visual inspection by parks based staff (slips,trips,falls) 5. Entrances and boundary 3 Year inspection by PP fencing Daily visual inspection by Parks based staff Building repair request 6. Works depot (moving Signage in place informing the general public not to vehicles, unauthorised enter the working area. access, machinery) Gates to depot locked when there are no staff on site. Depot securely fenced 7.Sports facilities (physical Daily visual inspection by parks based staff injuries,slips,trips,&falls Park patrolled by Ranger team Facilities assessed monthly by clerks of works 8.Animals Park patrolled by Ranger team L Rangers (bites,nuisance,disease,Wildlif Dog fouling addressed through fixed penalty notices. More vigorously enforced. e,cold water, steep edges, Dogs banned slippery banks 9 Playground Daily visual inspection by Parks based staff Park patrolled by Ranger team and weekly inspection initiated Facilities assessed monthly by clerk of works 10. Cycles Signage on entrances L Rangers Re Assess when cycleway introduced
Manager authentication - Name: M I Rogers Signature: Date for review: 01/04/12
36
Sheet no. of Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
Appendix 2
Minutes of the meeting of the Friends of Thompson and Queens Parks held at the Ranger base on Monday 1st December 2008.
Present: Nick Williams, Adrian Mitchell, Mike Bailey, Tracey Dowson, Barbara Tranmer, Nick Hoyle, Jonathan Miller, Michelle Wolfenden, Marie Catlow, Jean Palmer, Ian Palmer, Matt Palmer.
Apologies: Arnold Moolgaoker, Tony Starkie, Steve Richards, Nicholas Hargreaves, Derek Tranmer.
Correspondence: None received.
Minutes of last meeting: Halloween debrief -. The number of people attended should read 201.
Railway update – The total number of rides this year was 6,148 and during the month of August was 1300.
Xmas Event – Ian and Matt Palmer would deal with the 80 children booking in to see Santa. There would be three trains running and also a treasure hunt. Barbara had made the tickets for the entrance fee and the cost would be £2.00 per child and £1 per adult. Carols would be sung by children from St. Mary’s school for half an hour. Tracey would order the trestle tables for bric-a- brac, books, crafts and games stalls. The gazebo would be set up for 11.00 a.m. Refreshments would be available as usual. Two Xmas trees had been donated.
Date of Events for 2009
Easter Sunday 12th April
Ranger Day 28th June
Brass Bands 4th July
Miniature Railway 22nd and 23rd August
Mayors Day 26th August.
Dates of meetings for 2009.
9th February 13th July 14th December
9th March 10th August
13th April 14th September
11th May 12th October
8th June 9th November
37 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
Appendix 3
Tree Management Policy
December 2007
1. Introduction
1.1. This policy identifies the Council’s approach to the management of trees on land owned by the Council. It is intended to act as a point of reference for the public, Councillors, Council Officers and professionally interested people to ensure a clear, consistent and structured approach to the management of trees.
2. The Benefits of Trees in Towns
2.1. Trees are essential to the creation of an environmentally sustainable and economically successful town. Some of the benefits that trees provide are listed under the Council’s Strategic Priorities, below:
Places
Creating an attractive environment where people will choose to live Providing wildlife habitats Releasing oxygen, whilst absorbing carbon dioxide Reducing air pollution Noise reduction Providing shade from the sun Contributing to energy conservation by reducing wind speeds
People Helping to reduce everyday stress levels Contributing to the well being of the community Bringing beauty to the Borough all year round
Prosperity Positively affecting property values Creating an attractive physical environment that encourages investment Screening ugly views
3. Burnley’s Trees
3.1. Photographs from the early 20th century show a tree-less industrial environment in Burnley and Padiham. A century of tree planting, by the Council, property owners and voluntary groups has created a relatively green and leafy town. This rich legacy of urban trees will benefit future generations and contribute to the town’s future prosperity.
38 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
3.2. The Council is directly responsible for the management of an estimated 35,000 trees within the town’s parks, cemeteries, and amenity green spaces. There are a further 250,000 trees (estimated) growing on the 110 hectares of woodland that are owned and managed by the Council.
3.3. The Council has planted 1.2 million trees in the past 10 years to create 430 ha of new mostly native woodland on council, private and United Utilities land. This has increased woodland cover from 3.5 % of land area (one of the lowest in Europe) to nearly 8% ( the England average). In total there will be 870 hectares of woodland in the borough, of which 630 are in management under the Forest of Burnley project. They range in size from 150 hectares (Dunnockshaw) down through 50 hectares (Thieveley), 26 hectares (Towneley) and 9 hectares (Rowley) to small woods and copses such as Fiery Wood (1ha.). 40 kilometres of new footpath, bridleway and cycleway have added to access for the public. Landscape, wildlife and the economy have benefited also, with £15 million woodland related investment coming into East Lancashire over the past 10 years. These woodlands provide further economic and environmental through, for example, use as a renewable wood fuel for the Schools for the Future programme etc.
Highway Trees
3.4. Burnley Borough Council is not directly responsible for inspecting and managing highway trees (trees growing in grass verges between the highway and pavement). These trees are the responsibility of Lancashire County Council which is currently devising its’ own system of tree risk management. The Council acts as a contractor to LCC to undertake tree work, only on instruction from LCC Highway Engineers. All enquiries about highway trees are forwarded to LCC.
3.5. However, it was the Borough Council that planted most of the highway trees in Burnley, which now make such an important contribution to the environment of Burnley. Policy
Burnley Borough Council will encourage the County Council to conserve highway trees and to provide replacement trees where felling is necessary.
The Council will develop a Tree and Woodland Strategy to provide guidance on the long term planting and management of trees and woodland within the Borough,
4. The Council’s Responsibilities as Land Owner
4.1. If a tree fails and causes injury or damage, its owner could be held negligent if they had omitted to take sufficient care of the tree. As landowner, the Council has a duty of care to ensure that all of the trees on its land are kept in an acceptable condition and do not put persons and property at unreasonable risk.
Statutory Duties
4.2. The Occupiers Liability Acts (1957&1984) requires occupiers of land to have a common, duty of care to all visitors. This Act requires the occupiers to take reasonable care to maintain their land in such a condition that it does not harm any person or damage any property. The duty of care is extended where the landowner invites the public onto land for recreation.
39 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018 4.3. The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act (1974) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) require the Council to manage trees and undertake work on trees with regard to the health and safety of the public and employees. Failure to do so could lead to criminal action against the Council by the Health and safety Executive.
Government Guidance
4.4. Government guidance contained in Circular 52/75 requires local authorities to regularly inspect trees adjacent to highways. Whilst this Council does not own trees growing within the highway, it does own trees that are adjacent to highways.
4.5. The department of Environment’s report ‘Trees in Towns’ recommended that each local authority should inspect the tree stock that it is responsible for in a systematic way and to store this information on a data base so that it is accessible.
5. How the Council Will Manage Trees in Parks and Green Spaces
5.1. The aim of this Policy is to establish a reasonable, defensible and proactive tree management system that conserves and enhances the tree population on the land for which the Council is responsible.
5.2. Best practice now strongly favours a risk-based system of tree management relying on a programme of regular inspection prioritised by potential hazard. In the event of a tree failure causing loss, such a system is recognised as a reasonable method of management. It should also provide the basis of a robust defence in the event of litigation.
5.3. The basis for repeat inspections will be graded; so a high-risk tree may be inspected annually and a tree with negligible risk inspected five or more years after the initial survey.
5.4. All trees and groups of trees for which the Council is responsible will be categorised in relation to the risk they represent. This is in conformity with industry best practice and is a significant step in ensuring a defensible system of tree management is implemented. For example; trees growing along the edge of Queen’s Park, overhanging the highway represent a higher risk than trees growing in the middle of Bank Hall Park and would therefore be prioritized for inspection.
5.5. A prioritised programme of tree work will be maintained based on the inspections and with an emphasis on planned rather than reactive tree maintenance.
Policy
Burnley Borough Council will develop and implement a risk-based system of tree management relying on a programme of regular inspection prioritized by potential hazard.
6. Nature Conservation
6.1. Before undertaking any pruning, the nature conservation value of individual trees will be assessed.
6.2. All trees are checked, as a matter of course, for signs of the presence of bats. Where the presence of bats is suspected, advice will be sought from the ‘Keeper of Nature’ at Towneley Hall before any work takes place. Bats are protected by law and It is a criminal
40 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018 offence to recklessly or intentionally disturb bats or to damage or destroy a roost, whether in a roost or not. If a tree is obviously dangerous, yet providing a statutorily protected wildlife habitat, mitigation measures will to be agreed before work proceeds.
6.3. Consideration is also given to the presence of nesting birds, especially during the period March to August and it is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built Pruning or felling work will not normally be scheduled to take place in woodlands and around hedgerows during this period. If a nest is discovered during cutting work, work will be suspended around the area of the nest, as soon as it is safe to do so.
6.4. The trunks of dead trees provide important wildlife habitats. Where possible dead trunks are left standing or lying on the ground, especially in woodland and branches are formed into habitat piles.
Policy
Consideration will always be given to the impact of any tree pruning or felling on local wildlife.
Tree work will be scheduled to take place in periods where the impact on local wildlife is minimised.
Dead wood will be left standing or on the ground in habitat piles wherever possible.
7. Tree Management Resources
7.1. The Council employs ‘in-house’ staff to manage its tree stock:
A Tree Officer: Responsible for implementing a proactive tree inspection and tree risk management programme, which includes prioritising and scheduling any necessary tree work on council owned trees, and maintaining and supervising a tree work programme for the council’s tree team or contractors.
The Tree Team: Consisting of three staff, including a team leader and two arborists. The team are trained and experienced in felling or dismantling hazardous trees of all sizes in any location, in accordance with appropriate safety standards. The tree team carry out tree pruning to a high quality standard and in line with BS 3998 British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work (1989).
Additional Emergency Cover: To provide additional resources for emergency tree work, for example following heavy gales, the Council can call upon a number of other gardening staff that are qualified to use chainsaws; this allows the Council to operate two tree teams of three staff if required.
Policy
The Council will allocate sufficient resources to ensure that it is able to manage the trees that it owns.
The Council will endeavour to maintain high standards of tree work, by ensuring all tree works are carried out to BS 3998 British Standards for Tree Work 1989 (and any subsequent revisions). When pruning is undertaken every effort will be made to ensure the general shape and character of each tree is retained.
41 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
Work Undertaken by Utility Companies
7.2. The utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, etc have rights to undertake work to their services and frequently this involves working in close proximity to trees, with the potential to cause damage to the tree root system.
Policy
The Council will endeavour to ensure that where utility services are installed and maintained in close proximity to Council owned trees, the National Joint Utilities Group Guidelines for Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Utility Services in Proximity to Trees (NJUG10) are adhered to.
8. Requests from Residents
8.1. Although trees provide substantial amenity benefits, where people live in close proximity to trees there are a number of common sources of complaint.
8.2. The Tree Officer receives many requests and complaints about trees growing on Council land, all of which take time to investigate and respond to. Introduction of the following policies on felling and pruning will assist the Tree Officer to deal with customer request in a consistent manner and provide a point of reference for the public and Councilors.
Policy
Service requests and complaints will be recorded and prioritised. Any that concern a dangerous or potentially dangerous tree will be treated with urgency and normally on the same or next day. Those of a non-urgent nature will be inspected within 20 working days. In all cases the resident will be informed of this policy when the call is first received and will be informed of what action the Council will take after the tree has been inspected.
9. When Will Trees be Felled?
Tree Felling Policy
Burnley Council will avoid felling trees unless it is necessary. Each case will be carefully judged on its merits. Replacement trees will normally be planted, though not necessarily in the same place as the felled tree.
The following are situations where felling may be essential or advisable:
A dead or dying tree that is a danger to the public
A tree obstructing a public highway, right of way, access to property or footpath, where the obstruction can’t be overcome by pruning or other reasonable measures.
A tree causing a legal nuisance to an adjoining property, where the nuisance is proven and pruning would not address the problem. A ‘legal nuisance’ is one that is actionable in law. Examples might include soil subsidence, physical damage to another owner’s property or loss of enjoyment of the adjoining dwelling or garden. Felling is acceptable only when the nuisance is severe and where pruning would not remedy the problem.
42 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
A tree that is proven to be a contributor to soil shrinkage and serious structural damage, where pruning alone would not provide a solution. Damage to light structures such as garden walls, paving, etc. is relatively minor and removal of the tree would not normally be acceptable. Structural problems must be carefully investigated. Private owners will be expected to provide proof that a particular tree is causing damage to the property.
Trees that, in the judgment of a qualified arborist, are clearly of a size and species inappropriate for their location. Examples include large poplars, willows or conifers close to properties or large forest trees that completely over-shade a small garden or which extend over a house.
Thinning of trees to prevent overcrowding or removal for habitat improvement and landscape restoration in accordance with a management plan.
Removal to allow authorised development. It may be sometimes be necessary to remove trees to permit a development to take place.
Note: Where proposed felling exceeds 5m3 of timber volume, the Council is required to apply for a felling license from the Forestry Commission unless the work is being undertaken as part of a FC approved Woodland Grant Scheme.
Tree Planting Policy
The Council will maintain records of tree removals and will maintain a planting programme to ensure that the Council’s tree stock maintains a healthy age profile.
10. When Will Trees be Pruned?
10.1. Trees should not be pruned unless necessary, as any cutting can weaken a tree and allow decay organisms to enter exposed tissue. Pruning often causes a tree to respond by producing vigorous new growth, often undoing the purpose of the original pruning.
10.2. Older trees do not tolerate pruning as well as younger ones and substantial pruning can be damaging, particularly in species that are not naturally tolerant of cutting.
Policy
Tree pruning will only be undertaken where there is sound justification for the work. Where pruning is done it will be in accordance with good arboricultural practice to ensure minimum harm to the tree. Pruning will be resisted if the tree has been pruned within the last 5 years.
The following are situations where pruning will be considered:
A tree that is obstructing a public highway or public right of way. Generally a min clearance of 2.4m will be maintained over pavements and 4 metres over highways.
A tree causing a legal nuisance to an adjoining property.
A tree that is causing soil shrinkage and structural damage to adjoining property, where it is felt that it is appropriate to restrict the size and moisture demand of the tree.
43 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018 Trees restricting access to property for maintenance or in physical contact with buildings or roofs.
Trees interfering with street lighting, highway signage or other services equipment
Trees obstructing Council-monitored CCTV surveillance cameras. Pruning will be the minimum necessary to maintain visibility without detriment to the health of the tree.
Trees needing formative pruning to shape or train them during the early years.
Removal of dead and diseased branches
General Nuisance
10.3. There are a variety of other potential nuisances associated with trees, most of which are minor or seasonal and considered to be social problems associated with living near trees. Examples of such problems are:
Falling leaves, sap, fruit, nuts, bird droppings or blossom. Reduction or increase of moisture to gardens. Suckers or germinating seedlings in gardens. Leaves falling into gutters, drains or onto flat roofs. The build up of algae on fences, paths or other structure
Policy
The Council will not fell or prune Council owned trees solely to alleviate problems caused by natural and / or seasonal phenomena.
Lack of Light
10.4. One of the most common complaints received in respect of trees, situated within the built environment, is that they block light from properties and shade gardens. Whilst a right to light may exist, there is no reported decision of any case having been succeeded in respect of a loss of light caused by trees. Current legal advice is that, as the obstruction will only have occurred gradually; such a case would be very difficult to prove.
Policy
The Council will not fell or prune trees for reasons of light, unless they are blocking daylight from habitable rooms to a severe and unreasonable degree.
Television and satellite reception:
10.5. Interference appears to increase when trees are in leaf and in windy weather. This is especially the case with regards to satellite reception, as it appears to be more sensitive to interference than television reception. Experience has shown that pruning trees often fails to improve reception and once pruned re-grow quite quickly.
10.6. In the vast majority of cases, interference can be reduced by the relocation of the aerial or by the use of ‘booster boxes’, which often improve the reception significantly or by use of cable services. These options are far cheaper and less destructive than pruning or felling
44 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018 the tree. Such alternative solutions should be encouraged and advice will be provided to residents. Policy
The Council will not fell or prune trees solely for the reason that they are causing interference with television and satellite reception, unless complainants have taken other measures to improve reception without success and it can be proven that pruning will improve reception. In considering any action the Council will take account of the amenity value of the trees concerned.
11. Appeals Against Decisions not to Prune or Fell Trees
11.1. In circumstances where a request to prune or fell a Council owned tree is turned down, adjoining owners may appeal under the Council’s complaints procedure.
12. Tree Inspections
12.1. When a tree has been inspected and action recommended, the proposed works shall be recorded into the ‘Tree Wise’ database. The precise location and species of the tree will be recorded along with other details such as the height and canopy spread. Any complaints or requests for work, or previously completed work can also be recorded. A link to Front Office is being investigated.
12.2. There is also scope within the Tree Wise system to record details of groups of trees or areas of woodland, where it is not practical to record details of individual trees.
12.3. The Tree Officer and Woodland Officer are qualified practioners in the use of the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) system.
12.4. QTRA quantifies the risk of significant harm from tree failure in a way that enables tree managers to balance safety with tree values and operate to a predetermined limit of reasonable or acceptable risk.
12.5. QTRA establishes and quantifies the targets on to which trees can fail thus enabling tree managers to determine whether or not and to what degree of rigour a survey or inspection of the trees is required. Where necessary, the tree or branch is then considered in terms of both impact potential (size) and probability of failure. Values derived from the assessment of these three components are used to calculate the probability of significant harm occurring.
Policy
The Council will inspect and record details of all significant council owned trees within the borough within 5 years. The inspection programme will be based on a risk-based assessment.
13. Implementing Tree Work
13.1. When a tree has been inspected and action recommended, a ‘tree work order’ will be added to the database containing a scheduled programme of arboricultural works.
13.2. Each particular job will be categorised, which will reflect on the urgency of the situation, the degree of inconvenience being caused and the best time of year for the work to be undertaken.
45 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018 Policy
The following categories of priority will be used when categorising tree works:
Emergency: Dangerous trees requiring immediate attention,
Priority A: are to be classified as ESSENTIAL works, associated with mitigation of danger. The Council will endeavour to ensure that priority A work is completed within 12 weeks of the works order being created.
Priority B: are to be classified as DESIRABLE and will include any work that results from request by local residents. The Council will endeavour to ensure that priority B work is undertaken within 6 months of the works order being created.
Priority C: are to be classified as NON ESSENTIAL or work of a general routine management such as formative pruning or thinning out poor specimens to favour growth of better specimens. Priority C work will be completed within 12 months.
The Council will endeavour to increase the proportion of pre-planned or cyclical tree work and reduce the amount of reactive tree work.
14. Monitoring and Evaluation
14.1. The implementation of the 5-year programme of risk-based assessment will be regularly monitored to ensure that it is achieved and progress will be reported annually to the Environment Scrutiny Committee.
15. Advice to Private Tree Owners
13.1. The Council regularly receives request for advice regarding trees on private land. Although the council has only the resources to offer initial basic advice, the council maintains a list of approved arboricultural contractors and consultants, who may be able to offer private tree owners a more comprehensive service. This list can be made available on request. Production of a leaflet offering basic tree management advice and a list of frequently asked questions is being investigated.
Planning and Environment Services are responsible for dealing with items relating to tree preservation orders and high hedge enquiries.
Policy
The Council will not normally offer arboricultural advice to private landowners. Advice and information to private owners will be provided on the Council’s website together with a list of arboricultural contractors and consultants.
Acknowledgements This tree policy contains extracts from policies adopted by East Dorset District Council and Newcastle City Council.
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Appendix 4
Park Events 2011
Event Title and Event Date Event Number of Issues if Contact Admission venue times if people any from Details known expected previous years Towneley Park May Monday 2nd Up to 3000 Peter Free Day Festival May Thorne 01282 425011 Towneley Park Sunday 11 am 3000 Jayne Car parking Race For Life 15th May competitors Leggatt fee’s apply Ightenhill Park Sunday 12 noon 1000 Friends Of Free Friends Fun Day 22nd May – 4 pm Ightenhill Park on 079710517 7 Towneley par Welsh Sunday Not Kath Medal Pony Show 22nd May Known Brown Towneley Park 01282 425011 Padiham Memorial Sunday 5th 2 pm to 1-300 Andy Buck Free Park Brass In The June 4 pm 01282 Park with Nelson 664612 Brass Ightenhill Park Sunday 2 pm to 1-300 Andy Buck Free Brass in The Parks 12th June 4 pm 01282 with The 664612 Todmorden Community Band Towneley Park Sunday 2 pm to 1-300 Andy Buck Admission Brass In The Parks 19th June 4 pm 01282 Free but car with Besses O Th 664612 parking fees Barn Band apply Padiham Memorial Sunday 1 pm – Barbara.bu Free Park Dog Fun day 12th June 4 pm dden@talkt padiham Memorial alk.net park Scott Park Brass in Sunday 2 pm to 1-300 Andy Buck Free The Park with The 26th June 4 pm 01282 Burnley Alliance 664612 Silver Band Scott Park Thompson Park Sunday 11 am – Steve Free Ranger Day 26th June 4 pm Richards 01282 831053 Towneley Park Sunday 3rd From Up to 5000 Burnley Parking Classic Car Show July 12 noon Rotary fees apply Club info@town eleyclassic carshow.or g Queens Sunday 3rd 1 pm to 1-300 Andy Buck Free
47 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018 Event Title and Event Date Event Number of Issues if Contact Admission venue times if people any from Details known expected previous years ParkChampionship July 4.00 pm 01282 Brass in The Park 425011 With The Blackburn and Darwen Band plus support from The Burnley Junior Alliance Queens park Padiham Memorial Saturday 7 pm to CANCELLE Andy Buck Tickets Park Nelson Civic 9th July 9 pm D 01282 £2.50 and Ladies Choir in 425011 £5.00 concert Padiham Burnley Memorial park Mechanics Fulledge recreation Various Andy Buck Ride Fees Ground Nr Wednesda 01282 apply Towneley Park y 6th July to 425011 Burnley Wakes Fun Monday Fair 11th July Padiham Memorial Sunday Paul Foster Park Padiham 31st July 01282 Triathlon 425011 Scott Park Abba Saturday 500 Andy Buck Tickets Now (Abba tribute) 6th August 01282 £2.50 and in Concert 425011 £5.00 Burnley Mechanics Towneley Park Live Saturday Burnley Various Music Concert TBC 13th August Mechanics ticket prices 01282 664400 Towneley Park, End Friday 26th 10 am Not Known Janet Free of Summer August to 5 pm Roundell Parktastic 01282 425011 Scott Park Friends Sunday 4th 12 noon 2000 Burnley Free Fun Day September to 4pm Ranger Service 01282 831053 Padiham Memorial Sunday 4th Elizabeth Free Park Paiham Town September Bolton Council’s Party In Padiham The Park Town Council Towneley Park Sunday 2000 Keith Car Parking Heritage and 11th Wilson fee’s apply Woodland Day September 01282 664636 Thompson Park Friday 3 to 4000 Burnley Ride fees Spooktacular October Rangers apply 28th 01282 831053 Towneley Park Santa comes to Towneley Padiham Memorial Park Santa Comes to Padiham
48 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
Appendix 5
Green Spaces and Amenities Health & Safety Policy Statement
Prepared by: Simon Goff Updated: October 2011. Next Review: October 2012
INTRODUCTION
In line with the Corporate Health and Safety Policy, this document contains the policy statement of Green Spaces and Amenities Unit.
GENERAL STATEMENT
It is the policy of Green Spaces and Amenities Unit to perform its duties in the safest practicable manner consistent with good practice. The Health and Safety of employees and all those likely to be affected by our operations is the responsibility of the management and as a priority it ranks equal with all other duties carried out.
It is the policy of Green Spaces and Amenities:
To safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all its employees while at work and to provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, working environments which are safe and without risk to health; To conduct its undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that people not in its employment but who may be affected are not exposed to risks to their Health and Safety; To recognise its obligations to meet all relevant legislative requirements pertaining to Health and Safety which apply to any of undertakings; and To arrange and organise its affairs to ensure compliance with the policy.
Green Spaces and Amenities will take all reasonable steps to meet its responsibilities, paying particular attention to the provision and maintenance of:
Plant, equipment and systems of work that are safe; Safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances; Sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable employees to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own Health and Safety at work; A safe place of work, with safe access and egress; A healthy working environment and adequate welfare facilities.
49 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
This table identifies the key health and safety responsibilities for staff working within the Green Spaces and Amenities Unit.
Post Responsibilities
Head of Green Spaces Ensure that the Green Spaces and Amenities Unit complies with health and Amenities and safety regulations Ensure that health and safety Issues are given a high priority within the service unit Ensure that any health and safety issues identified at JCC meetings are acted upon Identify the resources that needed to comply with health and safety regulations Ensure that the service unit ‘s training plan is kept up to date and that training needs are prioritised Ensure that records relating to health and safety issues are maintained Ensure that regular auditing is undertaken to ensure that the service unit complies with health and safety regulations.
Operations Manager Ensure that all activities undertaken by the section comply with health and safety policies and regulations Bereavement Services Ensure that facilities are regularly inspected and audited, that the Manager inspections are recorded and appropriate action is taken Ensure that all operations are covered by risk assessments and safe Towneley Hall Curator systems of work and that these are revised annually Ensure that all materials used have COSHH assessments and are Parks Development correctly stored. Manager Ensure that accidents and near misses are correctly investigated and reported and that appropriate action is taken to reduce the likelihood of accidents being repeated. Ensure that accurate records are kept of health and safety training and assessments. Ensure that health and safety improvements to facilities that are identified in inspections are prioritised and progressed. Ensure that Legionella procedures are followed Ensure that staff are aware of their health and safety responsibilities Ensure that training needs identified at staff development reviews are prioritised and that training is provided within resources available Ensure that contractors employed by the unit observe health and safety regulations
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Post Responsibilities
Towneley Hall Museum Ensure that each task performed by staff is covered by a risk Manager assessment and ensure that new risk assessments for tasks that are not covered are written and recorded. Parks Officers Undertake checks to ensure that staff follow the Safe System of Work for each operation. Playground Officer Suspend operations that are not being performed in a safe manner and instruct the operative how to perform the task safely. Tree Officer Ensure that any facilities and features (such as parks, playgrounds, trees, paths, etc.) for which the officer is responsible are inspected Woodland Officer at the required frequency, defects recorded and acted upon. Ensure that any depots for which the officer is the designated Landscape Officer person responsible is kept in a clean, tidy and safe condition and that materials and equipment is safely and securely stored. Senior Park Ranger Ensure that any materials are correctly stored and issued and that records are kept up-to-date. Towneley Hall Curators Ensure that any contractors employed by the Unit are insured, provide adequate risk assessments and methods of work and operate in a safe manner. Investigate accidents and near misses and ensure that accidents and near misses are reported. Use the staff development review process to identify any health & safety training needs of staff.
Technical Officer Ensure that sickness and absence records are kept up to date. Towneley Hall Ensure that accidents forms are completed and filed and that Administrator reportable accidents are notified to the Safety Officer Ensure that other health and safety records, such as depot inspection reports are filed. Ensure that staff training records are kept up to date Maintain records of clothing and PPE issues to staff
Park Rangers Take appropriate action to ensure the safety of members of the public using parks and open spaces, including contacting the emergency services as necessary. Provide first aid assistance to members of the public as appropriate Ensure that the Ranger is familiar with the risk assessments for each task and that they follow the safe system of work for each operation. Ensure that any activities undertaken with members of the public are covered by a risk assessment. Assist the Senior Park Ranger to undertake and update risk assessments Ensure that any vehicles & equipment operated by the ranger and staff under their supervision are regularly checked and necessary records are completed and defects reported. Ensure that equipment is operated in a safe manner for the purposes for which it is designed and in accordance with the relevant Safe System of Work. Ensure that materials and equipment is safely handled and stored on site, vehicles and in depots.
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Post Responsibilities
Team Leaders Ensure that staff are aware of and follow the safe system of work for Towneley Building each operation. Manager Ensure that each task performed by staff is covered by a risk Senior Crematorium assessment and prepare new risk assessments and safe systems of Technician work for tasks that are not covered. Ensure that staff have been trained and assessed as competent in the use of equipment and machinery that they operate. Ensure that vehicles and machinery are operated safely and with care and are regularly checked and necessary records are completed and defects reported. Ensure that any parks or other facilities for which they are responsible are regularly inspected and defects are repaired or notified for action by others. Ensure that any depots for which the Team Leader is responsible are kept in a clean, safe and secure condition and that materials and equipment are safely stored Ensure that any accidents or near-misses are reported and that appropriate follow-up action is taken. Ensure that staff have available and wear the personal protective equipment that has been issued. Use the Staff Development Review process to identify any health & safety training needs of staff.
Skilled Gardeners Assist the team leader to prepare risk assessments and ensure that Green keepers they are familiar with the risk assessments of each task and that staff Towneley Hall working under supervision of follow the safe system of work for each attendants operation. Crematorium Ensure that any parks or other facilities for which they are responsible Technician are regularly inspected and defects are repaired or notified for action by others. Ensure that any vehicles & plant operated by the skilled gardener or staff under their supervision is regularly checked and necessary records are completed and defects reported. Ensure that machinery and plant is operated in a safe manner for the purposes for which it is designed and in accordance with the relevant Safe System of Work. Ensure that materials and equipment is safely handled and stored on site, vehicles and in depots. Ensure that any accidents or near-misses are reported Wear the personal protective equipment that has been issued
Gardeners Ensure that they are familiar with and follow the safe system of work for each operation and if in doubt seek advise from their supervisor. Ensure that materials and equipment are safely handled and stored on site, in vehicles and in depots. Ensure that machinery and plant is operated in a safe manner for the purposes for which it is designed and in accordance with the relevant safe system of work. Ensure that necessary checks are carried out prior to the operation of vehicles and machinery. Ensure that any assistant gardeners or trainees that they supervise follow the safe system of work Ensure that any accidents or near-misses are reported
52 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
Post Responsibilities
Assistant Gardeners Ensure that they are familiar with and follow the safe system of work and Temporary staff for each operation and if in doubt seek advise from their supervisor. Towneley Hall casual Ensure that materials and equipment are safely handled and stored on staff site, in vehicles and in depots. Ensure that machinery and equipment is operated in a safe manner for the purposes for which it is designed and in accordance with the relevant safe system of work. Ensure that necessary checks are carried out prior to the operation of vehicles and machinery. Ensure that any accidents or near-misses are reported Health & Safety Provide information and advice to the Head of Green Spaces & Advisers in the Health and Amenities about current and proposed legal requirements concerning Safety Team health, safety and welfare and liaise with management on how to put these requirements into practice; Investigate accidents where a RIDDOR reportable major injury condition has been sustained or a reportable dangerous occurrence has occurred. Provide advice to meetings of the health and safety committee. Liaise with the relevant Statutory Agencies on behalf of the Head of Service. Prepare corporate guidance and procedures on health and safety issues. Advise, Develop and assist in the delivery of Safety Training; Monitor health and safety performance including the provision of collated accident/incident statistics at regular intervals Advise and assist where necessary in carrying out risk assessment Safety To read and understand the Corporate and Service Safety Policies Representatives and supplementary guidance. To assist management in ensuring that they are brought to the notice of the employees they represent. To represent employees in consultation with the employer on health and safety matters. To make representation to the appropriate line management on matters likely to affect the health and safety of the employees they represent. To maintain clear and accurate records of any inspections carried out. To be constructive and positively contribute towards developing the Service's health and safety arrangements. To support line management in encouraging and nurturing the right attitude toward health and safety in the workplace and to participate in solving health and safety problems. To look for and suggest reasonable ways of eliminating hazards and controlling risks. To receive information from the HSE and pass this onto the employees they represent. To investigate concerns made by the employees they represent in regard to health and safety. To encourage the employees they represent to report all accidents/incidents in line with the reporting and recording procedures outlined in the arrangements section of this policy. To examine the causes of accidents/incidents involving employees they represent and to provide information to management on the causes and recommendations to prevent recurrence. To encourage the employees they represent to report defects immediately to management and themselves. To lead by example To take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves, other employees and resources.
53 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018 Formal audits will be carried out by the Health and Safety Team in accordance with the Council's formal auditing programme.
ARRANGEMENTS
Detailed safety arrangements for Green Spaces and Amenities are shown in Appendix 1, which is kept in health and Safety Files.
REVIEW OF POLICY
This Policy and the contents of documents produced as appendices to it or referred to within it will be brought to the attention of all employees, trainees and any other person to whom the contents are relevant. This Policy and associated document will be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary.
Signed …………………………………….(Head of Green Spaces and Amenities)
Date …………………………………………
54 Queen’s Park Management Plan 2008 - 2018
LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
SERV / Last review Person responsible for review OFFICE or AREA DIVn date
Mark Rogers
The person who is responsible for Simon Goff implementing the safety policy here is: Deputy: Mark Rogers
1. GENERAL & SAFETY MONITORING RESPONSIBILITIES
Area of responsibility Who First day induction - safety familiarisation: R Brown Safety training needs and records: E Kershaw Risk assessments - Overview E Kershaw (see also para 2): Routine safety inspections: As above (equipment safety checks see para 3) Investigating & reporting incidents / As above injuries: Organising fire drills and keeping fire log- D Lawrence book:
2. RISK ASSESSMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Area of responsibility strikethrough if N/A Who Ensuring that all risk assessments are E Kershaw done: Assessing the particular areas of: DSE / VDU workstations: N/A Manual handling: E Kershaw COSHH & asbestos: As above Noise, vibration or other special As above work: PPE: As above Fire safety: As above
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Other ...... NB: For site work - see para 4 for contractor assessment
3. EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
Area of responsibility strikethrough if N/A Who Checking of ladders, step-ladders and E Kershaw/D Gedling/R Balmforth other access equipment: Inspection / maintenance of electrical Tony White equipment: Inspection / maintenance of machinery or E Kershaw/D Gedling/R Balmforth other special equipment: Issuing / checking of PPE: E Kershaw Training on all the above special R Brown equipment: Substances Hazard Data sheets held by: E Kershaw COSHH sssessment records are held by: E Kershaw
4. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT and CONTRACTORS / VISITORS
Area of responsibility strikethrough if N/A Who Keeping Safety Notices and the H & S E Kershaw information area / noticeboard up-to-date: Attending Health & Safety Committee D Lawrence meetings: Informing any visitors, including work N Williams experience trainees, of safety procedures and "house rules": Informing contractors of known hazards N Williams which may exist, and of any BBC health & safety standards required from them: Risk assessment / contractor evaluation N Williams for contracted work:
5. EMERGENCIES, INCIDENTS and FIRST AID
The accident book * is located / held by: E Kershaw/S Hastings First Aider(s) are: E Kershaw/R Brown/Tree Team OR Appointed Person(s) are:
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NOTE: Appointed First-aiders should usually be responsible for checking and replenishing first aid kits. If there are no first-aiders, kits are (record card in kit) checked by: First aid boxes or kits are located: All buildings and vehicles
Fire or bomb evacuation arrangements: E Kershaw (Usually) refer to separate notices – say where
* refers to compiled records of accident report forms
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Appendix 6
Development Action Plan
Location Item Estimated Cost Responsibility Priority and Proposed Completion Date Entrances Entrance signs £1,500 NW and FOTQP 2012 require restoring/replacing Entrances 2 entrances £1,500 NW and FOTQP 2012 require notice boards Arboretum Interpretation £1,500 NW, FOB, FOTQP 2012 boards required Safe route to Cycle way from £1,000 LCC, SG, NW Completed 2011 school Queen Victoria Road to Trinity College, Ormerod Road Throughout Park Upgrade and £3,000 per year SG Ongoing resurface footpaths dependent on as required funding Throughout Park Provide new bins £500 per item NW and FOTQP Ongoing, memorial and seats seats added 2012 Queen Victoria Pedestrian ? LCC Discuss with LCC Road Crossing Toilet Block Complete £50,000 Property Services Renovated toilet refurbishment block opened July required 2009 Monument Restoration £20,000 SG 2015 required Bandstand Install fixing for £800 AB Summer 2012 lighting truss to enable more scope for evening events Ginny Adapt area as £100,000 MR, SG 2015 formal green waste recycling centre Depot Install cctv to help £5,000 MR 2012 prevent theft Park Marketing – £1,000 FOTQP, NW 2012 produce information leaflet Blind Pavilion Redecorate and £10,000 NW, SG, FOTQP, Redecorated 2009, and adapt as Property Services Café due to open café/visitor centre spring 2012 for summer use
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Tennis and Ball Repaint courts £2,000 NW, SG 2012 courts Floral displays Replace some Saving NW Monument bed annual bedding altered in 2011, with permanent others to be herbaceous altered in 2012 planting Meadow areas Designate area for £200 Funded by 2012 onwards planting with bee Groudwork friendly flowers for “Bees in the Borough”
59