Lightwoods Park and House Consultation Report

PP-10-07371

CONSULTATION REPORT

Compiled by Community First Partnership for: Landscape Architects, Urban Design & Building Services

PL-06

Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

Lightwoods Park and House Consultation Report

Contents

1.0 Summary ...... 1

1.1 Public Consultation Events ...... 1

1.2 Community Workshop ...... 2

1.3 Visitor Survey ...... 2

1.4 Volunteers Survey ...... 3

1.5 Schools Survey ...... 3

1.6 Third Sector, Council and Local Organisation Consultation ...... 4

1.7 Memories of Lightwoods Park and House Exercise ...... 5

1.8 Consultation Roadshow ...... 5

Appendix A – Lightwoods Park Public Consultation Report

Appendix B – Lightwoods Park and House Community Workshop Report

Appendix C – Lightwoods Park 2012 Visitor Survey Report

Appendix D – Lightwoods Park 2012 Volunteer Survey Report

Appendix E – Lightwoods Park Schools Survey Report

Appendix F – Collated Summaries of Meetings

Appendix G – Memories of Lightwoods Park and House Exercise Comments

Appendix H – Lightwoods Park and House Consultation Roadshow Report

PP-10-07371: Consultation Report, Sandwell MBC

Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

1.0 SUMMARY

Sandwell Council have been engaging with local residents for the past 2 years. The first consultation event was undertaken by Sandwell Council in November 2010 and before this consultation was also carried out by Birmingham City Council prior to the transfer of the park. Sandwell Council’s Parks and Countryside Section have supported local residents in a journey of changing the management of Lightwoods Park, submitting a Round 1 bid to HLF’s Parks for People Funding Programme, seeing a successful Round 1 pass and working through the development phase through to submitting a Round 2 application. We have reached a wide range of audiences and the level of interest in Lightwoods Park and House has grown way beyond our expectations.

This project demonstrates the community’s proposals which have been fine tuned during the development phase following the advice from the appointed consultant team and further developed following the undertaking of specialist surveys and investigations. The outcomes of this is that we now have a well informed, comprehensive, cohesive and collaborative set of proposals of which many people such as the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House, community representatives and other groups, the wider community, our partners, local businesses, politicians and many different services within the Council have had an input in.

This document collates the previous reports that have been produced during the development phase of the Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project. The scope and focus of consultation during the development phase has been on the proposals contained within the Masterplan (Final Design Report and Masterplan, PL- 01). The consultation has informed and influenced the detailed design work as well as the development of a programme of revenue activities to be delivered during the capital delivery phase and post restoration.

900 people have engaged in a range of different consultation exercises with the results of these summarised below.

1.1 Public Consultation Events

On 9th May at Thimblemill Library and 10th June 2012 at the Lightwoods Festival, 2 public consultation events were held as part of the early works of the development phase. 155 consultees participated in a series of exercises to check and reassess priorities for the restoration project. Those in attendance were predominately from the Abbey Ward of Bearwood and felt that restoring the Shakespeare Garden and providing a café/tea room or restaurant were the top priorities for both the Park and House respectively.

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Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

1.2 Community Workshop

To further inform the development of the proposals for Lightwoods Park and House, an interactive community workshop was held at Warley Woods Pavilion on 12th June 2012.

The event was run by members of the consultant team and was attended by 11 people. Those in attendance were split into 2 groups and completed 3 exercises which considered boundaries, entrances and access, play spaces, and events. Proposals for Lightwoods House were well received and met with enthusiasm particularly the community use of the ground floor rooms and the café. The importance of the links the park shares with its surroundings were stressed with a clear message that the open vistas of the park should be maintained. There was also detailed discussion around the potential for relocating the children's play area.

1.3 Visitor Survey

Between May and July 2012, a visitor survey was completed by 160 people. The survey was carried out face-to-face by Sandwell MBC and the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House and was also hosted online.

It emerged that half of all respondents visited the park regularly with the most popular reasons to use Lightwoods Park being for walking. Almost all respondents indicated that they combine their visit to the Park with a visit to the local shops, with the majority remaining in the Park for between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The mean average overall satisfaction with the Park was rated as 7.42 out of 10 (where 10 is exceptional) and the House was regarded as the most important heritage feature. There was also a high level of appreciation of other heritage features including the Shakespeare Garden, the bandstand, drinking fountains and the parkland trees and landscape.

Respondents showed an overwhelming interest in a café/tea room within the House as well as a demand for more activities and events related to music. Nearly all of those completing the survey reported that they did not experience any barriers to using Lightwoods Park or House and there was a high level of awareness of the proposed restoration project.

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Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

1.4 Volunteers Survey

A survey for volunteers at Lightwoods Park was hosted online between 22nd May and 30th July 2012 and was completed by 40 people. Of those that responded, nearly 2 in 3 were female, almost all were White British and the majority were aged between 45 and 64. 1 in 5 stated that they regularly volunteer at Lightwoods Park and 33% indicated that they did not regularly volunteer as they were only involved in one off events.

The greatest barrier to volunteering was reported as not having enough time and the most common reason for volunteering at the Park emerged as wanting to improve things and help people, with most reporting that they found it easy to get involved and find out about the opportunities on offer. Gardening was the most popular volunteer activity and the majority of respondents indicated that they spend between 1 and 5 hours a month in the Park, many of whom stated that they would like to spend more time volunteering.

1.5 Schools Survey

11 schools within a 1 kilometre catchment of Lightwoods Park were contacted by both phone and email in July 2012 to understand schools current use of the Park. Responses were received from 6 schools and only 2 schools stated they used Lightwoods Park for educational visits, sports or other activities, however use of the Park was infrequent (around once or twice a year) and this was mainly during recent events in which they were active participants.

The most frequently cited barrier to use was a lack of information about the available opportunities for educational visits for local schools, with many indicating an improvement in this would encourage their school to visit. Members of the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House are currently developing schools activities around history and local heritage and the restoration project will seek to develop this further. There was also strong demand from a number of schools for supervised ranger led visits and to become involved in the restoration project as it progressed, thus the proposal of the employment of a Lightwoods Park and House Community Development Officer within the project costs.

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Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

1.6 Third Sector, Council and Local Organisation Consultation

A number of semi-structured meetings or telephone conversations have taken place throughout the development phase with Council staff local and third sector organisations. A short third sector survey was hosted online and a total of 10 surveys were completed; 12 one to one meetings or workshops took place and the consultant team engaged with 38 different organisations. Participants include: • Bearwood Community Champion • Bearwood Surestart Children's Centre • Birmingham City Council Sports Development • Birmingham City Council Youth Services • Sandwell Council Youth Services • Community Action Project • Dizzy Youth Group • Friends of Lightwoods Park and House • The Bearwood Traders Association • Guru Nanak Gurdwara Temple • Haden Hill Museum • Smethwick Heritage Centre and the Smethwick History Society • Sandwell MBC Adult Education and Children’s Services • Sandwell Primary Care Trust • Sandwell Leisure Trust • Sandwell Volunteer Bureau • Smethwick Pakistani Muslim Association • Smethwick Uplands and Londonderry Community Centre • St Mary's Church Hall • Warley Woods Community Trust • Weddings Centres Limited • West Midlands Police Abbey Ward Sergeant and Police Community Support Officers.

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Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

The various one to one meetings and contact with local organisations were used to inform the development of the detailed proposals (PL-01), Activity Plan (PL-03), Management and Maintenance Plan (PL-05) as well as the Business Plan (PL-04) for the restored House.

Of those that completed the third sector survey, most indicated that they have never used the Park, with the most common barriers to use being the lack of facilities on offer or the weather. All organisations did however, express an interest in using the House and Park for either education; events and activities; training or volunteering opportunities. Furthermore, meetings and telephone conversations were used to scope the feasibility of the different proposals for both the House and Park as well as the Business Plan for the House. More detailed responses from participating organisations have been recorded separately.

1.7 Memories of Lightwoods Park and House Exercise

During the Bearwood Shuffle event on 23rd September and at a meeting of the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House on 10th October 2012, memories of Lightwoods Park and House were sought to be used as part of an arts project to create an audio broadcast/smart phone app ( http://www.bandstandaudio.net/ ). A number of questions uncovered the variety of feelings people have towards the Park, memories of the bandstand and how people would describe the Park to those that have never visited.

The majority of those involved in the exercise had positive feelings and memories of the Park, many stressing the pride and sense of community the space promotes. Many comments describing the Park indicated that it needed to be restored, whilst praising the open green space as a place to relax and enjoy.

1.8 Consultation Roadshow

All of the consultation above was used to develop detailed proposals, which were then presented through a large-scale consultation roadshow. The roadshow took place between 1st October and 7th October 2012 across 7 venues both in Sandwell and Birmingham. A mixture of unstaffed sessions and staffed events provided members of the public the opportunity to view the detailed proposals for the Park and House and complete a survey to provide feedback.

The events were widely publicised on local radio and newspapers in addition to Sandwell MBC’s website, the various social networking websites and blogs as well as posters across Bearwood, Smethwick, Harborne and Quinton. Around 400 people viewed the proposals and a total of 260 surveys were completed.

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Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

The roadshow illustrated that there was extremely strong overall support for the proposals, with a mean average score of 9.2 out 10 and the most widely supported proposals for the Park were to manage the parkland trees and introduce new tree planting. Almost half of all respondents strongly agreed with proposals to provide a mixture of end-uses for the House, with providing a community café with outdoor seating space and public toilets emerging as the top priorities. Respondents also indicated that they would like to see the House used for community meetings, events or activities, in addition to a frequent programme of smaller scale events and activities within the Park.

The following sections of this report record the details of the consultation events.

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Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

Appendix A

Lightwoods Park Public Consultation Report

PP-10-07371: Consultation Report, Sandwell MBC Lightwoods Park Public Consultation Report

As part of the early works at the development phase of Lightwoods Park and House Restoration project, 2 public consultation events have been held. Consultees were invited to participate in a series of exercises across a number of display boards and the combined results of these exercises are detailed in this report. A public exhibition was the first event and was held on the evening of 9th May 2012 at Thimblemill Library where approximately 25 people attended. The second consultation exercise was run on 10th June 2012 during the Lightwoods Festival where approximately 130 people completed the exercises.

Demographics

Gender Age

45.0%

40.0%

33.8% 35.0% 32.9%

Male 30.0% 41% 25.0%

Femal e 59% 20.0% 16.2% 15.0%

10.0%

4.8% 4.8% 5.0% 3.9% 3.5%

0.0% under 10 10 to 15 16 to 24 25 to 44 45 to 64 65 to 74 75 or older

The majority of consultees have been female (59%) and around 2 in 5 (42.1%) were aged over 45 years old. This suggests a slight overrepresentation of this age group and females compared to demographics of the local area. Over 3 quarters of consultees (78.9%) described themselves as White British. Those attending the consultation events were also asked to provide their full postcode and Figure 1 illustrates the location consultees in relation to the Park. This shows that the majority of consultees lived within a relatively short distance of Lightwoods Park or within Sandwell.

Lightwoods Park

Proposed Improvements to Lightwoods Park

Rest or e the Shakespear e Gar den Create an outdoor café seati ng area Better children's play provision Rest or e the bandst and and r epai nt to or i gi nal f i ni shes Restore the water fountai ns, to wor ki ng order Rest or e t he bowl i ng gr een Repai r / resurface footpaths Cr eate a desi gnated events ar ea Addi ti onal pl anti ng to screen Hagl ey Road West Install more seating Improved horticulture / ornamental planting Install new railings around the perimeter Improve the setting for Lightwoods House Manage and enhance the historic tree planting Enhance / r est or e ent r ances Heritage style bins and site furniture I mpr ove the setti ng f or the bandstand I mpr oved dr ai nage (mai n par k) Extend and f ur t her i mpr ove t he skate par k Recr eat e t he or i gi nal per i met er pat h Pr ovi de cl ear and accessi bl e i nf or mat i on and i nt er pr etati on mater i al

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Exhibition June Festi val

Those participating in the consultation events were given a list of proposed improvements to Lightwoods Park based on the Round One Heritage Lottery Fund bid and were asked to indicate which 5 improvements they felt were most important. The chart above illustrates that overall, consultees felt that restoring the Shakespeare Garden and creating an outdoor café seating area were the most important proposed improvements. Better children’s play provision and restoring the bandstand and repaint to original finishes were also popular improvements.

Lightwoods House

Pr oposed I mpr ovements to L ightwoods H ouse

Caf é / Tea Rooms / Restaurant Public Toilets M useum (L ocal Hi story) Youth Provision Ci nema Arts & Crafts Studios Gal l ery Space Weddings Education Classes Community Room(s) for Hire Interpretation & History Displays Horticultural Centre Police Drop-in Station K eep Fi t V enue SureStart Children's Centre Rehearsal Space Dance Studio / Classes Sensory Room Of f i ce Space ( Commer ci al L ease) Conf er ence Faci l i t y

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Now Soon L at er

Consultees were also shown a list of proposed uses or functions for Lightwoods House, which originated from public feedback at previous consultations undertaken by Sandwell MBC prior to the development phase. As restoring the house is likely to be a long term development, those attending the exhibition were asked to rate their top 3 projects to take place ‘now, soon and later’. Similar to the chart shown on the previous page, overwhelming support was given towards the provision of a café, tearoom or restaurant, with more than 80 people indicating they would like to see this provision ‘now’. Other popular improvements consultees would like to see ‘now’ within a restored Lightwoods House were public toilets and a local history museum. Arts and crafts studios, gallery space and education classes were the most favoured options for improvements to take place ‘soon’ with community room(s) for hire the most popular proposed improvement to take place ‘later’.

Other Comments

Other comments were invited at the public exhibition, which were generally supportive of the project. Comments received regarding improvements to Lightwoods Park tended to relate to children’s play provision and often stressed the need for a range of facilities for children of all ages. In addition, there was some interest in open-air theatre events.

When commenting on proposals for the House, consultees tended to further add their support for the provision of a café, tearoom or restaurant and stress the importance of flexible spaces within the building. Others indicated that they would like to see emphasis on the period features of the House through the restoration.

General comments highlighted the desire for the local community to become involved in the project, particularly in terms of using local creative talent to provide public and community art.

A full list of comments is provided in the Appendix to this report.

Appendix

The full list of other comments received at the public exhibition are shown below:

Comments on Lightwoods House Evening social use bistro / café as well as day time Evening bistro in house and all day café Restoration of house to include wedding venue Edwardian team room NOT corporate council Could we have cooking classes for parents of children under 5 to develop their cooking skills Could we have taster sessions for parents of children under 5 to experience learning while their children are in crèche Multi-functional space no need to design for separate functions like classes or conference rooms etc… no need to separate out commercial either - we'll need lots of different uses and incomes to make it sustainable Retain the kiln and explore the use of the house for glass work It would be nice to have a room furnished in period style Keep events space flexible

Comments on Lightwoods Park Spaces suitable for special needs e.g. sensory play equipment etc… Benching, tables - more seating generally High quality, heavy duty play equipment (parks are judged by this!) Much-improved children's play areas across the park suitable for under 5's and older children (separate spaces?) Playground facilities for a range of ages - under 5's and older children No need for standard catalogue furniture - park - we have local creatives who can design site specific work I like the fitness area I like the bandstand Statue to Julie Walters Accessible route on the extension It's good that the Park is getting used for events - Bearwood Shuffle, Bearwood on Ice, May Day Space in Shakespeare Garden for small-scale open-air theatre of all kinds and tastes (not just Shakespeare!) Is there room for "nature reserve" type areas? Wider areas of wild flower planting etc… A park keeper and gardens team Restore both ends of tennis court Theatre space for open air events

General Comments Enhance appearance. I feel public art (temporary as well as permanent) - plenty of local creative talent Creative elements, public art, murals, mosaics, sculpture, lighting Why not have some community led art sessions to make some type mosaics of birds and flowers to remember the aviary e.g. the golden pheasant Additional facilities for young people to be part of the community Run small non-profit hire of equipment - tennis rackets / skateboards, bikes etc

Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

Appendix B

Lightwoods Park and House Community Workshop Report

PP-10-07371: Consultation Report, Sandwell MBC

Lightwoods Park and House, Community Workshop 12 June 2012

Introduction

In order to inform the development of the proposals a community workshop was held at Warley Woods Pavilion on 12 June 2012. This was run by members of the design team including landscape architects, architects and consultants and was attended by 11 people. The event was advertised on notice boards in the park and in the wider area, through direct mailing to those on the project newsletter mailing list, to the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House, though the Lightwoods Park blog and other social media and in local newspapers.

The workshops included a presentation about the draft proposals for Lightwoods House and three exercises which considered boundaries, entrances and access around the park, play spaces and events.

This report describes the discussion and findings of the community workshop.

Parks for People Programme

Adrian Spray from consultants CFP explained the background to the restoration project and that Heritage Lottery and Big Lottery Funds have provided development funding for the project to develop detailed designs. A Round 2 bid showing these detailed plans is to be submitted in February 2013.

Under the Parks for People Programme the project must meet all five of the programme outcomes:

• Increasing the range of audiences • Conserving and improving the heritage value • Increasing the range of volunteers involved • Improving skills and knowledge through training • Improving management and maintenance.

Lightwoods House

Jim Whiteman from Christopher Thomas Architects gave a presentation about the draft proposals for the restoration of Lightwoods House. This set out the ambition to restore the original façade and elevation of the House. This would potentially include restoring the detached stable block on the east wing to a 2 storey building to mirror the kitchen block on the west. The stable block and associated outbuildings could then accommodate a children’s centre and support horticultural activities. The 2 rooms on the ground floor (eastern side) are proposed for community and educational use and the rooms on the western side to accommodate a café and potential catering training area. The café area would open out onto an external terrace area. A platform lift would provide access to all floors of the building. Public toilet provision would be included in the outbuildings immediately to the right of the House.

One the first floor the front rooms would be restored to provide a large gallery / conference space that had flexible partitioning that allowed sub dividing of this space. Adjacent rooms would allow for storage of furniture and other materials and a separate room for food preparation for functions. Additional toilet provision would be located to the rear of the house on the first floor. These rooms could support the use of the House and Park for weddings and other functions of this scale.

The second floor could accommodate office provision (to be let commercially or to support other functions of the building), a drop –in base for the local police and storage.

There followed some discussion about key issues:

1. Secured by design - it was reported that vandalism is on the increase together with 'anti-social' behaviour at Warley Woods, although this view is not supported by other consultation recently we are intending to have a full intruder alarm, and one would suggest an element of recording CCTV fixed to the house. Further consideration needs to be given to security arrangements within the park and house and potential causes of such occurrences. Generating a strong sense of ownership and pride among all user groups was suggested as a way to reduce this.

2. Park and House manager location within the building - comments included needing a good view, but also being central to the function. It needs space for a desk and filing, and also a private space for meetings. Options may include the small corner adjacent to the stable - currently shown as public WC's, or the first floor of the house.

Central to the building would possibly be the base of the main staircase; however this isn't very private or secure, probably a bit drafty, and would need to be kept very tidy to maintain the buildings appearance for visitors and occupiers alike.

3. Parking - specifically the need to provide sufficient parking for those working permanently in the House. At full occupation on all floors there may not be sufficient capacity to provide spaces for everyone in the proposed parking area and it may be sensible to be considering additional parking directly adjacent to this. Highways and planning officers will have views on this and more detailed discussion will follow.

4. Showers and cycles - Obviously cycle parking relevant to those working in the house is required, but we need to incorporate further changing/shower facilities assuming a full occupation. Again we will have a look at where this may be fitted in.

5. History displays - There is nothing shown on the current drawings. The community rooms on the ground floor provide a great opportunity for creativity in interpreting the history of the park and house as do other areas such as the café. There also needs to be consideration given to promoting current and future events and activities. Future plans to show potential opportunities.

Entrances, Boundaries and Circulation

A small group exercise in 2 groups to discuss issues relating to entrances and access points into the park, proposed boundary improvements and improving access around the park. Each group was provided a large plan showing the park and the draft proposals (from Round 1) and invited to write comments on the plan and annotate the drawing.

Group A

• Many people value the openness of the park. The Adkins Lane boundary along it’s entirety allows access into the park. People are able to climb over the trip rail and get into the park this whole boundary is very permeable. This provides good routes across the park to Hagley Road West and the bus stops. Trip rails and bollards prevent vehicle access but allow people access.

• Open boundaries are also important for young people; they allow a means of escape if necessary. There should be some fencing on Hagley Road, particularly around the more formal part of the park but in other areas (particularly the extension) this is not necessarily needed due to the gradients / levels.

• Wildflower meadows / taller grasses could be used to soften the boundaries and define the edge of the site.

• There was general support for much of the Hagley Road frontage to be kept open to allow views into the park. Restoring / improving the fencing from the bus station (main entrance) to the skate park was supported.

• Entrances should be defined but physical barriers are not needed along all boundaries. 3

• Where entrance features and fencing are used consider doing something more creative and using community arts. There are local artists / iron workers who could contribute.

• Open up access from the Bus Station and from Bearwood High Street. The Portas bid emphasised the desire to better link the park and High Street. Signage should be considered as well as the opportunity to remodel this area. This may be outside of this project but what opportunities to influence others and the proposed changes to the highway? It would be good to create a space for the return of the Farmers Market in this area.

• Galton Road crossing – the treatment here is important. There is a need to slow down traffic and better link the park and extension. Can the road surface be raised to create a shared surface? Take inspiration from the “home zone” approach.

• Pedestrian link to Warley Woods – This link is used but not always frequently. There are safety issues but during the day it is better used. There is no signage at this point. The park side is dominated by the litter bins. Opening up views would be beneficial.

• Proposed link path around the park (running parallel to Hagley Road) was strongly supported. An additional link path forming a circuit in the extension was requested.

Group B

• Main pedestrian entrances are currently: Bus station entrance; Adkins Lane (by depot); Adkins Lane (opp No. 9); Hagley Road (near ball court); Hagley Road (opp Norwich Drive); Galton Road (drinking fountain to main park); Galton Road (northern footpath links); Warley Woods link.

• Fencing to perimeter may make people vulnerable within the park.

• Is 1.8 metre high fencing appropriate? Would a trip rail type fence provide a boundary?

• Light paving to reduce use of physical lighting.

• Living walls.

• Community input (into boundaries and fencing).

• Spoil the view of the park with higher fencing.

• Unwanted congregating at access points at Galton Road – divide the park.

• Parking on Galton Road by commuters.

• Restricted access to football teams for gate to park.

• Changing room and shower facilities (needed for sports players).

• No dog signs (needed).

• More litter and dog waste bins and located in better places.

• Link path on parallel to Hagley Road on park extension.

• Thin out trees near drinking fountain (park extension).

• Thin out trees Galton Road / Adkins Lane junction.

• Consider golden gravel to paths (which provide lighter coloured surface / reflect light).

Play Spaces

Small group discussion to consider options for providing a new play space for toddlers and junior age children. Each group was provided a large scale plan with 6 options / zones shown. Each option was discussed in turn.

Group A

Option / Location Advantages Disadvantages A – Existing Location Prominent Adjacent to skate park – conflict Well used / Busy with other users. Too close to Hagley Road Run down / poor equipment. B – Central (to the west of the Away from traffic Visually intrusive – conflict with existing ball court) Good access to House esp. café and historic setting toilets Area is currently open and informal C – Adjacent to Lightwoods Good access to House esp. café and Would need some form of House (to the west) toilets fencing or boundary for safety Nearer the Children’s Centre of children. Sight lines to skate park – some Conflict with bandstand and opportunity to supervise / keep eye events particularly the audience on older children / siblings using space / viewing areas. skate park. Existing trees may limit Opportunity for alternative designs – opportunities. incorporate acoustic play or sensory garden style facility. Play space at Birmingham Botanical Gardens was valued. D – Former ladies bowling Change in levels offers good play Close to bandstand and green and slopes to the north opportunities. potential for conflict. E – Wooded area at the Opportunity to improve an area that Dark, shady and uninviting. junction of Adkins Lane and is currently poor and marginal. Trees Galton Road offer opportunities. Site of former shelter. F – Extension near link to Draw visitors to the extension. Too far away from café and Warley Woods Opportunity to link park and other park facilities. extension. Anything in this area needs to Close to Warley Woods be additional to other provision Complement with other provision not replacement. such as a trim trail. Don’t spoil the open aspect of this area. The park needs some tranquil areas. Children and young people are well catered for but older people less so.

Other comments – more modern examples of play provision (e.g. Kompan example) were not especially well supported. More bespoke wooden examples gained a higher degree of support e.g. ship playground at Oak House.

Overall preference – There was no clear preference but locations C and D appeared to have most support.

Group B

Option / Location Advantages Disadvantages A – Existing Location Visibility for siblings / to be visible in Older children using (the play both areas. equipment). Visible form main road. Close proximity (to skate park) Attractive. for foul language (complaints). Easy to reach. Not good visibility from house if More accessible for High Street. leaving children while using Opportunity for a picnic area. house facilities. Opportunity to extend skate park into this area. B – Central (to the west of the - Separation from skate park. existing ball court) Taking away popular cricket pitch. Spoilt view through park. C – Adjacent to Lightwoods Visibility from terrace. Child grab position. House (to the west) Proximity to populated area. Congregation for ASB . . . D – Former ladies bowling Embankment slides using natural Bandstand viewing position green and slopes to the north contours of ground. affected. Currently picnic area / teenage area. E – Wooded area at the - Need to thin out trees (security) junction of Adkins Lane and Galton Road F – Extension near link to Opportunity to combine with other Address security issues with Warley Woods facilities such as tennis etc, changing link to Warley Woods (remove rooms etc. vegetation, provide lighting).

Overall preference – Site A the existing location.

Events

Whole group discussion about events spaces and infrastructure requirements:

• Space in front of Lightwoods House (former bowling green) is important as an events space – “Bearwood on Ice” etc.

• Park extension – consider reinforced area for events and sports parking – controlled / keyholder access.

• Bandstand is an important performance space. Need to consider audience space as well.

• Picnic areas in the park would be well used. Consider benches with canopies / shelter.

• Designated BBQ areas / infrastructure would be popular.

• Skate park should have some form of shelter. Young people have requested some form of shelter in this area.

• Older people also want more seating and shelter. There used to be a number of shelters around the park and extension.

Summary

This workshop is part of an ongoing programme of consultation events. This includes the following surveys which are currently available to complete:

Visitor survey - tinyurl.com/lightwoodspark

Third sector survey - tinyurl.com/lightwoodsgroupsurvey

Volunteer survey - tinyurl.com/lightwoodsvolunteers

Consultation on the overall draft proposals will occur in September 2012.

Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

Appendix C

Lightwoods Park 2012 Visitor Survey Report

PP-10-07371: Consultation Report, Sandwell MBC

Lightwoods Park 2012 Visitor Survey Report

Contents

1 Introduction...... 2

2 Respondent Profile ...... 2

3 Analysis ...... 6

3.1 Visiting Lightwoods Park ...... 6

3.2 Satisfaction with Lightwoods Park...... 9

3.3 Barriers to Use ...... 11

3.4 Restoration Project ...... 11

Appendix A – Questionnaire

Appendix B – Open Responses Received

1 Introduction

In order to inform proposals for the submission to Heritage Lottery Fund, a visitor survey was conducted in Lightwoods Park between Tuesday 15th May 2012 and Tuesday 31st July 2012. The survey was hosted online and face-to-face surveys were carried out by Sandwell MBC and the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House. A total of 160 surveys were completed.

2 Respondent Profile

A total of 160 surveys were completed by individuals, of which 72.9% were female. Most respondents (87.1%) indicated that they live within the Sandwell Local Authority and 90.4% of those completing the survey described themselves as White British, an over-representation compared to the demographics of the Abbey ward. Approximately 5% of respondents indicated that they had some form of disability or limiting long-term illness that affected their use of Lightwoods Park.

Table 1 below shows the age profile of respondents compared against the profile of those people resident in the Abbey ward of Bearwood.

Survey Abbey Ward Age n % % 16 or under 8 5.1% 19.7% 17 - 19 1 0.6% 3.2% 20 - 29 8 5.1% 16.0% 30 - 39 43 27.4% 18.9% 40 - 49 36 22.9% 13.0% 50 - 59 30 19.1% 10.4% 60 - 74 30 19.1% 11.8% 75 or over 1 0.6% 7.1% Total 157 100.0% 100.0%

Table 1 Age Profile of Respondents

Around 1 in 10 respondents were aged under 29, which is an under representation compared to age profile of those living in the Abbey ward. The majority of respondents, over half, were aged between 30 and 49 and around one in five of those completing the questionnaire were aged between 50 and 74.

However, it should be noted that those people who completed the survey were drawn from a significantly greater area than just the Abbey ward in Bearwood. Figure 1 shows that respondents were primarily drawn from across southern Sandwell and neighbouring authorities such as Birmingham and Dudley.

Figure 2 provides a more detailed overview of the location of respondents in the area local to Lightwoods Park to show that over the 160 people completing the questionnaire, 88 gave a valid postcode relating to an address with 1 km of the Park.

3 Analysis

3.1 Visiting Lightwoods Park

Frequency of visit n % Daily 16 10.0% Weekly 67 41.9% Monthly 42 26.3% 2 or 3 times a year 24 15.0% Once a year 4 2.5% This is my first visit 4 2.5% Seldom or Never 3 1.9% Total 160 100.0%

Table 2 Frequency of visit

Over half of respondents (51.9%) are frequent visitors to Lightwoods Park, going to the Park on a weekly or more frequent basis. Around a quarter of respondents (26.3%) indicated that they visit the Park on a monthly basis and one in five stated that they used the Park less frequently than 2 or 3 times a year or were on their first visit to Lightwoods Park.

Figures 1 and 2 also illustrate the frequency of use spatially where frequent use is defined as monthly, weekly or daily visits. This shows that in general, the majority of people living in close proximity to Lightwoods Park visit frequently, however distance from the Park does not necessarily equate to less frequent visits.

How do you usually travel to Lightwoods Park and how long does it take? Less More 5 - 10 10 - 15 15 - 20 20 - 30 Total than 5 than 30 minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes 154 68 30 37 6 9 4 Base 100.0% 44.2% 19.5% 24.0% 3.9% 5.8% 2.6% 114 60 19 27 4 2 2 On foot 74.0% 39.0% 12.3% 17.5% 2.6% 1.3% 1.3% 1 1 - - - - - Bicycle 0.6% 0.6% - - - - - 31 7 11 7 - 4 2 Car 20.1% 4.5% 7.1% 4.5% - 2.6% 1.3% 8 - - 3 2 3 - Bus 5.2% - - 1.9% 1.3% 1.9% -

Table 3 Travel time and method

Table 3 shows that the majority of people (74%) visit Lightwoods Park on foot, with over two-thirds (68.8%) walking for less than 15 minutes. One in five respondents stated that they drive to the Park and almost half of all respondents (44.2%) indicated that they travel for less than 5 minutes regardless of the method of travel taken.

Combined visit n % Local Shops 85 92.4% Community Facility 9 9.8% Leisure Facilities 6 6.5% Total 92 100.0%

Table 4 Combining a visit to the Park with other facilities

Over half of all respondents (57.5%) stated they combine a visit to Lightwoods Park with other local facilities. When combining a visit to the Park with other facilities, respondents were most likely to visit local shops and around one in ten stated that would also visit a community facility. Other places respondents cited they visited in combination to a visit to the Park included:

• The Dog Public House (2) • Bearwood Bus Station (2) • Warley Woods (2) • The Kings Head Public House • Dentist • Place of Work.

Reason for visit n % To walk 92 60.1% For some fresh air 77 50.3% To take the children to the play area 55 35.9% To meet / be with friends / family 47 30.7% Shortcut to another part of the local area 29 19.0% To sit and relax / read 28 18.3% To walk the dog 24 15.7% To visit the bandstand 24 15.7% To appreciate historic setting 23 15.0% To look at the flowers 18 11.8% To watch the wildlife 15 9.8% To use the multi-use games area 14 9.2% To have some time on my own 12 7.8% To use the health and fitness equipment 12 7.8% To use the skate park 10 6.5% To jog / run 9 5.9% To play football 6 3.9% To spend lunchtime 2 1.3% Total 153 100.0%

Table 5 Reason for visit

The visitor survey found that the main reasons for visiting were for walking (60.1%) and to get some fresh air (50.3%). Taking children to the play area (35.9%) and to meet with friends and or family (30.7%) also emerged as popular reasons for use with respondents in the visitor survey.

Length of Stay n % Less than 10 minutes 9 5.9% 10 minutes to 30 minutes 43 28.1% 30 minutes to an hour 63 41.2% Between 1 and 2 hours 30 19.6% More than 2 hours 8 5.2% Total 153 100.0%

Table 6 Length of stay

As Table 6 demonstrates, the visitor survey found that most visits to Lightwoods Park are between 30 minutes and 1 hour, with around four out of ten respondents indicating that they stay in the Park for this amount of time. A further 28% stated that they stay in the Park for between 10 minutes and 30 minutes and almost one fifth of respondents disclosed that they visit the Park for between 1 and 2 hours. Only 10% of respondents estimated that they visit Lightwoods Park for less than 10 minutes or more than 2 hours.

3.2 Satisfaction with Lightwoods Park

Satisfaction with Lightwoods Park 25% 22.3% 23% 19.7% 20% 18.5% 18% 14.6% 15%

13%

10% 7.0% 8% 6.4% 5.7% 5% 3.2% 2.5% 3%

0% 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Very Poor Except i ona

Chart 1 Satisfaction with Lightwoods Park

The visitor survey asked respondents to express their level of satisfaction with Lightwoods Park and Chart 1 illustrates the distribution of scores. The majority of respondents rated the Park more than 5 out of 10 where 0 is very poor and 10 is exceptional, with a mean average score of 7.42. Respondents were also asked to provide further comments if they were dissatisfied with the Park in any way. The main sources of dissatisfaction were:

• Anti-social behaviour • Lack of dog control • Dog fouling • Lack of refreshment facilities • Lack of sports provision • Lack of seating • Poor maintenance of paths • Quality and amount of play facilities • Lack of toilets • Poor maintenance of Shakespeare Gardens • Difficulty crossing the Hagley Road • Not being able to access Lightwoods House.

A full list of open responses can be found in the Appendix to this report.

3.3 Barriers to Use

Comments were invited from respondents detailing if anything prevents them from visiting Lightwoods Park or visiting more frequently than they currently do. The majority of respondents felt they did not experience any barriers to use, however 11 respondents cited a lack of facilities such as toilets or refreshments facilities and 5% felt either a lack of time or motivation or the quality of facilities and features prevented them from visiting Lightwoods Park more often.

Barriers to use n % Nothing prevents me 24 15.0% Lack of facilities / features 11 6.9% Lack of time / motivation 8 5.0% Quality of facilities and features 8 5.0% Don't feel safe 6 3.8% Lack of events / activities 6 3.8% Lack of play facilities 6 3.8% Dog fouling / dog control 3 1.9% Cleanliness of facilities and features 3 1.9% Too many roads to cross 2 1.3% Lack of information about what's on offer 2 1.3% Weather 2 1.3% Too far away 1 0.6% Your health / disability 1 0.6% Limited car parking 1 0.6% No Reply 76 47.5% Total 160 100.0%

Table 7 Barriers to use

A full list of open responses can be found in the Appendix to this report.

3.4 Restoration Project

Base Yes No Don't Know 160 131 25 4 100.0% 81.9% 15.6% 2.5%

Table 8 Awareness of Proposals

Generally, there appears to be high levels of awareness of the restoration project with 82% of respondents aware that Sandwell MBC has received funding from HLF to develop restoration proposals for the Park. This may in part reflect the impact of Lottery recognition signage and other information available on site.

Chart 2 below illustrates the importance of heritage features in Lightwoods Park. It shows that respondents felt that Lightwoods House was the most important heritage feature in the Park, closely followed by the mature trees and the Shakespeare

I mportance of heri tage f eatures i n L i ghtwoods Park

10 9.97 9.83 9.74 9.66 9 9.29

8 8.35

least importantleast important most Lightwoods House M at ure t rees Shakespeare Bandst and Historic parkland Drinking Gardens l ayout Fountains

Gardens. The mean average score for all heritage features was 9.48.

Chart 2 Importance of heritage features in Lightwoods Park

The visitor survey also sought to gauge the level of catering or refreshment facilities that could be provided through the restoration project.

Provision n % Tea Room (hot drinks / basic food) 112 71.3% Café (light lunches etc) 106 67.5% Kiosk (ice cream / drinks) 55 35.0% Restaurant (full service) 20 12.7% Vending Machine 9 5.7% Not interested / Don't Know 3 1.9% Total 157 100.0%

Table 9 Catering or refreshment facility preferences

A tea room emerged as the most popular catering or refreshment facility in Lightwoods Park, with 71% of respondents indicating that they would like to see such provision in the Park. A café was also popular with over two-third of respondents (67.5%), with a kiosk favoured by over a third of respondents (35%).

Fr equency of use of r efr eshment pr ovision

Breakfast

Lunch

Di nner / evening meal

Snack s

Hot Drinks

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Everyday 2-3 t i mes a w eek Once a week Once a fortnight Once a month Less than once a month N ever

Chart 3 Frequency of use of refreshment provision

Respondents were also asked how often they would use any refreshment provision that may be provided through the restoration project. Over a quarter of respondents (26.3%) stated that they would use refreshment facilities for breakfast once a week, approximately three in ten (29.3%) would use such facilities for lunch once a week also. Around 40% of respondents indicated that they would use catering provision for a dinner or evening meal less than once a month and a quarter of respondents (25.2%) stated that would visit once a month for snacks. There was a demand for hot drinks with respondents, with 76% stating that they would use refreshment provision for this purpose.

Events or Activities n % Music 129 83.2% Local history and heritage 90 58.1% Arts and crafts 83 53.5% Children and young people 82 52.9% Nature and wildlife 78 50.3% Practical horticultural and gardening workdays 61 39.4% Guided walks and talks 52 33.5% Healthy living 49 31.6% Archaeological 48 31.0% Sports and coaching 39 25.2% Educational activities for schools / colleges etc 37 23.9% Sports competitions (skate park / multi-use games area) 25 16.1% Total 155 100.0%

Table 10 Future events or activities

Table 10 shows that music related events and activities are clearly favoured with the majority of respondents (83.9%). It appears that respondents would also favour a programme events and activities related to local history and heritage, arts and crafts, children and young people and nature and wildlife.

Appendix A

Questionnaire

Lightwoods Park Survey

Introduction

Good morning / afternoon, I am from the Friends of Lightwoods Park & House, working on behalf of Sandwell Council. Would you mind answering a few questions about your use of Lightwoods Park - it will only take a few minutes.

This confidential survey is being carried out to support the development of proposals to conserve Lightwoods Park and to understand what improvements, events and activities may attract more visitors in the future. This work is part funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and a funding bid for the improvements will be made in Spring next year.

Q1 How often do you visit Lightwoods Park? (please tick one box only) Daily ...... ß 1 2 or 3 times a year ...... ß 4 Seldom or Never...... ß 7 Weekly...... ß 2 Once a year...... ß 5 Go to Q9.. Monthly ...... ß 3 This is my first visit...... ß 6

Q2 How do you normally travel to Lightwoods Park? (please tick one box only) On foot...... ß 1 Car ...... ß 4 Taxi...... ß 7 Bicycle ...... ß 2 Bus...... ß 5 Train ...... ß 8 Motorbike...... ß 3 Coach ...... ß 6 Metro...... ß 9

Other (please state)

Q3 Approximately how long does your normal journey take? (please tick one box only) Less than 5 minutes...... ß 1 10 - 15 minutes ...... ß 3 20 - 30 minutes...... ß 5 5 - 10 minutes...... ß 2 15 - 20 minutes ...... ß 4 More than 30 minutes ..... ß 6

Q4 Please tell us your home postcode so that we can better understand how far visitors travel to Lightwoods Park? B

Q5 Are you combining your visit to the Park with a visit to any other local facilities? Local Shops ...... ß 1 Community Facility...... ß 2 Leisure Facilities...... ß 3

Other (please state)

Q6 What would be your main reasons for visiting Lightwoods Park today? (please tick up to 5 boxes) To walk ...... ß 1 For some fresh air...... ß 7 To visit the bandstand... ß 13 To appreciate historic To take the children to To jog / run...... ß 2 setting ...... ß 8 the play area...... ß 14 To meet / be with friends To use the multi-use To walk the dog ...... ß 3 / family ...... ß 9 games area ...... ß 15 To have some time on To sit and relax / read.... ß 4 To use the skate park ... ß 16 my own...... ß 10 To use the health & To look at the flowers .... ß 5 To spend lunchtime...... ß 11 fitness equipment...... ß 17 Shortcut to another part To watch the wildlife...... ß 6 To play football...... ß 18 of the local area...... ß 12

Q7 Approximately how long do you spend in the Park on a typical visit? (please tick one box only) Less than 10 minutes ...... ß 1 30 minutes to an hour..... ß 3 More than 2 hours...... ß 5 10 minutes to 30 minutes . ß 2 Between 1 and 2 hours ... ß 4

Q8 Overall, how satisfied are you with Lightwoods Park? (please tick one box only)

Very Poor Exceptional 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 10 ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß

If dissatisfied in any way, please provide further comments

Q9 Is there anything that prevents you from visiting Lightwoods Park or prevents you from visiting more frequently?

Q10 Sandwell Council are developing detailed proposals to conserve and improve Lightwoods Park for the future. Funding will be sought from Heritage Lottery Fund in Spring 2013. Before today were you aware of the restoration project? (please tick one box only) Yes...... ß 1 No ...... ß 2 Don't Know ...... ß 3

Q11 How much do you value the following heritage features in Lightwoods Park? (0= lowest, 10=highest)

Don't 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Know Lightwoods House ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß Drinking Fountains ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß Shakespeare Gardens ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß Bandstand ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß Historic parkland layout ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß Mature trees ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß ß

Q12 Please indicate the level of catering and refreshment provision you would like to see in Lightwoods Park and House (please tick all boxes that apply)

Kiosk (ice cream / drinks) ...... ß 1 Café (light lunches etc) ...... ß 4 Vending Machine ...... ß 2 Restaurant (full service) ...... ß 5 Tea Room (hot drinks / basic food)...... ß 3 Not interested / Don't Know...... ß 6

Q13 How frequently would you use catering or refreshment facilities if they were provided?

2-3 times a Once a Less than Everyday Once a week Once a month Never week fortnight once a month Breakfast ß 1 ß 2 ß 3 ß 4 ß 5 ß 6 ß 7 Lunch ß 1 ß 2 ß 3 ß 4 ß 5 ß 6 ß 7 Dinner / evening meal ß 1 ß 2 ß 3 ß 4 ß 5 ß 6 ß 7 Snacks ß 1 ß 2 ß 3 ß 4 ß 5 ß 6 ß 7 Hot Drinks ß 1 ß 2 ß 3 ß 4 ß 5 ß 6 ß 7

Q14 Would you be interested in attending any of the following types of events and activities in Lightwoods Park? (please tick all boxes that apply) Sports competitions (skate park / multi- Children & young people...... ß 1 use games area)...... ß 7 Music...... ß 2 Local history & heritage...... ß 8 Healthy living...... ß 3 Guided walks & talks ...... ß 9 Sports & coaching ...... ß 4 Archaeological ...... ß 10 Educational activities for schools / Arts & crafts...... ß 11 colleges etc...... ß 5 Practical horticultural and & gardening Nature & wildlife ...... ß 12 workdays ...... ß 6

Other (please state)

About You

Monitoring Data Only. The following responses will be used only for monitoring purposes & statistical purposes

Q15 Which of the following categories best describes your age? (please tick one box only)

16 or under ...... ß 1 20 - 29 ...... ß 3 40 - 49 ...... ß 5 60 - 74 ...... ß 7 17 - 19 ...... ß 2 30 - 39 ...... ß 4 50 - 59 ...... ß 6 75 or over ...... ß 8

Q16 Are you female or male?

Male ...... ß 1 Female ...... ß 2

Q17 Where do you live? (please tick one only)

Resident in this Local Authority ...... ß 1 Resident outside of this Local Authority ..... ß 2

Q18 Do you consider yourself to have a disability that affects your use of Lightwoods Park? (The Disability Rights Commission DRC defines disability as "A physical or mental impairment which has substantial and long term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day to day activities")

Yes...... ß 1 No ...... ß 2 Rather not answer...... ß 3

Q19 Which of the following best describes your ethnic group? (please tick one box only)

Black, Black British, Black English, White Black Scottish, Black Welsh White British - English, Scottish or Welsh . ß 1 Black Caribbean ...... ß 10 White Irish...... ß 2 African...... ß 11 Other White Background (please state Other Black Background (please state ß 3 ß 12 below)...... below) ......

Asian, Asian British, Asian English, Asian Scottish, Asian Welsh Mixed Indian...... ß 4 White and Black Caribbean...... ß 13 Pakistani...... ß 5 White and Black African ...... ß 14 Bangladeshi ...... ß 6 White and Asian ...... ß 15 Other Asian Background (please state Other Mixed Background (please state ß 7 ß 16 below)...... below) ......

Chinese, Chinese British, Chinese English, Chinese Scottish, Chinese Welsh or other ethnic group Chinese...... ß 8 Other Ethnic Groups (please state below). ß 9

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND COMMENTS

Data Protection - How information will be used

The Data Protection Act 1998 ensures that the information you have provided will only be used for research or to produce statistics. All responses will be treated as confidential and only aggregated data that cannot be attributed to any individual will be published. This survey is being carried out by the Friends of Lightwoods Park & House on behalf of Sandwell Council and its consultants. This survey aims to understand how Lightwoods Park is used and to inform proposals for conserving and restoring Lightwoods Park.

Office Use Only

Date: Event?_ Yes No

Appendix B

Open Responses Received

If dissatisfied in any way, please provide further comments

Anti social behaviour in general I think a panic button in park would be good if you need police help Perimeter security and drainage Dog Poo Dogs. People walking dogs need to have a muzzle fitted. If there were food and drink facilities - therefore a really good meeting place it would be much better Need more seating Open garden more Seating does not support a weak back Shakespeare garden is a shadow of its former self! Tea room or indoor facilities for cold / wet days Broken glass in children's play area Drainage problems, the grass area on Hagley Road side of park becomes very waterlogged Maintenance has improved, but minimising the length of the two parts will be beneficial. A crossing over the road would be good. Pathways need attention Some areas are a bit run down Surface of some paths needs attention more seating needed There is food left by where I park in Adkins Lane which attracts rats and is very unhygienic Children’s play area is really uninviting. House - great to be opened. Children’s play park looks tired Kids playground poor, lack of facilities i.e. refreshments, toilets More for kids Needs better play facilities for smaller children Older children are often on the children's toys. The Shakespeare garden could be a lot better too! Play area is limited and wish dogs were only allowed on leads in the park with the play area. Play area-could be improved Play areas need renovation The children’s park is a disgrace to the rest of the park The playground is awful. Too many kids smoking drugs We use the children's play area and its pretty scruffy-we prefer the woods I feel that artificial cricket pitches could be provided for local people to play cricket, especially local Asian youths from Lordswood School. Plus Warwickshire Cricket Development could coach kids No tennis fence, very limited playground for toddlers, abandoned house, poor access from high street, no signage Would like bowling green back possible club house No toilets (2) No toilets, cafe, rundown play ground Toilets Its getting better The park is in desperate need of refurbishment to restore it to it's former glory

Is there anything that prevents you from visiting Lightwoods Park?

I am disabled and depend on my scooter to go to the main parts of the park e.g. house and gardens - currently not working! The pedestrian crossing near the dog pub. Some of the buttons don't work and it takes forever for the lights to change, even when there is no traffic. Also there is no access near the crossing for buggies. You have to walk all the way up Galton Road or down to the bus interchange. The state of the children’s play area is really poor. I rarely take my kids there. Very important to improve road crossing across lightwoods road. Lots of children cross here and line of vision often blocked. A pedestrian crossing in urgently needed to prevent accidents. We would like the garden to be open later so the children can go in after school when we go to the park Distance My grandchildren are very nervous of dogs running up to them. It is ok owners saying, "they won’t bite" My 3yr old grandchild does not understand that. All dogs not on leads need to be muzzled. Also groups of youths hanging around. It is very disconcerting. Bring back the park keeper. I often walk my dogs but am concerned that there is no fencing on most of the park. The extra dog poo bins are appreciated though! We tend to visit the woods more frequently than the park in the summer, as there seems to be less chance of stepping in dog poo when playing games on the grass. Could do with band in bandstand every Sunday in summer. I would visit more if Lightwoods House were open to the public. The aspect of Lightwoods House from Adkins Lane is very poor and uninviting and needs improving along with the entrance to the park which is poor and marred by the dirty old toilets, a bus interchange and car park which mar the gateway to the park and needs improving, creating an inviting entrance to the park, Bearwood's greatest asset along with Warley Woods. The park has improved, most notably the skate park which is a huge improvement, the other areas of the park need to catch up (i.e. children's playground, tennis, football, etc, etc) I know new bins have been put in place but rubbish from the skatepark area and the children’s playground collect at the bottom of the playground and it's not nice to play amongst I visited much more regularly when my daughter could go to the playground/learn to ride her bike on the old tennis courts, and when the boules area existed. I am grateful that there are now more facilities for older children, but I would go much more myself if there was a main attraction there, to encourage me to walk more often e.g. a coffee shop, a social group etc. Need a better larger playground for children 5 to 10 years Need more for children park a bit limited re play area Need bigger slides Would come more often if play area was better Would spend more time there if there were more things for toddlers in play area, and less young people using swings, smoking drugs etc and making the playground generally feel unsafe for young children. A lack of parking and decent toilets and facilities like a coffee bar / ice cream seller Lack of toilet facilities Children's playground is poor No good café. Lack of toilets, place to sit down and enjoy a coffee etc Lack of toilets, café. Visits would be more frequent and for longer duration if there were more facilities, particularly café / toilets (big problem with small children) and a new improved children’s play area/facilities.

Is there anything that prevents you from visiting Lightwoods Park? Is it possible to complete the resurfacing of the paths at the top of the park, as it seems that it was stopped before completing the job? Lack of services. Needs a really good coffee place / tea room where you would arrange to meet friends, which Bearwood in general is lacking. Which is why everyone goes to Harborne to meet up. No suitable refreshment / toilet facilities Refreshments are limited and cannot wait until the house is completed - it's an eyesore and has so much potential to develop activities etc from. Lack of facilities e.g. toilets, café Lack of facilities. Toilets, refreshments, indoor/covered seating. All the football / sports are male oriented and only certain age groups catered for. More events would increase the frequency of my visits. More organised activities in the park would encourage more visits. Greater use of Lightwoods House for activities e.g. fitness, yoga, wildlife, etc would also encourage more visits. Want bowling green back / putting green-not football pitch. Because the house is currently in a poor state I tend not to hang around. If the house and gardens were renovated I would visit more often and stay longer. Similarly if there were events held there then I would more than likely attend and participate. Litter - increased vastly since improvements to skatepark. While the latter are welcome, the sheer amount of discarded food wrappers and chicken bones means it is not really safe to walk my dogs off lead in the par, which I have always been able to in the past. Safety Some times feel a little unsafe with the gangs of kids around The amount of children using the playground in inappropriate ways or 'blocking' facilities like the children's slide by congregating around and in it. The swearing and aggressive behaviour by some in the skate park. The individuals who ride their motorbikes along the park to the skate area and the amount of older people who use the park as a drinking location for alcohol. Youths lingering around the park can be a little intimidating A lot of Bearwood people don't live in Sandwell. Please venture across the border with your publicity. Communities don't confine themselves within local authority Boundaries. Need more info on what goes on. Nothing to engage me Available time! Free time Having to work full time! Just me being too lazy. Lack of time Only shortage of available time Time constraints due to work pressures mean I don't get as much spare time as I would like. Events such as the jazz concert and Bearwood Shuffle are excellent reasons to make time to visit. The weather Weather

Is there anything that prevents you from visiting Lightwoods Park?

My visits are arbitrary and impulse led. I tend to keep them for times I do not have the car, as repeated visits could be dull. I have no issues with other users as I do not visit at night. Other women may be trepidaceous, but I do not have any experience of nuisance in the locality. The small children’s play area is the poorest and most uselessly provisioned of all time. There can be great play areas for children, look at Irchester Country Park, or what they've done in Bath (is it Victoria Park) doubtless Bearwood will end up with something quite generic and dull if the improvements so far are anything to go by, Nothing we haven't seen before. No (22) No but would rather see wildflower meadows rather than the boring municipal flowerbeds. No we go regularly Not really N/A (2)

Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

Appendix D

Lightwoods Park 2012 Volunteer Survey Report

PP-10-07371: Consultation Report, Sandwell MBC

Lightwoods Park 2012 Volunteer Survey Report

Contents

1 Introduction ...... 2

2 Results ...... 2

2.1 Respondent Profile ...... 2

2.2 Frequency Volunteering ...... 3

2.3 Reason for Volunteering ...... 4

2.4 Communicating Volunteering Opportunities ...... 5

2.5 Volunteering Activities ...... 6

2.6 Time Spent Volunteering ...... 7

2.7 Training or Support...... 8

2.8 Future Participation in Volunteering ...... 9

2.9 Reason for not Volunteering ...... 11

2.10 Involvement in the restoration project ...... 12

Appendix A – Open Responses Received

1 Introduction

A survey of individuals who volunteer at Lightwoods Park was conducted between Tuesday 22nd May and Monday 30th July 2012. The survey was hosted online and was given out at the end of the Shakespeare Garden volunteer sessions and was completed by a total of 40 volunteers.

2 Results

2.1 Respondent Profile

The majority of respondents completing the volunteers survey were female (64.1%), over 95% described themselves white and around 10% stated that they had a long term illness, disability or infirmity that affects their use of open spaces.

Abbey Survey Age Ward n % % Under 14 - - 3.2% 15 – 24 3 7.7% 16.0% 25 – 34 5 12.8% 18.9% 35 – 44 8 20.5% 13.0% 45 – 54 10 25.6% 10.4% 55 – 64 9 23.1% 11.8% Over 65 4 10.3% 7.1% Total 39 100.0% 100.0%

Table 1 Age Profile of Respondents

Table 1 illustrates the age of respondents compared to the age profile of the Abbey Ward where Lightwoods Park is located. One in four respondents (25.6%) were aged between 45-54, with those aged between 35 and 64 most likely to have completed the survey. There was an over-representation of all age groups over 35 years old compared to the age profile of the Abbey Ward, with people aged 15-24 particularly under-represented.

2.2 Frequency Volunteering

The chart below illustrates that 20% of respondents stated that they regularly volunteer with the Friends Group or at Lightwoods Park, greater than the proportion of people (17%) across Sandwell who indicated that they volunteer regularly in the Sandwell Place Survey (2008/09). Where respondents reported that they are not regularly engaged with volunteering, this was most likely to be due to the fact that they are only involved with one-off activities. 28% of respondents indicated that they have not volunteered with the Friends or at the Park.

Reguarl y Frequency V olunteering vol unt eer 20% *

I have not vol unt eer ed with the Friends / at the 28% Par k

I have t aken part i n volunteering activities in the past but have not 8% Do not done so in the past 12 months reguar l y 80% vol unt eer Just involved with one- off activities over the 33% past year

Qui te of ten or just a few t i mes (l ess t han once a 13% month)

Chart 1 Frequency Volunteering (n= 40 Regularly volunteering is where respondents stated that they volunteered at least once a month).

2.3 Reason for Volunteering

Wanting to improve things and help people emerged as the most frequently cited reason respondents began volunteering at Lightwoods Park or with the Friends Group. Around two in three respondents also indicated that they wanted to give something back (65.4%) and around two in five (42.3%) wished to use the time they have to spare volunteering.

Reason for Volunteering n % I wanted to improve things, help people 23 88.5% Give something back 17 65.4% I had time to spare 11 42.3% The cause was important to me 10 38.5% Connected with my interests/hobbies 9 34.6% There was a need in the community 8 30.8% Friends / family did it 7 26.9% Part of my philosophy of life 7 26.9% I wanted to meet people, make friends 7 26.9% Already involved with organisation 5 19.2% Learn new skills 5 19.2% Use existing skills 4 15.4% Connected to family / friends’ interests 4 15.4% Help get on in my career 1 3.8% No one else to do it 1 3.8% Part of my religious belief 1 3.8% Total 26 100.0%

Table 2 Reason for volunteering

2.4 Communicating Volunteering Opportunities

Over three quarters all volunteers (77.0%) completing the survey reported that word of mouth was the way in which volunteering opportunities were communicated to them, with one of the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House most likely to be the source of information. The friends website was also an important resource for communicating volunteering opportunities for over a quarter of respondents (26.9%) with local events raising the awareness of the opportunities available for almost one in five respondents (19.2%).

Source of Information n % From one of the Friends of Lightwoods Park 12 46.2% Other word of mouth 8 30.8% Friends website 7 26.9% Local event run / attended by the Friends 5 19.2% Leaflet or poster 4 15.4% Local newspaper 3 11.5% Other website 1 3.8% Don't remember / Not Sure 1 3.8% Total 26 100.0%

Table 3 Communicating volunteering opportunities

Almost 90% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that it is easy to get information about volunteering for the Friends Group or about Lightwoods Park. By comparison, the Sandwell Place Survey (2008/09) found that only a third (33.0%) of respondents felt that they were either very well informed or fairly well informed about local public services such as parks and open spaces.

I found it easy to get information about volunteering for the Friends of Lightwoods Park / at the Park...

23.1% 65.4% 7.7% 3.8%

Strongl y Agree A gr ee Di sagr ee Strongl y di sagree Can' t r emember / Not sur e Chart 2 Ease of finding information (n=26)

2.5 Volunteering Activities

Respondents were asked to detail what volunteer activities they carry out at Lightwoods Park or through the Friends Group. From the open responses received, it can be seen that almost seven out of ten respondents cited gardening, particularly in the Shakespeare Garden, as one of the activities they participate in, with assisting with events also frequently cited. A full list of the open responses received can be found in the Appendix to this report.

Volunteering Activities

69.2%

61.5%

11.5% 11.5% 3.8%

Gardening A ssi sti ng w i th Consultation Involved with Conducting events meeti ngs local history research

Chart 3 Volunteering Activities (n=26)

2.6 Time Spent Volunteering

Chart 4 demonstrates that the majority of volunteering activities in Lightwoods Park are for short periods of time each month. Over half of respondents (53%) indicated that they spend between 1 and 5 hours in the Park each month and almost a quarter (23%) stated that they spend between 6 and 10 hours volunteering per month. One volunteer indicated that they spent an average of 100 hours a month in the Park, another reported that they spend 75 hours per month and around one in ten respondents reported that they did not currently spend any time volunteering. Excluding these individuals, the average amount of time respondents stated they volunteer per month in Lightwoods Park was 4.5 hours.

A verage ti me spent vol unteeri ng (per month)

More than 21 Bet ween 11 and 20 hours None hours 8% 12% 4%

Bet ween 6 and 10 hours 23%

Bet ween 1 and 5 hours 53%

Chart 4 Time spent volunteering (per month n=26)

2.7 Training or Support

Half of respondents stated that they had not received any training or support in relation to the volunteering activities they participate in and three out ten (30.8%) stated they hadn’t received training and didn’t need to. Only a fifth of respondents (19.2%) had received training and it emerged that all felt this training was either ‘fairly adequate’ or ‘very adequate’.

n % Yes 5 19.2% No 13 50.0% No, but I don’t need it 8 30.8% Don’t know - - Total 26 100.0%

Table 4 Training or Support

2.8 Future Participation in Volunteering

The chart below shows that nearly three quarters of respondents would like to spend more time volunteering, either in Lightwoods Park or through the Friends Group and half of these individuals would be pleased to help if asked. Two fifths of respondents indicated that they would like to spend more time volunteering but it would depend on a number of issues such as how the volunteering activities would fit in with their family life or work commitments and 8.3% respondents were interested in volunteering but would refuse any further opportunities as they currently do not have the time.

Spending more time participating in V olunteering

I would be 50.0% pleased to help

Y es 71.4% It would depend 41.7% ...

I would refuse because I haven't 8.3% got time

No 7.1%

Don't K now 21.4%

Chart 5 Spending more time participating in Volunteering (n=14)

The types of activities volunteers would be interested in spending more time participating in included gardening, assisting with events, litter picking, administrative duties, assisting with the publicity and getting involved in sports. The full list of activities cited by respondents can be found in the appendix to this report.

Reason for not volunteering

Not enough ti me due to home or work ci rcumstances T r anspor t i ssues Not enough time due to demands of involvement with other volunteering Haven’ t been asked to do the things I l ike to do L ocati on of the Par k to wher e I l i ve Worried about risk / liability Put off by bureaucracy Timings of the current volunteering activities not suitable for me I l l ness or di sabi l i ty Don't know how to find out about getting involved Wor ri ed about threat to my personal safety Not got the right skills / experience for what is currently being offered Feel I am t oo ol d Worried I wouldn't fit in with other people involved Worried I might end up out of pocket Fami l y / par tner woul dn't want me to Not i nt er ested Other Worried about losing benefi ts Chi l dcar e i ssues

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Appli es a lot Applies a little Does not apply at all Don't know / Not sure Chart 6 Reason for not volunteering

2.9 Reason for not Volunteering

Chart 6 on the previous page shows that ‘not enough time or work commitments’ was the most likely reason respondents do not volunteer at Lightwoods Park or for the Friends Group followed by transport issues or other commitments to volunteer elsewhere. With the older profile of respondents to the survey, it is unsurprising that childcare issues did not emerge as a reason for not volunteering with any respondents, with the chart also demonstrating that a large proportion of respondents (36.4%) are unsure whether the timings of the current volunteering activities are suitable or not.

Respondents were then asked what they thought would be needed to help new volunteer positions to be developed and properly supported. A wide range of ideas were suggested which included:

• Creating a wider range of activities to participate in that will appeal to different groups;

• Invest more volunteer hours in restoring the Shakespeare Gardens;

• Ensure that people can volunteer on a flexible basis;

• Publicise volunteering opportunities and the training that may be available widely;

• Improve the ways in which the Council and volunteers are able to get involved with sports;

Other respondents questioned whether the way in which the way the Friends Group is run prevents people from getting involved:

“At the moment some people are put off volunteering (or getting involved altogether) because of the way the Friends group is run. Whilst it is recognised that some members of the Committee do a huge amount for Bearwood, it is also felt by some members of the Committee that they are not given the chance to be actively involved. If people don't volunteer or turn up to meetings there has been criticism of these people, rather than questions asked about how meetings are run (and why some people are put off by them), how people can be encouraged to become a real part of the work of the Park. There is too much criticism of others rather than self-reflection about the best way to involve and

include people. Because people in Bearwood see one or two key Friends members taking on the bulk of the work and organisation (rather than actively involving and supporting people who might want to take on more to help) it suggests that volunteering can be a huge, all-consuming task. This can have a negative effect of actually putting people off. I need to be supported and encouraged to do little bits whenever I can and I know others do too.”

The full range of responses received is detailed in the Appendix to this report.

2.10 Involvement in the restoration project

Respondents were also asked whether they could identify ways in which volunteers could be involved in the restoration of Lightwoods Park and House. Ideas suggested included:

• Volunteers being involved in developing a programme of events;

• Assisting with the delivery of events;

• Using the local artistic community’s skills to think more creatively about the Park;

• To use volunteers as a form of neighbourhood watch to reduce the prevalence of anti-social behaviour;

• For volunteers to answer enquiries and play a greater role in the management of volunteer opportunities;

• Help restore the Shakespeare Garden;

• Assist with the maintenance of the Park;

• Volunteers being involved in the delivery and development of sports coaching.

The full range of responses received is detailed in the Appendix to this report, which also demonstrates the high level of supportive comments that were received regarding the project.

Appendix A

Open Responses Received

What activities do you carry out as a volunteer for the Friends Group or at the Park?

Signing people up to the Friends group, organising the Bearwood Shuffle, sharing information about the park and activities in the park online, ran community-led consultation about the park in the early days prior to the stage 1 bid.

Have helped at ice rink. Attend meetings connected with project. Trying to provide statuary / plants for Shakespeare Garden.

Assisted with ice rink. Helped to provide roses and statue for Shakespeare Garden Pick up litter whenever I see any.

I distribute publicity materials and also by word of mouth tell people about what is going on so encouraging them to attend the events that are held in the park. I also use some of the events as a way of publicising my own research into those from the locality who once knew and used the park and are now named on war memorials in some of the nearby churches as well as on ways that it is possible for local residents to become involved in tracing the History of their own families.

Attend Friends meetings, go to various functions in the Park and visit the Park regularly

Have volunteered for May Day Festival and also attended Friends meetings.

Help at events

Helped with last years May Day and will this year. Helped with Jazz in the park, helped with Bearwood on ice

As one of Bearwood promoters I have supported the Bearwood shuffle

Helped at Bearwood on Ice

Gardening / consultation

Gardening / Friends Group / Events

Gardening / Events (4)

Committee Group / Gardening

Helping in Shakespeare’s Garden

Shakespeare Garden

Gardening in the Shakespeare gardens

Gardening - Shakespeare Garden

Gardening

Restoring Shakespeare Gardens

Gardening (2)

Steering committee - Friends Group, gardening, events management, consultation

What types of volunteering activities would you consider doing?

Any

Anything that will support the park

I am disabled but would volunteer if there was something I was able to do

All and any

Gardening / events/

Gardening in the Shakespeare Garden and possibly with cricket coaching if the facilities were there

Activities related to horticulture or conserving the house (MA in Historic Environment Conservation)

Gardening

Interested in continuing with helping with horticulture / Shakespeare gardens.

Litter picking, marshalling, gardening

Litter picking (which I do on Saturday morning when taking my grandson to the park to play)

Publicity, Spreadsheet, statistics, Admin, Planning

Can you think of any new areas which volunteers can be of help to the park or the restoration project?

Activity days to make children and adults alike aware of the parks history and heritage

Getting expertise in community matched with the needs of activities.

Event Management

Thinking more creatively about the use of the park - and using the park in more creative ways. There is a huge artistic community in Bearwood that are very committed to the local area yet the creative potential of the park is not really coming out of the current options listed in the consultation (apart from use of space in the house and use of the bandstand). Lots more could be considered such as site-specific work, artist-designed physical improvements to the park, etc.

Use as general pairs of eyes to report anti social or other unacceptable behaviour to either a telephone number or website.

On site enquiry desk which can field work out on add hoc basis

I am yet to find out what volunteering opportunities there are, but I would like to get involved in the conservation of the house (I'm currently completing an MA in Historic Environment Conservation) and any aspect of Horticulture (I've completed an RHS level 2 certificate in Plant Science and Horticulture).

Definitely gardening, it was lovely to see the Shakespeare garden open, brought back childhood memories-though it needs a bit of TLC

Can you think of any new areas which volunteers can be of help to the park or the restoration project?

Refurbishment of the Shakespeare Gardens.

Establish a volunteer rota to allow out evening / weekend opening of the Shakespeare Gardens.

I think the Shakespeare Gardens should be open the weekends as people who work can’t get in to see it.

More help with the gardens.

Care of the benches (painting)

Cricket-if permanent concrete and matting cricket wickets were provided either in the main park or extension (which would be better as there is more space) local youths and especially local Asian Youths could be coached to play cricket as they are in Birmingham in the Birmingham Parks Cricket League. Warwickshire CCC cricket development officers could be approached to become involved. Handsworth Park is home to Handsworth Cricket Club which has both men’s and women’s teams organised by Handsworth Cricket Development Officer Eaton Gordon who works for Birmingham City Council as Handsworth's Cricket Development Officer to try to develop cricket for local youngsters. Eaton's email address is [email protected] if you wanted to contact him to see how he has developed cricket in Handsworth Park. Also a 6 a side cricket competition could be organised involving teams from local pubs like The Dog, The Bear Hotel, The Abbey, The Thimblemill, The Pheasant in Warley and The George in Oldbury. Alternatively you could approach the historic Smethwick Cricket Club in Broomfield to see if they would like to get involved in coaching youngsters in Lightwoods Park in order to develop their own young cricketers. Smethwick CC's Director of Cricket is David Banks who is very well known and respected on the local cricket scene. You can contact him at weekends at Smethwick Cricket Club at their home ground Broomfield which is next to the Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre in Smethwick or alternatively have a look at Smethwick Cricket Club's website.

I don't know the existing areas that are being covered to be able to identify the areas that need additional support.

No (11)

What do you think would be needed to help new volunteer positions to be developed and properly supported?

More activities of different kinds that appeal to everyone, from fun days, to bird watching.

I can only speak in relation to Shakespeare’s Garden where I have recently volunteered. A lot more time needs to be spent in there to restore it to its former glory. There appears to be a lot of local interest in the project but not enough time spent there to keep on top of things. Perhaps more time could be allocated to opening the gardens for volunteers to gain access (weekday evenings perhaps?).

At the moment some people are put off volunteering (or getting involved altogether) because of the way the Friends group is run. Whilst it is recognised that some members of the Committee do a huge amount for Bearwood, it is also felt by some members of the Committee that they are not given the chance to be actively involved.

What do you think would be needed to help new volunteer positions to be developed and properly supported?

If people don't volunteer or turn up to meetings there has been criticism of these people, rather than questions asked about how meetings are run (and why some people are put off by them), how people can be encouraged to become a real part of the work of the park. There is too much criticism of others rather than self-reflection about the best way to involve and include people. Because people in Bearwood see one or two key Friends members taking on the bulk of the work and organisation (rather than actively involving and supporting people who might want to take on more to help) it suggests that volunteering can be a huge, all-consuming task. This can have a negative effect of actually putting people off. I need to be supported and encouraged to do little bits whenever I can and I know others do too.

Good leaders

Regular meetings where people can get to know each other and feel involved in the progress and various projects feeling involved

Lots of flexibility, so people can dip in and out when they have a free hour or two. Not necessarily organisation meetings.

A member of staff to co ordinate

Enough voluntary management experience. Commitment of existing volunteers - You need a regular consistent body of volunteers to be able to decide priorities, and to organise work and training provision.

A rota for opening / locking the Shakespeare gardens and possibly staying to oversee it whilst it is open.

Social / Rewards.

More publicity.

The positions need to be identified by existing volunteers and promoted widely to seek suitable volunteers from the entire local area. These volunteers then need time to develop and grow in the role. The key thing to remember is time. Volunteers should never be expected to take on roles to save the local authority money.

Advertise positions available

More transparency is the friends steering group and have a more diverse membership of the steering group.

Leaflets in the neighbourhood

In relation to the previous idea to develop cricket at Lightwoods Park, you would need either one or two permanent concrete cricket wickets and the support of local cricket clubs like Harborne Cricket Club and Smethwick Cricket Club and the support via funding from Sport England and the England Cricket Board (ECB) and local cricket development officers from Warwickshire County Cricket Club at Edgbaston. I don't suppose Sandwell MBC has any cricket development officers as Birmingham City Council has to get local young people involved in cricket? One issue might be the danger of flying cricket balls in public parks, however Birmingham Parks League has existed for many years in public parks in Birmingham and they don't have a problem with health and safety.

What do you think would be needed to help new volunteer positions to be developed and properly supported?

One volunteering area which could be developed would be cricket umpiring as each game would need a volunteer umpire if games were to be on an organised basis in a league competition. Sponsorship for any cricket league could be sought from local Bearwood Businesses like Global Wines. The opportunities to create organised cricket in Lightwoods Park are endless once you have input from local cricket development authorities at Warwickshire County Cricket Club (known as 'The Bears' which fits in with the location from a marketing and sponsorship point of view looking into the future).

Some training offered perhaps?

Not sure what you mean by 'volunteer positions'

Do you have any other comments?

Would like to thank the Project Manager and all those work so hard for this cause

Congratulations to the Friends of Lightwoods Park for the hard work and progress they have made in a short space of time. I look forward to seeing the organisation grow and develop.

Good luck with project.

Hope I can be of help. my e-mail address is [email protected]

A very good project well managed by Cherie.

What about a thank you for visiting the Shakespeare Gardens Notice and a collections / ideas box. I would like to spend more time volunteering.

All comments are only said to contribute to a very successful organisation. I would be interested in doing more volunteering - administration and special events.

I would volunteer more if it were needed.

I love Lightwoods Park and would volunteer anytime.

I had a really enjoyable time today in the garden with really friendly people. I would like to get involved with more outdoor work on the park and the house.

I enjoy gardening and would be willing to do more.

Willing to volunteer and help out anytime - it would be a pleasure.

I really enjoy working in Lightwoods Park - the atmosphere is always very welcoming.

I think the opportunities for cricket development at Lightwoods Park involving youths from local schools like Lordswood and George Dixon are excellent. Local communities: Sikh, Muslim, Afro- Caribbean and white British could become involved in cricket in Lightwoods Park leading to more community cohesion, interaction and engagement between those communities' young people, older people, men and women. Look at the success of The Indian Premier League t20 competition in engaging young people in cricket in India. There has never been a better time to develop cricket in our local communities as there is now.

Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

Appendix E

Lightwoods Park Schools Survey Report

PP-10-07371: Consultation Report, Sandwell MBC

Lightwoods Park Schools Survey Report

11 schools within a 1 kilometre catchment of Lightwoods Park were contacted by both phone and email between Monday 2 nd July and Friday 20 th July 2012. Responses were received from 6 schools (55%).

School Authority Reply Abbey Infant School Sandwell Yes Lightwoods Primary School Sandwell Yes St Gregory's Catholic Primary School Sandwell Yes Abbey Junior School Sandwell No Annie Lennard Infant School Sandwell No Bearwood Primary School Sandwell No Uplands Manor Primary School Sandwell No George Dixon Junior and Infant School Birmingham Yes Lordswood Boy's School Birmingham Yes Lordswood Girl's School Birmingham Yes Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School Birmingham No

Only Lightwoods Primary School and St Gregory's Catholic Primary School stated they used Lightwoods Park for educational visits, sports or other activities, however use of the Park was infrequent (around once or twice a year) and mainly during recent events in which they were active participants.

All schools reported barriers to using Lightwoods Park or using the Park more often. A lack of information about available opportunities was cited by 4 out of the 5 schools, both Lordswood schools stated they didn't think trips are relevant to their curriculum, and Abbey Infant and Lightwoods Primary School believed there is a lack of facilities in the park to support school visits. Furthermore, George Dixon Junior and Infant School were "unaware of what the Park offers to them" and Abbey Infant School stated that they "currently use Warley Woods for educational visits". St Gregory's Catholic Primary School responded that they tend to frequent Warley Woods as they are members of Warley Woods Community Trust and it is closer.

Schools were then asked what improvements could be made to encourage your school to use Lightwoods Park more often? The responses received were as follows:

School Improvement

Abbey Infant School For us to conduct educational visits, there needs to be something for the children to do. Material should be communicated with heads of year about the House and Gardens.

Lightwoods Primary More information School

St Gregory's Catholic Literature on school visits Primary School

George Dixon Junior Better provision of information and Infant School

Lordswood Girls Interested in using the Park as we have pupils in the catchment. We have School been approached about helping with events that have the ice rink and we're happy to help. The house could be used for meetings, especially for absent/truanting pupils. The history of the Park/House would be good for local history related lessons. Publicity is currently lacking and the cost will need to be looked at in order to encourage the school to visit. School Council and Parent reps would be good to consult also.

Lordswood Boys Better publicity School

Future Involvement in the project:

Lightwoods Primary School, St Gregory's Catholic Primary School, Lordswood Girls School and Lordswood Boys School were all interested in both taking part in further discussions about how Lightwoods Park could be developed for schools use and being contacted by Sandwell Council in the future about the restoration project and using the Park for ranger-led educational visits.

Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

Appendix F

Collated Summaries of Meetings

PP-10-07371: Consultation Report, Sandwell MBC

Dizzy Youth Group, St Marys Church, Bearwood

Cherie O’Sullivan, Lightwoods Park Project Officer, met with 34 young people from Dizzy’s Youth Club on Wednesday 20th June 2012 for a semi-structured consultation about their current use of Lightwoods Park, barriers to use and ideas for improving the space for young people.

Currently 80% of the youths use the park. When asked why the remaining youths do not use the park they responded with there is nothing to do as the play area is for young children and is boring and sometimes they feel unsafe when there are large gangs hanging out in the park. They said they used to hang out on the old skate park but now since it was revamped they can not hang out there anymore as it is very well used and hanging around on the ramps would be unsafe. One lad had reported having his bike stolen from him a few months ago, however, he still uses the skate park because he likes it but he now leaves the park earlier than he used to.

Main reasons for visiting the park:

• BMX / Scooter / Skateboarding on the skate park. • Meet friends. • Play on the swings. • Take younger brothers / sisters to the playground. • Play football, cricket, rounders. • Walk the dog.

Main Areas of Use:

• Skate Park • Play Area • Extension for sports • Lawn in front of the house for football • MUGA, tennis court, gym area

Entrances commonly used:

• Bus Station Entrance • Adkins Lane – no specific point • Alleyway on extension near Warley Woods and then across Galton Road onto the main parkland Future House Uses:

• Public Toilets – number one priority when asked in a large group • Café – second priority when asked in a large group • Arts/crafts • Keep fit classes • Cinema • Games room – not to replace youth club but a pool table, comfy sofas, table tennis • Computer room for homework / internet • Toy room – for younger children when it is raining outside but not a wacky warehouse • Requested stay and play sessions in Surestart area for young children and parents/siblings • Charity Shop • Ghost walks • CCTV and lighting around the house and a caretaker • The girls in the group were very interested in the history of the house

Park ideas:

• Shelter on the stake park/play area – they liked the examples of the shelters shown but felt that they might get graffitied. • New Play Area – toddlers, juniors, youth – to include: a tree house with a slide, swings, a Viking swing, a long zip wire, sand pit and diggers, obstacle course, climbing wall. • Graffiti wall on skate park – rest of the park and ramps to be clean and free of graffiti. • Lawn to be redone in front of the house as grass is worn away. • Goal posts on the extension. • Lighting – main pathways, house and more on skate park. • Path to be resurfaced on the extension – didn’t really think a circular path would be used but wanted the existing pathways around the park resurfaced as some are in a bad condition. • Drinking fountains. • Fountain/Waterfall. • CCTV. Event Ideas:

• Larger funfair • Climbing Wall • Ice Rink • Pony Rides and an animal petting area • Bat Walks • Ghost Walks

The group were then split into two (male and female) and were asked to rank how quickly they’d like to see different uses for the space within the house happen:

Girls Group (some worked together) Now Soon Later Arts and Crafts 3 Café / Tea Rooms 2 Cinema 3 Community Rooms for Hire 3 Conference Dance Studio / Classes 2 Education Classes 1 Gallery Space 1 Horticultural Centre 1 Interpretation / History Displays 1 Keep fit venue 4 Museum 1 Office Space (commercial leases) 1 Police Drop In Station 2 Public Toilets 3 Rehearsal space 2 Restaurant 3 1 Sensory Room 1 Surestart 1 1 Weddings 2 Youth Provision 2 The functions which the girls group wanted to see happen quickest were:

1. Keep fit venue 2= Arts and Crafts room 2= Cinema 2= Community Rooms for Hire 2= Public Toilets 2= Restaurant

Boys Group (worked together) Now Soon Later Arts and Crafts 2 Café / Tea Rooms 1 Cinema 1 Community Rooms for Hire 1 Conference 1 Dance Studio / Classes 1 Education Classes 1 Gallery Space 1 Horticultural Centre 1 Interpretation / History Displays 1 Keep fit venue 1 Museum 1 Office Space (commercial leases) 1 Police Drop In Station 1 Public Toilets 1 Rehearsal space 1 Restaurant 1 Sensory Room 1 Surestart 1 Weddings 1 Youth Provision 1

As all of the boys worked together there was equal ranking given to each one. Those functions they would like to see happen the soonest are:

• Café / Tea Room • Conference Facility • Education Classes • Police Drop-in Station • Public Toilets • Rehearsal Space • Restaurant • Youth Provision

Staying in the same groups they then prioritised possible improvements for the Park:

Girls Group (some worked together) Enhance / restore entrances 2 Repair / resurface footpaths 4 Recreate original perimeter path 2 Install more seating 3 Restore the Shakespeare Garden 1 Provide clear and accessible information and interpretation 1 Restore the bandstand 2 Improve the setting for the bandstand 1 Restore the water fountains 2 Manage and enhance the historic tree planting Install new railings around the perimeter 1 Additional planting to screen Hagley Road West 2 Improve setting for Lightwoods House 4 Create an outdoor café seating area 3 Improved drainage (main park) 1 Improved drainage (extension) 1 Heritage style bins and site furniture Better children’s play provision 8 Improved horticulture/ planting

The top priorities are:

1. Better children’s play provision 2. Repair / resurface footpaths 2. Improve setting for Lightwoods House 4. Install more seating 4. Create an outdoor café seating area

The boys’ priorities were:

• Provide clear and accessible information and interpretation • Manage and enhance the historic tree planting • Improve setting for Lightwoods House • Create an outdoor café seating area • Improved drainage (main park) • Better children’s play provision

The demographics of those attending were recorded as:

• Postcodes: B16 / B67 / B17 / B68 / B68 / B68 / B68 / B67 5QD / B68 0LW • Female: 16 (Ages: 10-15: 9 / 16-24: 6 / 25-44: 1) • Male: 18 (Ages: 10-15: 11 / 16-24: 7) • Ethnicity: 28 White British / 6 Black British Fran Ellis, Community Champion for Venture

Mike Anderson had a brief, unstructured telephone conversation with Fran Ellis (t: 0121 429 2039) about her role with Venture and how best to approach the local schools with regards to educational opportunities at Lightwoods Park.

Venture is a partnership in South Smethwick where 6 schools, along with a Surestart Children's Centre and Library, are working together as a cluster to achieve being an Extended Service. Extended services offer a range of services and activities, often beyond the school day. The core offer is:

• Varied Menu of activities - study support • Swift and easy access to specialist services • Childcare - Holiday schemes • Parenting support – Family Learning

As can be seen, some activities are targeted directly at the parents / carers of the children which includes school facilities for members of the community such as those used for adult and family learning, sports and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Each Venue has a dedicated Community Champion. They work with the community in putting policy in to practice. Fran is employed for 8 hours a week as Community Champion for Thimblemill Library.

According to the Venture website, the contact details for the cluster are:

Abbey Infants / Abbey Juniors

• Donna Pryor • Email: [email protected] • An old caretaker’s house at the Abbey Juniors site has been transformed into a community house. The house is used for workshops, extended learning opportunities, coffee mornings etc

Annie Lennards Infants

• Debbie Kirk • Email: [email protected]

Bearwood Primary

• Bal Klair (Homeschool Link worker) • Email: [email protected]

St Gregory's Catholic Primary

• Sheena Dearn • Email: [email protected] • An extension in school has enabled St Gregory's to provide a community hub. This is a modern kitchen type room and has been used for cookery, meetings and networking.

Thimblemill Library

• Fran Ellis

Uplands Manor Primary School

• Michelle George • Email: [email protected] • A classroom has been transformed into a community room. This room will house coffee mornings, training, job clubs, healthy eating clinics, first aid, community police, surgeries, workshops, has a mini IT suite housing 6 internet computers.

Also, the Smethwick Uplands and Londonderry Children’s Centre has an onsite training room, crèche room, health room and day care.

Staff from Lightwoods Park would benefit from the local networking and promotional opportunities that exist through the partnership and if they wanted to become part of this there is no formal application process and Fran feels that they would be welcomed.

With regards to getting in touch with the local schools, Fran believes the best way to do this is, in the first instance, contact the head of each school directly. Outcomes of the consultation:

• When conducting school survey try to phone head teacher in first instance. • Follow up with request to Fran for contact details of other local stakeholders and interest groups e.g. BME advocates. • Once educational staff are in place at Lightwoods consider joining the partnership.

Update 4 July 2012:

On 27 June Fran provided contact details of heads at local schools she’s involved with:

• Abbey Infants - Ms Pauline Smart - 0121 429 1689 • Abbey Juniors - Ms Pauline Smart – 0121 429 2700 • Annie Lennards - Michelle Holllingsworth – 0121 429 4284 • Bearwood Primary - Miss Deb Haywood – 0121 434 4499 • St Gregory's RC Primary School - Krys Bickley – 0121 429 4609 • Uplands Manor Primary School - Sue Gormley – 0121 558 1602

Frank Caldwell, Principal Officer Museums Arts and Tourism, Sandwell MBC

Mike Anderson from CFP met with Frank Caldwell (E: [email protected] T: 0121 569 8342 M: 07972 167704) at the Council House in Oldbury on Monday 6th August 2012 to discuss lessons learnt from involving people in the museums and explore the involvement of the Museums Service in the restoration project.

Sandwell Museums Service is responsible for a number of properties as well as holding public collections and delivering activities including an education programme.

The Service manages the award winning Haden Hill House Museum in Cradley Heath which is a former Victorian gentleman's residence located in Haden Hill Park. The House operates a tearoom during the busier times of the year, has public toilets, hosts school activities and is also a wedding venue (hire cost is £425, no reception facilities are available). Frank believes much of the success of the museum is down to the tearoom / toilets and location within a busy park; a museum cannot rely on just throwing open its doors and expecting people to come, there has to be a hook to get people there in the first place, and not necessarily connected to the arts or heritage associated with the venue.

Lessons learnt from developing the facilities and services in Sandwell include:

• There is a poor connection between local people and their understanding and empathy for their local history / heritage. • General family-friendly events are a good way of getting people to the venue and once there people will naturally explore the museum / collection etc and begin to build a link with the venue and its heritage. • Teachers are more comfortable with self-delivering curriculum work around the Victorians rather than the Tudors. Literacy- themed educational activities are increasingly popular whereas living history lessons are beginning to be less popular (due to funding prioritisation), although are still in demand and well received. • Living history works best when it is delivered in the third person (easier to answer questions from a 21st Century perspective than trying to act it out in first person). • The most popular local history is the period of people’s grandparents. • Adult-oriented programmes which explore adult themes work well.

• The venue should focus on a particular story / stories and if artefacts etc are not related to these stories then they should not be in the collection. • If people are going to investigate the family trees of the people who lived in Lightwoods House then they need to be careful about ensuring the sources of information are not corrupt; there are many instances of Victorian genealogists cutting and pasting other people’s family histories and just changing the names. Frank can provide guidance in this area if required.

The Service takes a risk management approach to the conservation of historical objects and artefacts and actively encourages handling items. The Service has period furnished rooms for the Victorians (at Haden Hill) and Tudors (at Oak House) and has items on loan from the V&A’s large warehouse collection. To make sure that these continue to be viable resources they would not seek to replicate these periods of history at other venues.

They are beginning to increase their outreach work with schools using themed loans boxes; school education activities have held up well against the background of budget cuts. The schools education is done on a cost-neutral basis, employing sessional staff to deliver the activities

The Museums Service is willing in principle to get involved in the project where it can e.g. interpreting the history, developing history-related educational packages, etc. In most cases there won’t be any additional management fee, but where outside help is bought in (such as the people who deliver the schools education) this would need to be covered either by the project or the end user.

Richard Marshall (Chair of Friends of Lightwoods Park and House / Chair of the Bearwood Traders) and Marie Marshall (Secretary of Friends of Lightwoods Park and House).

Adrian Spray and Mike Anderson from Community First Partnership (CFP) met with Richard and Marie at 4pm on Thursday 24th May 2012 to have a general discussion about the project to date and consultation during the development phase.

There is a feeling that local people are beginning to suffer from consultation fatigue as the Friends, along with Cherie, Lightwoods Park Project Officer, have spent the last two years asking people what they want to see change in the park / house. It was explained that the role of the consultation now is to not go over old ground but to discuss the key design issues that these ideas are raising; namely entrances and boundary treatments, play area location, and event spaces. CFP are proposing a workshop to tackle these on 12th June 2012 (along with an update on the house) and sought feedback on location and timing to ensure it would be compatible with known patterns of attending other events / consultations. The Friends warned that play provision is something of a hot potato and it is likely that more than the 40 places available would be booked to discuss just this. They recommended either repeating the workshop or holding an open meeting specifically around play.

As a consequence of consultants being appointed to undertake the consultation part of the restoration project the Friends have decided to step back from leading on this element and focus on developing other activities. They are, however, keen to provide volunteer support for any consultation events and if previous events are anything to go by there will be enough volunteers to help out (Bearwood on Ice was organised by the Friends and they had 80 volunteers involved over its duration).

During the discussion about the restoration of the house it became apparent that there is no public awareness that the restoration project, currently, only proposes to make the building watertight and structurally sound and restore the ground floor; there is a widely perceived expectation that the whole house is being restored. The Friends see the ballroom being used for weddings etc as essential to the financial sustainability of the House. In the short term, the Friends are proposing to get the bandstand (and wider park) registered for civil weddings as there is a provisional booking for one next year.

To manage public expectations about the timescale of the project it was suggested by the friends that a countdown clock to key dates could be provided on the house.

Local people are concerned about car parking provision, particularly if there is a wedding which is likely to attract an additional 70 or so cars to a single event. It was explained that the design team are aware of the issue and will need to be considered as it will form part of the planning application decision making process. The Friends want to see the extension remain as a car parking venue for large events and any change to access or facility provision in this area should consider this; Richard is planning on putting on a drive-in cinema there in September 2012. The Friends are planning on developing their programme of events in the park to fundraise towards further improvements and help keep the park and house on a financially sound footing.

With regards to how traders see the project fitting in with the wider regeneration of Bearwood, they believe that the project is one part of making it an attractive area to visit and shop at as well as the park drawing people down to the Hagley Road end of the high street. There are some concerns about the proposed café taking business from existing caterers but otherwise the project is being well received. Some of the traders have shown support for the project by donating goods or services and are willing to help out where possible; Richard is going to ask a local estate agent (Derek Spires) if they can give some advice around commercial rental rates for the proposals.

Outcomes of the consultation

• Clarify situation regarding phasing and funding of the restoration of the House. • Consider alternative venue for community workshop (St. Mary’s Church Hall can hold 60+). • Consider how the site is going to address car parking for events associated with the House. • Hold further discussions with the Friends regarding the development of events for inclusion in the Activity Plan. • Engage with local estate agents in assessing commercial rates for the House. Graeme O’Malley, Commissioning for Mental Health (MH) Employment, Sandwell NHS PCT / Sandwell Council

Mike Anderson (CFP), Jim Whiteman (Chris Thomas Architects), Val Mackenzie (Urban Design) and Cherie O’Sullivan (Lightwoods Park Project Officer) met with Graeme (t: 0121 569 5563 e: [email protected] and graeme.o'[email protected]) at Beeches Enterprise Centre to:

• Explain the current proposals regarding the layout of the House and Park and how this relates to its history. • Raise awareness of the opportunities for involving mental health employment services and any new Mental Health Work Agency at the Park and in the restoration project. • Set out the timetable for the restoration project. • Understand the amount of space each MH service ideally requires. • Understand the level of facilities required to support each MH service. • Understand how the space will be used.

A New Mental Health Employment Service

At the moment, the mental health employment services are delivered by Beeches Enterprise Centre (vocational services) and In2Work (job brokerage and retention). These services were developed some years ago. Since then, new evidence has been coming through that the most successful way of getting people with mental health problems into work is through the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model.

So that they can get the best results from the new Recovery Hub, and get as many people into work as they can in future, a new evidence-based MH Employment Service is proposed.

This new service, part of the Mental Health & Social Wellbeing Model and based on the principles of ‘recovery’, will replace the existing vocational service and job brokerage and retention services (Beeches Enterprise Centre MH Vocational & Employment Services and In2Work). It is expected to be in operation by July 2013.

Currently some people who could work cannot get work because they would not be able to manage the work consistently enough for most employers.

So, as well as the new employment service, Sandwell Primary Care Trust and the council also propose to develop a new Mental Health Work Agency that will give these people the chance to get paid work. The Work Agency will offer new and different solutions for this group from contracts secured or businesses developed which will employ people with mental health issues. This new Agency will move the service from being in-house to one provided by an external organisation.

Horticultural MH Service

The horticultural training facility being established by the existing MH service at Lightwoods Park (polytunnels, portacabin) will continue when the new service is introduced next year.

The service will require formal classroom space for up to 15 people with severe and enduring mental health issues (plus three support workers) to be able to receive horticultural, personal and work-related training. This does not require cloakroom / washing facilities as people won’t be switching between working outdoors and the classroom, although it would be preferable to have access to such facilities at other times.

In addition to training space there is a need for office space for the service manager and possibly space for a work development team, part of the Work Agency, who would look for income from business contracts and / or new business. This accommodation would not necessarily have to be close to the horticultural unit, or on the ground floor of the building. The Work Agency will be receiving a good level of financial support in its early years to support its transition towards a sustainable organisation.

The proposed space for the polytunnels is likely to limit the number of plants produced such that, if successful, the service will look to expand by establishing another unit elsewhere in the Borough. It could also limit sales to the public if all material is required by the park / Bearwood in Bloom.

There is an understanding that the horticultural service will maintain Shakespeare garden as part of their tenure, however, they would consider taking on other grounds maintenance within the park if this option was to become available. Catering MH Service

Graeme would like to see a community benefit clause in the procurement of catering services (‘Community Benefits’ in this context are contractual requirements which deliver a wider social benefit in addition to the core purpose of the contract. In particular, requirements in relation to targeted training and employment outcomes) particularly as it does not look like there are any catering social enterprises that could deliver the scale and quality required to service not only a tearoom but also conferences and weddings and it is unlikely that any MH service could provide the necessary personal and professional development as well as servicing these uses of the house. As a consequence he sees the kitchen being a functional one rather than set up specifically for training, although the space does lend itself to demonstrations being delivered by the catering team in the kitchen with an audience seated in the servery area in front of it. In time, it may be possible to develop training that complements the catering, such as hospitality management, conference organisation, bartender training etc.

The provision of a separate kitchen with individual training pods could prove to be a white elephant; there is going to be local competition with ‘Kitchen’ opening in Harborne which will include a community food school, offering drop-in classes and regular cooking clubs for older people, schools and families although it is not known how they will engage and involve the most vulnerable members of the community which could be done at Lightwoods House. One option to consider is the provision of portable burners which keeps each room in the house as a flexible space.

Outcomes from the consultation:

• Val and Jim to confirm ‘ideal’ requirements and consider how they can be incorporated into the designs. • Mike to establish required level of detail regarding training and activities for Activity Plan. • SMBC to consider community benefit clauses in procurement. • CFP to consider impact of proposals on the Business Plan for the house.

Peter Short, Parks Facilities Manager, Birmingham City Council

Mike Anderson from CFP contacted Birmingham Sport and Events section to enquire about bowls provision in the west of Birmingham, particularly around the Ladywood, Harborne and Quinton wards. This is not something within their remit so they provided contact details for Peter Short from the Council’s Parks & Nature Conservation. He was subsequently contacted on Monday 21 May by email:

“I’m working with Cherie O’Sullivan at Sandwell Council on an improvement project in Bearwood which needs to consider bowls provision. The front of house at Birmingham Sport and Events have put me in touch with you as I’m looking to get a better understanding of what’s going on in the west of Birmingham, in particular the Ladywood, Harborne and Quinton wards which are within the likely catchment area. Can you let me know:

1. We’ve identified bowling greens at Harborne Bowling Club, New Inn (Harborne) and The Bell (Harborne) but are there are any others in the area? 2. What is the current trend in demand for bowling in the area, is this being met and how is this likely to change in the future? 3. What are the priorities for improving bowling in the area (and any projects underway)?

If you could let me have a response by Friday 1st June then I can incorporate your feedback into the scoping review we’re doing.”

A response was received on the same day from Peter:

“We currently have parks bowling greens at Highfield Farm Recreation Ground in Quinton, Queens Park in Harborne and another green at Laurel Road Sports Ground in Handsworth Wood Wards.

We are seeing a tailing off of demand, and are considering trying to consolidate those clubs that remain into key sites to try and reduce expenditure on under utilised greens. We currently have 9 greens (10 with Laurel Road), some of which are heavily used, some which have very little use, whilst no decisions have been made, and we have only recently started to consult with the bowlers, the option remains for some greens to possibly be taken out of use, or if extra demand arises, this will sustain their use into the future.

The greens at Highfield Farm and Queens Park are among those which are heavily used. Laurel Road does not currently have a home club which uses it. We are looking for this to be driven by the bowlers themselves, as we have no resource to be able to undertake promotion works, so we are involving the Warwickshire County Parks Bowls Association in those discussions from the outset. I hope that answers your queries, if you have any further questions, please feel free to make contact.” Saleem Arif, Director Wedding Centres Limited

Mike Anderson from CFP had an unstructured telephone conversation with Saleem (t: 07414984843 e: [email protected]) on Friday 1st June 2012 to discuss issues and ideas around the use of Lightwoods House and the Park as a wedding venue post-restoration. Due to the commercial sensitivity of this discussion, a statement has been agreed by both parties which summarises Mr Arif’s business and the general conversation about Lightwoods as a wedding venue:

We Wedding Centres Limited, are a Branded Wedding Planner, Organiser and Facilitator, of all, requirements for a Brides, Big Day to be.

We are The One Stop Shop, Wedding Shop, a family ethics based business, who are growing and expanding a national chain of outlets, to provide, everything a Bride & Groom, and their family and guests, could ever wish for, unique products and daily products and services, all tailored to your exacting requirements, and the need for sensible affordable, packaged prices, a local company with national delivery.

Based in the heart of the Midlands, Edgbaston, and surroundings, we are eagerly anticipating the re-opening of Lightwoods House, in Lightwood Park, and to providing a most stunning of locations to hold Your Wedding Day Celebration.

The Park and House, have been run down and dilapidated for some considerable years, and we look forward to investing our time and revenues into the project, in order to help deliver this wonderful and majestic house back into daily use and provide, wonderful service, job creation, and training, to the local public, customers and clients from near, and far, to provide a destination location, facilities second to none, for the young, middle aged and elderly to enjoy and share in.

We seek to provide, by holding a long-term commercial lease, as Operator, over the House and Park, agreed between us and The Council, a total solution to the catering, food and beverage, rest and entertainment requirements of the House & Park, utilising our, imagination and commercial flair, for sustained training and revenues, life jobs, and pure unbridled passion, of our Bridal Shows, please excuse the pun, we bring Romance to A House & Park that deserves, cries out to be back into, the Forefront of the Local Community - The Park is Beautiful, The House Magnificent, and we bring, commercial viability, to the whole, Romance is Alive and Well, no matter the economy, no matter the age group of the visitors. We have life job creation, training, and personal development plans, young to semi retired, from Models to Drivers, Chefs to Waiters, Sales and Service, design and seamstresses, hats shoes, gloves and jewellery, fresh fruit, herbs, butchery and special breads, gluten free, and Halal, we have, Catholic, Church of England, Jewish, and Muslim, every race, creed and religion, we are, integration and moderation, we have seen it all, and cater, for all.

We have unique ground breaking niche products, that only we, have developed, that only we can offer and that only we have invested in, for many years, to bring to the, Event, the Location, and you seek the best, at the most affordable of prices, money is precious these days, and we make every penny count, package prices, for not only Weddings, but Food, Drink, Gifts, and Entertainment, even a Charitable Division being set up, to benefit those, that need, the help.

We seek to work with local suppliers, enjoy a vibrant and enjoyable trade, see the local community thrive with our efforts, your efforts and share the proceeds, the enjoyment, of doing, just that, part of a cake, is better than, no cake, and a benefit shared, is an investment in the future, we train for the future of the youngsters, so that they can do the same, this is a family business model, made public, and made on commercial terms.

Weddings, a Beautiful Thing, uniting people, for a Life Choice & The Future.

Outcomes from this consultation:

• Consider leasing the house (excluding the separate stables) on a long term lease to a private business. • Investigate civil wedding licence regulations and wedding parties / ceremonies by non-Christian religions to ensure any plans put in place does not limit use of park. • Recommend that standards of catering are able to meet the quality required for wedding parties as well as general day-to-day park visitors. • Consider parking provision for weddings / large parties as part of the design work to support the Round Two application. • The company details were taken and inputted onto a spreadsheet of all businesses interested in leasing space in Lightwoods House. The company was informed that there would be a competitive tender opportunity when the house is restored. Santokh Singh, Smethwick Neighbourhood Manager, Sandwell MBC

Mike Anderson from CFP had a semi-structured telephone call with Santokh (tel: 0121 569 5377 or email [email protected]) on Monday 9 July. As part of the consultation work, Mike was keen to access the views of those people described as ‘Hard to Reach’. Discussions with people to date had failed to locate any local advocates for people who could be grouped as:

• Travellers (including those who prefer to known as Gypsies) • Migrant Workers • Looked After Children • Individuals within the criminal justice system • Asylum seekers and refugees • Black and Minority Ethnic Groups • People with Learning Disabilities • People with long-term mental health problems • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people • Homeless and insecurely housed people

Santokh explained that these people who could be classed as Hard to Reach are ‘well versed in the community’ of Bearwood and so there is no need for any advocates or projects to support them. This is, in part, due to the slightly higher levels of affluence that exists in the area.

Santokh would like to be kept updated with the project as it develops and is keen to meet at an appropriate time in the future to discuss any opportunities for using Lightwoods House for facilitating neighbourhood management activities.

Outcomes from consultation:

• Add Santokh to e-newsletter database • Ensure activities and events targeted at the listed ‘hard to reach’ groups are proportionate. • Explore other ‘Hard to Reach’ groups such as older people and busy people. • After the designs and reports have been drafted consult with Santokh on any possible amendments. Marian Hills. Caretaker and Youth Worker at St Mary's Church Hall, Bearwood

Mike Anderson from CFP met with Marian Hills at the Church Hall on Tuesday, 29 May to discuss the available space within the Hall and who uses it and also issues around the youth club which Marian helps to run.

Details on the church hall are in a separate consultation database about all local meeting venues / function rooms.

Dizzy’s, the youth group at the hall, has about 70 young people aged 10 to 25 who attend. They are led by a part-time, paid youth leader (currently working as part of their qualification in this field), two volunteers and usually about three people aged about 18 who are either on their gap year or students looking to gain experience in this area of work. Marian does, however, feel that there is the capacity within Bearwood to develop the provision for young people further and attract more participants, along with more volunteers.

The youth group at the hall has been running in various guises for the last 12 or so years. It originally started as an initiative between all the local CofE churches in Warley, with groups being run at various venues. That particular initiative ended about three years ago along with the other youth groups. St Mary’s continued to support their youth group and a year ago they established Worth Unlimited, a new charitable organisation, to fund raise and run the youth group. The youth group is run as it is seen as a worthwhile thing to do and is not about extending the church’s teachings (i.e. it is secular not spiritual).

Dizzy’s has a dedicated room within the church hall which consists of a small kitchen area, pool table, table tennis table and sofa ‘chill out’ area. The young people are encouraged to take responsibility for the room, and re-decorate it themselves every few years.

Marian is interested in either running activities or moving the youth group to the house so that they can engage with young people who are not currently involved with the group, make use of the park and provide a safe haven for any young person who needs it if they feel unsafe in the park; this happens occasionally when gangs of young people come to the park from outside of the area and threaten / rob the young people using the park. It is this feeling of insecurity which deters some young people from using the park and (boys in particular) from travelling to the youth centre in Cape Hill. Young people in the youth group have expressed a strong interest I having a music / recording room in Lightwoods House.

Having somewhere to just relax, and talk to adults if they want to, is an important feature for young people as they spend so much of their time being organised (extracurricular activity, being ferried around to activities etc) and so any move to the House would require similar space to what they currently have. Sandwell Council’s Youth Service is supportive of Dizzy’s in principle, although this rarely turns into anything practical. Likely contacts there: Steve or Tariq.

Discussing the wider community of Bearwood, Marian confirmed that there is a genuine interest in developing music and crafts in the area. Some local people see Bearwood as becoming like Moseley in this respect, although whether that is a good or bad thing depends on your personal point of view. There is also little segregation between communities from different backgrounds which means that there aren’t the usual community leaders who advocate on their behalf.

Outcomes of the consultation

• Include representatives from Dizzy’s youth group at appropriate stages of the development of the House. • Work with representatives of the youth group to develop activities within the park. • Contact Sandwell Youth Service to explore how they can get involved in the project. Steven Walker, Senior Youth Officer Young People’s Services, Sandwell MBC

Mike Anderson from CFP arranged to meet with Steve (T: 0845 352 0023 M: 07813319454 E: [email protected]) at the Coneygre Centre in Tipton where he’s based. On the day there was also Dawn Maleki - Area Youth Manager -and Shafaq Hussain - Senior Youth Officer.

The youth service provides a service to all young people in Sandwell aged between 11 and 25 years old with an emphasis on working with young people aged 13 - 19 years.

The service has Centre based (youth clubs), Detached teams (street-based), a youth bus and provides services for specific groups (working in partnership with local people and other agencies to positively address the impact of poverty and social exclusion).

The service’s presence in Bearwood is mainly limited to part-time detached youth work delivered through sessional youth workers on one or two evenings a week. Their focus is typically directed by the Smethwick Zero Level Tasking Group (which meets at Warley Woods Pavilion). The Group has been designed to provide a simple mechanism for Sandwell Council, West Midlands Police, Sandwell Homes, West Midlands Fire Service and other organisations to work jointly to address anti-social behaviour (ASB), crime and other community problems that impact on residents’ quality of life and satisfaction with their neighbourhoods.

Sandwell also has a Shadow Youth Cabinet consisting of an elected group of 15 young people who represent the views of young people in Sandwell (3 for each of the six towns in Sandwell, as well as four members of the United Kingdom Youth Parliament) and are also responsible for the allocation of Youth Opportunity & youth capital Funds. They meet on a weekly basis in the Coneygre Centre and include local representatives from Smethwick. There is the opportunity to consult with them if needed.

Provision of youth centres in the area are to the north of Bearwood in Smethwick, such as the Smethwick Youth & Community Centre due to the lack of meeting space available in Bearwood. When the new ‘super’ youth centre opened in Smethwick this attracted young people from Bearwood, but due to travel issues numbers eventually tailed off and YP Services are now looking to provide a youth club within Bearwood itself in Autumn 2012.

They would like to have access to space in the restored house a couple of evenings a week to be able to provide such a youth club. They recognise that there isn’t currently any tailor made youth provision in Bearwood other than Dizzy’s based in St Mary’s Church Hall (which with its attachment to a church may be perceived to be a barrier to some young people to accessing this club).

YP Services also recognise that the landscape can support personal development / accreditation through delivery of activities related to recycling and citizenship or combining a growing understanding of the park with visits to other, more natural, areas.

The YP service do work with the Sandwell MBC Parks Department and the Friends of Lightwoods and other agencies to help put on the large community events that take place in the Park; providing services and activities at on the day of the event. Their other main association with the park is occasional sessional work in the evenings.

Sandwell’s Museums Service have done a lot of work in recent years on engaging and involving young people through schools and events and could provide the restoration project team with some good advice (contact Frank Caldwell, Museum Arts and Tourism Manager. Tel: 0121 569 8342. Email: [email protected]).

There are few issues with young people in Bearwood, in comparison to other wards around the borough, which is why the YP services are not more directly involved in the area. This is, in part, due to the level of affluence being slightly better than other areas; and there is an aspiration from people living in other areas to move to Bearwood when they can afford to.

Many of the young people from Harborne on the Birmingham City Council side of the Hagley Road West do not tend to go to Lightwoods Park as in general they don’t attend Sandwell schools (e.g. Lordswood Boys School) and as a consequence don’t mix / play with young people from Bearwood and Smethwick. However, should a youth club be established in the park the YP Services have an inclusive approach and would welcome them regardless of the administrative boundary.

Staff recognise that, whilst the skate park at the Park is very popular, it only appeals to a distinct section of young people. Because of the perception of skaters by the general public they feel that some of the other park users, including young people, avoid going anywhere near this part of the park and therefore careful consideration must be given to the expansion of the skate park or providing additional facilities or activities for young people in the area as it may further exclude or limit their use of it.

One thing that the YP Service is keen to see is community benefit clauses added to any procurement contracts so that young people in the area are given the opportunity to receive training / work through the restoration project.

Outcomes from consultation

• Consider providing access to the restored house for youth activities. • Get a more detailed programme of future activities (type, frequency, number of young people involved, any accreditation etc) once proposals for house and landscape are more finalised. • Consider presenting draft proposals to the Shadow Youth Cabinet for feedback • Contact Sandwell’s Museums Service for any research or lessons learnt from involving young people in the development of their services and facilities. • Ensure plans for the skate park are proportionate to the provision of facilities, features and activities for young people elsewhere in the park. • Ensure revenue budget is provided to support activities for young people. • Recommend community benefit clauses are mentioned in the bid as an aspiration for the procurement of capital works and services.

Viv Cole, Trust Manager at Warley Woods Community Trust

Mike Anderson and Adrian Spray from CFP met with Viv Cole (t: 0121 4201061 e: [email protected]) on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 to discuss lessons to be learnt from the restoration of Warley Woods, how Lightwoods Park can complement the provision at Warley Woods and the future of the Pavilion and the likely impact Lightwoods House will have on it.

Details regarding the community space for hire within the Pavilion are recorded separately as part of a wider investigation into venues within the local area.

Lessons learnt:

• Boundary Treatment – The maintenance and repair costs for the high, heritage style fencing has been a big drain on the Trust’s resources. There have been three or four major repairs in recent years due to (unknown) vehicles colliding with the fencing / gates. • Toilet provision at events – as well as the cost of hiring them, some thought needs to be given to their safe storage before and after the event (and overnight) to minimize the risk that they will be vandalised and be unavailable / incur additional costs. • Under-represented groups - Viv has struggled to engage with underrepresented groups from the local area as she is not aware of many advocacy groups or community leaders. Typically engagement is done through individuals who volunteer with the Trust. • Volunteering – sustaining the involvement of volunteers post-restoration can be a challenge. • Schools – involvement with local schools has generally been done on an ad hoc basis when funding has been available for discrete projects.

Complementary provision:

There are local concerns about personal safety when using the cut through between the extension and Lightwoods Hill, opposite Warley Woods, during quiet times (such as dusk). Viv is amenable to exploring opportunities to improve access between the two sites at this location.

Currently the Trust is undertaking an oral history project and they have been sending volunteers on training courses to become interviewers. There is the possibility that these interviewers could get involved in a similar project at the Park; either by conducting interviews or training new volunteers. Viv is very keen to see that future events at Lightwoods don’t clash with those at Warley Woods – either by theme or by date. As a Trust, Warley Woods is reliant to an extent on the revenue they generate through their large-scale events. They see their product as natural history, rather than more general events, although they do have their annual Party in the Park; which, whilst similar to Lightwoods Park Festival, Viv feels there is the capacity within the calendar for both to be a success. The preparation time required by the Trust means that they have to set their events for the forthcoming year in the previous November and have little flexibility to move dates around.

Due to their existing commitments, neither the Trust’s admin staff nor volunteers currently have the spare capacity to support the organisation and delivery of events at Lightwoods Park.

To ensure the continued success of Warley Woods through membership numbers, donations, volunteering etc the Trust has invested a lot of time and energy in creating and promoting their own identity. This has meant they have avoided partnerships where their brand might get confused with that of a wider initiative, such as becoming part of Team Bearwood, which may impact on any future projects between the Park and the Woods.

The Pavilion:

The Pavilion is not the modern, welcoming centre that the Trust would ideally like, but the current vision regarding its redevelopment is unlikely to be attractive to funders / donors. As a consequence there is little chance of change within the short to medium term.

Current thinking is to replace like-for-like in terms of location, facilities and functions and so the building would not have any commercial aspects and is unlikely to have any impact on the use or viability of activities within Lightwoods House.

Outcomes of the consultation

• Improve sightlines and design around cut through between the extension and Lightwoods Hill. • Consider an oral history project as an activity. • Ensure dates for community events are co-ordinated between local organisations.

Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

Appendix G

Memories of Lightwoods Park and House Exercise Comments

PP-10-07371: Consultation Report, Sandwell MBC

Lightwoods Park and House Consultation Memories

Comments from Bandstand Shuffle - 23rd September 2012

How does Lightwoods Park make you feel?

• Good, nice community feel. Sometimes a bit on guard because it's a bit grotty but its improving • Positive, going to be used more and more, lots of potential, excited about the house being developed • I love it, been coming here since I was a 9-year old boy, my son loves playing football here, events are really good, i.e. Bearwood on ice at Christmas, there were stalls on the pathway etc • I like it, when I had a dog, I walked it in the park twice a day, saddens me the amount of litter/glass, young people drinking - smashing beer/vodka bottle - dangerous for children. It has improved since Sandwell took over, the skate park is good and bad - can feel a bit threatened • Relaxed • Happy, peaceful and calm

What do you think of the bandstand?

• I love it - properly old school and great to see it used for music again • Good it's being used, normally might have a couple of kids sitting on it • We like it, needs sprucing up, used to be really sad - teenagers hanging out smoking, some people get married locally and have their photos on the bandstand, could be used more, brass bands etc • It would be good if they put up partitions on the bandstand, to keep people dry from the rain etc, would be good if they put seating up around it, could put different things on it • Really good, wicked • Architecturally beautiful but under utilised

Do you know any interesting stories which have happened here? Or can you imagine any?

• My little girl learned to worked on walking here and learned how to swing and slide • Re-did skate park, added gym, all the paths • No • There is a homeless, alcoholic man who talks to himself • No • Saved my life when I had a new-born bay in the early days especially, used to come and walk the baby round and round, needed to get out, my son learned to ride his balance bike here and managed to pronounce the word 'squirrelʼ.

Can you think of three words to describe the park?

• Open, green, good place to learn to walk • Green, beautiful, spacious, community • Beautiful, lovely trees, lovely, open, fun, nature, community, football, ice- cream, associated with little boy memories • Potential, convenient, busy • Big, green, child-friendly (in a band called little liam - littleliam.co.uk)

Comments from Friends of Lightwoods Park and House Meeting - 10th October 2012

How does Lightwoods Park make you feel?

• Hopeful • Pleased to be with my grandchildren but depressed at the state of the park • Happy to be living in Bearwood • Free - open space and green trees and grass • Pleased that we have a chance to restore it • Happy to live in such a great place • Relaxed • Local to a place/part of a place that is local • A bit depressed • Happy • Good • Sense of freedom • Relaxed, happy • Pleased to step out of the street into a green area • Part of a good, local community • Up-beat • Mixed feelings • Entertainment for the community • Lightwoods park makes me feel part of an ʻactive communityʼ • Happy • Proud and happy

How would you describe the park to someone who has never been there?

• Small oasis, hidden and unexpected on one of the major city roads • Good space near my house with a potentially beautiful house and run down play area • Community, accessible park • Near main road, has a nice old house and plenty of space but noisy in parts due to the traffic • A slightly neglected urban park on need of investment • Local jewel but needing someone to take care of it into the future • Urban park with facilities to play sport or recreation, relax and have fun, plus it's on my doorstep • History there, ready to move on • Once a thriving place but now run down • Interesting features, i.e. Shakepeare Garden, graded house, water fountains • Happy to walk around • Lovely, well kept park, friendly people to meet • A reminder of childhood, a great space with great improvements happening with hopefully a lot more to come • The parkland of a large mansion - an historic setting now surrounded by streets • A relaxing place with plenty of space to meet and chill and chat • Busy, multi-functional, relaxed place for people of all ages • A stately home with grounds - all for the people • Place for activity or to spend free time • It is a great facility with really interesting historic features • Nice place for walks and a good pub to finish in • Nice place to visit in and relax in

Memory of the bandstand/park

• Fell in love • My son breaking his ankle skating on the bandstand and being brought home in a police car • Training for 10k run with a friend, in memory of my Mum • Lovely concerts at bandstand. Sitting on grass and joining others listening. • Family atmosphere. Fine, warm summer days. • The Bearwood Promoters music events • Given access to the house to take pictures before transfer. Shocked at conditions and neglect • It's a place I play football with my son for the past 8 years and his friends • Children riding bikes/learning to ride bikes, swings on cold, early Sunday mornings / Shakespeare Garden and running, children running to see fish • As a child chased by a puppy who hung onto the ribbons of my pigtails • Girl getting stuck in swing! • It's nice to walk there • Listening to the bands • My father told me about his parents going to the park to listen to the Birmingham Police band in the 1920s & 30s - their conductor was Appleby Matthews; my mother spent many happy hours there playing for a very successful bowls team • Met and spoke to a lot of great new people • Climbing around the outside of the bandstand as a child. The many hours I have spent playing football • The centre piece of the shuffle which is a breath of fresh air in Bearwood • Playing my first game of football as a young person • My mother and grandmother always said Julie Andrews (of Sound of Music fame) performed on the bandstand when she was young - maybe as a child? • Nothing that comes to mind • No

Lightwoods Park and House Restoration Project

Appendix H

Lightwoods Park and House Consultation Roadshow Report

PP-10-07371: Consultation Report, Sandwell MBC

Lightwoods Park and House Consultation Roadshow Report

Contents

1 Introduction...... 1

2 Results ...... 5

2.1Respondent Profile ...... 5

3 Overall Support ...... 7

4 Park ...... 8

5 Lightwoods House ...... 10

6 People ...... 14

Appendix A – Publicity Materials and Media Coverage Appendix B – Open Responses Summary Appendix C – Open Responses Received

1 Introduction

Sandwell MBC and its partners held a consultation roadshow to display the draft plans for Lightwoods Park and House between Monday 1st October and Sunday 7th October 2012. The roadshow and the plans shown, organised under the headings Park, House and People, were the culmination of previous consultation and survey work undertaken since the transfer of the park from Birmingham City Council to Sandwell MBC in 2010 and more detailed consultation following Sandwell MBC being awarded a Round 1 pass by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Consultation events were held across 7 locations in both Sandwell and Birmingham as follows:

Non Staffed Displays Staffed Events

Monday 1st October Monday 1st October Thimblemill Library Thimblemill Library Quinborne Community Centre 4pm – 7pm

Tuesday 2nd October Tuesday 2nd October Thimblemill Library Quinborne Community Centre Quinborne Community Centre 4pm – 7pm

Wednesday 3rd October Wednesday 3rd October Thimblemill Library Smethwick Heritage Centre Quinborne Community Centre 11am – 2pm

Thursday 4th October Thursday 4th October The Dog Public House Harborne Library Harborne Library 1pm – 3pm

Friday 5th October Saturday 6th October The Dog Public House St. Mary’s Church Harborne Library 10am – 2pm

Saturday 6th October Sunday 7th October The Dog Public House Lightwoods Park Harborne Library 11am – 3pm

The events were widely publicised through the project newsletter, posters in the park and at local community venues, were posted to houses which border the park on both the Sandwell and Birmingham boundary, high street shops, local schools, through local newspapers and their websites, local radio (including BBC Radio WM and Raaj FM) and online including local blogs, Facebook and Twitter. In hope to attract a wider audience to the roadshow from both Birmingham and Sandwell boundaries. Copies of poster and coverage in the media are included in Appendix A.

The displays were available for viewing everyday between Monday 1st and Saturday 6th October 2012 at a range of locations and members of consultant team or the Council were available to discuss the plans at other times.

A total of 260 surveys were completed and Table 1 below shows the distribution of responses by the different survey methods or events that constituted the roadshow. The online survey gathered the highest number of responses, with 43.5% of respondents completing the survey through this method. The two weekend events at St Mary’s Church and within Lightwoods Park gathered over a quarter of all responses (26.9%), however as Figure 1 demonstrates, whilst responses were low, events held elsewhere served to expand the location of respondents into areas of Quinton, Harborne and Smethwick. Approximately 13% of all responses were recorded from the Birmingham local authority area, significantly greater than the response to previous consultation events.

Event / Survey Method n % Online 113 43.5% St Mary's Church 36 13.8% Park 34 13.1% The Dog Public House 23 8.8% Friends Group Meeting 19 7.3% Thimblemill Library 10 3.8% Quinborne Community Centre 9 3.5% Harborne Library 8 3.1% Smethwick Heritage Centre 6 2.3% Post 2 0.8% Total 260 100.0%

Table 1 Distribution of responses by survey method or event

The numbers shown in the table above represent the total number of completed surveys that were returned. It is estimated that a total of 400 people viewed the proposals based on informal recording of numbers attending the staffed events.

During the consultation roadshow period a further 40 people signed up to the mailing list for the project eNewsletter taking the total to 361.

2 Results

2.1 Respondent Profile

The majority of respondents who completed the consultation roadshow survey were female (57.4%), over 90% described themselves as white and 5% indicated that they had a long-term illness, disability or infirmity that affects their use of Lightwoods Park and House.

Abbey Survey Age Ward n % % 16 or under 3 1.2% 19.7% 17 - 19 - - 3.2% 20 - 29 15 6.1% 16.0% 30 - 39 64 25.9% 18.9% 40 - 49 56 22.7% 13.0% 50 - 59 43 17.4% 10.4% 60 - 74 55 22.3% 11.8% 75 or over 11 4.5% 7.1% Total 247 100.0% 100.0%

Table 2 Age Profile of Respondents

Table 2 illustrates the age of respondents to the age profile of the Abbey Ward, where Lightwoods Park is located and almost two-thirds of respondents (64.7%) were located. Around one in four respondents (25.9%) were aged between 30 and 39, with those aged between 30 and 74 most likely to have completed the survey. The views of those aged under 30 and over 75 were particularly underrepresented compared to the demographics of the Abbey Ward.

The location of respondents can be seen in Figure 2 overleaf, which shows a concentration of respondents located in close proximity to Lightwoods Park, particularly just north of Adkins Lane / Lightwoods Hill and off Beechwood Road to the west of the Park.

3 Overall Support

The chart below demonstrates that there is an extremely high level of support for the proposals to restore Lightwoods Park and House, with the mean average level of support emerging as 9.2 out of 10. Indeed almost 9 out of 10 people (89.2%) rated their support as either 8 out of 10 or greater and almost two thirds of respondents (63.7%) gave their support for the proposals as 10 out of 10.

Overall Support for the propoals 63.7%

13.5% 12.0% 6.9% 1.2% 0.8% 1.2% 0.8%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 low high

Chart 1 Overall Support for the proposals

A Facebook poll hosted on the Friends of Lightwoods Park and House page also sought to gauge the overall support for the project, mirroring the question asked in the survey. Although seen by 88 people, only 8 votes were received, of which 7 gave the project their full support (voting 10 out of 10) and 1 voter rating their support as 8 out of 10. Whilst this is a low level of response it is thought that members of the friends group tended to complete the full survey online (or at an event) rather than complete the quick poll.

Figure 3 Screenshots of Facebook Poll

4 Park

The chart overleaf illustrates the level of support for a number of proposals for Lightwoods Park. The most widely supported proposals were for the management of the parkland trees and introducing new tree planting. This was followed by high levels of support for regrading the ladies bowling green to improve the setting for the bandstand, improving the event space in front of Lightwoods Park and keeping the open appearance of the Park.

Open comments received were generally supportive of the proposals. There were a number of comments concerning the footpaths within the Park, either supporting or opposing the proposed layout or wishing for improved pedestrian access into the Park. Furthermore, comments praised the proposed planting scheme, but for some it was felt that too many trees were proposed to be felled. Comments concerning events called for increased use of the bandstand for music and ensuring that there is adequate parking arrangements in place for events. A number of respondents regarded security to be an issue that needed to be tackled to ensure the Park felt safe to use and to prevent vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

Other comments wished to clarify whether or not there would be a charge to use of the tennis courts in the restored park, wished the delivery of plans could be sped up or that football pitches could be marked out on the extension.

Level of Support for Proposals for Lightwoods Park

M anagi ng the parkl and trees and introducing new tree planting

Improving the setting for the bandstand by regrading the former ladies bowling gr een

I mpr ovi ng t he event s space (‘ T he Par t y Fi el d’ ) i n front of Li ghtwoods House

K eepi ng t he open appear ance of t he Park, using timber bollards and planting al ong Hagl ey Road

Creating a new children’s play area

Creati ng a pond and natural drai nage ar ea on t he si t e of t he cur r ent pl ay ar ea

Cr eat i ng a new seat i ng ar ea and shel t er on t he si t e of t he f or mer avi ar y

Improving the main and secondary ent r ances

Changes to the footpath l ayout

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Strongly Agree A gree Nei t her Di sagree St rongl y Di sagree

Chart 2 Level of Support for Proposals for Lightwoods Park

5 Lightwoods House

The survey asked whether the current proposals for the restoration and use of Lightwoods House show a mix of community, training, private hire and commercial office space and whether any income generated through these mix of uses should be used to maintain and sustain the House and Park for the future. Chart 3 shows that almost half of all respondents (48.5%) strongly agreed with these proposals and a similar number (43.7%) agreed with the mix of uses proposed for Lightwoods House.

Overall Support for the proposals to restore Lightwoods House

3.0% 48.5% 43.7% 4.3%

Strongly agree A gr ee Nei t her Di sagr ee Str ongl y Di sagr ee

Chart 3 Overall Support for the proposals to restore Lightwoods House

The consultation roadshow survey also sought to gauge the level of support for various proposals to restore elements of Lightwoods House, as well as the different functions that the house could be used for. The charts over the following pages illustrate the results.

Chart 4 shows that respondents gave the most support towards proposals for a community café with outdoor seating space and providing public toilets for park visitors. The most contentious issue appeared to be providing commercial office space, where 17.6% of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed with proposals, almost twice as many as those who felt the same towards the least supported proposal, providing space for computer and IT training.

This issue is further demonstrated by Chart 5 which shows that a similar proportion of respondents (18.1%) disagreed or strongly disagreed that Lightwoods House should play host to commercial (leased) office space. The strongest support appears to be to use the House for community meetings, events and activities, with further widespread support for using the House for private hire events or for training, education and learning activities.

The open comments received regarding the Park were largely concerned with the mix of uses proposed for a restored Lightwoods House. It appeared that whilst many supported a mix of commercial and community use, some respondents indicated that they did not approve of using the House for commercial office space. A number of alternative uses were suggested, such as provision for young people, providing support for local business start-ups, or flexible working space for self-employed locals alongside the proposed café.

Respondents also discussed the financial funding of the House, with many believing it should be self sufficient, with any profits directed towards the maintenance of the House and Park. A number of respondents called for a range of exhibitions and events to be held and some chose to highlight the security and parking implications of a restored House.

Level of Support for Proposals for Lightwoods House

Providing a community café with outdoor seating space

Providing public toilets for park visitors

Providing a horticultural centre to grow plants, support training & volunteer activity

Restori ng the “ Long Room” for use as a conf er ence, event s and exhi bi t i on space

Provi di ng rooms for communi ty meetings / activities / exhibitions

Rest or i ng t he east er n wi ng t o pr ovi de a children’s centre and crèche

Providing commercial office space

Providing space for computer & IT training

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Strongly Agree A gree Nei t her Di sagree St rongl y Di sagree

Chart 4 Level of Support for Proposals for Lightwoods House

Level of Support for Functions in Lightwoods House

Communi t y meet i ngs, event s & act i vi t i es

Pr i vat e hi r e event s (weddi ngs, par t i es, conf er ences & soci al event s)

Training, education & learning activities

Commer ci al (l eased) of f i ce space

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Strongly Agree A gree Nei t her Di sagree St rongl y Di sagree

Chart 5 Level of Support for Functions in Lightwoods House

6 People

The final section of the survey related to the events and activities that could be hosted in a restored Lightwoods Park and House. There does not appear to be a consensus amongst respondents regarding the number of larger scale events that should be held within Lightwoods Park each year, however six events was most frequently cited, supported by 37.3% of respondents. Elsewhere, almost 1 in 3 (29.9%) believed four events a year would be most appropriate and a quarter of respondents (24.6%) feeling the Park could host up to twelve events a year. Currently there are 3-4 larger scale events per year, so the responses can be seen to potentially support a slight growth in the number of larger events. Open responses tended to indicate that some local residents, particularly those adjoining the park were concerned about noise, car parking and other disturbance. Responses from people attending recent events tended to be very positive.

M axi mum number of l arger scal e events each year

37.3%

29.9%

24.6%

6.6% 1.6%

One Two Four Si x Twel ve

Chart 6 Maximum number of larger scale events each year

Chart 7 overleaf illustrates the level of support for different events and activities. It demonstrates that a marginally higher proportion of respondents were in favour of using Lightwoods Park for smaller scale events and activities such as fairs and farmers markets than larger scale events such as Bearwood on Ice and the Lightwoods Festival. There was high levels of support for providing horticultural training from Lightwoods Park and the provision of catering and refreshments such as teas and light lunches in the house was also popular, more so than full restaurant service in the evenings.

Level of support for proposals for events & activities

Usi ng the Park f or smal l er scal e events and acti vi ti es (f ai rs, f armers markets, f ami l y events etc)

Providing catering and refreshments - teas & light lunches

Usi ng the Park f or l arger scal e community events (such as Bearwood on Ice, Lightwoods Festival, Bearwood Shuffle)

Using the House for exhibitions and smal l scal e events

Providing Horticultural Training

Providing catering and refreshments - f ul l restaurant servi ce (eveni ng)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Strongl y Agree Agree Nei ther Di sagree Strongl y Di sagree

Chart 7 Level of support for proposals for events and activities

The majority of open comments received debated the number of events the Park and House could accommodate, with the general consensus being that the more events the better, provided they are well organised, promoted, aimed at a range of audiences and do not cause damage to the parkland. Many alternative events and activities that could be hosted within the Park were also suggested, including concerts, farmers markets, sports tournaments as well broadening the appeal of events to include people of all ages. There were also a limited number of concerns again regarding car parking, the noise generated by events and security, as well as comments from those who did not approve of the current event programme.

Appendix A

Publicity Materials and Media Coverage

Appendix B

Open Responses Summary

Park

Issue n % General Support 19 19.0% Footpaths 13 13.0% Planting and Trees 13 13.0% Security 10 10.0% Events 9 9.0% Play 8 8.0% Litter 5 5.0% Café 4 4.0% Toilets 3 3.0% Sports 3 3.0% Youth 3 3.0% Bowls 1 1.0% Signage 1 1.0% Community Arts 1 1.0% Parking 1 1.0% Other Comments 6 6.0% Total 100 100.0%

Table 3 Number of comments relating to issues regarding Lightwoods Park

House

Issue n % Uses for the House 34 34.7% General Support 14 14.3% Events and Exhibitions 10 10.2% Financing the House 10 10.2% Café 9 9.2% Security 7 7.1% Parking 5 5.1% Youth Provision 3 3.1% Restore for future 2 2.0% generations Other Comments 4 4.1% Total 98 100.0%

Table 4 Number of comments relating to issues regarding Lightwoods House

Events and Activities

Issue n % Quantity of Events 25 29.8% Expanding the type of events and activities on 18 21.4% offer Dissatisfied with current events programme 9 10.7% General Support 11 13.1% Scale of Events 5 6.0% Catering / Restaurant 4 4.8% Safety / Security 3 3.6% Parking 3 3.6% Other Comments 6 7.1% Total 84 100.0%

Table 5 Number of comments relating to issues regarding events and activities

Appendix C

Open Responses Received

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the Park:

Bowls Don't replace the Gentleman's Bowling Green. Re-instate it and a putting green and a ladies bowling green

Café Would like coffee house. Also something to deter people graffiting new play area Getting the 'tea rooms' right is vital. No canteen: it needs to be good quality where people want to meet It is nice to see someone taking an interest in the park after all these years, it would be nice if the Lightwoods house would become a place to meet like a cafe or restaurant, they have one of these in Brixton where by brother lives and its is packed on a weekend The park needs up-dating especially the play area and get an art studio/ nice cafe in the house!

Community Arts I would like to see some Public Art at the 'Bearwood Gateway' the little patch of land adjacent to the horrible toilets (let us hope they will be demolished and proper toilet provision provided in Lightwoods House. My vision for the Public Art is to have a competition to decide the best piece of Public Art, possibly in recycled wood from fallen trees in Lightwoods Park or from nearby Warley Woods, sculpted into a group of bears foraging or the family of bears from the Nursery Rhyme: 'Goldilocks and the three bears' which would buy into the children’s' theme for the park and the proposed new play area. Local artists such as Luke Perry, who usually works in metal and who created some Public Art for the wall of Bearwood Road School, or Tim Tolkien who designed the Spitfire at Spitfire Island in Castle Bromwich in Birmingham or any of the local artists..... Also could some stained glass be provided in Lightwoods House itself in tribute to Hardmans Glass who created some of the finest stained glass hereabouts, in churches, but not exclusively so. As for sporting provision I would like to see permanent cricket nets in place, similar to the basketball hoop and ring. There are a high proportion of Asian youths attending Lordswood School on the Hagley Road, just past the Kings Head junction, who visit the park before and after school, and inspired by the Indian Premier league and the success of local county club Warwickshire BEARS (isn't that a great marketing/sponsorship opportunity for the cricket nets/ cricket wicket/ all weather concrete cricket pitch which could be provided....? Harborne and Smethwick Cricket Clubs are both not far away and could become involved in cricket coaching at any cricket facility provided at Lightwoods Park for local youths....? I would envisage in a few years time that a vibrant local Parks Cricket league could be created at Lightwoods Park, similar to that of the Birmingham Parks Crick et league, with clubs like Handsworth Cricket Club having their own coaches/mentors/cricket development officers paid for by Birmingham City Council, or possibly the Warwickshire Bears County Cricket Club? I am sure there would be enough interest from local youths and girls to develop cricket at Lightwoods Park, especially if local schools such as Lordswood, Shireland High School, George Dixon School and others were cricket as a sport played by school kids has largely died out....I would even be prepared to become involved in getting cricket developed at Lightwoods Park if I was asked to share my expertise, thoughts and enthusiasm. As for the outdoor gym equipment that is a great idea and should be expanded as it has been at Victoria Park in Smethwick.

Lightwoods House should have clean, viable toilets, a coffee bar/restaurant and Heritage Space, describing the history and heritage of the park and house and the nearby Warley Woods, voted the ‘Best park in England' in the Green Flag Awards in 2011, and hopefully 2012...? I am a member of the Smethwick Local History Society and we currently meet at Bearwood Baptist Church at the bottom of Bearwood Road...what better place for the SLHS to meet than at Lightwoods House, one of the oldest buildings in Bearwood, dating from the 1790's when Birmingham was a place of great enlightenment and invention with The Lunar Men of Birmingham's Lunar Society meeting once a month at Matthew Boulton's Home Soho House, some 5 miles away in Handsworth... as a building contemporaneous to the Lunar Society, could not a permanent tribute to the Lunar Society (which still meets today in Birmingham) and those Lunar men like Boulton, Watt, Murdock, Priestley, Darwin, Wedgwood, Withering and others too numerous to mention who kick-started the industrial revolution in Birmingham and the West Midlands, with Matthew Boulton's first factory being situated in Smethwick at the Soho Foundry (on the site of current weighing machine manufacturer Avery Weightronix, in Foundry Road, Smethwick, locally known as The Black Patch, where the first improved Boulton/Watt steam engines were mass-produced for pumping out local mines and for moving and pumping water. Go to the local Birmingham Science Museum 'Thinktank' to find out more about the Lunar men steam and the lunar society.

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the Park:

Also perhaps a partnership could be established with the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley for an exhibition space at Lightwoods Park or indeed in the house for exhibitions about Black Country industrial heritage and history? Also Smethwick Heritage Centre Trust at The Lodge in Victoria Park on Smethwick High Street celebrates the area's (Smethwick/Bearwood/Oldbury) contribution to industry....why can't the same sort of thing happen at Lightwood's House, along with the cafe/restaurant, office space, meeting space and Registry Office which has also be en mentioned. If you wish to use my expertise and enthusiasm and for me to offer my thoughts and ideas as a Bearwoodian born and bred and someone who has lived in Bearwood for over 40 years (now exiled to Oldbury, but not too far away) please contact me at [email protected] or give me a ring on 07552 758 710 (mobile) or at home on 0121 541 2154. Thanks Keith Bracey, Greensward Enterprise, 1 The Orchard, Oldbury, West Midlands, B68 9LS.

Events Large notice boards for events, cycle paths I believe the parking area will be inadequate for most public events. As parking in the area is already difficult perhaps future consideration could be given to "allocating one parking space per house scheme"? Car parking for residents in Lightwoods Road up to St Mary's Road from Hagley Road needs to be residents only, especially for Bearwood on Ice I would be lovely to have concerts on the bandstand Band / entertainment every Sunday on the scale of the Botanical Gardens Sport needs to be at the core of any new proposals for the Park extension. With a sports pavilion built on the extension land to create changing facilities for soccer, rugby union and cricket for local sports clubs like Lordswood Dixons Rugby Football Club, Smethwick Cricket Club and Lightwood Lions Soccer Club. In terms of grading the Bowling Greens, have other open green options been considered like for example, archery, crazy golf, frisbee target park etc? I would support the involvement of local artists and crafts people in commissioning of work for the overall scheme involving schools and youth/community groups. Bespoke furniture, sculpture and metalwork. I would like to see as much space for sports as possible Would it be possible for the bandstand to be used again, it is such a shame to see it unused. Perhaps musical events on summer evenings?

Footpaths I like the idea of restoring some of the original pathways and tree-lines, as well as improving the play area. Find current footpath layout is convenient would like to keep current paths as well as new ones. My son and his friends enjoy playing hide and seek in trees and shrubs on the entrance to extension from Lightwoods Hill - don't lose the magic or the wildlife habitat. Lots more benches and bins. Less brightly coloured bins. Move bins in sight line of path into extension. Removing non historic footpaths means that it will be less convenient to walk through the Park. My daughters like playing in trees/bushes by path from Lightwoods Hill to the top part of the Park - please don't remove these. Like other footpath plans. I like the fact that the plans are integrated into the layout of the park as it is now. I wouldn't like to see it changed too much. An improved crossing between the two parks, across Galton Road. Cycle parking facility needed. Very important there is some kind of pedestrian crossing from Lightwoods Park to Lightwoods Hill / Adkins Lane to open it up to residential areas nearby and ensure children can cross the road to the Park safely. At the moment, children even who are old enough to play alone would need to be accompanied at all times to cross the road. Paths to be wide enough and marked to allow cyclist and pedestrian use and to be generously provided with benches. The play area separate but visible from kids area to include zip wires and more adventurous play equipment for teenagers.

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the Park:

All excellent proposals to make improvements to the open space, move lighting around pathways should be considered. May increase feelings of safety after dark. Additional footways around Hagley Road are a good idea 1) The footpath layout does not need changing. The paths were resurfaced by Birmingham City Council in the recent past. 2) A shelter is NOT a good idea. A shelter erected by Birmingham City Council some thirty years ago was so badly damaged by vandalism and repeated graffiti that it had to be demolished (this shelter was situated near the ladies bowling green. Please put a path and steps from Galton Road to the bus stop on Hagley Road. People cut across having to walk on wet grass and go down the slope to the bus stop. Thank you Need to close the loop on the Park extension. Also, please reconsider creating a new footpath in the ground adjacent to Hagley Road / Amber Tavern Pub as this will encourage elderly, parents with push chairs, pedestrians with mobility difficulties to complete walks on hard standing from Bearwood Road end through to 2 Parks. Although cost may be an issue, surely the use of low cost materials, type 2 stones/bricks with bitchumen maybe an option to consider. Please reconsider this option. Need a defined provision for young people in or adjacent to the House. This is a top priory supported by 1) young people in the area; 2) local ward councilors 3) youth workers who are trying to engage with young people to make a valuable contribution in the area/community; and 4) Sandwell MBC Youth Services. Solar powered lights, on foot paths Cycle paths, Fish pond with waterfalls/features, dog waste bins with penalty signs. Please keep dogs on a lead signs with fixed penalty fee

General Support It's already a great space that is very well used. I have a slight concern that too many 'improvements' might in some way spoil the Park. There is no more heartening sigh than the Park full of people, BUT this can't be forced by creating artificial events It is a lovely space in a very exposed area, doing up the park and especially the house will be a great boost to the area. Fully supportive of the proposed changes. The proposal look great and I particularly like the idea of reinstating the pond and bridge. The proposals show a lot of potential for change that will improve the park for the whole community. Excellent, a good mix of community and commercial usage. Fully support the proposals I'm really impressed with the plans and feel they are sensitive to the history while offering great opportunities for the future The park has always been a well loved part of Bearwood and every effort should be made to make the most of this facility I think the plans look great! Just wish work could start on the children’s play area immediately! I think that the combination of restoration of older features mixed with facilities reflecting today's need is excellent. The Park is a much loved community asset and is long overdue for regeneration Very pleased Very supportive of this project - anything to improve and bring back pride to the Park! They look very good It will be the best Park in Sandwell The proposals look great. The only thing I'm not so sure about is restoring the Hagley Road entrance. I don't think people will use it as the pavement there is thin and the entrance goes straight onto the main busy road. I wonder if the funds for this could be diverted to something else in the park. Would love the house to be the focus, restored and a gem. Anything that encourages families and others to make regular use of the park and support events there is a plus.

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the Park:

Absolutely necessary for the engagement of the Bearwood Community and surrounding businesses. Put Bearwood on the map as an area of interest to reach a wider audience It is important that the Park and House is restored for the benefit of the local community but also to be financially sustainable Good ideas - not sure about pond

Litter More benches and bins Sort out litter Provision of plenty of litter bins in strategic areas. Keep the duck pond clean and free from fly tipping and litter. Outside fixed table tennis tables would be fun and socially inclusive. Butterfly house? Provide more litter bins by new shelter, pond etc. When ducks find the pond, sell seed in the cafe and have "don't feed with bread" signs prominent. Improving the grandstand area, creating picnic tables, more bins

Parking Changes to the main and secondary entrances are a good idea but not if it is to afford vehicular access. There is enough on street parking for vehicles on a day to day basis and parking on Lightwoods Park itself should be reserved only for larger events

Planting and Trees Not too much tarmac should be put down and not too many trees should be cut. Wildflower planting along boundary/areas of the park. Hedgerow type area encouraged around Park that backs onto gardens. Some areas not mown so much and leaving cut down wood to encourage biodiversity. Shakespeare Garden - enjoy this and look forward to its improvement. Please allow dogs on leads. Having seen and heard the new proposals, I am very happy. I particularly like the emphasis on naturalistic planting - so many of our gardens are disappearing that Parks that provide beauty and habitats are becoming more and more essential. I feel very strongly that it is important to encourage the community back to the Park, but also to preserve its historical features and (as far as possible) old trees / planting. It is WONDERFUL that people are driving this - well done! There is so much wasted space (grass) that is simply unused/used by dogs to defecate on. People very rarely actively use this space. Plant trees on it. The maintenance and restoration of historic features of the Park would be very welcome. The proposed tree and wild flower planting would be beneficial, as would the restoration of Shakespeare Garden. The Park has always needed a pond - a great idea!! With a limited overall size of the existing site, making a proper job of the rest of the proposals except a token nature site? Could you consider planting trees that have edible nuts, berries or fruit and a shrub and ground cover layer underneath. Use horticultural area to teach food growing skills - use produce in the cafe with lessons to learn how to cook fresh produce and sell produce to provide an income stream. Nursery and horticulture training are fine as long as the plants are mainly for the use of the Parks dept - don't want competitors for existing nurseries (E.g. Webb's) Provided that the historic hawthorn tree line marking the medieval road in retained. I'm ok with it. Getting rid of too many trees in entrance drive from Lightwoods Hall. Reflect needs of diverse users whilst maintaining a more natural / open feel

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the Park:

I'm unhappy about the proposals to remove hedges to the extent suggested to improve sight lines. The hedges act as wind breaks, whereas without them winds would be a problem for people sitting round the bandstand and possibly the proposed children’s play area. They are also wildlife refuges, nesting sites and shelters from the rain at times. They also act as a sound baffle from the bandstand, allow two different musical events, and allow peaceful use of the courts and gym. I think the drainage pond might well end up as a scummy litter gatherer, particularly as families are being moved away from the skate park so there will be less passive monitoring of the area

Play I would like to see both the bowling greens restored to their former glory. The green spaces should not be removed - replaced with children’s play areas - as there is plenty of play areas since the removal of the tennis courts etc... Park is already well used so retaining and building on this can only be possible. Creation of new play area should not be at expense of the existing facilities I particularly like the proposals to improve the children's play area. At the moment the area does not look toddler friendly. However, I do hope that the bike / skate board park remains as I know of a number of young people who make good use of it. Please provide bins by the benches! And please refurbish children's play area I would particularly like to see the pond and better quality children's playground. Playground area needs new equipment. New skate area is fine and should be kept as it is. New tennis and fitness equipment is great and should be left as it is Would like to see progress a bit quicker. More outdoor gym equipment, additional tennis court and a water play area for when it's hot. I hope that the plans for toddler and junior play area will have sufficient play equipment. The Warley Woods playground is lovely but there is actually very little to play on/with.

Security Given that Hagley Road is a busy A-road not known for its generosity towards stray children, I would prefer timber bollards to be more of a fence-like obstacle! Otherwise am impressed with what I have seen on the panels. Not sure where the aviary was sited so can't answer that question. In addition pond would need to be secure. A negative-positive statement: Please ensure the site is vandal and general urine resistant Slightly concerned that a shelter/seating area might attract anti social behaviour. Security a priority - haven't used much in the past, due to not feeling safe. Especially Shakespeare Gardens Protection of new and renovated features e.g. outside shelter, seating, bandstand from vandalism. Any patrol, CCTV etc proposed? Wherever possible to discourage litter too? (signs and fines). This is a concern as outdoor seating at Warley Woods Pavilion has been frequently vandalised. My main concern is vandalism to the drinking fountains when they are restored. I wondered about enclosing them in attractive railings - they would be unusable as drinking fountains but would be preserved. Like all of the plans except for the 'open' aspect. Personally would prefer some fencing for safety. Not sure about spending money on the old main entrance as its now a skinny bit of paving along the Hagley road. Dangerous apart from anything else. Gun site to shoot vandals

Signage Put a sign saying welcome to Lightwoods Park

Sports Could we change part of the extension to Tennis Courts?

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the Park:

Would it be possible to have the tennis courts brought back to their former glory and as they do in Cannon Hill Park, charge for the use of them i.e. £3.50 for 1 hours play or open a Sandwell Tennis Club with annual membership Would like to see more provision for parking bikes within the Park. Marked out football pitches would also be good.

Toilets I think toilets, a cafe and baby change area plus a duck pond would be a great asset to the area and well used. A petting farm would be even better! I love Bearwood park from being a child myself to now bringing my own children. a new playing area with more equipment is a must to keep people here also TOILETS are lacking. I would happily stay all day if there were toilets and a picnic area would be a bonus It might be beneficial to carers of disabled people to have use of a toilet at the top end of the Park. It can be frustrating when taking out a disabled person and having to walk a distance to access toilets. So please having two designated disabled toilets would be appreciated.

Youth A dedicated room for young people / youth topics, discussion and activities. No qualms with non-young people entering said space as long as adults respect the fact it is for them and if they object to any legal activities or practices that they peacefully leave. I understood there were to be further developments in the skatepark. These had been overlooked when the area was originally done? Why are you planning to get rid of the skate area? It is one of the few safe areas for teenagers and is well used. Getting rid would be a dreadful step backwards. We should be looking to make the area welcoming to all, not just the elderly and families with small children.

Other Comments Use fencing as advertising space then use this money to help fund Park. I am old enough to remember the Park as it was in the 1950s. I don't think Sandwell Council intend to try and restore the Park, but provide only what Sandwell Council want. Integrate Park with residential area around it - some people will simply use for it walking, sitting and/or dogs Speed them up Multiple use for families and walkers - green gym Need picnic areas, preferably with electric BBQs

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the House:

Café I remember the House having a cafe and I believe the Sons of Rest used it about 60 years ago. Every effort should be made to make full use of this attractive building Cafe and toilets please Would be nice to have a kiosk for ices and drinks Community cafe is definitely needed but needs to be planned well to be a desirable place to go, not just functional. Bearwood has an increasingly discerning community who will expect high quality services. As for the "cafe" - lets have some style - cafe to me means "junk food" i.e. smell of chips, burgers, grease and the likes. There is far too much of that in Bearwood - we need now some style. Base for the Police at the Park House as a base for Bearwood. Community cafe needs to be an opportunity to promote and teach cooking skills for families on a budget. Free wifi in the cafe and Park. Possibly a separate small local independent cafe with emphasis on quality coffee and some cake that could exist around the large events. Also large house events could be challenged by parking issues, weddings especially. As a comparison also like the MAC model of workshops, exhibitions and arts and crafts events. Any cafe needs to be of a higher quality than the current offerings in Bearwood. Such as 6/8 and Urban Coffee in Birmingham. Office space should be co-working for people who work form home within Bearwood to use/rent on a flexible - hourly basis I think the mixed use proposals are sensible - and commercial and private hire usage will presumably help to fund some of the other community activities. I would like the cafe to be a good quality one, preferably offering healthy and home-cooked options, good children's meals, with a comfortable atmosphere (some soft chairs, newspapers etc), and open early for breakfast at the weekends would be nice.

Events and Exhibitions Would love to see exhibitions, historic learning, roadshows, community events and fun for families. It would be nice to have some space for a permanent exhibition about the history of the house and park. A "history of Bearwood" space - perhaps to include people’s memories of both World Wars. I think educational events / services will be particularly good for the community. Would be good to offer the house for weddings etc as long as appropriate parking was available to avoid congestion in the local side roads Live music venue it would be nice to see some of the history of Bearwood, items of interest from our local history as it is certainly something I am proud of and would love my children and future grandchildren to share it with me Will there be any exhibitions of what the house used to be like and any family connected to the house If there were so many private hire events that the community couldn't use it, strongly disagree with the proposals. For example, I think weddings at Botanical Gardens are intrusive. Good space for exhibiting art as there is a strong local creative community in Bearwood

Financing the House Lightwoods Park needs to be self-financing in these austere times....just look at the mistakes made over funding of The Public in West Bromwich, a Sandwell MBC debacle in my opinion. At last The Public is showing signs of being able to stand on its own 2 feet after embracing the commercial world and renting out space to companies and start up business in office 'incubator' space for small businesses, especially creative ones of which there are many in Bearwood, such as 'The Crafty Mutha's' 'The Bearwood Promoters' who put on Bearwoodstock recently and The Bearwoood Shuffle, Andrew's Plants (self-explanatory!) and various commercial 'foodie-type' businesses. Lightwood's House should not be a burden on Sandwell Council Tax payers as The Public in West Bromwich became with all of the consequent bad publicity and feeling from Sandwell residents.

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the House:

Whilst community use is important without commercial activities providing an independent revenue stream the future of the house/park cannot be secured. I understand money has to be made for the upkeep but I would rather the space used for community ventures than commercial offices. I think a balance of community use and commercial use might aid in the long term financial viability of the house. Commercially it should stand on its own two feet, attracting paying commercially partnered business rather than focusing on community start-ups i.e. weddings/events = catering company Each activity needs to "wash its face" the commercial activities should not be relied upon to cross subsidise the community services I hope that the rents will be affordable especially for the many, enterprising businesses in the Bearwood area. If the council set them too high, we will see a lot of empty outlets in Lightwoods House, as it certainly is like a tardis, appearing bigger on the inside than on the outside. I wouldn't want it to go the way of Bearwood Road and the Windmill Market at Cape Hill with dozens of empty outlets which add to the impression of a depressed area. Really important to establish on going income streams. Would be good to have covered terrace for cafe for use in all weathers For the community but to bring the money as well. It would be a lovely idea to maybe have visitors to the House before it has opened It would be nice if small businesses that need an office space could have a low cost shared space.

General Support As before: Excellent, a good mix of community and commercial usage, fully support the proposals Very comprehensive and exciting use of a 'dead' space This is a great idea I am very interested in seeing the park and house to support community events and would like to see it support social enterprise. Very pleased to know all this is happening! Keep up the good work! I strongly agree with the proposals for the House Desperately needed. Youth activities in the evening welcomed. Looks great. Start tomorrow! Good idea for mixed use - should provide jobs for local community I am impressed with the proposals for the house, as I can see an awful lot of work has gone into this It seems as though the proposals really reflect both the local need and the long term sustainability of the House Extremely grateful to all who are involved from Sandwell MBC to pursuing this great change to Lightwoods Park Be nice to see the House being used again ASAP Please

Uses for the House Office space isn't for the community, not sure how I feel about it. More space for children/nursery. There's way too much available office/commercial space in the area at it is. The Public in West Brom's office space is weird and no-one wants it. Couldn't the top floor of the house be more children's areas or a gallery of the history of the area/local historians' base? Bearwood is full of young families - parents with babies/toddlers and there are no good nurseries here or places to gather and chat, like nice cafes? The High street (Bearwood Road) is becoming an uninviting area for this now. The house needs to be multi functional and once the work has been done, there needs to be some way of sustaining the changes. It makes sense to combine business/commercial ventures in order to generate income to maintain the up keep of the house and park.

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the House:

I support the idea of hired office space but affordable for local small businesses and not so much it makes house feel corporate, it needs to be a community space first and foremost. Only creative industries / traditional skills should use any commercial office space within the House I would like to see a space available within the house available to freelance/home workers, where they would be able to book space for use as an office, meeting room or other facilities for a nominal charge. Bookings could be made in person or on-line. There are many such workers in the area who would welcome such facilities. I would like to see Dementia friendly design consciously included in the plans for the house and garden, e.g. signage, training of staff, plans for inclusion in community events. I think overall though that the proposals are first class. I believe it is vital that the house provides this mix giving joint ownership to the users and helps support the running of the house. Not in favour of commercial use I am all for partnership and not putting your eggs in one basket, a mixture of users and income is healthy Leave it to the market - if people want to book it for a crèche, then so be it. If people want to hire it for training then so be it - don't pre-empt what people are prepared to pay for by specifying the uses of the building. Otherwise you are just throwing public money down the toilet - (literally, by creating public toilets. Who uses them? Are they prepared to pay for them? No. So who will pay for them? People who don't use them. Is this fair? No.) Concerned about balance of activities e.g. if used as offices and wedding venue, park becoming noisy....too busy. At the moment it has a tranquil atmosphere. I strongly agree as long as the use of the House is not dominated by offices / administrating work. It is hopefully to be used by the people in the community Would prefer all non-commercial if possible but would understand if no possible. Will charities / not for profit groups have free access to meeting rooms? They should do I agree it should be mixed use but feel it should maintain a community feel. No commercial use Commercial space is fine as long as it does not restrict access by the public Multi-use so that lots of parties involved/invested are sustaining and maintaining the House to help keep it going The house and its features needs to be operated as a commercial business. Public toilets need to be monitored to prevent anti-social behaviour. The house should be open 7 days a week There is a need for more community rooms for let in this general area Limit commercial use. This is for the community so should be funded by the Council I hope that the restoration of the house will be sensitive to the history and style of the building. The proposals show a good mix of uses for the house - the inclusion of an art studio would be welcome at Lightwoods Park and House and would be an inspirational place for creative work as it has been in the past. Don't want commercial office space/interests to dominate and take over from community use. Use more to get elderly or isolated together and maybe a resource centre for carers (incl those caring for elderly as other side to children's centre. Talk to Sandwell Adult Care A co-working facility (there is one in Moseley for example) would generate income but would be for more flexible for people who are self-employed, work from home whose work i.e. incomes are variable. Hiring office space is not always n option and I would use a co-working facility. It would also create a good sense of community amongst freelancers / the self-employed. A community cafe should be decent quality. Decent quality coffee and food. Not just lowest common denominator. Bearwood is in need of something like Maison Mayci (Kings Heath) or Arco Lounge (Harborne) etc... Not just bog standard tea, coffee, sandwiches, as it won't be successful longer term. Needs to be a destination. Maybe the focus on "training" could be broadened to adult education - which hasn't been a highlight of Bearwood - perhaps in partnership with Sandwell College, University of the Third Age (U3A), Workers Education Association (WEA). I would be cautious about long leases being granted to businesses as "commercial office space" - hardly a shortage of this - but perhaps scope for local charities / social enterprises - provided that the spaces have flexibility and do not by their design limit their potential future use.

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the House:

Any commercial space, notably the office space, in which demand does rise or in the case of active use, do not detract or disrupt community use of the House in its totality. Fine as long as the commercial uses don’t have negative connotations for the other uses I can understand that he incorporation of commercial offices might add to the development, as long as it's secondary to needs of the people that come to enjoy the park. Very in favour of the house being restored and used. The park previously had a bad record of vandalism (the old Son’s of Rest hut, bowling hut etc) and I hope that there are sufficient safeguards to ensure that the same kinds of abuse don't reoccur after dark. Providing commercial office space will provide revenue. Ensure Historic accuracy wherever possible and DO NOT use Philips Star Drive screws in door hinges as in Soho House Access to the house and grounds have to be well lit and feel safe. Possible sound proofing to one room to allow music/band practice facilities Retain historical features, no need for office space. Wedding venue idea very good, speed up renovation as much as possible In an ideal world we would need the commercial office space. I like the idea of using it for private hire. As there are lots of musicians (including many from City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) perhaps it could be a good venue for chamber music/ music lessons? I really appreciate the huge efforts that have been made in this project (and am sad that I have been able to contribute more volunteer time) and will be excited to see the transformation. In terms of usage I am very disappointed that arts / music / theatre events haven't been specifically mentioned as I think these can be a key way of bringing people in from other areas and developing the cultural focus in Bearwood (with all the knock on commercial benefits that can bring to local restaurants, shops etc ). I hope the community rooms will be versatile enough to be used for professional (and local) arts groups. I think it's vital that sustainable uses for the house are developed.

Use should be maximised so that rooms are used (where possible) during the daytime AND in the evening

Parking Where are people attending these weddings, events and working in these offices going to park? 200 people at a wedding 100 cars in an area that already has no parking at all. Office workers may use up all the parking spaces The roads near the Park suffer with bad parking. With office space and more visitors the parking on near by roads would become worse. Parking provision should form part of the proposals Living near to the park and seeing how much interest there is in the events currently held, I would car parking to be considered. Parking is already difficult on the surrounding roads.

Restore for future generations Such a wonderful house needs to be restored and protected for future generations any commercial lease needs a strong contract binding the tenants to look after the house, unfortunately Hardman Studio did not appear to look after the fabric of the building at all. Lightwoods House has been on a downward spiral and being empty and unused must be considered to be 'at risk'. The proposals will secure the historic house for future generations.

Security Adequate security needed for the House, particularly if IT equipment is installed and due to hidden areas around the back. I think room given for Police use if a good idea. The House needs to have adequate security because of the potential for vandalism It was proposed to have a Police station in part of the House. This would make the public feel safer in the Park Prevention of vandalism is desperately needed. Why will they leave it alone when the fence comes down?

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposals for the House:

Must be safe and secure at night Proposals are excellent, but must be backed with appropriate security to reduce vandalism. Will security be on site when closed?

Youth Provision Addition of some youth provision would make it a complete package To include a youth club provision It would be great to see an area for younger people within the house for a club etc

Other Comments Never seen inside house - restore a room/rooms in an historical setting for visitors to see. (Winterborne House - University of Birmingham has this plus cafe/restaurant and works well) Get stained glass people back A 'Lunar Society' theme should be adopted through out the functional house in my opinion. Steam engines outside to showcase those that were developed and built at the Soho Foundary by Matthew Boulton's business partner - James Watt No permanent public toilets. Only portable toilets in Park for when events are on which can then be taken away

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposed events and activities:

Expanding the type of events and activities on offer Loved the drive in movie, shuffle and a community event. Would love to see a community health day - all health and social care services present, visibility for those in recovery from mental health, addiction and visibility for those with long term conditions/disabilities. I think the events are great but could be broadened so that for example more people from different ethnic groups get involved and that we make an effort particularly to include old people as well as young people. Ideally all at the same time! Should be aimed across the age range - children to senior citizens After recent events it bought the community together and people who never used the park. 'Camemy' children used to play in Sandwell youth band and were regulars on sun afternoon at bandstand - arrange anything that will bring the community together A farmers market would be lovely! Community market for local traders and niche traders, food, craft, locally produced, in addition to big events (sell produce grown in park too) No food miles! Hope the Park would bring pop up shops and a monthly farmers market Can some of the areas be regraded to provide 'natural' amphitheatre for events, with a defined and appropriately surfaced area as "stages" Balance between one off events - for possibly - external folk (e.g. weddings, conferences) - and ongoing activities for local residents (e.g. cafe / training) The external events should attract the wider range of interest - musical tastes and sporting choices. Could a farmers / craft market be considered? Events should be to appeal to the local community and raise income to help fund future improvements. Children's club e.g. scouts, woodland trust etc... Family events with as much variety as possible Variety 4 shuffles, a cricket tournament possibly 6 a side or T20 involved local cricket clubs, other teams from local clubs such as Harborne CC, Smethwick CC, Old Hill CC, West Bromwich Dartmouth CC, Quinton CC< etc or teams from local pubs like The Dog, The Bear Hotel, The Thimblemill, The Samba Lounge, etc. etc, or even local schools like Lordswood, Shireland, Harborne Academy and George Dixon School in City Road, Edgbaston , possibly a football tournament involving local school football teams/pub teams/ local teams or a Rugby Sevens Competition involving my Rugby Club, Lordswood Dixonians Rugby Football Club, based in Bearwood at Lordswood School please go to the LDRFC website at www.ldrfc.com for more information. Also I went to the recent Drive-In Movie presentation of Grease which was an overwhelming success I would envisage 4 of those per year with great participatory 'singalong films like 'Dirty Dancing' 'The Blues Brothers', 'Mamma Mia', 'Ghostbusters' 'Life of Brian' Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 'Spamalot' and 'The Rocky Horror Show' ....that ought to be enough films for the next couple of years...??? Drive-in movie was fantastic! Could have a 6-a-side cricket tournament using local pub sides - The Dog, The Thimblemill, Samba Lounge, The Abbey, The Bear Hotel, The Conks Club or a T20 competition on the extension. Or a rugby 7's tournament. Introduction of events such as farmers markets would be in keeping with local community. The more events the better but some control over theme should be returned. The music played at 'Bearwood on Ice' was particularly bad and discouraged me and other people I know from attending. There are lots of great ideas coming forward, the drive in movie was a great success. What about more pop concerts with support from local radio stations? London seems to get these all the time like T in the Park etc, why can't Bearwood be cool? Sandwell needs Bearwood to show what can be done and stop pouring all the money into West Brom! Us Bearwood folk are sick of seeing our council tax thrown into a big black hole up the road whilst we're forgotten about! At last we will have an identity.

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposed events and activities:

General Support Great free entertainment for the local community Great for seeding awareness of the Park and House and for developing an expectation The Bearwood on Ice event last year was very popular and so was the recent Drive-In movie. I hope these will be repeated plus any other suitable events. The recent events held in Lightwoods Park have been great. The drive in movie Grease was particularly enjoyable From the events already run, I feel this lifts the community spirit and strengthens Bearwood's image Bearwood on Ice, Festival and Drive-in were fab...more of this please It's great to know that this space will be utilised for the benefit of the local community - I’m fully behind such a development Excellent so far. More of the same. Bins! Making good use of open spaces Events should go ahead as planned, and only rescheduled in the prospect of really bad weather. The park should be "alive" with regular events that bring people and business to the park to maintain the interest and encourage investment.

Quantity of Events Our house backs on to the park and we were very impressed by the way in which the drive-in was organised. I've highlighted six but I guess the decision needs to be based on keeping the balance between nurturing the park (I’m thinking of environmental impact) and providing entertainment. Would love to see more events in the park, particularly for different age groups. Any number of activities run in the Park are most welcome in fact the more that is capable/manageable, the better. I would like to see a lot of artistic talent in events be it caligraphy. paintings, drawings or in particular live music from a variety of genres At least one a month. I'd also like to comment that the Shuffle should not be considered a 'large scale' event as it is only in one area of the park and only has a licence for up to 499 people. Therefore it should not be 'in competition' (in terms of the numbers of events per year) with the other larger events. The more events, the more people will come together this can only enhance the community ethos. The events so far have been great but not enough of them. The flexibility of the House to support events under cover will help when the weather is bad. If you run too many events, you will not get enough visitors. Bearwood on Ice was good. Cafe facilities during the day would be very welcome and encourage families. As Friends of the Park are very keen to increase usage and volunteer to host events I think this should be encouraged. Any amount of events which benefit Bearwood residents and local businesses I am all in favour of I think 4 - 6 is about right for my family. I always make an effort to support any local shops and events. The events that have been run are very enjoyable and I think has actually re-introduced Bearwood to being a community. It is great to pop up to any event and not manage to walk far without stopping for a chat with someone you know ! Great ! It is such a shame about the high street but that is probably a nationwide issue and is brought about by the local people not shopping on the high street ! However, as more shops go, even I don't go anywhere as often as I used to. I think twelve would mean they are less well attended than fewer events. I have enjoyed all of the events this year and would love to see more Would there need to be a limit? If funding is covered and these don't interfere and bring people to Bearwood there could be events held every week and people would come

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposed events and activities:

I've said six, but I'm not sure why. I think that 12 might be a bit of overkill but it would depend a little on the nature of the events and how much draw they have. I have chosen four because I think it is a great idea to have a spring/summer/autumn/winter events. Every two months for events and educate the audience to expect 'happening' on a regular basis and lead to the promotion of the idea that 'Lightwoods' is more than just a Park! The more the merrier One a month, events should cater to all ages and all tastes Regular year round events A lot depends upon the capacity of the park (as an organisation) to manage events and recovery of the park from these events. As such I have plumped for 6 for starters - but maybe 12 might be achievable with time and experience... The more the merrier as these events attract people to the Park Might need time between events for grassed area to recover 12 is definitely the higher end and would need careful management but the right events for the sake of it. I've particularly enjoyed the Bearwood Shuffle. Hard to put a figure to this question as it is great to see the Park being utilised again for various events and brings the Bearwood Community and wider community together If there's too many, their effect will be diluted and may well clash with events at Warley Woods. It will probably be difficult to find sufficient active volunteers to organise them.

Scale of Events Not sure why the shuffle is considered large scale! Should have more events the shuffles have been a breath of fresh air! Definition of large scale events would be helpful. I think park can take a lot of events but appreciate large scale events i.e. Bearwood on Ice and Festival have greater impact. The shuffle I would not count as large scale if considering long term impact on state of park. Shuffle does not use heavy machinery or fixed sheds etc. If there were too many larger scale events it could spoil the beauty of the park and could ruin the grass. The problem with large events is the level of noise, litter etc, which is unfair to local residents. If you live in Bishopton Road, Milcote Road etc it is unfair There is scope for a 'large scale event' once a month. Gaining a 365 day licence is an excellent and should help to encourage events. Power supplies in Park are an excellent idea too. Should consider more power points in Galton Road extension to support events such as 'drive-in' showings.

Parking Where will the parking be for larger scale events? Problem with larger scale events is the Parking - deterioration of state of grass and any very high level of noise to disturb residents living in Lightwoods Hall Designated parking for Lightwoods Park residents

Dissatisfaction with current events programme Bearwood on ice is ok but most events are not very appealing. No drive-in movies please. Noisy and disruptive. Drive-in movie was very noisy. No events in the extension please. The very first bank holiday event was ok, but thereafter they have been pretty grim and unpleasant. Bearwood on Ice was a particular low point

Please provide any comments you may have about the proposed events and activities:

Have events by all means as long as they do not generate the vastly amplified so called music which the children appear to desire - to the discomfort of neighbours No cars on annex land please, the 'movie' was horrid Events ok but not drive in Didn't like drive-in event Making it function as an events venue would clash as an evening restaurant. At this point may I say that Bearwood- on-ice was totally ruining by the rave music that the showmen were allowed to play. The Christmas theme that individual businesses were trying to encourage was wasted and lost by a gypsy rave.

Catering / Restaurant A good catering facility could be a money-spinner Concentrate on daytime catering and make it really good - fairtrade preferably. Evening catering raises concerns over behaviour/drink Think a restaurant in the evening might struggle. Also would want cafe to be a really good one, with high standard of food, drinks, decor, customer services etc... Think another restaurant in evening might struggle to succeed

Safety / Security Safety at the Park with more patrols from local police. Improved lighting and make the area not a target for criminal damage or anti-social behaviour If there was a pond, it would be dangerous, all kids would be throwing things

Always think of residents. The pre/post-war fairs (steam driven / pat collins funfairs) were always a concern to local residents then drunkenness using entries as toilets etc

Other Comments There are other venues in the near vicinity that also hold events i.e. Warley Woods local library and pubs lets try and share any money raising events rather than compete with each other. At the moment it is difficult to understand the link between 'Bearwood traders' who appear to be behind many of the events and the council. If this situation is going to continue in the future the fiduciary, commercial and contractual links between private interest groups, the council and the friends group needs to be made clearer. Proposed events should work with the natural environment of the Park and should not detract from its essential qualities. I would appreciate more advertising / promotion of the larger scale events as well joint working with Birmingham City Council. I applaud regular events to build a happier, thriving community to cater for all, creative diversity and cultural events. Space out the different areas. They don't clash with other i.e. one event this year (2012) had music too close together. In the end I just gave up trying to listen and left the Park. Arrange volunteer litter picks during and after events. Auditions for musicians please (that are advertised)