Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Report to the Cabinet Member for Youth and Cultural Services 27th March 2003 The Sandwell Valley - A Vision 2003 - 2013 (Forward Plan Ref Y020) 1. Summary Statement 1.1 This report sets out the results of the consultation process on the Draft Vision for the Sandwell Valley which was approved for consultation purposes on 26th September, 2003 and submits for approval, and subsequent adoption by the Cabinet, the Final Document “The Sandwell Valley - A Vision 2003 - 2013”. 1.2 A survey was undertaken to allow residents, user groups, organisations and elected members to have an input into the Sandwell Valley Vision. Key points were taken from the Vision and allocated a score to form the basis of the survey form, but the form also allowed a free choice section, so that respondents could enter their own ideas for the future of Sandwell Valley. The final section allowed people completing the form to give their highest and lowest priorities, to give an idea of respondents absolute likes and dislikes. 1.3 A display was produced, charting key points about the Vision and Sandwell Valley, which toured the Borough along with the survey forms to the following sites. Sandwell Park Farm West Bromwich Central Library Great Barr Library Hamstead Library Stone Cross Library West Bromwich Town Committee Gayton Road Community Centre Lodge Road Community Centre Yew Tree Community Centre Publicity for the display was achieved via the Ed Doolan Show on Radio WM, article in the Sandwell Herald and further publicity in the Express and Star. 1.4 Completed forms were fed into Pinpoint survey software at Sandwell Park Farm as they were returned and final analysis carried out on site. A list of those organisations who were consulted and responded can be found at Annexe 1 to the Vision Document. Over 200 responses were returned and within this figure, there are organisations representing many individuals. From the existing survey analysis there are Key Points from the consultation process and these are set out at Annexe 2 to the Vision Document. Annexe 3 gives an overview of the consultations in a pie chart format, and will be used to identify under represented groups for further consultation. 1.5 The consultation process has proved to be very successful and the key priorities arising from this are: Conservation • Review management plans for existing local nature reserves and identify further potential sites within the Valley. • Develop further rare breeds programme and ensure vegetables grown in the kitchen garden are those that were available in the 19th century, and do not use hybrids. Heritage • Restoration of Dartmouth Park through Heritage Lottery Fund. • Refurbish the historic farm equipment to a working condition Interpretation • Develop more public information leaflets and booklets with appropriate interpretation signage throughout • Develop small animals area at the two farms • Identify potential areas for new technology e.g. interactive computers • Encourage more countryside type of events such as game fairs and falconry shows. Sport and Health • Develop junior soccer at King George Playing Fields • Improve pathways for walking throughout the Valley • Develop Swan Pool into a water sports centre 1.6 The Valley is a very important part of the Visitor economy to Sandwell, it has the most number of visitors each year of any leisure facility within the Borough and the key uses arising from the consultation process are clearly linked to Education and Health and things for young people to do. In order to implement the vision there is a need to produce an Action Plan for each of the key themes within the vision. The Action Plan will be subjected to further wider consultation, in order to prioritise the resources and funding opportunities to deliver the plan, targeting particularly those groups under represented in the original consultation. The Final Vision Document attached hereto provides an overview of how the Valley will be managed and used for the next 10 years for a number of purposes themed around Heritage, Conservation, Education and Health. This will provide a distinction between the functional and visionary aspects. Further details are attached for your information. 2. Recommendations 2.1 That the Cabinet be recommended to approve and adopt the final document “The Sandwell Valley - A Vision 2003 - 2013 set out in the Appendix attached hereto. 2.2 That officers be instructed to develop Action Plans through wider consultation, particularly targeting young people as part of the process, for each of the key themes now identified within the Vision. 2.3 That further reports be submitted in due course to the Cabinet Member for Youth and Cultural Services on any proposed Action Plans and how those actions can be resourced. In accordance with the authority delegated to the Cabinet Member for Youth and Cultural Services, the following course of action has been agreed, which will be set out in the formal record of the decisions taken by the Member: (1) the recommendation(s) above is/are approved. (2) the recommendation(s) above is/are approved as now amended. (3) the recommendations above are not approved. _________________________________ Cabinet Member for Youth and Cultural Services 27th March 2003 Paul Slater Head of Leisure Direct Contact Officer David Brown Development Manager 0121 569 3874 A Vision for Sandwell Valley Country Park 3. Resource Implications At present the Valley performs an extremely valuable contribution to the quality of life for the residents of Sandwell. However it’s development and promotion as a recreational, educational, sporting and heritage centre will demand additional resources of funding and staffing. Further work will be undertaken to produce an action plan with potential services of funding. 4. Policy Implications Should the Valley continue as at present then there are no policy implications. However, further examinations of the funding opportunities available from other agencies might require that policies are reviewed in respect of the Valley. The development of opportunities within the Valley must conform to those issues associated with the UDP and Policy RL1 in particular, Agenda 21, the creation of opportunities for young people and the Birmingham and Black Country Bio-diversity Action Plan. 5. Crime and Disorder Implications In the context of the Valley as a whole, the more the visitor attractions are promoted and developed the greater the use is made of the Valley. Greater public awareness should contribute to overcoming anti-social activities. 6. Sustainability Implications The very nature of the Valley and the need to maintain and strategically develop the environment for active and passive recreation supports in the concept of sustainability in environmental terms and Agenda 21 in particular. 7. Implications for Young People Where the educational aspects are developed then the Valley will offer new and greater perceptions for young people. Better promotion of activities will also encourage greater participation particularly amongst families. Young people will be encouraged to contribute as part of Consultation process to develop Action plans arising from the vision. 8. Background Details 8.1 A summary of the key areas for consultation within the vision, are given below. These key areas are based on the physical areas that constitute the Valley. 1. Sandwell Park Farm • Further develop the rare breed centre • Develop the small animal areas • Review of the layout of the new reception area • Improve access for the disabled 2. Forge Mill Farm • Illustrate the process of dairy production from grass to cream, possibly by way of computers. • Introduce small animal areas • Develop a catering facility • Improve access for the disabled 3. Swan Pool • Develop a water sports centre 4. King George Playing Fields • Junior soccer centre of excellence • Encourage community tennis club • Area for special sporting events • Improve the new pavilion/changing rooms 5. Dartmouth Park • Improve the infrastructure and develop a new play area • Improve footpaths and boundaries and arboriculture work • With water features 6. Showground • Enhance existing facilities 7. Priory and Priory Wood • Landscape and interpretation of the archaeological dig • Promote the original sand well 8. The procurement of commercial • Catering services • Caravanning • Equestrian Centre 8.2 It is these 8 key areas that provided the focus for the consultation exercise. Conservation of the natural environment also featured within the comments received. Therefore it is appropriate to identify the existing local nature reserves within the Valley and identify possible new sites. A detailed management plan can then be developed for protecting and enhancing these areas. It is envisaged a new Conservation Officer will be recruited to undertake this work. 8.3 The survey was undertaken to allow the residents of Sandwell to have an input into the Sandwell Valley Vision, a draft document produced and circulated to user groups, organisations and members. Key points were taken from the Vision and allocated a score to form the basis of the survey form, but the form also allowed a free choice section, so that respondents could enter their own ideas for the future of Sandwell Valley. The final section allowed people completing the form to give their highest and lowest priorities, to give an idea of respondents absolute likes and dislikes. 8.4 A display was produced, charting key points about the Vision and Sandwell Valley, which toured the Borough along with the survey forms to the following sites. Sandwell Park Farm West Bromwich Central Library Great Barr Library Hamstead Library Stone Cross Library West Bromwich Town Committee Gayton Road Community Centre Lodge Road Community Centre Yew Tree Community Centre Publicity for the display was achieved via the Ed Doolan Show on Radio WM, and article in the Sandwell Herald and further publicity in the Express and Star. 8.5 Completed forms were fed into Pinpoint survey software at Sandwell Park Farm as they were returned and final analysis carried out on site.