To receive a report by the Senior Ranger on Park Activities for the period March to September 2006.
Minutes:
In receiving and noting the contents of the Senior Ranger’s report (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) comment was made as follows:-
(a) Volunteers and Staffing
Members were pleased to note the contribution that continued to be made by volunteers, particularly those with registered disabilities, and young people from the Youth Offending Scheme.
In response to questions from a Member regarding the health and safety of all volunteers in the Park, Members were assured that strict processes were set in place to prevent accidents from occurring, particularly for those volunteers with disabilities.
(b) Countryside Centre
Details of the number of users of the Countryside Centre for the period March 2006 – September 2006 inclusive were presented. Members were pleased to note that the number of users were at a similar level to those of the previous year. In response to questions, it was noted that charges for room hire had been based on those imposed for hire of village halls.
(c) Café
The Group were pleased to note the continued success of the café.
(d) Events and Activities
The Senior Ranger presented the Group with details of the events and activities at the Centre over the spring/summer period. Members were pleased to note the success of the literacy week and noted that another event would be arranged in the future.
(e) Wider District
Members noted the range of work being undertaken in other parts of the District. In particular, mention was made of the footpath clearance and woodland work in the Thicket, St Ives and the installation of new dog bins around the Park, which had been provided by Wood Green Animal Shelter, as part of their “responsible dog ownership” project.
(f) Park Management
The Senior Ranger informed the Group of the various work being undertaken at the Country Park. Particular mention was made of the improvements to the toilets in the visitors’ centre and to the exterior of the Countryside Centre.
(g) Miscellaneous
Having discussed the problem of young people and litter within the Park and in particular the occurrence of broken glass, the Group noted that with the involvement of Park staff, the Police and CCTV, steps were being taken to prevent the problem from reoccurring. It was further reported that the existing byelaws for the Park would be reviewed in light of this matter.
Members were encouraged to note that membership of the “Friends of Hinchingbrooke Country Park” had increased and welcomed the range of fundraising activities being organised by the Group.
In response to questions from a Member regarding the possible extension of the café, it was reported that due to a busy summer period, no further consideration had been given to the matter. A short discussion ensued on the possibility of using S106 monies from the Northbridge development to help fund any extension and it was reported that agreement had already been reached, in principle, to provide the Park with additional funding for staff. The Senior Ranger undertook to progress the plans for an extension to the café further and to report back thereon at the next meeting.
Supporting documents: