To receive a report by the Senior Ranger (Hinchingbrooke) on Park Activities for the period October 2006 to March 2007.
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 in the Park. Having regard to the health and safety of volunteers, it was reported that all volunteers were now required to complete an application form, prior to providing their assistance in the Park.
(b) Countryside Centre
Details of the number of users of the Countryside Centre for the period October 2006 to March 2007 inclusive were presented. Although the number of users had decreased by 10% in comparison to that of the previous year, Members were encouraged to note that the range of users of the Centre had remained the same.
(c) Café
The Group were pleased to note the continued success of the Café and noted that buffets, catering for up to 20 people, were now being offered to users of the Countryside Centre.
The Senior Ranger reported that further consideration was being given to suggestions to extend the café.
(d) Events and Activities
The Senior Ranger presented the Group with details of the events and activities at the Centre over the autumn/winter period. Particular mention was made of the success of the Nordic Walking Group.
(e) Wider District
Members noted the range of work being undertaken in other parts of the District. Particular attention was drawn to ConeygearePark where “drainage saucers” for the trees had been created and damaged trees had been removed and replaced. Members were encouraged to note that positive feedback had been received from the public on the progress that had been made.
(f) Park Management
The Senior Ranger informed the Group of the various work being undertaken at the Country Park which included path building around the lake area, new fencing for the llamas and repairs to the crack in the brick bridge.
(g) Friends of HinchingbrookeCountryPark
Members were encouraged that membership of the “Friends of Hinchingbrooke Country Park” had increased and noted the range of fundraising activities which had been organised by the Group. Particular mention was made of the success of the Christmas Shopping Evening.
Arising from this, the Countryside Services Manager reported that it was the intention to form a new “Friends of Holt Island” Group which would be applying for charitable status. Members remained hopeful that this Group would continue to contribute funding for the Park activities.
(a) Miscellaneous
The Chairman drew Members’ attention to an article which had appeared in the local press, highlighting concerns raised by a local resident who believed that the Park was turning into a “wasteland” because of the increase in vehicle movements in the Park. Having been advised that the resident in question had arranged a public meeting, scheduled to be held on 22nd April 2007, Members expressed disquiet that the resident had not highlighted any concerns to staff located on site in the first instance and neither had a representative from the District Council been invited to attend the meeting. After much discussion on the proposed way forward, it was concluded that the Chairman, together with the Countryside Services Manager, should attend the meeting on the 22nd April in a personal capacity. Councillor Mrs J Chandler undertook to contact the Ward Member to ask if he could similarly attend the meeting.
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