Agenda and minutes

It was confirmed that the business of the meeting would take place in public.

PETITION REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TARMAC PATH ACROSS NORTHWOOD RECREATION GROUND, NORTHWOOD HILLS.

Councillors Jonathan Bianco and Andrew Retter attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillors in support of the petition. Councillor David Bishop attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillors in opposition to the petition.

Concerns and suggestions raised at the meeting included the following:

·        The recreation ground was used by children playing sports including football and cricket. If a path was laid down, the field would be divided into two and would discourage children from playing there.

·        Laying a path down could be dangerous to those playing sports around the field, as they could fall on the path and injure themselves.

·        The ground had integrity which residents wished to conserve. Green Spaces are the borough’s heritage and these should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

·        Bicyclists and dog walkers had been able to use the ground with ease, so a path was unnecessary.

·        However, people with sensory and mobility problems would benefit from the construction of the path across a ground that would get muddy during the winter time.

Councillor Sandra Jenkins listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised.    

DECISION

Cllr Jenkins approved the continuation of the current arrangements at the Recreation Ground by not installing a tarmac path.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION

·        A tarmac path is unnecessary, as access across the existing grass is easy for most of the year, and at other times there are alternative routes available.

·        A tarmac path would be detrimental to the character of the open space.

·        The primary access to Northwood Recreation Ground is via the road by the allotments off Chestnut Avenue.  A tarmac path from Highland Road would lead to an undesirable increase in traffic and parking in Highland Road.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

Construction of path.

Councillor Michael Markham attended the meeting and spoke as a Ward Councillor. 

Concerns and suggestions raised at the meeting included the following:

·        Shenley Park was very popular with youths and the installation of a youth shelter would further encourage them to congregate in the park.

·        Neighbours of the park included very young children and elderly people who would not feel safe walking alone in the park.

·        Youngsters had been inclined to consume alcohol in the park due to new CCTV cameras installed in Ruislip Manor. The installation of a youth shelter could further encourage this activity.

·        Youths may benefit from a youth shelter in a safer environment, such as nearer to their school.

·        The gym equipment in the park was very popular with residents from a wide age range.

·        Residents questioned why the park was not being locked on Friday and Saturday nights.

·        Residents wanted to maintain the safe and clean environment of Shenley Park.

Councillor Sandra Jenkins listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised.  Officers advised residents that currently only three Park Rangers were employed to lock eight parks borough wide. However, Officers agreed to enforce the locking of the park on Friday and Saturday nights. 

DECISION

Cllr Jenkins informed residents that a youth shelter would not be installed in Shenley Park. Local residents, young people and other residents living adjacent to the park were requested to form a ‘Friends Group’ for the park to advise on future decisions relating to the park.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION

The concept of ‘Friends Groups’ has been successful at other green spaces throughout the borough as an effective way for local people to be able to contribute effectively in the management and care of local parks and green spaces

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

To not propose local people form a ‘Friends Group’ for Shenley Avenue Recreation Ground