Venue: Council Chamber - Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1UW. View directions
Contact: Anisha Teji 01895 277655 or Email: ateji@hillingdon.gov.uk
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Declarations of interest in matters coming before this meeting Minutes: None. |
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To confirm that the business of the meeting will take place in public Minutes: It was confirmed that all items would be heard in Part I. |
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To consider the report of the officers on the following petition received: |
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Petitions In Relation To The Rural Activities Garden Centre Minutes: The Cabinet Member considered two petitions in relation to the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC).
The Cabinet Member first considered the petition: Stop the London Borough of Hillingdon’s Closure of the Rural Activities Garden Centre on West Drayton Road, Uxbridge UB8 3JZ, hosted on the Council website. The lead petitioner was in attendance and addressed the Cabinet Member. Concerns were raised regarding the closure of the RAGC, particularly given the lack of public consultation and the Council's failure to meet statutory and legal obligations. The RAGC’s enriching environment, which included various facilities and opportunities for local schools and groups, was emphasised. It was submitted that the proposal to improve horticultural social care services at the Civic Centre was misleading as it would leave many people with additional needs without provision. The Council’s portrayal of the RAGC as a commercial garden centre was challenged as it was noted there had been funding challenges over the years. An 18-month grace period for the RAGC to create a social enterprise business plan was requested. The need for an independent public consultation was emphasised and an assessment of alternative options was urged.
The lead petitioner for the change.org petition: Stop LBH closing Rural Activities Garden Centre - an irreplaceable social care resource addressed the Cabinet Member, emphasising the RAGC’s irreplaceable value as a social care resource. The RAGC’s positive impact, particularly for users with learning disabilities and mental health issues was highlighted. The long-term commitment of volunteers and the community atmosphere at the RAGC was noted and its support work and collaboration with other organisations was emphasised. The Council's lack of consultation with impacted families was questioned. Petitioners called for the withdrawal of the closure plan without a proper public consultation.
The Cabinet Member thanked the petitioners for carefully
stating their views and noted that this information would be made
available at the Cabinet meeting.
Reasons for decision
Alternative options considered / risk management:
None at this stage.
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