Agenda item

Report ES12091

Members were updated on work carried out by the Environmental Services Department working in partnership with Friends (volunteers) of the Borough.

Councillor Fookes enquired whether Payback teams could undertake activities such as weeding paths. The Director indicated that Payback contracts had recently been let and that it should be possible to consider how to use teams more effectively.

Councillor Jefferys highlighted certain work at local woods in his ward and Councillor Grainger referred to the work of Friends being appreciated by residents. He asked what provision existed for conveying thanks and for monitoring the success and development of Friends. Noting earlier comments that the number of Friends of Parks groups had begun to plateau with the numbers of Friends having seemingly slowed down, Councillor Grainger felt that income for the Groups could also plateau, taking a view that it was the number of volunteer hours which the Council could take comfort on. Councillor Grainger also highlighted that a number of village halls were run by community groups and he enquired whether village halls could also be involved with the Friends work. 

In response to Councillor Grainger’s points, Members were advised of the People in Parks awards and a “hero” award which was starting as a means for thanking individual volunteers. On grant funding, it was felt conceivable that grant could diminish and it was confirmed that volunteer hours could be measured. On village halls, officers could impart their experience but it was felt that Community Links could provide advice and assistance.

To maintain goodwill, Councillor Grainger asked if there would be sufficient resources for localised thanks. The Portfolio Holder referred to the previous day’s Snow Conference. He supported a cash award but highlighted that a certificate could be well received. Concerning village halls, the Portfolio Holder referred to a small rolling fund within the Renewal and Recreation Portfolio. If it were possible to involve Friends with village halls and expertise could be used to obtain grant funding and if more money could be levered in perhaps involving a part funded post for the area, he felt that the concept should be developed.

In response to an enquiry from Councillor Bennett, it was indicated to Members that the strategy to obtain Friends was successful as no rigid model was imposed. Officers enabled a group to be formed and would “walk” with a Friends group for the first year so that they could move forward. Councillor Grainger suggested that a new small group should not learn to run before walking and suggested they start with activities such as litter picking and then bulb planting. More adventurous activities could then follow.

Councillor Bennett asked if a list of Friends Groups could be provided.

It was felt that thanks should be extended to officers for their work with Friends and to Friends themselves for their hard work in fund raising and in parks and green spaces. A question was asked on whether more of the rivers in the borough could benefit from the work of Friends. Members were advised that this was on the wish list of officers. Work had been undertaken with Thames 21 at the River Cray with young people but the grant had ceased and it was a case of looking to obtain alternative grant. Reference was also made to looking at working with residents at Glassmill reservoir, Church House Gardens.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the annual report be received and another successful year for the Borough’s Friends be noted;

(2)  thanks be formally recorded to staff working outside of normal

hours to deliver the service and to the volunteers for their significant and valuable contribution;

(3)  the securing of £362k and 36,033 hrs for green space improvements by the Friends of Parks and Greenspace through external funding opportunities during 2011/12 be noted;

(4)  the additional £298k of enhancements to green space secured through partnership working be further noted; and

(5)  the success of the new initiatives regarding Healthy Lifestyles delivery be noted along with the Snow Friends programme for the Winter, 2011/12.