Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Khan, Shaeen and Trumpeter.

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business to be considered as a  matter of urgency.

There were no urgent additional items of business to consider.

To consider and comment upon the Green Spaces Annual Report 22/23 and the Programme of Works Progress 22/23.

The Green Spaces Strategy 2022-2025 set out an approach to approve and publish both an annual report and an annual programme of planned works for green spaces across Sandwell. This would ensure that the goal of improving the quality of green spaces in the borough remained a priority.

Of the planned works for 2022/2023, 90% had been completed within the municipal year. It was highlighted that where works had not been completed, the usual cause was contractor delays or slippage due to specific seasonal requirements, these works would be completed during the 2023/2024 municipal year instead.

In total, 41 play areas had been improved alongside the establishment of an additional play area. It was also highlighted that nine outdoor gym sites had been refurbished, six swing sets had been replaced, seven zip slides had been replaced and 33 allotment plots had been brought back into use. The pilot team, that had been created to refresh open spaces that were littered, fly tipped and overgrown, had improved over 160 sites. It was confirmed that the team was now permanent which had been supported by senior officers across various services to tackle open spaces with multiple issues. Members were also updated on the completion of the West Smethwick Park Pavilion and Café.

The biggest challenge faced by the Council was the lack of resources available to spend on Sandwell’s green spaces. Members noted that the annual programme of works allowed the Council to be transparent with the public on what works were to be prioritised and why certain actions had been planned. The strategic approach allowed officers to utilise “quality scores” that helped prioritise green spaces that were the most in need of attention. It was acknowledged that better communications were required between officers and town leads to ensure that members were consulted on what works were important to residents in their respective areas. Community volunteer days were also theorised by officers as ways in which works could be carried out to ensure the maintenance and accessibility of local green spaces.

The Board discussed the information it had received and, as a result, the following points were made:-

·               prioritisation of green space works were based on health and safety requirements as well as the funding available;

·               funding, that wasn’t available to the Council, was accessible to friends groups for their own usage;

·               volunteer processes, policies and recruitment had been improved and work had been carried out on corporate social responsibility;

·               contracts with friends groups detailed the exact commitments and obligations expected;

·               a steering group would be established in November 2023 to help guide the clearance of hotspots that had experienced substantial overgrowth within the borough;

·               pitch resurfacing would take place across the borough and the timelines of works would be provided to the Board when available;

·               there would be a mix of free and paid bookable slots depending on the nature of the request;

·               the open bike track was delivered on-time without additional costs;

·               theft of park furniture had been experienced across  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67/21

To consider the establishment of a steering group to support the completion, adoption and implementation of the Playing Pitch Strategy.

The new Playing Pitch Strategy, which was to seek approval from Cabinet in October 2023, was developed in line with Sport England guidance. The strategy would address borough facility requirements including areas and sites in need of major regeneration as these facilities played an important role in maintaining and improving people’s health. As playing pitches were costly to maintain, a reliable strategy was necessary to optimise resources and set out realistic aspirations.

                  Due to the importance of the strategy, it was highlighted that it would be prudent to form a working group to assist the completion, adoption and implementation of the playing pitch strategy.

                  Resolved that a Steering Group comprised of Councillors Lewis (Chair), Davies, Fisher, Maycock and Khan be established to assist with the completion, adoption and implementation of the Playing Pitch Strategy.

To consider and note progress on the implementation of actions and recommendations.

The Board noted the status of actions and recommendations it had made.  Further updates would be reported to future meetings of the Board.

Standing item to consider the work programme of the Board and the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The Board noted its Work Programme for 2023 - 24 and received the Cabinet Forward Plan.