Agenda item

The Executive RESOLVED that

(i)           the progress on this project in terms of works already instigated be noted;

(ii)          the implementation of the individual schemes be delegated to the Executive head of Business after consultation with the Places and Strategy Portfolio Holder.

(iii)         a further report will be brought to a future meeting of the Executive to consider CCTV options.

The Executive RECOMMENDED to Council that the Capital Programme from 2021/22 be increased by £14,000 for the cost of the additional lighting around the new play area (which would be subject to planning consent and environmental impact assessments).

The Executive was reminded that, at its meeting on 17 November 2020, it had received a petition requesting that the Council consider improved security measures at Old Dean Recreation Ground to resist vandalism to the newly installed play area and existing pavilion as well as support the reduction in anti-social behaviour in this area.

The suggested measures were: repair of existing and installation of additional lighting, installation of an alarm system for the pavilion, and the installation of CCTV. Members had considered the petition and had agreed to support its aims. It had also been agreed that options be explored to bring the pavilion back into use as a community or commercial space.

Meetings with stakeholders and the petitioner had been held to discuss the proposed options and agreement obtained on the proposals for additional lighting and a security system for the pavilion. However, detailed options for CCTV could not be provided, as they required site visits from providers which had been a challenge to facilitate during the pandemic. As a result, options for CCTV would be brought to a future Executive meeting.

The total cost for the implementation of additional lighting would be circa £14,000 and would be added to the capital programme for 2021/22.  This capital outlay would provide a good level of protection to the Council’s asset thereby reducing revenue maintenance costs and officer hours used to address damage and vandalism.  The additional lighting should also act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and provide a safer and more welcoming environment for the wider community.

RESOLVED that

(i)        the progress on this project in terms of works already instigated be noted;

(ii)      the implementation of the individual schemes be delegated to the Executive Head of Business after consultation with the Places and Strategy Portfolio Holder; and

(iii)     a further report will be brought to a future meeting of the Executive to consider CCTV options.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the Capital Programme from 2021/22 be increased by £14,000 for the cost of the additional lighting around the new play area (which would be subject to planning consent and environmental impact assessments).