Agenda item

Landscapes Contracts - Annual Review for 2018-19

Minutes:

Rob Anderton, Divisional Leader for Commercial Services and Contracts, introduced the report which provided an annual review (for the period April 2018 - March 2019) of the Grounds Maintenance Contract operated by idVerde and the Arboriculture Contract operated by County Tree Surgeons. He noted that 3 parks achieved the Green Flag in 2019 and a further, fourth application will be sought in 2020 for Victoria Park, Haywards Heath.

 

The Chairman noted that there is no mention of further investment to Victoria Park.

 

The Divisional Leader for Commercial Services and Contracts confirmed that Victoria Park is subject to a master planning exercise this year with the investment scheduled for next year. He added that the Council is confident that Victoria Park is already a high quality facility, and can achieve the Green Flag award.

 

A Member enquired whether there are any projects for tree planting as she noted that Marle Place, Burgess Hill could benefit from planting. She also questioned whether it would be possible to apply to the Council to plant trees in certain areas.

 

The Divisional Leader for Commercial Services and Contracts explained that there is no additional funding for tree planting, only for replacing any diseased or damaged trees that are removed. He highlighted the need for considerable aftercare when tree planting is carried out correctly.

 

A Member noted that the Council is now mapping all of the trees within the District and questioned whether there is mapping for memory trees.

 

The Chairman confirmed that the maintenance and mapping is for all trees within the District.

 

A Member sought further information on the details of the accident regime.

 

The Divisional Leader for Commercial Services and Contracts clarified that near misses have been reported as potential accidents so the contractor can manage future potential incidents better. He added that most accidents have been minor with the exception of one major accident which was due to wasp stings that resulted in the individual taking a number of days off.

 

A Member sought clarification on the cutting regime of the District football pitches as she receives comments from residents stating that the grass is too long.

 

The Divisional Leader for Commercial Services and Contracts explained that the football pitches are given a defined number of cuts per year which is based upon the expected weather over particular months; sometimes supplementary cuts are required due to the changes in the climate.

 

A Member questioned who is responsible for cutting the grass on a pathway.

 

The Divisional Leader for Commercial Services and Contracts explained that Mid Sussex are responsible for Council owned parks and some parish/town councils have responsibility for open spaces and parks in their area. Pathways and grass verges are generally the responsibility of West Sussex County Council as the Highway Authority.

 

A Member asked how the football pitches that require attention are prioritised.

 

The Divisional Leader for Commercial Services and Contracts confirmed that the current approach is predominantly reactive, dealing with requests for works as they arise. However, , the Council has recently commissioned a Playing Pitch Strategy, which has used a combination of club surveys, user surveys and site visits to assess the quality of the pitches. When adopted, this strategy will be used to inform a prioritised work programme.

 

The Chairman took the committee to the recommendation which was agreed unanimously.

 

RESOLVED

 

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

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