Agenda item

The Head of Environmental Services provided a presentation on the Management of Parks and Open Spaces to Members of the Committee.

The presentation explained the types of open spaces that are managed by Darlington Borough Council, such as formal manicured parks like South Park and designated local nature reserves such as Brankin Moor. It also stated the resources used to cover 665 hectares across the borough with a budget of £932,988.

It was advised that there are various volunteer and volunteer groups which support parks and open spaces such as the Darlington Forest Project, 17 x Friends Groups, South Park Foundation, Doves and 738 Street Champions. Other agencies involved in the management of parks and open spaces included Darlington Cares, Durham Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water, Etc.

The presentation gave an overview of the Health and Safety Management, named parks such as South Park, The Denes, etc are inspected twice per week. Other parks are inspected weekly and nature reserves are inspected on a monthly basis.

Conversation ensued around the maintenance of open spaces on new developments, whether this is the developer or Councils responsibility.

Members discussed invasive species and whether the Council have any involvement, it was explained that friend groups are aware of the current issues with Himalayan Balsam and licensing is required for the management of American Crayfish.

The Committee asked whether community service still operates around parks and opens spaces in Darlington. Vandalism was discussed during this item and how the light nights had spiked an increase in this particular crime, Members wanted to know whether implementing CCTV would help.

AGREED – That Members note the report.