Agenda item

This report accompanies an update to the Work Programme for the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee following the last meeting on 20^th June 2022.

The Committee received a report accompanying an update to the Work Programme for the Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee following the last meeting on 20^th June 2022.

Councillors Christopher Woolmer (Chair) and Louise Phelan were not present at the meeting at the start of the discussion of the item, and entered the meeting during the discussion of the item.

The following matters were considered by the Committee:

a)            Visitor survey: The Streetcare manager provided a verbal update to the Committee on the Visitor Survey that will be required to under-pin the updated Park Management Plan and Strategic Park Business Plan.

b)           Covid memorial bench: The Committee noted that the Nonsuch Park Covid memorial bench would soon be installed. It was noted by the Committee that the Covid memorial benches are an Epsom and Ewell Borough Council initiative, with one bench per ward, and that the Nonsuch Ward bench was to be located in Nonsuch park, with approval from Sutton Council, as it would be seen by a large number of people who visit the Park. The Committee noted there are policies in place with regard to the placement of flowers and paraphernalia on benches in the Park.

c)            Priority of item 5 (bylaws) of the Programme: It was agreed by the Committee that item 5 (bylaws) of the ‘Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee – Additional Work Programme Items 2022’ (appendix to the report) be moved to high priority. It was agreed by the Committee that a set of proposed new bylaws would be brought to the next meeting of the Committee for consideration.The Committee noted the areas that would be addressed by the proposed bylaws, including cycling and the scattering of ashes within the Park.

d)           Removal of bollard at Sparrow Farm Road entrance to the Park: The Streetcare Manager explained that the bollard located at the Sparrow Farm Road entranceintended to restrict entry for motor-vehicle users also undesirably restricts entry for bicycle and mobility scooter users. She explained that keeping the bollard will require strong evidence and a trial is to be conducted in which the bollard will be removed. If the trial provides evidence that suggests a need for a bollard, then it shall be returned.

e)            Park events: The Committee considered the possibility of increasing the number of events held in the Park. Suggestions included a possible joint event with Epsom & Ewell for the Cheam Charter Fair, or a Christmas Fair at the Park. This was noted by the Streetcare Manager.

f)             Car park stewardship at Park Run events: The Committee agreed that, prior to Park Run events expected to draw large numbers of visitors arriving by car, a letter signed by the Chair be provided to Park Run event organisers requiring the presence of additional stewards to manage visitor parking and prevent parking in unauthorised areas.

g)           Letter of thanks to Nonsuch Voles: It was agreed by the Committee that a letter of thanks, signed by the Chair, would be provided to the Nonsuch Voles in appreciation of their work for the Park.

h)           Committee Charitable status update: The Head of Policy and Corporate Resources provided a verbal update to the Committee on the attainment of a charitable status for the Committee. It was noted by the Committee that further legal expertise would be sought to ascertain the possibility and viability of gaining a charitable status.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)          Review the updated Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee Work Programme (appendix to the report) and progress made to date.