Decision

To approve allocation of £225,599.08 from the sale of North and South Lodges to the improvement of Locke Park.

Reasons for the decision

A capital receipt of £225,599.08 (after all fees), was received from the sale of the two park houses within Locke Park. As Locke Park is in Trust to BMBC any capital raised has to be reinvested into the park, to improve facilities within for the benefit of Barnsley residents.

This is in accordance with the charity commission regulations applicable to the Locke park trust.

After a number of discussions between Parks Services, Friends of Locke Park and Local Members a number of priorities for the spend of the capital receipt have been drawn up.

These are:

·         Refurbishment of North Lodge entrance gates & pedestrian access gates

·         Bandstand - refurb - strip and repaint metal work, install new electrical supply

·         Old Toilet Block - repair roof to make water tight

·         Play area seating area, provide Flexi pave system to worm grassed areas around picnic benches

·         New interpretation boards to amenity features ( tower, bandstand, quarry ABC steps )

·         Refurbish South Lodge gates and provide pedestrian access gates

·         New children’s sand pit to grassed area side of play area

·         New security fence to depot

·         New notice boards to entrances

·         New litter bins, replace old rusting ones

·         Gardeners Cabin - refurb

·         Depot yard - levelling works, creation of healing in bays and composting areas

·         Storage container for friends group garden volunteers tools and equipment

·         Bowling Club electrics from pavilion to green

·         Replacement of tree stock - replacing trees removed on H&S

·         Creation of colour coded 5k trail for park run

·         Refurbishment/replacement of play equipment - cable way, mobilus, toddler unit, and safer surfacing

·         Landscaping to Quarry area, removal of old shrubs, crown lift trees, replant some areas

·         Provide finger posts /directional posts

·         Replacement of benches near play area/café, provide extra picnic tables.

Any expenditure of the receipts is subject to approval from the charity commission. The works will be prioritised and elements excluded (if necessary) to ensure costs do not exceed available funding.

Alternative options considered

Currently there is no alternative funding options to carryout improvements within the park.

To not carry out the suggested improvements will lead to the future deterioration of facilities within the park.