The Bedfont Lakes Trust Panel meeting was scheduled to discuss the financial performance and future budget of Bedfont Lakes Country Park, as well as an update on the park's development and a visitor survey. The panel was also due to review the auditor's report.

Bedfont Lakes 2024/25 Accounts and 2026/27 Budget

The meeting was scheduled to consider the Bedfont Lakes Trust Fund's outturn for the 2024/25 financial year and the proposed budget for 2026/27. A report by Vicky Couchman, Strategic Finance Manager, indicated that for the 2023/24 financial year, income had fallen compared to the previous year, resulting in a shortfall of £5,325. However, the Trust's investment fund had increased by approximately £300,000 due to rising investment values. The fund managers, Cazenove, explained that income had not risen in line with total value due to a strategy to smooth income over the long term, and that the 2023/24 period had shown significant monthly volatility.

The proposed budget for 2025/26, based on available figures, indicated a shortfall of £27,418. However, it was noted that there was a substantial capital balance that could absorb this shortfall in the short term, with expectations of income increasing in the long term. The management of the site, which includes education and ecological work alongside daily maintenance, is undertaken by Lampton 360. The report also highlighted that the café, which is described as basic, is operated by Lampton 360 rather than being franchised.

David Belbin of Clemence Hoar Cummings, the auditors, advised that the Trust received good value for money from Lampton Greenspace, a council subsidiary company. He confirmed that the audit team had worked effectively and that the accounts provided a true and accurate picture, giving an unqualified recommendation. The panel was asked to approve the outturn and audited statement of accounts for 2023/24 and the proposed budget for 2025/26.

Auditor's Report to the Trustees

David Belbin, partner at Clemence Hoar Cummings, was scheduled to present the auditor's report to the Trustees. The panel was expected to note this report.

Update on Bedfont Lakes Country Park

Gaye Galvin, Head of Parks, Development and Green Infrastructure, was scheduled to provide an update on Bedfont Lakes. She was expected to describe the park as tired and in need of improvement, despite previous upgrades to address health and safety issues using Community Infrastructure Levy funding. New bird hides and children's play equipment had been installed. Landscape consultants and an architect had been engaged to examine the site's history, with the next stage of renewal described as visionary. A consultation process, including the Panel, was underway to gather input from residents and the council on desired improvements, expected to take around six months.

Ms Galvin was also due to discuss potential funding sources, including the National Lottery and other grants. The report indicated that the site's facilities were nearing the end of their life and required major upgrades. Efforts were being made to improve access, including exploring safe cycle routes, as currently, reaching the site by car was the most practical option. The need for economically sustainable solutions was emphasised, with potential commercial opportunities being examined, such as educational initiatives, while retaining the site's essential wildness and ecological value. Ward members, the Cabinet member, and the Panel were to be involved in these discussions.

Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu was expected to raise concerns about the walk-through areas being overgrown and the infrequent path clearing by Lampton 360, as well as the presence of broken benches. Ms Galvin was to address the council's efforts to remove and replace broken items. She was also to clarify that certain pits on the other side of the road were not part of the Trust site and were not managed by the council, although discussions with the landowners were ongoing.

Regarding security, Ms Galvin was to explain that Lampton 360 Rangers patrolled the area. She was also to mention ongoing discussions with Spelthorne Council, the neighbouring authority, regarding the lakes, which serve both Hounslow and the surrounding area, potentially increasing funding opportunities. The importance of the area as a habitat for wetland birds and other flora and fauna was to be highlighted.

Bedfont Lakes Visitor Survey 2025

The meeting was scheduled to review the findings of the Bedfont Lakes Visitor Survey 2025. This online survey, hosted on The Parks Hub, ran from 16 July to 30 September 2025 and aimed to gather insights from local residents, stakeholders, and users to inform the future vision for Bedfont Lakes Country Park. The key focus areas included community connectivity, environmental enhancement, cultural and educational development, and accessibility and inclusion. The survey sought to ensure that any proposed developments or improvements align with the site's character, community needs, and broader borough strategies.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

The panel was scheduled to appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair for the Municipal Year 2025-26. Councillor Adesh Farmahan was nominated as Chair and Councillor Aysha Tariq as Vice-Chair.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2024 were to be agreed as an accurate record.