Agenda item

RESOLVED that the report notifying the receipt of the following petition be noted and the recommended actions for responding to it be endorsed:-

(a)       Containing the signatures of 28 signatories, in respect of concerns regarding the development of Mapplewell Park area.

Following discussions with Elected Members and Parks Services, it was decided the most cost-effective way of improving the park was using Section 106 monies to landscape the old tennis court area, which has fallen into disrepair and to address health and safety concerns, and provide a brand new tennis court on the site of the disused bowling green.

The local Friends group, The Mapplewell and Staincross Environment and Recreation Group, have long supported the provision of a new tennis court, and are, by and large, supportive of this proposed scheme.

Bringing the area back into use for recreation of whatever type is likely to lead to an increase in noise levels.  The area has been a a public park for many years before falling into disrepair, before, during and after the building of the estate at Park Close.  Reinstating the original tennis courts would also increase noise levels.

The retention of the ball-stop fence will prevent potential damage to property by balls being retrieved by climbing over garden borders.

The petition requests a buffer zone where grass be allowed to grow long to deter youths from playing football in the area.  This seems unnecessary as there is a purpose built football pitch, plus MUGA, elsewhere in the park. Buffer zones periodically need cutting and this will make it difficult to keep the area well-maintained.

The petition requests some of the tarmac surfacing to be used as a children’s cycle track. The problem with this is the already poor state of the tarmac, which is unsuitable and the subsequent difficulty of maintaining a cycle track.

The new tennis court is located away from residents’ gardens and will be enclosed by 3m high fencing.  The reason the disused bowling green was chosen was because this location means the scheme can be completed within the allocated budget. The old green provides an accessible, suitably well-drained and level base which already has some access paths in place.  An increase in anti-social behaviour is not anticipated; indeed, it is hoped that there will be a reduction in this when this part of the park is brought back into use and is more attractive to responsible parks users.