Agenda item

Members welcomed Lawrence Dodd to the meeting to give a presentation on the Dell, Grimethorpe. The project concentrates on engaging with groups of residents and has been carrying out work around the pond over the last 2 years. The residents have a Facebook group with over 1000 members, who have been surveyed with the Dell coming up numerous times as a place which would benefit from development. However, there were issues with anti-social behaviour and disrepair in the area. They highlighted how the Dell used to be when it was looked after, and sports were played there. The community want young people to be able to use the Dell for activities.

Lawrence was able to work to bring people together as part of The Dell Steering Group, exploring how they would like to see it develop. The group is now established and constituted. They have been working with BMBC to prune bushes and clear paths, and with Sheffield University where they have commissioned a live project costing £800 which allows for 15 students to work with the group to make ideas and plans into a proposal. This started at the end September 2021 and involved codesigning a series of events, exploring what the area needed and working with an early prevention officer to liaise with young people to identify how the Dell was currently being used.

A young engagement event came from working with the University which included a climbing wall, bucking broncho, totem poles and craft exercises so that young people could be involved with shaping the plan.

It was not just community members taking park but also partners from Yorkshire Wildlife, Barnsley Parks, Councillors and other stakeholders who wanted to be involved. Capacity building and confidence was instilled in the people participating and with an emphasis on it being community led. Typically there aren't design spaces in the community, but the opportunity was here and there is a valuable lesson to be learnt from this. There were 230 people were directly involved and, in the Dell, there are 4 ponds in addition to the fishing pond which can be opened out to make it a place which people enjoy. There is going to be a community orchard which will be planted up in Autumn 2022 and larger proposals will include exploring a community café.

Right now they are carrying out regular volunteer sessions to explore access at the old Willowgarth School and they are developing a pump track proposal. Some areas need moving forward and principal towns may play a part in this as collaboration builds trust, transparency, goals and improves relationships.

The focus is on the community taking the lead, providing them with the tools and the knowledge to proactively make improvements.  By harnessing this passion, people will have a sense of ownership and responsibility.

In the ensuing discussions reference was made to:

Congratulating Lawrence for the time and effort given to getting the project off the ground and for involving the University. It was noted that this has enthused the people of Grimethorpe and that it would be great to re-establish the newts which were originally in the Dell and that the vast majority of things in the plan are achievable at a fairly low cost.

By having the right people involved in the process it was determined that plans are achievable and that many of the plans will be delivered by community will, but that section 106 will be funding the disabled access.

      i.        Members stated that a large proportion of the Dell is not accessible, and that section 106 funding should not be used as the council have a statutory duty to fund this.

    ii.        Members stated that it is a wonderful project, and it is community led, as Cllrs are there to guide it which is what makes it so special and keeps the community interested.

   iii.        It was noted that the Greenspace Pavilion in the park was very similar project which worked well by involving national organisations, this would be useful when planning similar projects. Furthermore, it was highlighted that ASOS have a community fund which could be investigated despite them already having contributed to the community.

   iv.        Additionally, the building for the café was explored and it was brought to light that there is an organisation in Sheffield who use old shipping container for buildings. It was noted that there is a similar structure at Rabbit Ings in Royston.

    v.        Thoughts were given to the university students being involved and whether they would come back and see how things developed. It was clarified that they would work on another element of the project the following year as they move through university and develop their skills.

   vi.        Opposite the Dell in Grimethorpe is Countrywide Healthcare and the people there love the view and could possibly provide some disability equipment once the access is in place. They may also be able to help with guided walks with disability scooters etc.

Thoughts were given to the university students being involved and whether they would come back and see how things developed and if the project became a success. It was clarified that they would work on another element of the project the following year as they move through university and develop their skills.

RESOLVED that contact information for the shipping containers be shared.

RESOLVED that Lawrence be thanked for attending the meeting, for his presentation and for answering Members questions.