Issue - meetings

To receive the report of the Park Manager, Alexandra Palace, updating the Consultative Committee on events and works within the park.

The Committee received the report of the Park Manager, Mark Evison, updating on Park activities.

In response to a question regarding car park charging – data collection (paragraphs 7.1 - 7.3)  the Committee noted that the collection of data included measuring lorries using the roads and car parks in the Park and there was currently a weight limit imposed.  Some Committee Members expressed concern that users might be deterred from using the Park if parking charges were put in place and that the charges might displace cars into nearby streets.  The Committee noted it would be possible to suspend car parking in particular areas for specific events and that there were no actual proposals for car park charging at this point although dialogues with the Council had opened.  Any proposals would be subject to consultation with local residents and the Council but this was an opportunity to generate some much needed revenue for the Palace.

In response to questioning on paragraph 8.4 the Committee noted that all Park Tenants had been reminded that their leases would be vigorously enforced.

A Committee Member expressed some worry about the recent serious assaults on users of the Park.  The Interim General Manager reported that he had been liaising with Metropolitan Police and colleagues in Haringey Council and had advised that the Police had arrested and charged a man for the offences a few days ago.   A Committee Member suggested that warning signs should have been displayed in the Park.  The Interim General Manager explained that until evidence of the attacks had been confirmed it was not possible for the Palace to communicate any information as it might not have been correct. Additional security and police patrols (including high visibility police patrols on horseback and with dogs and undercover patrols) had been implemented in the Park during the investigation.

A Committee Member highlighted that more community events should be held in the Park and agreed to provide the Park Manager with contact details for the organisers of the Muswell Hill Festival.

In response to a question about whether young trees in the Park which had been chewed by dogs could be replaced the Committee noted that there was a long term tree planting plan in place although there were limited funds for the plan.

RESOLVED to note the report.