Agenda and minutes

Please note that this meeting may be filmed or recorded by the Council for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site or by anyone attending the meeting using any communication method. Although we ask members of the public recording, filming or reporting on the meeting not to include the public seating areas, members of the public attending the meeting should be aware that we cannot guarantee that they will not be filmed or recorded by others attending the meeting. Members of the public participating in the meeting (e.g. making deputations, asking questions, making oral protests) should be aware that they are likely to be filmed, recorded or reported on. 

By entering the meeting room and using the public seating area, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings.

The chair of the meeting has the discretion to terminate or suspend filming or recording, if in his or her opinion continuation of the filming, recording or reporting would disrupt or prejudice the proceedings, infringe the rights of any individual or may lead to the breach of a legal obligation by the Council.

The Leader referred those present to agenda Item 1 as shown on the agenda in respect of filming at this meeting and asked that those present reviewed and noted the information contained therein.

None

The report will seek approval for the hire of Finsbury Park to Manning’s Amusements Ltd for a funfair to take place between 27 August and 4 September, which is inline with the Outdoor Events Policy.

Approval was sought for the hire of Finsbury Park to Manning’s Amusements Ltd for a funfair to take place between 27 August and 4 September.

RESOLVED

      I.        To agree that Finsbury Park is hired to Manning’s Amusements Ltd for the funfair to take place between the said dates, which is in line with the Outdoor Events Policy.

REASONS FOR DECISION

Events in Finsbury Park are a long standing feature of the summer season in the park. They are met each year with a mixed opinion from most, with some objectors.

The rationale for holding events is both economic and cultural. Hosting events in parks supports the cultural offer in the borough, enables communities to come together and promotes economic growth benefiting local business. Overall a vibrant event programme supports the council’s outcome of the Borough as a great place to live and work.

Income derived from events are very much at the heart of sustaining the Parks Service rather than exposing it to further cuts which would mean a lower standard of parks maintenance across the borough and within Finsbury Park itself.

Finsbury Park was often viewed as a no-go zone prior to its restoration in 2005. It has now held a Green Flag Award, the national standard for excellence in parks, for 10 years and has benefited from further investment of £500,000 over the last two years, all funded from event income. But the benefit is much wider as income is used to support projects in other parks and raising standards across all parks.

Manning’s funfairs in Finsbury Park are a long standing feature of the holiday season and have operated in the park for many years. They are enjoyed by many and are recognised as providing family entertainment to local people.

All stakeholders were given 10 days to respond, as outlined in the Outdoor Events Policy. A full list of stakeholders is attached at Appendix 1 of the report.

No stakeholders responded to the consultation.

The application is brought to the attention of the Leader for approval in accordance with paragraph 5.2.2 and 5.2.3 of the Outdoor Events Policy, in that:

(a)  event lasts more than 7 days

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

With the adoption of the Outdoor Events Policy in 2014, the Council established their commitment to using parks for events, and especially increasing community events.   

The recommendations contained within this report are in line with that Policy and as such no alternative options have been considered other than to reject the Manning’s Amusements Ltd funfair application.

The rejection of this application would have an implication for the Parks Service budget and reduce the opportunity for reinvestment into parks. It would also mean that the wider cultural and economic benefits to the borough would be lost.

To consider any items of Urgent Business admitted under item 2 above.

N/A

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the items below contain exempt information, as defined under Paragraph 3, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the items below contain exempt information, as defined under Paragraph 3, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

As per Item 3

Noted the information contained within the Exempt Part B of report.

As per Item 2.

N/A