Agenda item

Following a brief update of the report from the Parks Development Manager – Mr Baker in which he highlighted the recent ordering of site furniture, additional dog refuse bins, and signage the Chair commented that the  positive  progress was as a result of issues raised previously by the Consultative Committee.

In response to concerns from Ms Feeney as to poor lighting within the park at various locations Mr Baker advised that an audit of lighting had been carried out and improvement works were expected in the next few months as a result.

With regard to the traffic works that had been due to commence at Bedford Road and the withdrawal of the scheme by Haringey Council Councillor Egan sought clarification as to why the works had ceased.  Mr Baker advised that he had not been given reasons for this and the Chair asked that a letter be sent to Mr Constantinedes at Haringey Council’s  Highway’s service for clarification as to why the scheme was not progressed.

Mr Hutchinson raised the issue of the future management of the Park following the transfer of the asset to the Firoka Group.  In response Mr Holder advised that certain issues were being considered at the Board meeting the following week and dependent on the outcome of those considerations it would be more appropriate to give an update at he next meeting in relation to the future management of the Park.

In response to questions from Mr Boshier, Professor Hudson and Mr Richelle as to signage in and around the area of the Palace both at Muswell Hill and other locations to both give direction and publicise the Palace location Mr Baker advised that  he would take up the matter with  the London Borough of Haringey.  

Mr Baker also updated the Committee on the issues of security in and around the Park as previously raised  by Members and that the Safer Neighbourhood Team were getting to grips with the situation.  A good rapour was developing between the Parks office and the team in terms of notification of incidents and a motorbike patrol had been commenced which would target in particular mo-ped users.

Ms Feeney referred to the graffiti appearing on the building not yet finished at the boating lake and whether there were going to be security patrols around the building once completed.  In response Mr Baker commented that there would be patrols around the building as part of the security patrol services.  Professor Hudson referred to the recent security issues at Park Avenue North and the recent meeting of the Warner Estate RA where the view was expressed that the gates there should be locked. In response Mr Baker commented that new wrought iron fencing had been placed  at the location but that despite this the fencing had still been vandalised and cut through.  Consideration was being given to having a deeper drainage ditch in that particular area as well as letting the foliage grow and the natural growth of nettles etc, as well as having dead wood too.

Professor Hudson commented that the RA gave its full backing to any measures to be adopted and also would be happy for its written support to placed on any deterring signage.  Mr Baker thanked Professor Hudson for his support and stated that any resident could continue to report  any particular issue etc though it had seemed odd that quite a considerable act of vandalism had actually gone un-noticed.

The Chair then summarised  and it was:

RESOLVED

i.                    that the LB Haringey’s Highways Service be written to ascertain why the traffic scheme at Bedford Road had not been progressed; and

ii.                  that in respect of improving signage in and around the area of the Palace both at Muswell Hill and other locations and publicise the Palace location, the Parks Development Manager make contact with the London Borough of Haringey to ascertain what improvements could be progressed..