Panel for Arts, Libraries, Writing & Museums, 4th February (Guy Kilminster)
Green Spaces Panel, 26th January (Steve Hallsworth)
Minutes:
Heritage, Archives & Tourism/Theatre, Libraries, Museums, Writing and the Arts
Both groups had merged due to poor attendance at the previous two panels and the feeling that it was better use of Officer and Consortium Members’ time. The first meeting had taken place on 1st February, 2005. Discussion had centred around the focus of the new group, the Cultural Conference, the Rotherham Arts Festival and the relationship of Rotherham Arts and the Rotherham Heritage Association and their relationship to the Cultural Consortium. There had been a good flow of information from everyone in attendance on how the relationship could be more effective.
The meeting had discussed the issue of raising the profile of the Cultural Consortium as an organisation and using Rotherham Arts and Rotherham Heritage Association to share information.
An update regarding the opening of the Museum had been given, together with the current situation with the town centre regeneration and Civic Theatre and Central Library replacements. The Master Plan was due out shortly.
Sports Panel – Had not met since the last meeting of this Consortium.
Green Spaces Advisory Panel
The Panel had last met on 26th January, 2005. Matters discussed included:-
Urban Park Rangers
There has been a focus on the Urban Park Ranger Service with the Senior Ranger attending the last two panel meetings to give updates on their activities, and to answer questions.
The Panel had restated their view that the Council should continue to fund Urban Park Rangers as a mainstream service.
Green Flag
The panel has discussed the principle of using Green Flag Awards as a benchmark of service improvement in Rotherham’s green spaces. RotherValley CountryPark is to be put forward for assessment as part of a nationwide pilot looking at the effectiveness of the scheme in improving country parks.
Green Spaces Strategy
Excerpts of the draft green space audit report had been provided to panel members. There has been discussion about the principles to be applied in this and the Playing Pitch Strategy. Further consultation with the Panel is planned when draft recommendations are available.
HeritagePark Restoration Schemes
Consideration has been given to progress on the preparation of restoration proposals for Boston and CliftonParks.
Other Matters
The panel continues to raise questions and receive reports on a wide range of specific and general green space topics. These have included Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, Allotment Improvements, Sports Club Activities, and the role of Parish Councils.
The meeting raised the following issues:-
(1) The Motte at Kimberworth had been referred to in the recent Green Space Strategy as of low value and poor quality.
One member present asked why this was not a heritage site. There was a public right of way to the land.
It was understood that it was a case of how the land was interpreted in the Green Space Strategy which had been as a piece of grass on a mound rather than considering it in terms of any historical value. It is a difficult site to access and was screened by housing.
The meeting was uncertain as to who owned the site and therefore who was responsible for granting permission for public use.
It was explained that Grant Aid from English Heritage towards the upkeep of such land would include a condition to allow public use. However, if it was in private ownership, the owner had significant control over access to the site.
Agreed:- (1) That the Manager, Libraries, Museums and Arts write to English Heritage regarding the ownership of this land.
(2) Keppel’s Column Signage - It was accepted that the recent erection of signs had proved to be beneficial.
(3) Football Development Officer – Applicants had been shortlisted and interviews would take place on 22nd February, 2005. A feature of the funding application was a requirement to identify a broad picture of the aims of the project. The successful applicant would be expected to work on a detailed plan.