Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported on behalf of Councillors Hanna, Hussey, McCabe and Thompson.

            The minutes of the meeting of 11th September were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st October, subject to the omission of the minute under the heading “Amateur Boxing Strategy - Start-up Club Funding” which, at the request of Alderman Stoker and with the permission of the Council, had been referred back to the Committee for further consideration.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

            In the absence of Alderman Stoker, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of this item to its meeting in December.

            The Director provided an update for the Committee on an article which had been published in a local newspaper and which had referred to cremation procedures at the City of Belfast Crematorium. 

            The Committee noted the Director’s comments in respect of the matter.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

      The Committee is reminded that at its meeting on 12th June 2014 it received a copy of a report regarding proposed construction of a 3rd generation artificial turf pitch at Falls Park as part of the implementation of the Pitches Strategy which was adopted in March 2012.   The report highlighted the concerns of some residents regarding the implications of the new facility.  To help address those concerns it was suggested that an engagement exercise be undertaken with residents to identify the issues and agree ways in which these might be mitigated.  The Committee Minute stated that:

      After discussion, during which the Committee expressed concern regarding the cost of hiring external consultants to undertake a consultation exercise on behalf of the Council, it was agreed that an invitation be extended to representatives of the residents’ group to attend the August monthly meeting in order to outline their concerns in respect of the proposed development, after which the Committee would give consideration to the best manner in which to undertake future consultation.

      The Committee decision was amended at Council on 1 July 2014 to provide that an enhanced engagement process be undertaken between the Council and local residents in advance of the Committee in August.

      The residents were unfortunately unable to attend the August meeting and asked that a deputation be received at the September meeting.  The Committee subsequently received a deputation at its September meeting. 

      At its meeting in September the Committee was advised of plans to hold a public meeting on 23rd September.  This meeting has taken place and was attended by around 120 people made up of residents and park users, including those involved with sporting clubs. 

      Those who were opposed to the development broadly confirmed the points made by the ‘Love Falls Park’ group who presented to Parks and Leisure Committee in September 2014.

      The views expressed by those in support of the development emphasised the need in the area.  Some general park users welcomed the extension to the opening hours and the safer environment provided by floodlighting and increased activity in the park. 

      Since the public meeting in September the Love Falls Park group has conducted a survey of park users and has written to the Chair of Parks and Leisure requesting a further meeting with Committee.  Information from the survey has been made available to committee members.

      A significant number of letters of support of the development from clubs and individuals has also been received emphasising the need for the facility in the area.  Copies of letters of support have been provided to committee members.

      Summation of the meeting and key issues

      In essence the debate can summed up a follows:

·        There is opposition to the proposal to install a 3G pitch and its associated structures in Falls Park; the objections relate primarily to lack of consultation and the irreversible impact that the construction of the pitch and its associated fencing and floodlighting would have on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

(Mrs. C. Moraghan, Sports Development Officer, attended in connection with this item)

            The Committee noted a schedule of Support for Sport development grants, a copy of which was published on the Council’s website, which had been approved by the Director in accordance with the authority delegated to him by the Committee.

            The Committee was reminded that approval had previously been granted to transfer the responsibility for the Parks Events Small Grants Scheme to the Central Grants Unit, with the Director being granted delegated authority to approve applications for funding.  It was reported that, out of the 20 applications which had been received for support within the current tranche, 13 had met with the criteria and the Committee noted the schedule of grants which had been authorised by the Director under that scheme, a copy of which was published on the Council’s website.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

1.1    Active Communities (AC) is a Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) programme, delivered from April 2010 to March 2015, through 11 council groups/ consortia including BCC. 

1.2    In July 2014, SNI wrote to the Chief Executive asking BCC to make a formal response by the end of August, regarding our position on their proposal to seek a 30% financial contribution from Councils to AC programme costs from April 2015. 

1.3    Parks and Leisure Committee in August 2014 agreed the response to Sport NI’s consultation and for officers to develop an affordable and value for money delivery model.

1.4    Subsequently, Sport NI has written to the Chief Executive on 6 October 2014 advising that they were prepared to continue with an Active Communities investment from April 2015 for 12months.

         Their contribution will no longer provide support for management costs, which have been 10% of overall costs. They have asked that Council signals its intention to proceed on this basis no later than 07 November.

2.      Key Issues

2.1    The AC programme has proved to be a valuable coaching and community resource, which has led to high levels of participation in the city including under-represented groups, whilst providing opportunities for partnership working. 

         From the period April 2010-March 2014, Sport NI has invested over £1.6m in the AC programme for Belfast.  The Council annually contributes up to a maximum of £50,000.  This is currently managed in one of 3 ways:

-       Sub-contract to Belfast Community Sports Development Network;

-       Sub-contract to Disability Sport NI; and

-       Directly employing coaches through Leisure Services (participation).

         Quantifiable benefits include the delivery of 40,419 sessions, 44,500 coaching hours, involving 67,286 participants with 587,148 participations realised. 

2.2    There are a number of options to be considered when reviewing the delivery of the AC programme going forward in the context of the Sport NI request including:

         Option 1: Do nothing and close the AC programme without 100% SNI funding;

         Option 2: Continue ‘as is’ with Council providing 10% management costs to current delivery partners - £75,104 based on current Sport NI allowance;

         Option 3: Continue ‘as is’ with no or reduced contribution for management costs to delivery partners, based on affordability within existing revenue budgets;

         Option 4: BCC to co-ordinate in-house the management of the AC programme in partnership with sports governing bodies and community sports organisations which wish to directly employ the coaches, with no contribution to management costs.

         As Sport NI have now agreed their position and clarified their offer of support, a full analysis of the risks and benefits of each option will now be undertaken and brought to Committee for its future consideration. 

2.3    Issues to note in response to SNI offer of support

         Sport NI is seeking the Council’s commitment to deliver the programme with funding for salaries, travel, training and equipment, as they consider options for the refresh of the programme.  In a proposed response to SNI, there are a number of key issues  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

         The Committee is reminded that at its meeting in August 2014 it received a report regarding proposals for a partner agreements framework for grass pitches. At that meeting the committee agreed to defer the report and requested party briefings.

2       Key Issues

         As requested Party Briefings took place during September 2014 and Members welcomed the opportunity to discuss the proposals.  They also made a number of comments on the draft proposals and these and how they will be addressed are outlined in the table below:

         Members are reminded that a report will be brought to Committee in December 2014 outlining the proposed grass pitches that will be included in any future expression of interest for discussion and agreement by Members.

         They are also reminded that the Committee decision to defer the report in August 2014 has resulted in an amended timeline and that the consultation process on the new partner agreements framework, subject to Member approval, will now commence in November 2014.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

            (Mr. P. Murray, Antisocial Behaviour Programme Coordinator attended in connection with this item)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

         The purpose of this report is to:

·        Provide an overview of antisocial behaviour (ASB) incidents across parks and leisure facilities and electoral areas; and

·        Update committee on the activities, interventions and future developments of the ASB programme.

         Members are reminded that the objectives of the ASB programme are to:

·        enhance the environment around Parks and Leisure facilities;

·        develop education initiatives involving creative or supportive interventions to model acceptable behaviour around Parks and Leisure facilities;

·        define enforcement as a deterrent against infraction of bye-laws or legislation; and

·        develop sustainable interagency and inter-departmental networks and leading a partnership approach to reducing antisocial behaviour.

2.      Key Issues

         Trends in the available ASB incident data

         The ASB Coordinator prioritises action and expenditure by collating evidence gathered through ASB incident reports.

         The comparative data outlined in Table 1 below, shows a decrease in the total number of ASB incident reports in parks between May and August 2014 in comparison to May to Aug 2013. This is especially significant within parks in the five electoral areas of Balmoral, Castle, Laganbank, Oldpark and Victoria.

         The data identified a decrease in reports of:

·        Litter

·        Animal problems

·        Street Drinking

·        Criminal Damage, fire starting

·        Rowdy and Nuisance behaviour, gangs gathering

·        Soccer teams using pitches without booking or paying

·        Off road motorcycling

         This trend can be attributed to development of site specific displacement and diversionary activities; high visibility enforcement operations across the City; Park Wardens issuing fixed penalty notices for litter and dog fouling and working in partnership with PSNI to tackle street drinking. The programming of enforcement operations is planned in relation to evidence gathered from ASB incident reports.

         The evidence available highlights a slight upward trend in the number of reports of ASB in parks within Court, Lower Falls, and more significantly within Pottinger and Upper Falls electoral areas.

         The data identified an increase in reports of:

·        Rowdy and nuisance behaviour: drunken behaviour, youths causing annoyance.

·        Criminal and Environmental damage: throwing missiles, broken glass.

·        Street Drinking.

         The majority of incidents can be attributed to youths being attracted to contractors sites and causing damage during the development of the Connswater Community Greenway. The Greenway is comprised of a number of individual parks which may not merit an intensive response, however, resources will be allocated consistently throughout the Greenway to minimise the emergence of ASB.

         An increase in incidents  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 11th April, 2013, it had agreed to contribute a sum of £15,000 to enable the provision of decorative artwork within the City Cemetery. That decision had been taken on the understanding that the groups which had proposed to undertake the work would seek to secure additional funding from other bodies and agencies and, should there remain a shortfall in the finance secured from other sources, the Committee would be requested to reconsider the matter. Accordingly, the Committee considered the following update in respect of the project:

“2     Key Issues

         In November 2013 the Council submitted a Stage 1 application to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Re-Imaging Communities fund (ACNI).  The application was successful and ACNI agreed to contribute £3,400 to overall project costs of £4,170.  Stage 1 of the process was to commission an artist facilitator to carry out community consultation around the siting of a decorative arts piece in the City Cemetery.  The findings of the consultation will be used to inform an ACNI Stage 2 application for up to £50,000 to install community agreed art piece(s) in Belfast City Cemetery.

         To oversee the process, a steering group was established and its members include: Aidan Crean, Cairde Páirc na Bhfál, Bobby Foster, Spectrum Centre, Tom Hartley, noted local historian and former Councillor and Billy Drummond, Greater Shankill Alternatives.  Two officers from ACNI also sit on the steering group and officers from the Parks and Leisure Department act as secretariat.

         The Steering Group commissioned an artist facilitator to undertake initial consultation around the proposed siting of public artwork within the City Cemetery. The consultation took place between May and September with a wide range of individuals and organisations including the relatives of those buried in the cemetery, staff, visitors, local schools, youth groups, history groups, community, political and religious organisations and arts and cultural organisations.

         The consultation included the facilitator conducting interviews, leading group discussions, hold and attending events and through the use of comment cards available in the Cemetery. 

         On the whole, attitudes were positive and the majority of participants who raised questions about the siting of artwork within a cemetery, had specific types of artwork in mind, that they saw as not being fitting, or respectful. The concerns around artwork that would not be in keeping with the cemetery, were mainly focused on the following:

·        Bright, garish colours, or colour/design that is out of keeping with site

·        Murals, painted walls

·        Artwork that isn’t recognisable or identifiable

·        Anything that can be damaged easily

·        Big, shiny, cold steel structures

·        Artwork that is not inclusive of the range of people represented within cemetery

·        Overtly religious or political, excluding of some sections of the community

·        Anything that can be climbed on, or encourage young people to sit around, or climb

·        The Stage 1 consultation report has been finalised by the facilitator and presented to the Steering Group and the Arts Council.  Based on the findings of consultation the Steering Group  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

            The Assistant Director submitted for the Committee’s consideration the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

      Members will recall the SP&R Committee report on ‘Work Experience for Ex-Offenders’ 22 August 2008, seeking approval to widen the scope of the council’s work experience scheme, to include the provision of unpaid work experience placements for ex-offenders serving out community service orders which range from 40 to 240 hours.

      Through the North Belfast DPCSP, the Parks and Leisure Departments ASB Coordinator has been asked by the Probation Board for NI (PBNI) to support the rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders by offering suitable unpaid Community Service (CS) work experience placements for ex-offenders within parks in North Belfast.

      PBNI wish to use North Belfast parks on a pilot basis, for supervised CS projects. This pilot is part of a wider programme to tackle anti social behaviour in parks.

2.   Key Issues

      The role of the PBNI is to reduce crime and the harm it does by working with the courts, other agencies and partners to reduce re-offending and assist in integrating offenders successfully back into the community.

      During the development of this pilot, PBNI have confirmed that:

1.    PBNI officers will supervise and escort CS workers to and from the placement (under normal circumstances). Attendance on a CS project will likely involve working for one day per week between the hours of 10am to 4pm to carry out a defined programme of work.

2.    PBNI will be solely responsible for managing the CS workers while on the park placement. They are contracted as part of their Court order to behave in a reasonable fashion and any breaches result in sanctions, including removal from placement, formal warnings, and in some circumstances a return to Court.

3.    In addition to the Public Liability cover which the Council have in place, PBNI will be responsible for dealing with any claim from a CS worker resulting from an accident directly attributable to carrying out CS tasks. CS workers are provided with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and clear instructions on how to carry out tasks from trained PBNI Officers.

4.    Appropriate and low risk tasks such as litter picking, painting, planting and any other environmental work can be carried out by CS teams. These tasks will be agreed prior to the start of the work programme with BCC Park Mangers and the ASB Coordinator.

5.    PBNI clients will be under PBNI supervision at all times while working in the park. The PBNI supervisor will ensure that CS workers do not enter any previously agreed areas.

6.    PBNI will undertake all risk assessment in relation to CS workers assigned to a park project including all activities undertaken while on park placement.

7.   PBNI will ensure that all CS workers on park placements are not considered to present a significant risk of harm to others. Where an offender with a past history of violence is being considered for a placement, a discussion will take place with the ASB Coordinator to establish if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

            The Director sought and was granted approval to initiate a procurement exercise for the provision of a catering service at the Belfast Castle, the Malone House and the Stables Restaurant.  The anticipated duration of that contract, it was noted, would be for one year, with an option to extend that arrangement for an additional year.

            It was noted that the tenders would be evaluated on both a cost and quality basis and awarded by the Director, under the Scheme of Delegation, to the most economically advantageous tenders which had been submitted.

            Arising from discussion, a Member suggested that the Council might wish to re-examine its future funding models to ensure that further savings could be identified and achieved. He referred particularly to the Belfast Zoo and pointed out that it was a unique facility which was used by people from across Northern Ireland.  As such, a case might be made to central government that the facility, given its regional importance, might be entitled to direct government funding.

            Noted.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

      “1.0           Relevant Background Information

      The purpose of this report is to let members know about the successful achievement of the Pitch Refurbishment Programme and the proposed work to be carried out 2014/15.

      We have 125 grass sports pitches in the department. During periods of wet weather the quality of the surface of these grass pitches deteriorates leading to pitches being cancelled when the drainage can no longer remove the water from the surface fast enough.

      The purpose of the Pitch Refurbishment Programme was to improve the quality of drainage of our grass pitches and as a result their quality of play. It was also intended to undertake the works in planned and structured manner to avoid the need to close pitches; to maintain quality and to make the most efficient and effective use of resources. 

      A survey of all our grass sports areas including Football, Gaelic, Cricket, Rugby, and Golf was carried out.  From this survey a prioritised improvement programme was produced and drainage work was carried in order within each year’s available budget.

2.0Key Issues

      The Committee is asked to note:

1.     Works which have been completed in 2013/14

2.     A list of works to be undertaken in 2014/15

      It is intended that annual surveys will be conducted to establish the condition and to inform the programme in future years;

      In addition, it is intended to extend the condition survey to include existing artificial turf surfaces with a view to future replacement and ensuring that adequate resources are put in place.  2013 saw the first year of the programme with the following drainage works being carried out:

·        City of Belfast Playing Fields No 2 Cricket area, outfield drained.

·        Clarendon Playing Fields pitch No 1 drained.

·        Grove Playing Fields pitch No 8 and area to the back of pitches 1 and 2 drained.

·        Blanchflower Playing Fields Stadium pitch and pitch number 2 drained.

      This year’s programme has started and the following sites will have drainage improved:

·        Clarendon Playing Fields pitch No 2 drained.

·        Blanchflower Playing Fields the top level is being drained and a new synthetic cricket wicket has been installed on the lower level between Pitches 2 and 3.

·        Alderman Tommy Patton Playing Fields Pitch No 4 is being drained.

·        Orangefield Playing Fields the top half of the playing area is being drained.

·        Victoria Park the area between 6 and 7 Pitch is being drained.

·        Wedderburn Park pitches 3 and 4 are being drained.

·        Suffolk Playing Fields the training area next to the changing rooms is being drained.

·        City of Belfast Playing Fields pitches 1 and 2 in the cricket outfield of the No 1 table are being drained.

·        Lenadoon pitch to be drained.

      Members are asked to note that the work on specific sites will normally be phased to enable some matches to continue to be played.

      This drainage work will improve the quality of the pitches, make them more resilient to wear, and will reduce the number of times they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

      The Committee is reminded that at its meeting on 13 February 2014 it received an information report regarding the Multi User Games Area (MUGA) Programme.  This programme had previously been agreed through Strategic Policy & Resources (SP&R) at its meeting in January 2014. 

      The report highlighted that a MUGA is suitable for a variety of informal sports and that due to their nature the majority are accessible and free to use. 

      The report outlined that a number of refurbishments had been completed under Phase 1A of the programme; and outlined proposals for Phase 1B;  these included Springfield Avenue (New Build); Annadale (New Build); and Clarendon Playing Fields (New Build).  Members are asked to note that Navarra Place, located off the Whitewell Road was subsequently added to the list as a potential new build.

      The report referred to the development of a refurbishment programme comparable to the Playground Improvement Programme; it also referred to the need to develop a policy framework which would form a basis for decision making regarding new build proposals. 

      The purpose of this report is to update the Committee in respect of:

1.     Phase 1B;

2.     The refurbishment programme; and

3.     The development of a policy framework

2.   Key Issues

      Update on Phase 1B

      Development work on Phase 1B is continuing.  The current position in respect of each is as follows:

      Annadale: A planning application has been lodged and work is continuing to regularise the land ownership.  The land ownership matter will need to be resolved prior to work commencing.

      Clarendon Playing Fields: Ground surveys have been commissioned and are underway.  A design team has been appointed and detailed design work will now commence on the project;

      Navarra Place: A survey has been carried out to establish the extent of underground services in place and the implications for development work.  It is intended to facilitate a workshop with local residents to establish a concept plan for the site.  This plan will inform the development of the project.  

      Springfield Avenue: Following representations from community representatives a meeting will be scheduled to discuss the nature of the facility required at this location.  Members are asked to note that there is planning approval in place although there is a restrictive condition in place and further consultation with residents will need to take place regarding this.

      MUGA Refurbishment Programme

      A condition survey of existing MUGAs has been completed and a preliminary list of projects has been presented to the Oversight Board for consideration. A report will be submitted to SP&R for approval and an information report will be brought to the Parks and Leisure Committee to outline the Programme.

      Policy Framework

      This is work in progress in terms of the technical elements around provision and construction.  However at this early stage it is felt that Members should be given an opportunity to direct this work.  At this stage the Committee is asked to consider its views  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

            (Miss. C. Wilson, Neighbourhood and Development Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the following report and associated appendix:

“1     Relevant Background Information

         Belfast City Council has a long history of designing, delivering, managing and facilitating allotment provision and currently provides 290 plots across seven sites in Belfast:  Annadale, Ballysillan, Belmont, Blythefield, Musgrave, Whiterock and Woodvale allotments.  However, demand for allotments in Belfast council areas outweighs supply with 373 people currently on site waiting lists and evidence from Local Government Reform (LGR) boundary extension indicates that this is likely to increase.

         The purpose of this report is to:

·        Update members on improvements to the internal co-ordination, management and administration of  allotments

·        Present updated draft policy, process and procedure for:

-     allotment allocation;

-     reviewing and streamlining current allotment waiting list; and

-     the guidelines and requirements for use of allotments in Council property - code of conduct.

         The draft policy, process and procedure have been developed in consultation with key officers from within the Parks and Leisure department and advice and assistance has been sought from other key sections across the council, including Health & Safety Unit and Legal services.

2       Key Issues

         An operational management working group was set up to review, recommend and implement improvements to the internal co-ordination, management and administration of current allotment processes, policies and procedures used. These will be subject to review and evaluation over time and as relevant criteria arise on a case by case basis.

         Allotment allocation process

         An effective and efficient process map has been developed that is focused on customer requirements and delivered via a single point of contact i.e. the Open Spaces and Active Living (OSAL) Unit, who will be responsible for the co-ordination and administration of this process, which was agreed by the Parks and Leisure Committee on the 13 September 2012. 

         The allotment allocation process has been broken down into three distinct processes: allotment request; recurring payments and review and inspection.

         Operational on-site responsibility for allotments will still reside with the Community Parks Managers, including regular site inspection schedules.  Initial and recurring payment for allotments will remain with business support.  The allotment allocation process will rely on close liaison and communication between OSAL, Community Parks Managers and business support staff. 

         As part of the allotment allocation process map new criteria for acceptingapplications for allotment plots has been introduced with applications accepted from Belfast residents only. 

         A standard application form has been developed with on-line capabilities.

         Allotment waiting list procedure

         In light of long waiting lists for allotments, with minimal turnover and the likely increase in demand for allotments from residents of incoming areas as part of Local Government Reform (LGR), to best meet the needs of the council an updated streamlined draft allotment waiting list procedure has been developed.

         Current allotment waiting lists have been reviewed and cleansed.  Initial results reveal that as part of stage 1 of the allotment waiting list procedure, the council is proposing to write out  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

            The Committee considered the under noted report

“1.Relevant Background Information

      The Committee is asked to note that Council Officers have been made aware of a proposal by Castlereagh Borough Council to construct a bridge which will connect Dundonald Leisure Park and the Greenway.  This is part of a larger development planned for the Leisure Park.  There have been discussions with Council Officers from Castlereagh and these are continuing. 

      Castlereagh has managed to secure funding for this project however it is time bound and the work must be at least underway by the end of March 2015 in order to secure the funding.  A Planning application has been lodged and a procurement exercise has been undertaken. 

      The project remains at risk owing to the time constraints and the outstanding planning consent.  However, the project does impinge on an element of land owned by Belfast City Council.  Essentially the proposed bridge will be suspended above the Council’s land and will require foundations to be installed on Council land. 

      As previously noted discussions are ongoing and the detail needs to be clarified.  However, the implications for the Council are as follows:

·        Council consent is required to carry out ground survey;

·        The area is mostly made up of trees and thick hedging, it is possible that some of this will need to be removed to facilitate ground surveys and subsequent construction (Council officers are working with Castlereagh Council to minimise the impact

·        The area below the bridge will need to be maintained post construction to ensure that it does not interfere with the bridge structure or bridge users and to remove any litter which may be dumped from the bridge;

      Clarification and agreement with Castlereagh has yet to be achieved on a number of issues around the terms of proposed legal agreements associated with the works, future use of the land and the creation of rights over the land. 

      Normally it would be premature to bring this report to Members, however, given the time restrictions it is considered prudent and appropriate to inform members of the proposal and to seek their agreement in principle to work with Castlereagh Borough Council, subject to detailed arrangements to be agreed and approval through Strategic Policy and Resources Committee. 

2.   Resource Implications

      Financial Implications

      This report is for noting and has no financial implications at this stage.

      Resource Implications

      There are no additional human resource implications at this time.

4.   Equality Implications

      There are no equality implications

5.   Recommendations

      The Committee is asked to:

1.     note the report;

2.     agree in principle to authorise officers to enter into further detailed discussions with a view to agreeing terms which would minimise the impact on Belfast City Council land and budgets while allowing Castlereagh’s project to proceed subject to:

·   Approval by SP&R of the agreed terms .

·   The necessary legal agreements being prepared by the Town Solicitor ; and

·   The necessary statutory approvals being in place in relation to the bridge installation and associated works.”

            The Committee adopted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

            The Committee considered the undernoted Code of Conduct for the Greenway:

“Connswater Greenway - Code of Conduct

Cyclists

Cyclists should keep left and pass right at a safe distance and slowly enough that pedestrians can be avoided if they suddenly change direction.

Cyclists must give way to pedestrians at all times. Always cycle with respect for other users and acknowledge those who give way to you.

Cyclists must have a bell to warn others of their approach. Two polite tings are recommended.

Cyclists should not ride at speed and should ride in a manner that is appropriate to the conditions of the path, taking care to slow down near blind spots, corners etc.

Be seen – it is recommended that cyclists wear high visibility clothing which will assist with making their presence known to users with visual and hearing impairments. It is also recommended that British Standard approved lights are used in low visibility conditions.

Off track cycling is not permitted unless on a specific designated cycle track.

Cycle events - are not permitted unless prior approval has been agreed and granted.

Pedestrians

Walkers should keep to the left and allow others to pass easily on the right.

Walking and running groups should be aware of the shared space and should not obstruct other users.

Dog Owners

Dogs must be kept under control at all times.

Extended leads should not be allowed to impede other users.

Dog walkers must remove dog excrement and dispose of the waste appropriately i.e. take home or deposit in the nearest litter bin. Failure to do so may result in an £80 fixed penalty notice being issued. Do not throw bags anywhere along the walkway

Dogs should not be allowed to enter any waterways

All Users

Please be polite and considerate to other users. Thank other users who allow you to pass or overtake. Give way to others and allow them to pass safely.

Pedestrians should be given priority on the walkway.

All users should keep to the left and allow others to pass on the right.

All users should be mindful of ease of access for disabled users and avoid blocking the walkway when stopping. Consideration for elderly and disabled users should be shown at all times.

Children must be supervised and kept safe at all times.

Please dispose of litter appropriately i.e. deposited in the nearest litter bin or take it home with you.

Help protect wildlife. Do not leave debris anywhere on the walkway or disturb nesting sites. Do not disturb, damage or interfere with trees, flora and fauna.

All users should adhere to any signage or walkway markings.

Consumption of alcohol is not permitted.

Limitations of use

Motor vehicles/motor cycles are not permitted on the walkway with the exception of mobility scooters for the use of disabled or elderly people and essential maintenance vehicles.

Swimming and entering of waterways is not permitted.

Horse riding is not permitted on the walkway.

Shooting is not permitted.”

            The Committee agreed, subject to further  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

            The Committee was informed that a request had been received from Project Street Food Belfast for the use of the Cathedral Gardens for a three-day and two-night food and drinks festival, which was scheduled to take place from Friday 31st October till Sunday 2nd November, 2014. ‘Projectsfb’ would be seeking the free use of the Gardens from 12:00 noon till 1.00 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday, with the event running from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.  It was reported that the preparation and dismantling operation for the event would be carried out between 27th October and 3rd November.

          The Committee acceded to the request for the free use of the Gardens, on the conditions that:

·   the event organiser resolves all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

·   that all health and safety requirements are met, including the submission of an event management plan, risk assessments and the obtaining of sufficient public liability insurance; and

·   the event organiser meeting with all statutory requirements including entertainment licensing.

               The Committee agreed further that specified parts of the Gardens would be closed to the public to enable construction and dismantling work to be undertaken.

            The Director reported that the Department had received requests from the Dr. Pitt Park Centenary Committee and the Royal British Legion to hold memorial events in the Pitt Memorial Park and the Shankill Memorial Garden respectively.  Both events would commemorate the 100th anniversary of the commencement of World War One and would take place from 1st November until the anniversary of Armistice Day on 11th November.  The community-based ceremonies would seek to remember the various battles of the War and those individuals who had died during that period.

      Resolved – that the Dr. Pitt Park Centenary Committee and the Royal British Legion be granted permission to hold the events as outlined, subject to both organisations adhering to all health and safety requirements, to the submission to the Council of an event management plan and risk assessment and to the securing by the organisers of adequate public liability insurance.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.    Relevant Background Information

         Members will be aware that the Council has been leading on the development and implementation of the Active Belfast approach, as part of the Belfast Strategic Partnerships work to address inequalities within the city.

         The Active Belfast approach is also a key strand of the Council’s Leisure Transformation Programme, providing significant opportunities to work collaboratively with a range of partners, with the outcome of improving the health and wellbeing of people in Belfast.

         A key area of work within the Active Belfast approach has been to support the development of ‘every day activities’, which encourage increased levels of physical activity, while being simple to incorporate into daily routines, activities such as walking and cycling.

         The introduction of the Belfast Public Bike Share scheme represents an opportunity to build on this work, by addressing some of the practical barriers to cycling within the city, including bike ownership and knowledge of bike maintenance.

         However, to unlock the full potential of the Belfast Public Bike Share scheme, and to reach individuals who currently cycle infrequently or consider cycling but do not, action is required on other key barriers, such as cycling skills, confidence and route knowledge.

2.      Key Issues

·        The main barrier preventing people from cycling is the ‘subjective safety’ problem; the perception that our roads are too dangerous, largely due to the volume and speed of motor traffic. This view is significantly higher with females, who currently only make up 1 in every 6 cyclists on the road.

·        For any enhancement of the cycling infrastructure to be successful, it has to be accompanied by training, information and education programmes. The provision of adequate cycle training is vital to encourage greater uptake of cycling. Training helps to develop cycling skills and confidence, but also supports the development of responsible on-road cycling.

·        The Department for Regional Development have agreed to meet the full amount of the capital costs for the Belfast Public Bike Share scheme, £1,140,000. There is no provision for revenue costs including the cost of cycle training.

·        Stakeholder consultation on the Belfast Public Bike Share scheme has highlighted cycle training as essential in supporting individuals who lack of the confidence or skills to cycle on the streets of Belfast, to sign up to the scheme.

·        Active Belfast is currently supporting the Public Health Agency in the development and implementation of an Active Travel (walking and cycling) Workplaces programme, focusing on a small number of large city centre workplaces. There is scope to extend the cycling element of this work to other employers within the area covered by the Belfast Public Bike Share scheme.

·        Through the ‘Support for Sport’ scheme, Council provide funding towards training and education programmes around the areas of sport and physical activity. The aim of this work is to enable more people to become active. Currently, there is an under allocation within this scheme, following two separate calls for applications.

·        It is proposed that the Committee agree to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council had undertaken significant refurbishment work at the Finlay Park, which was situated off the Whitewell Road.  The Director reported that, subject to funding, it was anticipated that further improvement work would be carried out at the entrance to the park. However, to enable that work to take place, he reported that the Department would be seeking to acquire a small plot of land at 93 Whitewell Road and to resolve an encroachment matter onto Council land by the resident of 95 Whitewell Road.

            The Director reported that the encroachment issue related to the use, for storage purposes, of approximately 28 square metres by the owner of a shop at 95 Whitewell Road. He pointed out that, since that encroachment had been ongoing for a number of years, the occupier could possibly stake a claim for possession of all or part of the land.  Accordingly, the Committee was advised that it was being proposed that the occupier of 95 Whitewell Road would be compensated, for storage purposes, with a small portion of Council-owned land to the rear of his property, adjacent to Finlay Park.  Such a measure would enable the Council to repossess the land adjacent to 95 Whitewell Road. 

            The Committee agreed to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that, in accordance with Standing Order 60, it would agree to endorse the following course of action:

·   to acquire the land adjoining 93 Whitewell Road for a consideration fee of £500, together with meeting all reasonable costs, subject to legal agreement; and

·   to transfer, for storage purposes, a small portion of Council-owned land adjacent to Finlay Park into the ownership of the occupier of 95 Whitewell Road. It was agreed also that the Council would provide a fence at the transferred land and pay all reasonable legal costs. 

            The Committee acceded to a request from the Woodland Trust to plant a number of trees at the Mary Peters Track to commemorate Dame Mary Peters tenure as Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, subject to the contractor providing sufficient public liability insurance.

            The Director reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 12th June, it had agreed to participate in the Centenary Fields Programme. That programme, which was overseen jointly by the Royal British Legion and the Fields in Trust organisation, sought to create a living legacy to commemorate the sacrifice of those who gave their lives during World War One. It was reported that, after consultation with the political parties on the Council, both the Belmont Park and the Strangford Avenue Playing Fields had been nominated for consideration. However, the Committee was advised that a restrictive covenant precluded the use of the playing fields for any other purpose and, therefore, the facility would not be eligible for consideration.

      Resolved – that the Belmont Park be dedicated as a Centenary Field as part of the Centenary Fields Programme.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 12th January, 2012, it had agreed to formulate a Deed of Dedication for approximately 35 acres of land within the Orangefield Playing Fields. That land would be redesignated as part of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge, which was administered by the National Playing Fields Association. The minute of that meeting had noted that a further report would be submitted in due course which would clarify a range of outstanding legal issues. 

            Accordingly, the Committee considered a report which outlined the Council’s legal position in respect of the proposed redesignation of the land and recommended that the Deed of Dedication with the National Playing Fields Association be submitted to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for its approval and thereafter to the Department of the Environment.

            The Director reported that a request had been received from the Ulster Historical Society seeking permission to place a marker in the Friar’s Bush Cemetery on the site of the burial of Patrick Carlin. The Committee was informed that Patrick Carlin, who was interred within an unmarked grave at the Cemetery, had been awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Indian Mutiny of 1858.

      Resolved - that permission be granted to the Ulster Historical Society to place a marker at the grave of Private Patrick Carlin, subject to that organisation satisfying all legal, health and safety and public liability requirements.

            The Committee was reminded that the Shadow Strategic and Resources Committee had, at its meeting on 26th September, agreed that it would be necessary for two party briefings to be provided during November for each political party.  Those briefings would enable the parties to consider in detail the future governance arrangements for the Council and the rate-setting process for 2015/2016. Accordingly, in order to free-up Members’ time, it had been proposed that meetings of the Principal Committees of the City Council be cancelled in November.

            The Members were informed that Chief Officers had been requested to defer until December any business which would have been submitted to Committees in November. Should any urgent decisions be required during November, the Chief Executive would be requested to exercise her delegated authority. However, such decisions would be taken only after consultation with the Party Leaders, in conjunction with the relevant Committee Chairman. Alternatively, should it be deemed appropriate, the matter would be referred to the appropriate Committee in December, or, if necessary, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee in November.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed to cancel its scheduled meeting in November.