Present: Joan Curtis (Friends of Lordship Rec) - took minutes; Lucy Roots (Friends of Queens Wood), Dave Morris (Friends of Lordship/Chestnuts), Ros Abrams (Crouch End Open Space), Catherine Stenzl (Friends of Woodside Park), Chris Currie (Friends of Downhills Park), Ulla Lefmann (Burleigh Road RA/Ducketts Common), Seamus Carey (Down Lane Park), Kate Franzmann (Finsbury Gardens). Apologies: Sally Billot (Friends of Finsbury Park), Adam Coffman (Friends of Ducketts Common), Quentin Given and Graham Pearce (Friends of Paddock), Elma and Adrian Skrebowski (Stationers Park), Michael Cordwell-James (Friends of Woodside Park)


1. Minutes of last meeting: Note that Ulla was not present at the last meeting and Ros had sent apologies.


2. Matters arising from minutes:

Parks Constabulary: Still awaiting clarification of the future of Parks Constabulary. The Parkforce Review has been delayed till March and proposals are still to be seen. There will be consultation after it has gone to the Council Executive.

The savings made by scrapping the constabulary will be ploughed back into parks but this will not mean 13 new staff to replace those lost. Savings will be used to maintain the existing staff due to the shortfall after budget cuts have been made. The Forum has sent in an objection to the cuts. But cuts have gone through of £400,000 to the parks budget. Core funding for constabulary was £438,000. £200,000 of this budget will be lost in cuts and the remaining £238,000 will go into general staffing. But parks staff face £200,000 cuts over 3 years too, so little actual gain in the long run. Year one - slight gain. Year two - £100,000 loss. Year three - another £100,000 loss.

In the light of the cuts there was discussion about the amount the council spends on consultants which was felt to be excessive in many cases. It was agreed that the Forum take up this matter.

Bowling Clubs: Woodside Friends have tried to make contact with the Bowling Club in Woodside Park which is almost moribund and will persevere in this in order to save the building for the park if the club folds. It is important for Friends groups to get involved to try to help existing clubs or so that any buildings in parks remain useful additions to a park - as with the lodge in Queens Wood where the Friends took over the lease and it is now a very successful cafe and organic garden. Malcolm Springthorpe of Haringey Sports Council has held meetings with the remaining clubs and the Council to try to work out ways of saving them.

Events in Parks: New form is to be trialled until September and then reviewed. Friends views about these forms are very important .

Open Space Standards: Haringey Friends of Parks Forum and Haringey Federation of Residents Associations made a joint response to the Council's new planning document setting out standards for open spaces and addressing greenspace deficiency. The general view is that its a useful document, one that we have been campaigning for... but some essential minimum standards have been unnecessarily 'watered down'. Final draft will go to planning committee in May - then to Cabinet for approval.

Review regarding strengthening Friends groups and Friends/Council partnership-working: 4 parks were represented at the workshop with Ashley Grey. It was a very positive meeting with some specific proposals.

a. To accept the points on good partnership-working as minuted from the Forum meeting on 4.11.06 (see Appendix 1 below, at end).
b. To ensure continuation of 'small grants' funding for regular park events organised by the Friends that have become a part of the parks calendar.
c. To make available Council resources for training in useful and necessary skills for members of Friends Groups if they wish

Community Link Forum: The Forum has consistently attended the Better Places Partnership and have emailed HAVCO expressing our desire to be coopted members of the Partnership rather than stand for election as one of the three CLF reps on the Board. We feel our particular expertise is invaluable but we dont feel it is appropriate to be expected to represent all community and voluntary groups as an elected member. In any case there should be more community reps on the Board. As yet have had no reply to email. Action: Paul Ely agreed to write to Chair of Partnership Board to support our request for co-option.


3. PARKS REPORTS

Down Lane Park: This is a new group that started in June 07. Its a park and recreation ground that has lacked development for many years. Are hoping for funding for park and playground from Growth Area Fund but this funding was withdrawn and now hoping to find funds from other sources. The Tottenham Hale Development is adjacent to the park and so are hoping to benefit from Section 106 'planning gain' funds.

LBH Response: It would be a good idea for the Friends to arrange a site meeting with the parks manager.

Ducketts Common: £20,000 could be redirected into play facilities on Ducketts Common. There was discussion of the possibility of the Friends taking on 'Green Gate Common' on the opposite side of the road.

LBH Response: It could be advantageous for Falkland/Fairfax, Ducketts Common and Green Gate Common to be considered together by the Friends group.

Finsbury Gardens: Met with Don Lawson to discuss problems. The park is used for many different activities. Complaint from residents about exercising of
dogs in the playground and a banging gate which is now being locked at night. Organised a clean up day which was attended by 30 local volunteers - planted bulbs and held carol singing with mince pies and mulled wine. Have developed plans for a central flower bed. 'Making a Difference' grant for bins and seats has not been spent yet and neither has the £12,000 earmarked for railings.

LBH Response: Will look into what has happened to the money from Making a Difference and for the railings. Will also look into what section 106 money
has been agreed in relation to the development of houses on the garage site.

Lordship Rec: Still awaiting answer from Heritage Lottery Fund application. Met Police were seen driving motorbikes on the wooden structures in the adventure playground in the Rec and complaints have been made. [Apology eventually received and an assurance that all motorbike police would act appropriately in parks in future.] Thames Water did some work in the Rec and left the place in a very bad state and also British Gas have made quite a mess too. New path works still to be finished off. It was felt that not enough was done to supervise outside contractors. Started planning for this years Festival (Sept 13th). The Friends are finalising their path-laying through the woodlands.

Queens Wood: Working parties are going really well with BTCV, and membership now stands at 200. Money has been raised by Friends and the Council for a bird survey . Purely by chance the Friends found out that they could get help with paths as the London 'Capital Ring' runs through the wood. 'No Cycling' signs are needed and want to know what has happened to TFL money for cycle racks. Friends ran a woodland art funday and have organised a bird walk for May 17th.

LBH Response: There needs to be a meeting with Tony Healey, Don Lawson and the Friends re paths. 'Corporate branding' has held up creation of new signage. It is a confusing situation since the transport planning dept works with TFL for paths - the Parks department is not always informed. Martin Hall (Parks) is in charge of dealing with TFL problems.

Crouch End Open Spaces: Made a wild flower meadow and worked on paths and steps. Planted bulbs with BTCV. There are still worries about attempts by the North Middlesex Cricket Club to develop their club house as a venue for public events like weddings etc. which is not appropriate on Metropolitan Open Land.

LBH Response: Noted.

Woodside Park: Contractors came into park to work on entrance to school. They drove across the park and got stuck and generally did not act with appropriate care. There seemed to be no supervision and the Friends wanted to know if there was any code of behaviour or rules for contractors in parks. There needs to be written protocols so that everyone knows what is supposed to be happening. The Friends are extremely concerned about the demise of the Bowling Club and what will happen with the building if it folds.

LBH response: See below regarding issues to do with contractors

Downhills Park: There has been bulb and shrub planting. The Friends had a site meeting about new paths for recreational cycling and walking funded by
Transport for London. A bid to the Big Lottery Fund for a new building to replace the demolished Bowling Club pavillion was turned down. The Council
had earmarked £90,000 for the building and this is remaining in place while other funding is sought. It was hoped that the building could include a cafe which would be a training facility for adults with learning difficulties. A Community Interest Company has been set up to support the project and a Friends rep is a director. The Friends are concerned that the council's desire to set up clear sight lines through park to increase security is meaning that trees and shrubs
are being removed and this is not in keeping with the original distinct character of the park.

While there is a good relationship with the park manager, liaison with other management is still bad with emails rarely being answered. The Friends have
succeeded in getting use of the ex-wardens building at the entrance of the park for holding Friends meetings but there is a problem with getting hold of the keys due to a need to amend the insurance policy.

LBH Response: Have asked Gary Jefferson, head of LBH Learning Disabilities to meet with Friends to discuss way forward for new building.

Chestnuts Park: Things are going well with the new playground and youth facilities, and the new TFL paths. Will be holding a launch festival for the improvements on May 10th.


4. The use of private contractors

As a result of many problems being flagged up in local reports we discussed this in more depth.

The Council view: This is a complex problem and the Council agree that there should be guidelines. If service companies need access through parks they
have to get this through LBH Property Services who have terms and conditions. Sometimes for small jobs services just go in without permission. 9 out of 10
do get a contract through property services but parks are not always informed of these. TFL funded works are are dealt with by Transport planning section and they use Crowleys. The parks dept are pleased with the input of funds for improvements but are often upset by the poor performance and lack of surpervision.

The Friends views: We suggested that there be a review of contractors and that we can feed into that review eg: the costs, could work be done better 'in-house', which companies, how they are chosen, effective guidelines and supervision, informing Friends so we can keep our eyes on what is done, finishing off ('snagging') etc.

It was agreed that there should be further discussion of the problems relating to private contractors. PE will give feedback to John Morris and suggest a meeting with Director of Urban Environment, Niall Bolger, who is responsible for liaising with Crowleys and Thames Water etc. The idea of a review would be considered.
Joan to email round Friends list for any information and feedback about work done by contractors in parks.


5. Parkforce Review

LBH have listened to the views of Friends groups and are developing a 'Parkforce' model for greater presence in parks. The idea of dismantling the Parks Constabulary and redirecting their funding into general staffing will be going to a meeting of the Cabinet in April/May. 'Parkforce' draft will go for consultation after April, then report back in September with preferred model. It currently is shaping up like this:

a. BTCV organising community activities
b. Enforcement (Safer Neighbourhood Teams)
c. Supervision and staffing presence
d. Community (volunteers in parks)

The Parkforce proposals aim to ensure more staff hours (from existing staff or bringing in more people) especially at busy times. Also developing partnerships. Also looking at efficiency savings by improving on-site management (like staff training to be able to do some small repairs etc).


6. Encroachments into green spaces

The Council are producing a report dealing with householders who illegally extend their gardens into public green spaces. Around 50 people so far identified eg Parkland Walk. Council policy is that everyone must return to legal boundaries, but do anticipate problems. In the past the council have failed to take action and now the scale of the problem has grown. It is a matter of principle and law. Some people may have legal rights because the Council have not taken action in time. The general view of those at the meeting was that this practice is unnaceptable as it is stealing of public land which belongs to the whole community. However, it was up to the Council to sort this out and not up to us as Friends groups to get involved in individual disputes.


7. Friends Website and e-list

Catherine is setting up our website and taking over our e-list. She would like people to send in pictures of any events, projects etc in their parks for the website.
Don Lawson will give help with any useful links/documents from the Council PR dept. Want to make the website into a resource for new groups and people wanting to set up groups with useful information and contacts.


8. Official park signage

The Council want to put the local Friends contact details on all parks 'welcome' signs.


9. Haringey Independence Day

This is a event involving discussions, films, stalls etc for independent community organisations and the public. It is taking place on Sat 26th April in the West Green Learning Centre, West Green Road, N15. Joan and hopefully others from this Forum will do workshop/discussion on Friends Groups in Haringey, entitled 'Taking ownership of our parks' (at 2.45pm). Also doing a Friends stall. All welcome to attend and help out.


10. Next Meeting: Bruce Castle Museum, Lordship Lane, N17 on Saturday May 3rd: 10am - 1pm. Following meetings on: Saturday July 5th, September 6th and November 1st.


Secretary's note: Please try to send a representative or two to these meetings (it doesn't have to be the same person each time) as it is always encouraging to hear about the activities and views of other parks groups. We are central in supporting the demand for greater resources for parks and open spaces in Haringey and are seen as an important partner by the council.


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Appendix 1


Effective Friends/Council Partnership Working - Checklist of Minimum Standards
As drawn up by the Haringey Friends of Parks Forum (November 2006)

1) The council should attend Friends meetings when requested.
2) There should be an agreed regime for maintenance so it is not just crisis management.
3) Responses to all letters and emails etc should, if not answered immediately, be acknowledged and include a date for an answer to be given and the name of the officer to whom the request/question has been passed.
4) Each Friends group should have 2 contact numbers for their park/open space a. for the operational staff on the ground and b. for the relevant office staff
5) Joint LBH/Friends walkabouts at least every season.
6) Each open space needs a Management Plan (including maintenance plan) prepared and updated on a regular basis in close collaboration with Friends
7) Consistency of principles of effective partnership needs to be in place across all parks
8) Supervision of contractors - communication of exactly what is being done and why
9) Council should work in partnership with the Friends even if there is no agreement (ie partners can agree to disagree). Need method or mechanism of dealing with any disputes between Friends/Parks Dept.
10) Pre-notification of any proposals or any upcoming public consultation on any matter regarding the park.
11) Terms of reference for consultants - awareness of their brief.
12) Transparency with finances available and finance needed for each park.