Date: 12/08/2008
High Peak Borough Council hosted a visit from representatives of the Department of Community and Local Government (DCLG) last week. Rachel Arrundale and Katie Walters travelled to High Peak to look at the Council's methods of best practice in our parks and open spaces.
Andrew Bingham, Executive Councillor for Social and Community Development greeted the DCLG representatives who were then shown highlights of the Borough's open spaces by Officers and representatives from community groups.
The tour included the Pavilion Gardens - our Green Heritage awarded park - where examples of community involvement and fund raising were illustrated through the Friends Group and the Buxton in Bloom Committee.
At Cavendish Fields, the delegation saw the high quality tree sculpture which demonstrates how partnership working, in this instance with St Anne's School, can improve an open space.
They also visited the Memorial Park in Whaley Bridge that is subject to a forthcoming Heritage Lottery bid. If successful, the bid would provide funding to refurbish the park and make it a hub of activity for the local community.
A tour of Manor Park in Glossop illustrated the recent refurbishment and examples of community empowerment. The delegation heard how the bowls club successfully took on the managing of the bowling greens, raised funds and increased their membership. The party also admired the new gates that were installed after Councillor Bingham raised funds following representations from the local community.
Councillor Bingham stated: "It is a real achievement for High Peak Borough Council to be recognised for examples of best practice in the management of our parks and open spaces. Of particular note to the delegates, was the way in which we involve and engage the local community and how we have raised the standards of service."
Photo: From left, Cavendish Fields Residents Group Chairman Mike Moore, Friends of Pavilion Gardens Chairman Trevor Zoppi, DCLG delegate Rachel Arrundale, Councillor Andrew Bingham and DCLG delegate Katie Walters.