PAPER I

RYDE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICER REPORT

1. SUMMARY

   To consider the proposal to work in partnership with IW Council to improve some of Ryde’s Parks and Greening, in the first instance the parks and planting along the Esplanade including the Rose Gardens, Ashley Gardens, Coronation Gardens, Western Gardens and the planting around the interchange.

   
   

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

   Currently the IW Council manage and fund the maintenance to Principal Parks in Ryde, (Western Gardens/ Appley Park). Ryde Town Council fund the maintenance of the remaining parks and public spaces within the town. We currently call-off of the IW Council’s grounds maintenance contract to ensure efficiencies and value for money due to the size and scale of the contract.

   
   

   In recent years budget pressures at the IW Council and rising inflation have resulted in some areas of the contract being ‘cut-back’ which has resulted in some of the areas unplanted and appearing neglected and especially in the growing season.

   
   

   Following interest from local greening groups and volunteers Ryde Town Council is now looking at entering into a partnership the IW Council to ensure continued improvement with Ryde’s parks and green spaces.

   
   

   The Place, Planning and Regeneration Committee have responsibility for public realm and have appointed a Public Realm and Natural Environment Sub Committee to improve greening and the public realm in and around the town.

   They have been working with community groups to improve neglected areas of the town. This project if agreed would be an extension of the work already being undertaken by the Committee.

   
   

3. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

   
   

   The 2023/24 budget for Greening projects in Ryde is £5000. It is forecast that this budget will remain unspent in this financial year. It is suggested that the underspend from 23/24 be carried forward and added to the continued provision of £5000 in the 24/25 budget to ensure a budget allocation of

   £10,000 in year 1 and £5000 per annum thereafter.

   
   

   By working with local and plant suppliers, such as Haylands Farm, the town can source sustainable planting at a reasonable rate and utilise volunteer groups to maintain the areas.

   
   

   Grant funding will also be applied for if relevant funding streams become available.

   
   

4. RECOMMENDATIONS

   
   

   1. Agree that the Clerk or relevant officer has delegated authority to finalise and agree a partnership agreements/leases with IW Council.

   2. That the Public Realm and Natural Environment Sub Committee work with RTC/IW Officers to develop a plan for Greening these areas and make recommendations to Place, Planning and regeneration Committee.

   3. To agree the budget as outlined above in section 3.