Dear all, Well, we did our bit – it is time to declare victory for our petition as it was presented to at the council meeting last night. The reading of the petition and the debate that followed can be seen on the council’s website at: https://aisapps.sonicfoundry.com/AuditelScheduler/Player/Index/?id=18f285fe-c8b2-4c1c-ab34-6ade5aa2cca8&presID=059e9ad36448451886391e690cb612921d Starts at 1:43 and finishes at 1:59

There was cross party support that things needed to improve at Wish Park and recognition there had been events that had made the facilities worse. The lack of detail and understanding from the head of the park committee was disappointing (not just calling me James throughout!) but saying they have known about problems and they are addressing things. After many months the Councillors and the events team only made themselves available last Friday (prompted by the petition) and that seems to have mobilised the production of an action plan to make improvements and an identified officer to take responsibility.

We haven’t seen the plan yet and many things still seem to be confused and need to be aligned with the community’s feedback but it’s a great start. I intend to keep pressing with the friends group so that improvements become a reality and the park returns to safety for sport and wellbeing, if you can spare time to help the friends group with many of the jobs they take on at the park please get in touch via https://www.facebook.com/groups/868195236669294/

Many of your comments in the petition were about getting Gerald back at the park as his removal was seen as the main cause for problems. You will see I raised this at the meeting and the councillor recognised it but did not respond directly.

The recent issues have been known since May but the time it has taken us to raise this petition (since 28th Sept), get the required signatures (and 40% more) and have it presented to the full committee has been impressive.

Thank you everyone who has signed, shared and for those who made contributions to promote the petition that really made a difference.

As always, any questions and suggestions please let me know

Best Regards

Des