Monday 19th January 2026 10.30am

PRESENT:

Councillors: I Schmeising-Barnes (Chair); K Henderson; P Harrison

Observer: Councillor J Thomas

Officers: S Saunders (Town Clerk); K Terry (Parks & Cemetery Superintendent); D Wilde (Treasurer) 

1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

It was RESOLVED that Councillor I Schmeising-Barnes be appointed as Chairman of the Parks Committee for the current municipal year.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors E Burnip and D Morris.

3. MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 20^th January 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Schmeising-Barnes declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 5 – Priority and Budget Setting 2026/27, as she was a member of Greener Stourport.

5. Report from the RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER (RFO) on priority and budget setting 2026/27, together with a report from the Parks and Cemetery Superintendent

The Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) presented her report and reminded Members that the budget papers related to Parks items only and that any recommendations would be reported to the Finance Committee on 26^th January 2026.  The RFO advised Members that there could be a small underspend up to year end.

It was clarified that there was a “typo” on page 1 of the report under the heading of “Adverse variations: savings” – it stated 1£6,954, it should read £6,954.

The main points raised were:

• The budget presented did not include any of the proposed expenditure from the report of the Parks & Cemetery Superintendent.
• The adverse variation in salaries related partly to overtime, new post for Events Co-Ordinator and new full-time hours for the current vacancy of Civic Support Officer.
• It was perceived that the income for burial fees may be slightly lower than budgeted for at year end and that the budget amount for 2026/27 be decreased.
• There were currently waiting lists for both allotment sites.

The Parks & Cemetery Superintendent took Members through his report and the following was agreed:

• A discussion took place on new play equipment and whether the Council may wish to look into the possibility of purchasing “all inclusive” equipment. Options could include a roundabout and communication boards.  Quotations were awaited and it was hoped these would be received in time for the Finance Committee meeting on 26^th January 2026.
• One piece of equipment, i.e. rotating swing, had been out of action for some time due to repairs required and a quotation had been received for £5,808.90. A discussion ensued and Members asked the Parks & Cemetery Superintendent to explore further options and to ascertain what the lifespan and warranty were should this item of play equipment be repaired.  It was also suggested that £6,000 be added to Funds & Reserves for future maintenance/purchase of new play equipment.
• In February 2025, Council had agreed to include an amount in the budget to provide a uniform to Town Council Parks Staff. However, this would need replacement at various stages throughout the year and an amount of £500 was agreed to be added into the budget.
• If approved by the Diocese of Worcester, a second hand portakabin be purchased and installed beside the current one in the Town Cemetery, this was to provide extra storage for the Christmas lights. This was in the region of £2,000 plus VAT.
• Following budget approval in 2025, the flower bed running alongside the wall in Villeneuve Gardens had been replanted and a fence installed for safety reasons. It was agreed that a further £500 be added to the budget for additional planting.
• A one off amount of £1,000 was proposed for replacement of trees, due to loss of storm damage and/or age.
• In 2024, the Council had received a grant from Natural Networks towards trees and plants for the parks and open spaces. This had been match funded by the Town Council.  It was hoped that a similar grant would be available in 2026.  Members perceived that £1,000 be added to the budget for this purpose should the option arise.
• Following a playground inspection, it was felt that some of the rubbish bins within the play areas needed to be upgraded. One quotation had been received but others were awaited.
• A discussion was held on looking to achieve “Green Flag” status for the War Memorial Park. It was agreed that the Town Clerk and RFO would look into future grant funding for the Bandstand to be renovated.
• Stourport Forward had donated a notice board to the town council which they no longer required. It was suggested that this be placed by the community centre in the War Memorial Park and it was agreed this would be on the grassed area near to the external toilets.  The town council would have control of the notice board but would be willing to include agreed material.
• The Parks & Cemetery Superintendent was asked to obtain a quotation for a new water supply to be installed in the external public toilets in the War Memorial Park which would run off the current water supply in the Community Centre. The quotation was required for the Finance Committee meeting on 26^th January 2026.  The Town Clerk would also obtain a quotation for the rental of hand dryers/toilet roll holders for the external public toilets from the existing contractor who serviced the Riverside Toilets and the internal toilets at the community centre.
• Quotations were also required for the roof at Stourport Community Centre as it currently consisted of shingle roof tiles and some of these required replacement. It was suggested that the budget for the community centre be looked at, as expenditure was considerably lower that the budget.  The RFO would look into this and report to Finance Committee on 26^th January 2026.  It was also suggested that some of the budget be split and put into Funds & Reserves.  Solar panels would also be looked into for the future.
• In 2025, there had been some anti-social behaviour on the car park at Stourport Community Centre, this had been reported to the police and extra security cameras and lighting had been installed at the community centre. This did abate for a short time, however it had now started to increase again.  A possible solution was the installation of a gate to the entrance of the car park.  Following a discussion, it was perceived that may not be viable.  However, the Parks & Cemetery Superintendent was asked to establish whether a Public Space Protection Order or similar would be viable.  This item would be added to a future Parks Committee agenda.
• The works van was proving problematic at present due to it being diesel and driving at low speed around the town. The budget was overspent as at December 2025 and more work was required on the vehicle.  Members discussed all options going forward and it was agreed that quotations be sought for the lease of possibility 2 vehicles, i.e. small van and a pick up van.  These would be presented to Finance Committee on 26^th January 2026.
• A Stourport resident had approached the Council to ask if he could purchase a “Welcome to War Memorial Park” timber sign to be placed at the entrance of the car park near to the community centre. Members were happy with this and asked for the resident to be thanked.
• A discussion on the allotments took place and it was proposed that allotment rents be increased to £62 for a full plot and £31 for half plot. There were currently waiting lists for both sites.  It was also confirmed that applications received from residents in Bewdley and the parish of Astley and Dunley be allowed to be considered for an allotment plot at either Kingsway or Areley Kings.
• Members were provided with information regarding fees for burials and interments for other local authorities and were mindful to increase both by £25.
• The Stourport Future Working Party had asked the Parks Committee to consider installing new LED lighting in the bus shelter in the High Street, Stourport-on-Severn. It had also been suggested that stickers be installed on the side of the bus shelter to promote Stourport.  Following a discussion, it was agreed that the Town Clerk and Parks & Cemetery Superintendent would obtain quotations for the lighting and look at options for stickers.  However, if this went ahead, the stickers would only be installed at the bottom of the bus shelter as the side needed to be clear towards the top.
• The Town Clerk updated Members on the latest with regard to the Riverside Paddling Pool. Following the closure of the pool in 2025, it had been stressed to the paddling pool contractor that the pool had to be opened, without fail, by 22^nd May 2026 in time for the Whitsun holidays.  The pool was due to be resurfaced towards the end of March 2026, weather permitting and then this would allow the pool to go through the full commissioning process prior to opening.  Quotations were awaited for the running of the pool and would be presented to the Finance Committee meeting on 26^th January 2026.  It was also agreed that the weekday hours would be amended to 9.30am to 4.30pm.

                                 Proposed from above:

The meeting closed at 12.05pm.