Herefordshire Council has invited Ross-on-Wye Town Council to consider taking ownership of several play parks in Ross-on-Wye that are currently the responsibility of Herefordshire Council.
Following investigation and discussion, Ross-on-Wye Town Council has expressed an interest in taking on three play parks:
- Beech Close Play Park
- Roman Way Play Park
- Grammar School Close Play Park
If the Town Council agrees to the transfer, Herefordshire Council has capital funding available to improve the play areas. The Town Council would then take on ongoing responsibility for the parks, including regular inspections, maintenance and repairs.
This could provide an opportunity to retain and improve these play areas and secure their future for the local community.
The estimated funding and ongoing maintenance costs are:
Beech Close Play Park: Capital funding available £65,000 with ongoing maintenance costs of £6,000 per year.
Roman Way Play Park: Capital funding available £35,000 with ongoing maintenance costs of £2,700 per year.
Grammar School Close Play Park: Capital funding available £20,000 with ongoing maintenance costs of £1,200 per year.
Further, detailed work would be required to confirm the exact costs and improvements needed. Please note that the capital funding currently available is expected to cover simple repairs and improvements rather than a full refurbishment of the play areas.
Taking on these additional play parks would create an ongoing financial commitment for the Town Council and may affect the Council Tax precept in future years. Additional Town Council staff may also be required to manage and maintain the parks, although the potential cost of this is not yet known.
The funding available may also change depending on which play parks, if any, are transferred to the Town Council.
