Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of West Ham Park.

The Committee received an update from the Superintendent and noted that the park had been awarded a Green Flag and Green Heritage Award this year. Members congratulated Officers on this achievement.

Members were informed that a public consultation had been taking place during June and July in regards to three benches situated adjacent to Aileen Walk. Antisocial behaviour had been taking place near the benches. Officers were sifting through the responses now, and the current opinion seemed to be split. Members suggested that as the days got shorter and the park closed earlier perhaps the problem would solve itself.

The Committee were informed that unfortunately Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) had recently been discovered in Stratford and New Spitalfields areas. The Director of Open Spaces chaired the OPM advisory group for the Forestry Commission, and was supporting the London wide challenge in managing this pest. The Forestry Commission secured funding from DEFRA, which had been affecting parts of west and south east London.  

At this stage the costs had been limited to nest removal but the costs of spraying were not yet quantifiable. Members noted that these costs to date had been met from the Director of Open Spaces’ local risk budget. If, regrettably, the incidence spreads and becomes of a much larger scale, the Chamberlain had agreed in writing that a request against contingencies could be considered.

Resolved – that the update be received.