Agenda item

Report of Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Environment providing an update to Members of the West Ham Park Committee on management and operational activities at West Ham Park since May 2023.

The Committee were informed ofunfortunate news about a stabbing incident that had occurred in the afternoon on Sunday 9 July. The Assistant Director expressed her gratitude to all the staff who were present and promptly responded to the situation. It was noted that the police and ambulance services arrived quickly to help and manage the situation. In response, the park was immediately closed to ensure public safety.

Members were informed that the victim, a 16-year-old boy, was transported to the hospital and while his condition is serious and critical, the latest update indicates that at present, he is still alive and is receiving care from medical consultants and the hospital team who are working diligently to save his life. Officers informed the Committee that they are fully cooperating with the police and offering support to assist in their investigation of this crime, as well as the situation in the park.

In response to a question raised by a Member, Officers noted that West Ham Park is a space that caters to a diverse range of people with various interests. Events held in the park provide a platform for engaging with hundreds of community members who come to enjoy the park for their own recreational purposes. These events contribute to the park's wide-ranging use and serve the needs of various groups and visitors. Officers noted to gain a better understanding of the park's usage, the Environment Department are currently collaborating with a company that measures the number of visits, unique visits, and the total amount of visitors who attend the park.

MATTERS ARISING

The Director of Natural Environment provided a formal thanks to the outgoing Assistant Director/Superintendent, North London Open Spaces.

In the brief time I've been at the Corporation, I've been greatly impressed by Stefani's enthusiasm, drive, leadership skills, and commitment. She has admirably delivered results in the face of challenging circumstances, including the implementation of the Target Operating Model (TOM), the loss of Declan Gallagher and other staff, sickness, and vacancies. Stefani and the team have navigated through these difficulties.

Stefani's energy, insight, creativity, and her proactive approach to the new North London open spaces portfolio and structure have been commendable. She has faced crises and challenges with a positive attitude, always ready to step up. Despite the short time we've worked together, it has been a rewarding experience, and I will miss her. I wish her all the best in her new role, and I extend my thanks on behalf of the team.

The board observed a moment of reflection as requested by the Chairman for the passing of Declan Gallagher. The Assistant Director provided an Obituary.

In his 17 years of service with the City of London Corporation, Declan was a dedicated and professional manager who put his heart and soul into looking after Hampstead Heath and other open spaces in North London.

Thanks to his very positive attitude and extensive experience, he was instrumental in maintaining the highest of standards. 

Declan was very passionate about his work and very proud of Hampstead Heath and all the other open spaces he managed, including Queen’s Park, Golders Hill Park and West Ham Park.

A lot of the improvements over the years were delivered because of Declan’s hard work and determination, starting from the stumpery in Golders Hill Park at the beginning of his career, to the more recent projects such as the renovations of the playgrounds at the Heath Extension and in Queen’s Park. He was also involved  in the recent transformation of the sport facilities, including the cricket pitches at Parliament Hill and West Ham Park and the Athletics track at Parliament Hill.  

Declan was highly respected in the green spaces sector, becoming a judge in the national Green Flag Award scheme. He was very experienced in horticulture and grounds maintenance, and extremely knowledgeable in all the operations needed to maintain our own green spaces to the highest standards. Declan managed a wider team of dedicated staff and under his leadership, the Heath, Queen’s Park and – recently - West Ham Park were able to receive awards such as the Green Flag and London in Bloom every year. He was an exemplary manager and leader.

Declan was a lovely man and touched the heart of so many during the years he worked at the City of London Corporation. His funeral, attended by many of his colleagues and friends, was testament to the number of people who loved and respected him.  He was respected by staff and stakeholders including the Heath and Hampstead Society, local Friends groups such as QPARA and Friends of West Ham Park, Friends of Kenwood, the Hampstead Gardens Suburb Trust, Heath Hands and many other local groups. He was also respected by the Members of both the Consultative and Management committees and local councillors from Camden, Haringey, Barnet, Brent and  Newham, alongside many other  local sport clubs and organisations. 

His passing was a shock for all. His staff, friends and colleagues have many fond memories of Declan.  He was kind, generous and had a great sense of humour.  He will be greatly missed but we will cherish his memory.

RESOLVED – That Members,

a)    Note the report.

b)    Note the formal thanks to the Assistant Director/Superintendent, North London Open Spaces.

c)     Note the moment of reflection and obituary.