Agenda item

A report of the Director of Open Spaces (copy attached).

The Departmental Business Manager introduced a report on the draft Large Events Adverse Weather Cancellation policy, noting that a recent event cancellation had highlighted the desirability of such a policy. She highlighted that the policy would provide staff with key guidance and minimise the risk faced by the City of London Corporation.

An Observer commented that arguably the policy focused too much on short notice storm events whereas experience showed that cancellation was often the result of cumulative factors over a longer period of time. A Member agreed, noting that the recent event referred to by the Departmental Business Manager is her introduction was the cancellation of the Cross-Country Championships on Hampstead Heath where the ground had been affected by weather over a long period of time prior to the event rather than by a one-off occurrence of adverse weather.

The Deputy Chairman suggested that the proposed flow diagram in the draft policy include reference to Open Spaces Committee members being informed of event cancellations so that they could help assist in the management of the issue in their role as ambassadors for the Corporation.

RESOLVED:

·         That subject to comments and suggestions by Members, the policy be adopted.