Background:

Ford End Recreation Ground has recently had an area at the southern end planted with tree saplings. Whilst these saplings are maturing, the area has been fenced off to protect the tree saplings from damage, which may take many years.

In the meantime, a single picnic table has been placed on a limited gravel area on the centre-line of the recreation ground, close to the boundary with the tree-planted area. A further two tables are apparently planned to be added to this area in the future.

A number of residents have voiced concerns that the tables would be very close together, discouraging their fullest utilisation, with a strong feeling that they would be better spread out to provide separate distinct seating areas in different locations. Further, it is apparent that the first table was chosen specifically to accommodate wheelchair users, so that they could be seated at the end of the table with ease, with room for the wheelchair to be manoeuvred close under the table-end. However, the gravel is thought to make it difficult for wheelchairs (and pram/pushchairs) to be moved on the loose surface. It would be helpful if this could be compacted or replaced with something more suitable in future.

This petition is intended to canvas agreement between residents and users of the recreation ground, that the picnic tables would be better located across the full width of the park. This would allow smaller family/friend groups to have personal space away from other groups, particularly during times of social distancing, and to discourage mis-use by larger, more vocal groups that may be intimidating to lone individuals or smaller groups. Further that the gravel area is unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams/pushchairs, and should be changed to something more compact.

It is planned that this petition be presented to the Parish Council at the next public meeting on 28th June 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The original public consultation was held in March 2020, and can be found here:

https://e-voice.org.uk/greatwalthamparish/copy-of-parish-directory/copy-of-policy-files-2/

Petition (Lead Petitioner: Mrs Jenny Davis):

We, the undersigned, petition Great Waltham Parish Council to locate the picnic tables across the full width of Ford End recreation ground into separate distinct areas, and to improve/replace the loose gravel base to make it easier for users of wheelchairs and prams/pushchairs.