The 8 acres of green space entrusted to the management of Little Aston Recreation Ground (LARGA) is a highly valued and much utilised facility enjoyed by residents of Shenstone, Stonnall and Little Aston.
The many benefits of the facility include the positive impact on the lives of people of all ages. It provides a safe space for children to play; for adults to exercise whilst enjoying the beauty of the gardens and wooded areas; and for dogs to be walked.
Minibuses from “special needs” schools bring their pupils to enjoy the play area and the green space during school hours with relative peace and quiet.
The Planet – Climate Change
The many hours spent year on year by dedicated volunteer gardeners are evidenced by the abundance of flowers and shrubs throughout the seasons, enhancing the recreation ground.
Since the 1990 appointment of LARGA, a huge contribution to carbon footprint mitigation has been achieved. Planting schemes include:
More than:
- 2000 trees – The valuable addition of “gifted trees” have increased the total tree count.
- 50,000 flora – flowers, bulbs, and shrubs.
Our trees and shrubs remove toxins from the air, boost physical and mental health and improve the quality of lives.
LARGA takes pride in supporting biodiversity, enabled by trees hosting a wealth of wildlife, including birds, bats, dormice, butterflies. We currently have blue tits nesting in one of the ground’s donation boxes so the area has been cordoned off to protect the brood.
The vital need to protect the Parish Council’s valuable land asset.
In recent months, the incidences of illegal and unauthorised encampments of Travellers continues to increase in our locality, forcing LARGA onto “high alert”. All incidents are immediately reported on the Committee’s WhatsApp group and our immediate responder committee member closes the gate to reduce the risk of entry. The existing gate provides limited protection, it does not prevent pedestrian entry, and the ground remains vulnerable to illegal activity.
Consequences of illegal encampments
Financial impact:
- damage to the local amenity and local environment
- fly tipping & criminal damage threatening public health!
- Legal Costs of eviction
Community impact:
- interference with peaceful enjoyment of neighbouring property
- disruption to public order & safety
- harm to community relations
- The obligation to safeguard public interest.
The Legal Position
As landowners Shenstone Parish Council are vested with strong powers to deal with unauthorised encampments However the financial and social consequences of responding to the problem are far reaching as listed above.
The lengthy and expensive legal process of eviction does not eradicate the problem because Travellers return to sites they were previously removed from, requiring the legal response process to be reimplemented. There are many recent examples of this in our locality and across the country. The risk of illegal encampment is the single biggest threat to the Recreation Ground and measures are urgently needed to eradicate the risk.
The Solution
Installation of robust security gates with height restrictions to prevent unauthorised entry.
Cost of Gates: £13,000 + VAT estimate
LARGA’s financial diligence ensures the Charity’s ability to fund ongoing maintenance and implementation of improvements to the facilities. Our key focus is upon safety and prevention of accidents to members of the public. Funding is reliant on income generated from our annual “Party in the Park” event, which generated a net profit last year of £29,000.
LARGA’s funds for the year ahead are fully allocated to meet essential maintenance and repair costs, for example ground works in the play area, costs will exceed £21,000.
Funding Request to Shenstone Parish Council
LARGA do not have the financial resources to fund the installation of security gates. Based on irrefutable evidence of local activity we strongly believe that the Recreation Ground is vulnerable to risk of illegal encampments. This causes growing concern for “party in the Park” on 8th July.
LARGA respectfully request the consideration of Parish Council to award a grant to fund the purchase of gates.
David Salter – LARGA Chairman
Lynn Tomlinson – Fundraiser
15/5/23