Former Wyndham Park Forum chairman and South Kesteven District Council cabinet member call ‘neglect’ of Grantham park to be stopped

The “neglect” of a Grantham park has been slammed by a former district council cabinet member and park forum chairman, with calls for “immediate action” to avoid losing its prestigious Green Flag status.

The recent management of Wyndham Park by South Kesteven District Council has been criticised by John Knowles, a former chairman of the Wyndham Park Forum, and former SKDC cabinet member Dr Peter Moseley.

They also voiced their dismay at the treatment of volunteers, some of whom have quit their roles.

John has volunteered for 18 years as part of the forum, which is a long-standing group made up of volunteers who work with the council to care for the park.

He said that SKDC has “very sadly neglected” it over the last two years and gave examples such as flower beds “with very few plants”, “lots of weeds” and “large areas where what was originally grass is now bare soil”.

He also claimed the park’s visitor centre is “hardly ever open” and used for council meetings.

Meanwhile, the pay-to-use model boats have been out of action since before Christmas.

A council spokesperson confirmed that they are “currently exploring options for re-introducing” the model boats.

John added: “Volunteers have done their best to keep things going but now have been stopped until risk assessments have been produced.

“Such loyal and competent volunteers also have to be supervised by a member of SKDC staff. As a result, a number of them have left.

“So come on SKDC, get cracking and return the park to the way it used to be a short while ago."

John believes there is a “distinct possibility” the park could lose its coveted Green Flag status, an accreditation that recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces.

One of the driving forces behind gaining the Green Flag status for Wyndham Park and neighbouring Queen Elizabeth Park was Dr Moseley, an SKDC cabinet member in charge of parks until he stepped down in October 2021.

Dr Moseley said he was “disappointed, but not surprised” to read about the condition of Grantham parks, where the “onset of neglect” is “so clearly now evident”.

“It is such a disappointment that in such a short period of time the work of setting parks at the centre of the council’s corporate strategy has seemingly been discarded,” he continued.

“Without the work of volunteers, much of the past success of the parks cannot be replicated.

“There is a fine balance between the relationship of the volunteers, and those at the council.

“I know from past experience that the management of this relationship can be a challenge, but that’s only because of the passion and drive of those who live locally to see our open spaces thrive.”

Dr Moseley suggested that the drop in standards was down to a lack of leadership.

He said: “Let’s be clear, if the council wanted to deliver for its people, and took the things they valued seriously, they could. There are ways to manage the budgets to deliver.

“But the council has reverted to the bad old days of huddling round the reserve pot and counting the cash rather than envisioning how the finances can work for the local area and reap rewards to enable further successful projects.

“I really hope the parks get the investment and work they need, and that councillors have a long hard look at their recent track record, which seems to be more about maintaining their weak grasp on miniscule powers, than delivering the basics well for the residents of the district.”

Last week, senior council officers met with several members of the Wyndham Park Forum.

An SKDC spokesperson said: “Both parties enjoyed a positive discussion on future plans and responsibilities regarding the park, following its quieter winter period.

“Forum members are fully aware of the need for projects to be assessed to ensure safe working practices in what can sometimes offer the potential for hazardous activity, as it is our duty to ensure public safety on our land.

“We have several points of contact among council staff for the forum to raise any ideas or concerns regarding park matters.

“We are grateful for the ongoing activity and interest from the forum and believe this will continue to be a productive relationship well into the future and as we work together towards retaining Green Flag status.”