Commitment to Grantham’s Wyndham Park ‘as strong as ever’ says SKDC over ‘neglect’ claims
A council has hit back at claims it has neglected a Grantham park, and insists its commitment is “as strong as ever”.
John Knowles, a former chairman of the Wyndham Park Forum – a group of volunteers who help care for it - last week voiced concerns that the park could lose its coveted Green Flag status if South Kesteven District Council does not “get cracking and return the park to the way it used to be a short while ago”.
His claims that the local authority has “very sadly neglected” it over the last two years – citing poor flower beds, weeds, patchy grass, a rarely open visitor centre and out-of-action model boats – were echoed by former cabinet member Peter Moseley, who blamed a lack of leadership.
However, a spokesperson said the council is “proud of its Grantham parks” and will continue to invest in them.
They said: “It is disappointing when individuals express such negative opinions, as the reality is that there is so much positivity surrounding the park.
“Opinions like these are out of step with those of the majority of park users and other stakeholders who last year responded to our annual Wyndham Park survey.”
When asked if they thought Wyndham Park had a positive impact on the local community, 97.6 per cent of respondents said it did; 86.6 per cent agreed that Wyndham Park was in good condition; and 89.1 per cent expressed overall satisfaction with the park.
The spokesperson added: “During fine weather towards the end of April the park was full of people, with lots of families enjoying the green space and all the activities on offer.
“People use the park to go for a walk, meet friends, to enjoy the facilities that are available such as the outdoor gym and the cafe, or to attend one of the many council-organised community events that take place there.
“The splash pool was reopened last week for the summer, while new play equipment for older children installed last year has proved popular.”
The local authority insists it is investing in the First World War memorial park – which underwent a £1 million restoration thanks to Lottery funding, completed in 2018 - and confirmed there has been no reduction in maintenance budgets.
The spokesperson added that a multi-skilled and responsive team was now in place to meet grounds maintenance requirements.
Wyndham Park has held the prestigious Green Flag status – an accreditation that recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces – for 11 consecutive years. Dysart and Queen Elizabeth parks also hold Green Flag status.
Wyndham Park has held Green Heritage Site accreditation for three years, which recognises effective management of historic features.
“There has been further investment through the Witham/Slea blue-green corridor project, which is nearing completion and has included environmental improvements to the River Witham running through the park,” the local authority added.
