Improving our parks, gardens and open spaces has been the focus of a partnership between the Council and Onyx, over the last two years.
Following issues raised through Best Value and in consultation with residents, security has been much improved by removing shrubs and plants and allowing views in and out of parks and gardens. Borders and beds have been given a facelift, mixing new plants, flowers, mosses and herbaceous borders. This will brighten the parks and give visitors a better variety of plants to enjoy during each season. Wildlife is encouraged by carefully mowing lawns and planting to create 'green corridors'. Some lawns are being left to grow longer to encourage wild flowers.
Local green waste, from the Council's and Onyx's Green Waste Recycling Initiatives, is helping to reduce the use of chemicals to control weeds, improve the quality of the soil and reduce the volume of irrigation required for newly planted areas.
Investment in the various pitches and greens means that many championships and matches are played on our sports pitches because of their high quality.
Specialised staff have been recruited by Onyx across the town, including a Head Gardener and Park Ranger service for Alexandra Park, a fine turf specialist who is dedicated to maintaining a high standard of playing fields, a Biodiversity Specialist who will work with the Council's Ecologist to promote wildlife in the town's open spaces, and a dedicated Cemetery Supervisor.
Sean Towey, Onyx's Grounds Maintenance Manager, said:- "Through various consultations it has been made very clear that the public expect contractors to take a caring attitude. Examples include: looking after rare orchid sites, providing a friendly and helpful face to the public, giving the bowls green a little extra grooming before a match and providing that extra touch when preparing a grave.
"We are determined to make sure that the Grounds Maintenance Service provides a level of quality to the residents of the town, whilst also embracing the interest, skills & views of those who physically maintain it.
"This approach will allow us to establish, with Hastings Borough Council, a long term strategy for the service, which will embrace the views of those who pay for it, use it, manage and maintain it. In this way we can ensure that our Parks & Gardens are preserved to meet the aspirations of all who use them.
"We are confident that our approach is both economical and sustainable and will remain so for the future."
Hastings Borough Council's Leader Jeremy Birch added:- "We are extremely fortunate to have such wonderful parks, gardens and open spaces in Hastings and St. Leonards - and to have such a dedicated team looking after them.
"The Partnering Forum we have with Onyx is clear proof that partnerships can, and do, work:- it allows us to meet with Onyx's staff and management, and work together to improve the quality of our open spaces. We have seen a dramatic change in the way we manage our parks and gardens, and there is a determination on the part of both the Council and Onyx to work together to provide a first rate service and offer excellent value to the council's taxpayers. That we are successful is clear to everyone who visits our parks, gardens and open spaces."
The improvements that have and will be made to parks and gardens have been informed by the Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces Best Value Review, Community Strategy and the Cultural Strategy.
Back to top of page...
< Art marks Greenway | Real Lives, Real Changes... >
This page last updated: 02/10/2003