There are several sections of the park river bank that are in need of urgent attention and the surface of the shingle path needs renewing.
Small sections of the river bank have been repaired on a yearly basis. The last 5-years’ expenditure has been £4,750 (5m + tree ball), £6,325 (12m), and £8,762 (15m), £3,880 (9m), £5,994 (12m) respectively. Rather than repairing a few metres at a time – it would be more cost effective, considering the heavy plant required to install the rocks required to shore the banks, to undertake the remaining 121m of sections in one go. If the machinery required to do the banks are present, it also makes sense for the path to be done at the same time.
3 quotes were obtained for works to the path and river bank to give a general idea of the cost of the proposed works. Approximately £60-65k for the river bank and £20-25k for the path. The cost was considered at an Estates and Properties meeting and passed to Full Council for consideration during its’ budget discussions. It was felt that the works were urgent and, as the centennial celebrations for the park are due in 2022, the works should be done in 2021-22 financial year. However, the impact on precept would be significant to pay for it in one go – a 40% increase, or £100 on a Band D.
Council has budgeted for repairs to the river bank every year – between £5-10k. It felt that a similar amount on the budget by way of a Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) loan for the banks and the path would be manageable, and acceptable. Following full discussion on all budget items, it was found that a £9k per year (capped) on repayment to a loan over 10-12 years would have little effect on next, and future, years’ precept. CTC have kept the increase in 2021-22 to 1%, or £7.19 on a Band D, an inflationary rise only: this includes the potential new loan repayment.
CTC resolved that the best way to finance these works was via the PWLB. CTC instructed officers to tender for the works via the correct procurement procedure and to investigate the details of applying for the loan.
CTC are inviting your comments on this project. Please respond by deadline 5pm 26 January 2021.
