Issue - meetings

To provide information regarding the potential removal of the Wisbech Park Orchard from the area of the old bowling green adjacent to the Pavilion.

AGREED to:

·         Note the content of the report

·         Note that the local In Bloom group who began the orchard project no longer have the capacity to maintain it.

·         Recognise that potential negative publicity regarding the removal of the orchard whilst also acknowledging the positive impact the orchard removal will have on reducing antisocial behaviour in Wisbech Park and enabling alternative use of the space.

·         Instruct officers to work with the CP Learning Trust to remove the orchard within Wisbech Park due to the increasing antisocial behaviour taking place and to attempt to transplant the fruit trees to the Fenland Orchards Project by the end of January with any cost to the Council kept within the budget highlighted in paragraph 4.6. 

Cabinet considered the Fenland Inspire! Wisbech Park Orchard report presented by Councillor Mrs French.

Councillor Mrs French said she would like to alter recommendation 3.4 slightly with Cabinet’s approval. The CP Learning Trust has been in contact with officers and asked if they can work with the Council to transplant the trees to their Fenland Orchards Project in Lynn Road, Wisbech. This seems an ideal way of preserving some of the trees as well as enhancing the Orchard project.

Councillor Hoy asked if there is a timeframe for this as she would like the amendment to include that it be done by the end of the year. Councillor Mrs French said she would be happy to stipulate the end of January otherwise it would be too close to Christmas. Both the amendment and further amendment were accepted.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Christy and AGREED to:

·         Note the content of the report

·         Note that the local In Bloom group who began the orchard project no longer have the capacity to maintain it.

·         Recognise that potential negative publicity regarding the removal of the orchard whilst also acknowledging the positive impact the orchard removal will have on reducing antisocial behaviour in Wisbech Park and enabling alternative use of the space.

·         Instruct officers to work with the CP Learning Trust to remove the orchard within Wisbech Park due to the increasing antisocial behaviour taking place and to attempt to transplant the fruit trees to the Fenland Orchards Project by the end of January with any cost to the Council kept within the budget highlighted in paragraph 4.6.