Do they get irony?
Consultation on the future of parks and librariesHounslow Council is calling on residents to have their say on plans to redesign and rationalise leisure and culture services in the borough.At the heart of the consultation exercise is a draft strategy that sets out four objectives: to modernise the borough’s library service; to enhance local parks and open spaces; to support residents to be more active; and to celebrate Hounslow’s cultural make-up and rich heritage. A poster and postcard campaign launched on 5th October 2015 invites residents to comment on the objectives and the steps suggested to achieve them.Though the new approach is driven in part by the council’s need to cut its budget, the strategy is deliberately ambitious. For example, it sets a target for Hounslow residents to become the most active in London by 2022 – when at present they lag behind the London and England average for people participating in exercise for at least 30 minutes a week. The strategy proposes a shift towards online and digital services. And, for libraries, it also refers to the need to reach out to more residents since, while the Chiswick, Feltham and Hounslow branches remain busy, overall use of libraries has dropped by 20 per cent in the past five years.The draft also explores the possibility of making better use of the borough’s 1,365 hectares of green space, with the cash being ploughed back into improved facilities.Councillor Ed Mayne, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Leisure, explains: “Over the next four years the council must make at least £70million in savings and the leisure services budget is expected to be reduced by at least £2.3m. Our draft strategy aims to make sure we maintain the highest possible standards in our leisure services while adapting to the budget cuts and changes in the services residents want. So, residents’ views are essential if we are to rise to this daunting challenge successfully.”The draft Leisure and Culture Strategy was published on Monday 5 October and consultation closes on Monday 16 November 2015. Residents can view the draft strategy and comment on the council’s website at www.hounslow.gov.uk/leisureconsultationOctober 14, 2015 I'm not sure if this is someone's idea of a joke or a p*sstake, if residents do decide to give their views which are apparently 'essential' I can only wish them the best of British! Judging by the determination to keep on ignoring residents and not even being willing to ask for their views around here! Yet again the promised 'through the door consultation' is being delayed, yet another excuse dredged up - this time the fact that a group of local residents from both Richmond and Hounslow have joined together put in an application to have our small local park designated as a Village Green. This as far as I can tell has absolutely nothing to do with consulting on the future use of the park and is just another delaying tactic. An FOI request as to the possible overrun of the budget for the recent 'Inspiring Isleworth' festival in Redlees Park had met witha convoluted explanation and then a 'we don't actually have that information yet'! So much for caring what residents think!
Vanessa Smith ● 4034d2 Comments ● 4033d