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Policy on the use of Council Open Spaces

Introduction

Gawsworth Parish Council owns and is responsible for the management of the following parks/open spaces:

  • The Pleasance, Church Lane
  • Memorial Green, Church Lane
  • Gawsworth Park, Church Lane
  • Nancy’s Wood, Church Lane

For ease of reference, these are collectively referred to as open spaces in this policy. This policy also extends to use of the village hall car park.

This policy exists to protect visitors to the parks and to protect the parks themselves.

The open spaces are areas to which Gawsworth residents have access at all time (except when they are closed by the council for works or safety). It is expected that any person may use the open spaces provided they are acting in accordance with the law, not interring with the lawful enjoyment of others and not causing nuisance to any other person.

Gawsworth Park

Prohibited Activities in Open Spaces

In the interests of safety and good management, the following activities are not permitted in any of the open spaces without express consent of the parish council:

  • Fires
  • BBQs (except personal BBQs in Gawsworth Park where suitable care is taken to prevent damage to grass and infrastructure)
  • Metal detecting
  • Digging up ground
  • Removal or planting of any plants or trees
  • Erecting of any fencing, tents or gazebos or other structures
  • Bringing any vehicles (including motorbikes, mopeds and caravans) into the park
  • Fireworks or Chinese/sky lanterns
  • Releasing balloons
  • Shooting, archery etc
  • Use of any generator
  • Use of inflatable equipment (e.g. bouncy castles)
  • Flying of any powered model aircraft or drones
  • Golf
  • Displaying any posters or advertising materials
  • Use of amplification devices (excluding small devices designed for the enjoyment of a handful of users sitting close together)

Additionally, it is not permitted to bring any animals (including dogs) into Gawsworth Park and horses are prohibited from Nancy’s Wood.

Responsible use of cycles and scooters (including e-bikes and e-scooters) is permitted provided it does not endanger other users.

Events on Open Spaces

It will not normally be appropriate to hold any event on The Pleasance or Memorial Green (excepting Remembrance Sunday).

Events may be held within Nancy’s Wood and Gawsworth Park, subject to the provisions of this policy.

Events will not normally be permitted where it would prevent other users enjoying open spaces. No exclusive use of facilities (e.g. a whole space or part thereof) will be given without the express consent of the council.

Gawsworth Scouts have deemed permission for using open spaces for their activities, subject to ensuring that a suitable risk assessment is undertaken and seeking consent from the Clerk to the Council for any prohibited activity.

No events will be permitted before 10am or after 8pm.

Family Events

No formal permission is required for family/informal gatherings on open spaces, provided that it does not involve any prohibited activities and does not preclude others from enjoying the space.

Community / Commercial Events

Any event which:

  1. Is advertised to the public and/or
  2. Involves any prohibited activity and/or
  3. Is organised by/for an organisation

requires the express consent of the council. Permission must be sought by emailing clerk@gawsworthpc.org.uk at least eight weeks prior to the proposed event setting out in detail:

  • The proposed nature of the event
  • The name and address of the event organiser
  • The date and times of the event
  • An estimate as to the number of people in attendance

The event organiser will be required to ensure any litter/refuse generated by the event is removed from the open space at the end of the event. The organiser will be required to comply with any health and safety requirements imposed by the council in respect of the activity and will be responsible for the health and safety of users of the park in respect of the event and any equipment used. Where deemed necessary, the event organiser will be required to provide a risk assessment and may be required to hold adequate public liability insurance.

The Clerk to the Council may, having taken soundings from members, provide consent to any event that meets the requirements of this policy and may withhold consent for any events which would be contrary to this policy or which they reasonably consider would cause annoyance or nuisance to other users of the open space.