Consultation Hub

In December 2020 we shared three potential designs for the refurbishment of Cintra Park Children’s Playground. We asked residents to vote for their preferred option and leave their comments.

The results of the public vote can be seen in the table below:

• Cintra Park is well used and in need of refurbishment, it’s tremendous news that it is receiving investment 
• Not all items of equipment are wheelchair accessible within the designs, as they do not have linking paths
• Play panels provide a range of stimuli for children of all abilities, please could more be provided
• Pleased to see accessible play facilities, it would be wonderful to see accessible play equipment for older children
• Cintra Park needs to remain secure during works on site

Based on your feedback, we awarded the playground refurbishment contract to HAGS. 

HAGS’ design already included an abundance of equipment, however we worked with them to take on board feedback provided. All items of equipment within the playground will be wheelchair accessible, through the provision of linking paths. An additional three play panels were added to the original design, giving a total of five play panels.

We ensured there is a mix of equipment, for all ages and abilities. However, Cintra Park is not a destination park, significant destination parks are: Palmer Park, Prospect Park, Christchurch Meadows and John Rabsons Recreation Ground.

We are working closely with HAGS and RBC parks team to ensure that Cintra Park remains secure throughout works.

Next steps

Works will start on site on the 19th March and take approximately eight weeks to complete.

In September 2020, we shared two potential designs for the installation of a new outdoor gym and the refurbishment of the existing BMX track at Longbarn Lane Recreation Ground. We asked residents to vote for their preferred option and leave their comments.

The results of the public vote can be seen in the tables below:

•  Feedback was positive, with residents stating they were pleased to see the projects, stating that this area needed improvement.
• The provision of facilities which benefit all ages and abilities was complimented in both schemes.
• There were concerns raised by local residents over site security during works on site. The need to have precautions in place to prevent unwanted access was something which many people fed back.
• We received several ideas for other improvements we could make to the park in the future. 

Based on your feedback, we awarded the outdoor gym installation contract to The Great Outdoor Gym Company and the BMX track refurbishment contract to Clark and Kent Contractors.

We worked closely with Clark and Kent Contractors, The Great Outdoor Gym Company and RBC Parks team to ensure that the site would remain secure throughout the installation.

We have passed on additional comments / ideas to the parks team and relevant officers in case additional funding becomes available.

Next steps

The outdoor gym was installed and ready for use in December 2020, this will be completed in May 2021.

The BMX track refurbishment began in November 2020 and completed in March 2021. The contractor will return later in the year to complete reinstatement works.

More information can be found at: www.reading.gov.uk/longbarn-lane
 

For feedback on the community safety in your area.

The top priorities identified were:

1. Drugs (3^rd in 2017)

2. Parking Issues (1^st 2017)

3. Potholes (2^nd 2017)

4. Burglary

5. Speeding (5^th 2017)

Many respondents suggested they would like to get involved in activities in their local community.  The Neighbourhood Initiatives Team at Reading Borough Council is starting to make contact with those individuals.  You can contact us here Neighbourhoodinitiatives@reading.gov.uk

• Each Safer Neighbourhood Forum will receive a breakdown of the results for their area, the local groups can then decide their areas of priority and the action they take.
• Issues such as parking, potholes and bins will be referred to traffic management and highways/streetcare for their information and consideration in line with the group’s terms of reference to focus on crime and disorder
• Work from within the Community Safety Partnership e.g, actions on drugs will be shared with neighbourhoods when appropriate.