Working to protect and enhance the Lickey Hills and their environs
Birmingham Council's Proposed Budget Cuts
14th Dec 2016
You may have seen in the local media that in 2017/18, Birmingham City Council is looking to make cuts of over £78million and as a consequence, there is a proposal to cut the budget of the Parks Dept. by 20%.
At the moment these are only proposals - it's not too late to change the plans. The survey closes on 18th January 2017.
It is too early to say how the proposed cuts will affect the Lickey Hills Country Park and city parks in general but we do know that the following are likely:
- All 30 Parks Keepers will be cut.
- Rangers to go from six hubs down to two - one hub in the north & one hub in the south of the city to remain. Remaining staff to focus on Risk Assessments, land management,and repairs.
In reality what might this mean?
- No working with groups (schools, volunteers, etc.), presumably including support for Active Parks events including our Thursday morning walks. The loss of Ranger support is likely to mean that the Wassail, Bilberry Wake, WW1 Project, Fairy Doors Quest, Play Days, Tree dressing, Search for Santa and so on could all disappear. Is anything safe?
- Without Rangers can we manage the Phytophthora ramorum disease without closing or maiming the country park?
- Stop cutting 20% of all grass in parks and public spaces
- Reduction in the number of shrubs and flower beds in parks and on the highway by 50%
- Stop all planters and baskets in centres and on the highway
Your help is needed to mobilise everyone to have their say on how important our parks and open spaces are, how they affect all our lives and how essential it is that we keep our Parks Staff. With over a half million visitors per year, the Country Park is clearly of important in the lives of many people.
As part of its consultation process, Birmingham City Council has asked for your thoughts on the proposed budget cuts and there are 2 ways to have your say:
Go To a Budget Consultation Meeting - Friday 13th January at 2.30pm – at Stirchley Baths. Booking essential- www.birminghambeheard.org.uk
Fill in the Survey - How to do it - (they’ve not made it easy)
• Open the Birmingham City Council website - www.birmingham.gov.uk
• Follow link to https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/news/article/44/brumbudget17_have_your_say
• Give Us Your Views - Follow instructions to start the survey. You may need to give a Birmingham postcode.
Question 1 asks who you represent – you can tick more than one box.
Question 2 asks for your 5 most important services – please put Parks somewhere in the top 5
Click anywhere on here to find more guidance on completing the survey.
The committee of the LHS and many other organisations will be doing their best to get their voice heard in opposition to the proposed cuts and we would be grateful for any support that you are able to give.
Please make every effort to help prevent this happening to the Lickey Hills Country Park and all other Birmingham Parks and Open Spaces.
Thank You
Mike Brooke – Chair: Lickey Hills Society
Goodbye to Vicci
18th Nov 2016
Vicci Guest left the Lickey Hills Country Park at the beginning of November to take up her new position in Sutton Park. Vicci has worked on the Lickeys for some years during which time she has given great support to the LHS for which we are very grateful. We naturally wish her well and hope that she will enjoy her work in Sutton Park
Phytophthora ramorum
18th Nov 2016
Phytophthora is a fungus-like organism that causes disease in a range of plants. If left unchecked, the disease could change our landscape forever with the loss of many trees, shrubs and heathland plants. It has been found in all of the bilberry areas within the Country Park which could suffer severe dieback. The disease has also been identified in a number of Sweet Chestnut trees.
The help of all park users is urgently required to help limit the spread of the disease and protect the different habitats. We can all take some simple steps to help minimise the spread of the disease:
• Do keep to marked paths to help reduce the chances of spreading contaminated matter.
• Do pay attention to any site notices – infected areas may be signed or cordoned off.
• Do clean your footwear – remove soil and plant debris from footwear after each visit.
• Dog walkers – use designated paths and clean your dog’s paws after each visit.
• Cyclists – keep on designated cycle routes and clean tyres after each visit.
• Do avoid taking plants or cuttings off site as this could spread the infection.
Please follow these guidelines as there is a risk that if the disease spreads, there is a real danger of losing the unique habitats and bilberry of the Lickey Hills.
The situation will be managed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (an executive agency of DEFRA and FERA) working with the Rangers and officials from Birmingham City Council Parks Dept.
© 2015 The Lickey Hills Society