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2015.09.22
4.11 DEPUTY M. TADIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE REGARDING IMPROVEMENT OF THE FACILITIES OFFERED AT THE PLAY PARK ON LES QUENNEVAIS PLAYING FIELDS:
Will the Minister give an update on promises made by his predecessor to work with parents to improve the facilities offered at the play park on Les Quennevais playing fields?
Deputy R.G. Bryans (The Minister for Education, Sport and Culture):
Just minutes ago, Members will have received, along with myself, a copy of an email sent by one of my officers to Deputy Tadier that does suggest a promise not made by the previous Minister, by the officer. Irrespective of anything that was said at that point in time, I firmly believe that people should be involved in decision-making in their communities. In the case of this playground, officers did meet parents in May 2014. An initial meeting with one mother who raised concerns was followed up by a meeting with a wider group of parents. At the second meeting revised plans were discussed that included swings, seating and toddler play equipment that would be easier to use. The participants were then asked to speak to other interested parents and bring back their thoughts and ideas. Unfortunately, that never happened. In the meantime, the playground has been monitored by Les Quennevais staff who report it is being well used, as is the Elephant Park nearby.
- Deputy M. Tadier :
I thank the Minister for that initial answer. The promise relates to something the Minister said in this Assembly in April 2014. He was asked whether he would take steps to seek information, visit the playground and talk to parents and he did undertake to do that, as Hansard shows, and I am glad to see that the officer initially did take steps. In the email to which the Minister refers, the officer says that ... this is obviously in May 2014, so over a year ago: "I have now asked for a plan to improve the park and expect to receive a proposal from a local company later this week and when I have received this I have agreed to meet with the parents again." So my question is: could we be privy to what the proposals were by that local company, whether it was received, if not, why not, and why there seems to have been some kind of impasse that has been put into that project?
Deputy R.G. Bryans:
I am not sure that an impasse has been identified, but if indeed the information was passed on to us from those individuals I will provide that.
- Deputy M. Tadier :
I look forward to following this up. Clearly, it may seem small fry in the bigger picture, but it is very important and it was flagged up and some of the users of that park were particularly disappointed. I think we all agree it can be improved, hopefully with a minimal budget, and I look forward to working with the Minister on that.
The Deputy Bailiff :
Is there a supplementary question?
Deputy M. Tadier :
I would ask the Minister to reciprocate that sentiment. Deputy R.G. Bryans:
Yes, I am more than happy to welcome the Deputy to the Education Department. I would say we now have a head of early years and I have approved a new play strategy produced by the Early Years in Childcare Partnership, which should reduce the chance of this kind of occurrence happening again. But I am more than happy to welcome the Deputy to the department.