Update from Clare Parish Council on Clare Castle Country Park
As we move into 2012, we know that one of the
major events of the year will be the final settlement of what happens in the
Country Park. It is 40 years since this
very special town amenity was established and it has been, and continues to be,
a highly important part of our community - exemplifying much of our history and
the beauty of our natural surroundings.
The Town Council feels strongly that the
Country Park should be maintained as a key part of life in Clare. We know that
it has been the focus of many community events in the past e.g. hosting
theatre, music events, fairs and celebrations, and Councillors are keen for it
to once more become a central vehicle for strengthening our community and
attracting visitors. The divestment of the Country Park by Suffolk County
Council (SCC) has the potential to create many exciting opportunities for Clare.
However, we are mindful that it also brings huge financial responsibilities
which must be correctly managed so that the future is truly positive.
Discussions between SCC, St Edmundsbury, Clare
Town Council and interested groups have been taking place during most of
2011. Progress has not been as fast as
we would have liked but we are pleased to announce that, in early February, it
is planned that the options for the future running of the Country Park will be
put forward for consultation to the Clare community and the surrounding
villages. We have agreed with SCC that
no decisions will be made on the future of the Country Park prior to
consultation or without the support of the Town Council and wider community.
The main options are likely to centre around:
- A
proposal that St Edmundsbury will manage the green areas of the Park while SCC
continues to identify uses for the station master's house and the Visitor
Centre. These uses could include the
Clare library and other activities including commercial options.
- The
Town Council would be very happy to work with St Edmundsbury to agree how the
green areas of the park can be best managed as they have significant expertise
in managing parks to a high standard.
However we would prefer that the station master's house and the Visitor
Centre be retained for community use for the benefit of community groups that
require a more permanent base than can be provided elsewhere. We could envisage the two parts of the
Visitor Centre being turned into one larger space for more flexible use. For example, the Clare Amateur Dramatic
Society (CADS) has made use of this space and strong interest has been received
from the "Budding Artists" group, the Scouts and Cubs leader and a group of youths
who want to re-establish the Youth Club.
We would hope that the Library could also be accommodated and further
ideas from other community groups would be very welcome. Additionally, we hope
that there would be many events within the Park for our community and visitors
to enjoy.
- A
third option has been raised by the recently formed Friends of Clare Country
Park - that of creating a charitable trust which would take over the ownership
and running of the Country Park in its entirety. As it currently stands this option would not
involve either SCC, St Edmundsbury or the Town Council. We hope therefore that further details of
this option and its under-pinning financial plan will become available in time
for the consultation.
In conclusion, we would like to assure all
Townioners of our commitment to Clare Country Park,
and we will continue to work in the best interests of our Townioners and the
wider community. Like you, we wish to
see all Townioners, community groups and many visitors using a vibrant and
successful Clare Country Park for many years to come.
With
best wishes for a very Happy New Year.
Clare Town Council
Date : 21-12-2011
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