Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests.

There was no public participation.

RESOLVED THAT:

By virtue of the next item of business being exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 od Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be now excluded from the meeting.

Report of Director of Community Services enclosed.

The Director of Community Services submitted a report asking members to approve the replacement of play equipment at the play area in Whalley Woodland; and to agree to waive the Contract Procedure Rules to accept a quote that was not the lowest.

He reminded members that Whalley Woodland was owned by the Borough Council and was part of the Calderstones housing development and was originally funded using Section 106 monies and monies from The Big Lottery.

Following inspections around the start of this year several pieces were found to be rotten and potentially dangerous but because of a communications mix-up all the equipment was removed from the play area.

In order to limit the impact on the families whose children used the play area, quotes were sought as soon as possible. The quotes had been scored by officers and a small group of parents had been consulted upon the most appropriate equipment they wished to see replaced in the play area. Of the two quotes that scored highest, the parents had preferred the equipment of the supplier recommended as it was closest in kind to that that had been removed. Because this was not the lowest price submitted, committee would need to agree to a departure from the Contract Procedure Rules.

Councillor Berryman as Ward member was given permission to speak on this item and supported the residents in their preferred option.

The committee were also supportive of this option as it replaced the equipment taken away more closely in design.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

1.    Approve the replacement of play equipment that is more challenging for older children and closer in design to that previously there at Whalley Woodland play area; and

2.    Agree to waive Contract Procedure Rules and award the contract to Playground Supplies Ltd as set out in the report.