Several typographical errors in the “masterplan” do not inspire confidence in the professionalism of the consultants. It needed to have been proofread before publication. Did Council Officers or Cabinet Members not review it before it was published?

Prominent T LS is a new company, only incorporated five years ago, which also casts some doubt on their credibility, although the examples they site in Nottingham seem to be popular, especially with families.

Some of the ideas that consultants have come up with for Sandwell Valley in the past have been daft, like water jet fountains installed close to roads, and have resulted in declining use of the area. Mismanagement of previous facilities, such as cafes and the restaurant, similarly do not inspire confidence that they will be successful this time. The problem was often a case of poor promotion of what was available, rather than with the facilities themselves.

The caravan park that used to be at Sandwell Valley is an example of misuse of a Country Park.

However, despite these concerns, we welcome the ambition to make better use of Sandwell Valley, and certainly the intention to promote it more effectively.

General Points

• There seems to have been a lack of consultation with existing users, like the sailing club, before publishing the masterplan.
• We agree that they need to promote Sandwell Valley better, but they have made better use of it in the past. 
• Several people have told us that there are not enough facilities in the masterplan that would appeal to the older generation. 
• There seems to be an over emphasis on attractions for young families; there should also be facilities that will appeal to older residents, or at least all generations in a family.
• Consideration also needs to be given to people who may be accessing areas using mobility scooters or wheelchairs.
• We like the suggestion of Improved refreshment facilities. However, Forge Mill Farm used to be a good option for a light lunch, but this has not been available for several years. Likewise, the 19th-century farm used to have a good restaurant. The Council have failed to make effective use of these in the past, can they really do so now?
• Sandwell Valley has held county show type events, the Black Country Olympics, horse carriage rides, and other events without needing to expand parking, so there is no need to sacrifice any green space for car parks.
• Alternative means of access should also be considered, not just cars via major roads.
• There needs to be improved access by public transport, bicycle, and on foot. 
• Parts of Swan Pool are very deep, so security and safety of visitors is an important issue. There needs to be sufficient lifebelts, and other safety equipment, available.
• The Council also needs to ensure that the hides and observation post is retained, along with the access from Tanhouse Avenue, so that birdwatchers can enjoy the range of birds that gather at Sandwell Valley. Some of these are quite rare; we have had sea eagles there, in the past.
• On the safety front, there needs to be sufficient access to defibrillators, lifebelts, and bleed control kits.

Questions on the masterplan itself

• There is too much emphasis on the need for parking, this has not been a big issue in the past as long as people could get reasonably close to the areas where an event was being held. Access routes should be designed, as far as possible, with wheelchair and mobility scooters in mind. 
• The description of the Heritage Discovery Zone is very vague, and would appear to mean building on some of the open space in front of the Visitor Centre.
• The existing bee hives should be moved to a suitable location that allows the bees to thrive and pollinate local plants. They would also be a source of honey that could be sold in shops.
• Greater use should be made of the experience and knowledge of Friends groups, who will have memories of events and which were successful or those that proved problematic.
• Events need to be appropriate and designed so as to not result in nuisance to local residents or misuse of the park. Large scale events should be closely monitored and policed to ensure they are appropriate and do not become a source of ASB complaints. Has the Council consulted with the Police about their ability to police such events? 12 major events with crowds of 20,000/day will need adequate policing.
• Events that attract large crowds will also need to ensure that there are sufficient toilet facilities available for people attending them.
• It maybe a sad reflection of the times, but bleed control kits should also be available at sites, especially any near events that would attract large crowds.
• Any E-bike facilities should make use of their technology to ensure they are used safely and appropriately. They can be geolocked and linked to other equipment or their proximity to control their use, or prevent misuse of them.