It is understandable that we all have different levels of enthusiasm for embarking on programmes of change. The search for new ideas can be unsettling, and the potential consequences can create a sense of uncertainty and worry. Questions will be put that range from the slightly “American”, “How can we?” to something perhaps more “British”, “Why can’t we?”.
The anxiety generated from looking at change has been well illustrated by some comments arising from Crawley Council’s leisure and cultural options review, particularly as it applies toTilgatePark. The park, with more than 400 acres of space, is a jewel inCrawley’s crown, and will remain owned by Crawley Council on behalf of the people.
The Council is looking at options around the use of Tilgate Park, including options for boating, investment in the Nature Centre and Walled Garden, and the introduction of aerial walkways (Go Ape or similar) into one less-frequented part of the woodland. Entrance to the park will remain free although there may be a charge for entry to the Nature Centre, and research indicates that most people would be prepared to pay something, especially where this is reflected in new investment.
If all of these options were implemented, the vast majority ofTilgateParkwould remain an area for quiet enjoyment, with an improved range of activities, almost all of which would occupy the same space that they do today. None of these changes would take land in the way that occurred with the golf and pitch-and-putt courses.
The Council has received expressions of interest from outside organisations for the running of some of the facilities mentioned inside Tilgate Park. These expressions of interest are examined without prejudice, whether they are from private companies or not-for-profit groups. No decisions have been made, apart from keeping the park in public ownership.
It is outcomes that matter more than methods and it is a good idea to be open-minded. There are statements that get in the way of social progress, such as, “Everything must be privately run” and “Everything must be publicly run”. Other statements assist beneficial change, “Let’s take a look at how we do things.” Pre-determined views about private and public sector involvement generate a rather sterile and ideological debate.
The Council runs its services in a number of different ways. There is a great of direct provision and also some areas where the Council retains ownership of a facility but another organisation operates the service. Examples are the Tilgate Golf Course which is privately run but Council-owned and K2 Crawley, which is run as a trust by an external organisation, while also remaining Council-owned.
Being ready to at least look at a mixed economy for delivering Council services provides the best options for improving the offer to Crawley people and visitors to our town.
Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of Crawley Borough Council
26th July 2011