Countryside Management Association News

Milton Country Park is set to enter into a new era at the end of thismonth as South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) hands over management of the park to Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust (CSLT).

In December 2006 SCDC took the decision to look for a suitable partner to manage and run Milton Country Park to secure its long-term future, as the council was unable to continue to fund it. After considering a number of bids, SCDC selected Cambridge Sports Lakes Trust as its preferred bidder. Under the Trust's plans the park will continue to provide existing amenities and expand on the range of activities available for visitors. The Trust will take on the park's existing staff, managing the park with them plus assistance from volunteers and
partnership organisations.

All of the legal requirements are in place for the transfer of the park on 31 March and a public handover celebration will take place later in the year.

Cllr Vicky Ford, SCDC's resources portfolio holder, said,

"We wouldn't have reached this milestone without the support and interest from everyone involved. Whether you are one of the thousands of people who signed a petition, a local resident, a member of the voluntary sector, one of the local charities involved or a group who bid to run the park, we'd like to thank you for your interest and support.

"This is a significant point in the park's future and we look forward to celebrating the handover with residents later in the year. We also look forward to seeing the park continue to provide leisure and recreation facilities for the residents of Cambridgeshire."

Chris Dalley, chairman of the CSLT board of trustees said,

"Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust is delighted with the outcome of this process with SCDC. By securing a future for Milton Country Park, all of the organisations and individuals who have supported this effort have
wisely protected an important recreational facility for the community in Cambridge and the Cambridgeshire sub region. The transfer marks an important step towards our goal of developing the Cambridge Sport Lakes as a facility we can all be proud of."

For more information please contact Helen Simpson, communications
officer, on (01954) 713262 or email helen.simpson@scambs.gov.uk