Issue - meetings

The Cobtree Officer presented the report updating committee on the operation of the estate.  Members were advised that the park had enjoyed good Green Flag results, and that the Men in Sheds group was successful and had attracted new members.

In response to questions regarding the Cobtree café it was explained that:

·  There was a single point of sale in the café due to spatial constraints, and this could lead to queues. A new initiative would create a better takeaway service featuring ready prepared items which was expected to reduce queues, and two additional serving points for ice cream had been established, but it was recognised that a second till point was also required.

·  Due to visitor numbers to the café the presentation standards declined throughout the day. Focus was required on restocking during busy times to ensure a consistent offer.

·  MBC procedures were used except where these had become prohibitive to the function of Cobtree business. In these instances work had been undertaken to simplify procedures.

·  Toys such as bats and balls were sold at the café till point due to customer demand. These were considered an upsell on food and drink purchases rather than a primary offer.

·  Staff at the café were employed on a mixture of zero hour and 6 month contracts, and all received rota hours each week.

During discussion it was raised that:

·  The CCTV installed in the car park had not been operating, and would require relocation due to trees blocking the camera. Had the CCTV been functional it would not have recorded the theft of the zip wire equipment.

·  Options for further sustainability such as increased parking charges would be considered after the first year review.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the report be noted.

2.  That the recommended actions from the initial café business review be implemented subject to the points raised by Members, and a further full review of the café operate be undertaken once these have been implemented, with the results and action plan brought to the next meeting of the committee.

3.  That an update on the financial performance of the café be presented to each meeting of the committee.