Plans to mark the 725th anniversary of the first Battle of Falkirk, a report which sets out a range of options to make Muiravonside Country Park more popular and efficient to run, and a new strategic plan for libraries are all set to be discussed at the Council’s Executive on 9th May 2023.
No decision will be made on any recommendation made within these reports until the Executive meets on 9th May. You can
watch the meeting live from 10am on the day.
Some of the key reports being discussed include:
Newparks Farm, Muiravonside Country Park – Progress Update
This report sets out a comprehensive range of options to make Muiravonside Country Park more popular and efficient to operate.
A £230k investment on path upgrades, new pond creation and habitat enhancement has already led to an increase in visitor numbers.
And a five year lease for the popular steading café has now been concluded following a tender advertised in March this year.
Members will also receive an update on the transfer of Newparks Farm to a third party organisation and a new parking plan and charges which will increase income for the park.
Battle of Falkirk signage
With the 725th anniversary of the first Battle of Falkirk looming, proposals to mark this important event in Falkirk and Scotland’s history have been prepared.
Elected members will consider a plan to install interpretation boards and signage to direct visitors from Falkirk town centre to key locations including John de Graeme’s grave and the Battle of Falkirk memorial in Callendar Park.
At a maximum cost of approx. £20,000, the existing mix of fingers posts, maps and directional signage in the High Street will be adapted and enhanced with a mix of interpretative text and directions. In addition, there are plans to produce two interpretation boards providing background to, and details of the battle, to be installed.
This proposal in in response to a Council decision to mark the 725th anniversary.
Library Services strategic plan
In April 2022 Falkirk Libraries became part of Falkirk Council and was integrated into the Housing and Communities division. An outline plan to redesign the service, develop a five-year Strategic Plan and deliver £425k savings was developed. This was approved by Council in October 2022 as part of the Integrated Services review.
At this meeting of the Council’s Executive, officers will recommend that the Executive approves the Strategic Plan as well as the proposed change in library opening hours to deliver efficiencies while best meeting the needs of local communities.