Agenda item

Council notes:

That Councillor Ray Wootten served the residents of Grantham St Wulfram’s Ward and South Kesteven with great distinction for many years, representing his community in a cross-party manner with dedication, compassion, and good humour.

That during his time in public service, Cllr Ray Wootten played a significant role in supporting local causes, mentoring colleagues, improving community facilities, serving as Mayor of Grantham, Chairman of South Kesteven District Council, Lincolnshire County Councillor, and promoting civic pride across the district.

That Wyndham Park holds a special place in the life of Grantham as a much-loved public space which continues to attract visitors from near and far. Wyndham Park is shared between the wards of Grantham St Vincent’s and Grantham St Wulfram’s, and would therefore be an appropriate place for South Kesteven District Council to recognise the contribution made by Cllr Wootten to the people of Grantham.

Council further notes:

That there is currently no formal public recognition of Cllr Wootten’s long service and contribution to the life of our community following his passing in 2023.

Council therefore resolves:

1.    That a public consultation be launched to seek views on renaming the Wyndham Park Visitor Centre as the “Ray Wootten Visitor Centre”, in recognition of his many years of service to the people of Grantham and South Kesteven.

2.    That the consultation be publicised through the Council’s website, social media channels, and local media outlets, ensuring that residents, park users, and the Friends of Wyndham Park volunteer group have the opportunity to share their views.

3.    That following the consultation, a report be presented by the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure to the Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee outlining the findings and recommendations for consideration.

Councillor Graham Jeal proposed the following motion:

Council notes:

That Councillor Ray Wootten served the residents of Grantham St Wulfram’s Ward and South Kesteven with great distinction for many years, representing his community in a cross-party manner with dedication, compassion, and good humour.

That during his time in public service, Cllr Ray Wootten played a significant role in supporting local causes, mentoring colleagues, improving community facilities, serving as Mayor of Grantham, Chairman of South Kesteven District Council, Lincolnshire County Councillor, and promoting civic pride across the district.

That Wyndham Park holds a special place in the life of Grantham as a much-loved public space which continues to attract visitors from near and far. Wyndham Park is shared between the wards of Grantham St Vincent’s and Grantham St Wulfram’s and would therefore be an appropriate place for South Kesteven District Council to recognise the contribution made by Cllr Wootten to the people of Grantham.

Council further notes:

That there is currently no formal public recognition of Cllr Wootten’s long service and contribution to the life of our community following his passing in 2023.

Council therefore resolves:

1. That a public consultation be launched to seek views on renaming the Wyndham Park Visitor Centre as the “Ray Wootten Visitor Centre”, in recognition of his many years of service to the people of Grantham and South Kesteven.

2. That the consultation be publicised through the Council’s website, social media channels, and local media outlets, ensuring that residents, park users, and the Friends of Wyndham Park volunteer group have the opportunity to share their views.

3. That following the consultation, a report be presented by the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure to the Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee outlining the findings and recommendations for consideration.

In proposing the motion, Councillor Jeal informed all present that he had been touched by comments from members of the public, who recalled the ways Councillor Ray Wootten had supported the public. Recognising a public servant was important.

The motion included public consultation on a potential renaming of the Park. The Friends of Wyndham Park group could have a role in any consultation process.

There would be some modest costs attached to any renaming of the Park.

The motion was seconded.

The following points were highlighted whilst debating this motion:

·         The timing wasn’t right, however if the motion were agreed it was right to hold a public consultation.

·         Wyndham Park was a special place for the residents of Grantham. Most of the park was within Grantham St. Vincents’ ward, with a portion being within Grantham St. Wulframs’ ward.

·         Wyndham Park was already named after Lt. Wyndham, killed in action in World War One. The Park and Visitor Centre were a lasting memorial to the young man. His mother donated a significant sum of money for the Park. It was opened in 1924 as the Grantham’s war memorial, with many members of the Wyndham family attending the centenary of the Park’s opening in 2024.

·         Geoplace provided guidance on street naming; it recommended a person be deceased for 20 years before their name be given to a street. There was similar guidance for blue plaques. SKDC’s street naming policy recommended a gap of 25 years between death and renaming.

·         Wyndham Park was in receipt of grant funding; therefore, the Heritage Lottery Fund would need to be consulted. Other consultees may include community members.

·         Councillor Ray Wootten dedicated over 20 years to serving residents in South Kesteven.

·         Wyndham Park was a protected site of remembrance; renaming it in Councillor Ray Wootten’s honour would not be suitable due to its historic significance in relation to World War One.

·         There would be other opportunities within Grantham St. Wulfram’s ward, or elsewhere within the Park to recognise Councillor Wootten’s service.

·         The spirit of the motion was to open this this up to public consultation, giving residents the opportunity to have their say.

Having been proposed and seconded, following a vote the motion was LOST.