A MODERN overhaul of outdated byelaws controlling the types of activities allowed on the Bancroft Gardens, the Rec and the Tramway in Stratford is set for the final seal of approval.
Councillors look set to approve the making of the new byelaws which would see pursuits such as the lighting of sky lanterns, cycling, bathing, playing ball games and throwing missiles all banned when a full meeting of Stratford District Council takes place on Monday December 12.
Perhaps most significantly, motorbikes would be prevented from parking on certain areas of Waterside.
The proposed regulations will replace the existing byelaws that date back to the turn of the last century and are no longer considered fit for purpose, as they do not reflect modern society or cover the gadgets that people can now use for leisure, including flying drones and model aircraft.
Other restrictions under the new byelaws will include no camping in tents, caravans or other vehicles in the grounds apart from in a designated area for camping, fires are not permitted or matches allowed to be lit and discarded. No missiles can be thrown liable to cause injury to others, including javelins, discus or hammer.
Skateboards and other self-propelled vehicles are banned and there will be no bathing ‘without reasonable excuse’ in any waterway within the grounds.
The radical changes were initially approved by district councillors in June but were subject to allowing 28 days for written representations from the public. Since there have been no such representations, SDC’s Regulatory Committee is meeting on Friday December 9 with the recommendation to approve the new byelaws. If the committee’s approval is given, the new byelaws will be passed onto Full Council on December 12 to be set in stone.
A council spokesperson said the purpose of the byelaws was to manage the Bancroft Gardens, Rec and Tramway better and allow the public to understand what they can and cannot do so that everyone can enjoy the three areas.
The new byelaws will be clearly signposted and enforcement will be carried out by a council officer or the police.
Regulatory Committee spokesperson, Coun Ian Shenton, added: “The current byelaws are out of date and no longer fit for purpose. The proposed new byelaws reflect today’s modern society. Having a new set of byelaws makes it easier for the public to understand as well as being able to manage the area more effectively.”
