The Bedfont Lakes Trust Panel met on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, to approve the 2023/2024 accounts and the budget for 2025/26. The panel also received an update on the current condition and future plans for Bedfont Lakes Country Park.

Bedfont Lakes 2023/2024 Accounts and 2025/26 Budget

The Panel approved the outturn and audited statement of accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024, and the proposed budget for 2025/26. Vicky Couchman, Strategic Finance Manager for Investment Property, Companies, Charities & Tax, presented the report, highlighting that while income had fallen compared to the previous year, the Trust's investment fund had increased by approximately £300,000 due to a rise in the value of investments. This was attributed to the fund managers, Cazenove, aiming to smooth out income over the long term, with 2023/24 showing significant monthly volatility.

The report indicated a shortfall of £5,325 in the final accounts for 2023/24. However, the Trust's capital reserves were deemed sufficient to absorb this deficit in the short term. The proposed budget for 2025/26 also projected a shortfall of £27,418, but a substantial capital balance was expected to cover this. Ms Couchman assured the panel that income was anticipated to increase in the long term.

David Belbin, a partner at Clemence Hoar Cummings, the Trust's auditors, confirmed that the accounts provided a true and accurate picture and gave an unqualified recommendation. He noted that the Trust received good value for money from Lampton Greenspace¹, a council subsidiary company responsible for park management.

Auditor's Report to the Trustees

The Panel noted the auditor's report from Clemence Hoar Cummings. David Belbin, partner at the firm, presented the report, confirming that there were no matters arising from the audit that required specific attention beyond the standard financial reporting.

Update on Bedfont Lakes Country Park

Gaye Galvin, Head of Parks, Development and Green Infrastructure, provided an update on the condition and future plans for Bedfont Lakes Country Park. She described the park as tired and in need of improvement, despite recent upgrades to other parks and open spaces across the borough. Funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy² had been used for health and safety issues, including replacing or removing damaged bridges and decking, and installing new bird hides and children's play equipment.

Landscape consultants and an architect are currently reviewing the site's history, with the next stage of renewal described as visionary. A six-month consultation process, involving residents and the Panel, has begun to determine future improvements. Ms Galvin indicated that potential funding sources, including the National Lottery and other grants, are being explored. The need for major upgrades to the park's facilities was highlighted, with a focus on economic sustainability and potential commercial opportunities, such as educational programmes.

Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu raised concerns about the state of the park's walkways, which he described as badly overgrown and only cleared once a year by Lampton 360. He also noted the presence of broken benches. Ms Galvin acknowledged these issues and stated that staff endeavour to address them. She clarified that the pits on the other side of the road are not part of the Trust site and are managed by a different landowner, although discussions are ongoing.

Security was also discussed, with Ms Galvin mentioning patrols by Lampton 360 Rangers to ensure visitors adhere to signage, particularly in light of a tragic accident on the lakes two years prior and ongoing issues with people swimming in the lakes and bonfires. Discussions are also underway with Spelthorne Council, the neighbouring authority, to explore funding opportunities and recognise the park's importance as a habitat for wetland birds and other flora and fauna.