Banbury town councillors approve 'transformative renewal' of sensory areas in town's parks

Councillors unanimously approved the creation and transformative renewal of the sensory areas in the town's parks.

The approval decision came after a proposal from Cllr Sean Woodcock, a Labour town council member for Ruscote ward, called for a 'transformative renewal' of the town's parks in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of his proposal Cllr Woodcock said: "Sensory garden areas can make our parks more accessible as well as more interesting.

"That is why it is right, as part of a general programme of renewal across the town post-pandemic, that the council commits to looking properly at the issue."

Cllr Woodcock sited sensory garden at Jephson Gardens in nearby Royal Leamington Spa as an example for the town.

The 'General Services Committee' at town hall will now look to start the process of creating a sensory garden, and coming up with recommendations.

Cllr Woodcock added: "The Rose Garden in People's Park is being looked at for the sensory garden. It is meant to already be a sensory garden, but there was a feeling that it is not really fit for purpose, and a renewal is right."

Cllr Surinder Dhesi said: ”I think it is a good idea, especially during Covid when mental stress and anxiety is on the increase.The sensory garden can be mentally uplifting.

"Sensory gardens can be designed in such a way as to be accessible and enjoyable for both disabled and non disabled users.

"The provision could also integrate sound and music more centrally to combine the play needs of younger users with their sensory needs."