The public open space in Mayfield Grove has been the victim of a “tug of war” between two potential management organisations for several years.

In one corner is the Chase Residents Association. As local people with a stake in the neighbourhood they would be a natural partner for the Council in maintaining and improving the area.

In the other corner is the pan City “York Natural Environment Trust” (YNET)

Despite mediation, the two groups have not been able to reach a joint agreement and now on Friday Cllr Dave Merrett will be asked to choose which will be trusted with the management of this attractive informal area.

Ironically part of the Labour Councils policy is to divest themselves of maintenance responsibilities for amenity areas.

The report to Fridays meeting says, “To achieve this, the council was ideally looking for community groups to take on the responsibility where the council faces significant financial pressure and resources are stretched at this time. This approach was also seen as the route to achieving wider benefits; an emphasis on nature conservation and providing a green space amenity for the benefit of local residents and the wider York community, as agreed at the 8 March 2012 decision session”.

In many areas residents are understandably reluctant to take on responsibilities which they feel should be covered by their Council Tax payments.

It is ironic therefore that in this case, where there is a willing residents group wishing to adopt the land, they are in danger of being pushed out by a pressure group.

The report talks of deriving some income from the pond use (taken to be fishing rights) to offset costs.

One option being considered is for the Council to retain responsibility for the area and then work with the community groups on an informal basis.