Volunteers were told they’d have to pay for their own insurance, but the council has now found the cash to cover it, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Volunteers from several local groups turned up to help out at Pymmes Park in Edmonton — Volunteers in Pymmes Park, Edmonton

Enfield Council has reinstated insurance cover for friends of parks groups after a backlash from volunteers.

The council told the groups in June that it could no longer provide liability insurance coverage for them to hold fundraising events and to do voluntary work in Enfield’s parks.

Kevin Croft, chair of Friends of Arnos Park, said at the time that the news came “out of the blue” and David March, co-chair of Friends of Broomfield Park, said he received “very short notice” of the coverage being pulled.

However, in July the council’s parks team notified the same groups that the council would fully refund the insurance costs for verified friends of parks groups and that the scheme would remain in place for the next three years, before a review.

In light of the removal of coverage several groups had paid for their own insurance, in order to continue to work this summer within their respective parks and be protected.

Reacting to the turnaround, David said: “We were very pleased that the council’s urban parks team has agreed to fully refund public liability insurance costs for verified friends of parks groups.

“It is good to see the work of volunteers who maintain and care for Enfield’s parks recognised and supported by the council.

“The Friends of Broomfield Park are keen to sustain our positive partnership with the council and continue our volunteer work in Broomfield Park, supporting horticulture, biodiversity and community events – including Broomfield Blues music sessions every Sunday in August and the forthcoming Palmers Green Community Festival on 7th September.”

Council leader Ergin Erbil said: “We love our parks. Our friends of parks groups are the heartbeat of our borough’s green spaces and parks. Working with the council, they give countless hours of their time to keep our parks welcoming, safe, and beautiful for everyone.

“Their dedication to our parks and open spaces, and community spirit, are hugely appreciated. I want to thank each and every one of them for the incredible work they do.

“A few months ago, the council started the process of renewing the collective insurance cover for these groups. However, due to some changes to underwriting, our insurance brokers advised that groups should instead pay for their own insurance. We know how important our volunteers are, so we have worked hard to find a solution that works for everyone.

“We’ve now secured the funds to fully cover the insurance costs our friends groups would have had to pay. This means they can continue their valuable work without facing any financial pressures.

“We continue to do frequent joint visits with our park volunteers and friends groups. This is a great opportunity for the groups and their volunteers to raise issues, ask questions and ensure that we can improve the ways of working with our parks team.

“We remain committed to supporting our friends of parks and our communities, so they can enjoy our green spaces all year round.”

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