Sutton's new parks manager looks set to jump straight into the deep end and try to improve officer response times to complaints from the public.

Mark Dalzell has been working in Sutton parks for the last seven years and has just been made head of the service.

Mark said: "One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working with people such as the tree wardens, friends groups, Sutton Allotment Group and the Community Orchard Project.

"People are often enthusiastic and full of ideas for their local parks and I want to make sure we give them every opportunity to contribute, whether that be by giving ideas, helping with friends groups and projects or by participating in a planting event or planning parks improvements."

Born in Belfast, Mark came from a family of keen gardeners and joined Belfast Parks as an assistant gardener before starting his formal horticultural education at Writtle College in Chelmsford, Essex.

Mark's previous jobs have included working as a self employed landscape gardener and, most recently, working for the Property Services Agency in Sevenoaks as its grounds maintenance officer.

Executive head of leisure management Colin Beech, who appointed Mark, said: "There are major challenges ahead facing Sutton's parks service such as best value, implementing a new tree maintenance contract and supporting and developing new friends organisations.

"But we are confident Mark, with his experience and knowledge, will be able to move the service on and deliver."

November 6, 2001 10:30