Agenda item

(a)       That a Task Group be formed by Councillors M. Bateman, N.M. Matthews, C.A. Thomas, R.C. Bithell and D.I. Mackie to consider the arrangements for play schemes for 2013 and beyond;

(b)       That the Principal Leisure Services Officer would provide further information on disability sports services.

(c)        That the  Leisure Strategy be reviewed; and

(d)       That Town and Community Councils be given access to the Play Areas Survey undertaken by Play Safe and Space Consultancy.

LEISURE STRATEGY 2009 – 2014

The Principal Leisure Services Officer introduced a progress report regarding the achievement of the three key strategic priorities identified in the County Council’s Leisure Strategy 2009-14.  He gave  background information and outlined the main considerations which referred to the increased participation in physical activity, quality management of leisure facilities and renewal of the County’s leisure provision. 

            Councillor D.I. Mackie asked whether there were proposals to change the programme of Summer Play Schemes provided to local communities in Flintshire.  In his response the Director of Lifelong Learning and the Principal Leisure Services Officer commented on the reduction in funding for the provision of Summer Play Schemes and the ongoing work with Town and Community Councils concerning match funding and opportunities to maximise provision and resources. 

During discussion further concerns and questions were raised by Members concerning provision on consistency, funding, tariffs, removal of obsolete play equipment, and replacement of play surfaces in smaller leisure facilities.  The Chairman emphasised the need to ensure that Town and Community Councils were given as much advance notice as possible concerning the removal of play equipment as this had a potential impact on minor authority budgets.   The Director of Lifelong Learning responded to the concerns raised and advised that there was a planned programme for removal of play equipment.  He said that information could be shared with Town and Community Councils in relation to play areas which were in need of renewal.

It was suggested that a Task Group be formed by a small number of Members to consider the arrangements for play schemes for 2013 and beyond.    In response to the Chairman’s request for volunteers Councillors

M. Bateman, N.M. Matthews, C.A. Thomas, R.C. Bithell and D.I. Mackie volunteered to serve on the Group.

            Councillor R.G. Hampson and Mrs. R. Stark expressed concerns regarding the facilities for car parking at Buckley Leisure Centre.  The Principal Leisure Services Officer acknowledged the issues raised and explained that discussions had taken place around improving the situation and a capital bid was to be submitted concerning these arrangements.

            Members congratulated Officers on their achievements and the excellent facilities provided at Deeside and Flint Leisure Centres, however, they felt that marketing could be improved to broaden participation in all of the services provided an cited the spa, ice rink and extreme sports as examples.  The Principal Leisure Services Officer commented on the range of marketing systems which were used and referred to the use of targeted advertising and a proposal to create a specific website. 

            Councillor N.M. Matthews asked if there had been an increase in new membership of the Leisure Centres.  The Director of Lifelong Learning referred to the compilation of statistics for national benchmarking.  Councillor Matthews also referred to the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) and expressed concern that individuals were not always referred to their local leisure centre.  The Principal Leisure Services Officer agreed to make further enquiries concerning any specific case raised by Councillor Matthews.

            Councillor A. Bragg commented on the provision of sport for disabled people and it was agreed that the Principal Leisure Services Officer would provide further information on disability sports services.

            In response to a request from the Chairman it was agreed that the  Leisure Strategy would be reviewed.  The Director also agreed to ensure that Town and Community Councils had access to the Play Areas Survey undertaken by Play Safe and Space Consultancy.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That a Task Group be formed by Councillors M. Bateman, N.M. Matthews, C.A. Thomas, R.C. Bithell and D.I. Mackie to consider the arrangements for play schemes for 2013 and beyond;

(b)       That the Principal Leisure Services Officer would provide further information on disability sports services.

(b)       That the  Leisure Strategy be reviewed; and

(c)        That Town and Community Councils be given access to the Play Areas Survey undertaken by Play Safe and Space Consultancy.