Decision details

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change (1)  introduced a report to outline the initial proposals from the community for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of Connah’s Quay Swimming Pool.  He gave a presentation on the Community Groups proposal for a CAT which covered the following main points:

·         the basis of the proposal

·         future opening hours and types of use

·         implications if there is not a Community Asset Transfer

·         implications for staff

·         proposals for future funding

·         key dates

                        The Chief Officer advised that the community was working on the initial proposals to formulate a business plan for final consideration by the Council.  The Committee was asked to consider and comment on the proposals.  Feedback would be provided to the community and Cabinet prior to consideration of the final proposal from the community in December 2015. 

                        Councillor Paul Shotton spoke in support of the project and referred to the financial contribution provided by Connah’s Quay Town Council.  He asked if other local town and community councils had been contacted to ask if   they would be willing to support the proposals.  Councillor Mike Peers said the initiative was a good example of a CAT and commented on the  availability of the facility for use by the wider community.  He also expressed the view that other Town and Community Councils should be asked to contribute to the cost.  The Chief Officer advised that the next stage was to work more widely with other Town and Community Councils and organisations. 

                        Councillor Ian Dunbar also spoke in support of the proposals and reiterated the need to contact other local Town and Community Councils to seek potential support.  He emphasised the importance of maintaining swimming lessons and school sessions for young people and commented on the need to ensure that ‘affordable pricing’ was maintained.  Councillor Dunbar raised further concerns around the future maintenance costs of the building.  The Chief Officer gave an assurance that safeguards were in place to protect pricing levels and gave an outline of the potential provisions to be applied at point of transfer to address future building issues. 

During discussion the Chief Officer responded in detail to the further queries raised by Members around resource implications and risk management. 

RESOLVED:

That the Committee’s comments on the initial proposals from the community for the Community Asset Transfer of Connah’s Quay Swimming Pool be considered by the officers and used to inform further progress.