Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies of absence received at this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 26 July 2017.

It was AGREED that the Minutes of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on the 26 July 2017 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements made at this meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

An open discussion between the Panel and other Members following a tour of the Boroughs Leisure and Community facilities, which is to take place prior to the meeting.

At the invitation of the Chairman Councillor Miss S Bell participated in the discussions on this item.

Following a tour of the Leisure and Community Facilities, which took place throughout the day, Members and Officers discussed the various locations visited and highlighted the following: -

Holly Hill Leisure Centre & Play Area –

·         Concerns have been raised by some users about the lack of fencing around the play area. The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services confirmed that this is being considered by his team but the original intention was to create a different look and feel to the play area which was in keeping with the surrounding park land. Installation of fencing would be potentially costly and change the open look and feel of the play area.

·         There was also discussion around the issue of dogs around the park area. Officers confirmed they are encouraging people to keep dogs to on leads around the play area, with temporary signs, which is proving successful.

·         Members also asked for an update regarding the few incidences of anti-social behaviour that had been reported in the area. The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services advised that he is in discussions with all relevant parties and CCTV cameras are expected to be installed at the leisure centre car park to assist with the problem.

Abshot Community Centre –

·         The Panel commented on the excellent work that had been undertaken on the roof and guttering and that it was clear to see the benefits of the recent funds invested by the Council into the centre.

Titchfield Country Park –

·         With the park, still in its early stages of development, Members were given the chance to see the scale of the work and the progress so far.

·         The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services confirmed that the project is on schedule with the care home due for completion in 18 months and the site due to be open to the public around the same time. However, the full implementation of all the infrastructure for the park will take approximately 3 years.

Westbury Manor Museum –

·         Members commented on the wonderful site and the excellent work of the volunteer staff.

·         A concern was raised over the provision of staff at weekends and Members asked officers to discuss the matter with the Hampshire Culture Trust in more detail to ensure that this doesn’t affect the running of the Museum.

Park Lane Recreation Ground –

·         With the 1^st phase of development complete, the 2^nd phase will include; further landscaping and pathways to improve access to and from the town centre, but funding needs to be identified to complete these works.

Crofton Community Centre - 

·         Members discussed the maintenance problems with the sports hall and changing rooms at the site and the costs involved to resolve the issues.

·         The Executive Member for Leisure and Community advised that she, along with the Head of Leisure and Environmental Services has planned to meet with the new Chairman of the association and the Manager of the centre to determine how these issues can be resolved.

It was AGREED that the Leisure and Community team be thanked for arranging a great tour.

To receive a presentation from the Head of Leisure and Environmental Services, providing an update on the Community Grants Scheme.

The Panel received a presentation by the Leisure and Community Manager updating Members on the Community Funding Scheme.

The presentation provided an overview to the Panel on the various stages of the application process, the criteria for applying and an overview of the various types of application that have been received over the past year.

Members enquired which procedures were in place for reviewing the applicants once monies have been awarded. The Leisure and Community Manager explained the various checks that are in place to ensure that the funds have been used correctly. Members suggested that Ward Councillors could play a role in assisting by liaising and supporting applicants. The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services agreed this was an idea that officers would explore further.

It was AGREED that the Leisure and Community Manager be thanked for her presentation. 

To consider a report by the Director of Operations which reviews the Panel’s proposed Work Programme for 2017/18.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Operations which reviews the Panels Work Programme for 2017/18.

The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services asked the Panel to defer the Play Area Improvement Programme item from the 08 November 2017 to the 17 January 2018 meeting.

The Panel also discussed the unallocated items and asked if these could now be allocated. The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services suggested that the Review of Community Facilities be added to the 07 March 2018 meeting and that the Ferneham Hall & Ashcroft Centre update be included in the Annual Presentation from the Hampshire Cultural Trust rather than being brought to the Panel as a separate item.

It was AGREED that: -

(a)  the Play Area Improvement Programme item be deferred to the 17 January 2018 meeting;

(b)  the Review of Community Facilities be moved from unallocated items to the 07 March 2018 meeting; and

(c)  that the Ferneham Hall & Ashcroft Centre update be included in the Annual Presentation from the Hampshire Cultural Trust rather than being brought to the Panel as a separate item.