Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 06 June 2018.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 06 June 2018 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman announced that the launch of the first ‘Access All Areas’ sessions that will be held over the summer launched very successfully yesterday in Portchester. Thanks were put forward to everyone involved in organising and running these events for the benefit of young people across the borough.

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.

To receive a report from the Head of Leisure and Corporate Services on Ferneham Hall following the Executive Decision on the 09 July 2018.

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Leisure and Corporate Services which updates Members on the proposals agreed by the Executive to remodel Ferneham Hall.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Miss S M Bell, Executive Member for Leisure and Community addressed the Panel on this item.

Members felt that the plans for Ferneham Hall were very positive and discussed some of the issues that will need to be considered by the Member and Officer Working Groups that have been set up. 

It was AGREED that the Panel notes the content of the report.

To receive a presentation from the Head of Leisure and Community on the development of a new park at Titchfield.

The Panel received a presentation by the Leisure and Community Manager on the proposals for a new children’s play area at Titchfield Country Park.  A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Miss S M Bell, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, addressed the Panel on this item. 

Members were advised that following a period of consultation, the name of the new park will be announced at the Council meeting on 26 July 2018.  The park facilities will include an orchard, wildflower meadow, an educational wild life area, footpaths, interpretation panels, seating, bins, a car park and a children’s play area.  These will be managed and maintained by the Streetscene department.

Consultation will begin in September with residents, local schools and special schools to help choose equipment for the play area, which will have a natural wooden theme and be suitable for all ages and abilities.  There will be a car park close by and there will be good links to the rest of the site. 

Councillor Miss Bell advised Members that the consultation process has shown that there is an increasing desire for play area equipment to be more accessible to children with disabilities, and although this type of equipment can be more expensive, there is a real opportunity to create something different and unique at this park. 

The presentation went on to explain how this project will be a partnership venture with the Titchfield Village Trust and that grant funding will be sought from the Veolia Environmental Trust to assist with costs. A summary of the indicative timescales for the project was also provided in the presentation.

In light of recent vandalism at Holly Hill Play area, Members raised concern regarding security arrangements at the new site and that consideration needs to be given to ways in which the risk of vandalism can be reduced.

It was AGREED that the Leisure and Community Manager be thanked for providing a very informative presentation.

To consider a report by the Head of Leisure and Corporate Services which reviews the Panel’s proposed Work Programme for 2018/19.

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Leisure and Corporate Services which reviews the Panel work programme for 2018/19.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Miss S M Bell, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, addressed the Panel on this item.

Members discussed a proposal that has been put forward by a member of the public regarding a community project being undertaken to create a large piece of art work that reflects the creative talents of the people of the town. As the proposal involves sculpture work to be displayed on the street, it was agreed that this matter would come under the remit of the Streetscene Panel rather than Leisure and Community.

It was AGREED that Members:

(a)  review and agree the Work Programme for 2018/19; and

(b)  as appropriate, add to the programme any additional items agreed generally by the Panel or put forward by individual members and accepted by the Panel.