Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R H Price, JP and Councillor N R Gregory.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 6 November 2013.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel meeting on 6 November 2013 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman welcomed the following representatives who had been invited to the meeting to make  presentations on agenda items 6 and 7 respectively:-

·                   Ian Cook, Area Contracts Manager, Sports & Leisure Management Ltd. and Ryan Grant, General Manager, Fareham Leisure Centre;

·                   Geoff Phillpotts, Regeneration Manager, First Wessex.

The Chairman also informed members that funding had been secured for a youth project at Broadlaw Walk, Fareham which had been just been launched on Tuesday 14 January 2014.

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 presentation from Sports Leisure Management Ltd which outlines proposals for refurbishing and upgrading the wet side facilities (swimming pool and changing facilities).

The Panel received a presentation by Ian Cook, (Area Contracts Manager) for Sports & Leisure Management Ltd, and Ryan Grant, (General Manager) Fareham Leisure Centre. Members were reminded that the partnership arrangements with the Council had been in place since May 2005 and partnership support had made an important contribution to the Leisure Centre’s success. Information was provided about the variety of achievements and awards which had been won by the Leisure Centre over recent years

It was explained that the refurbishment proposals included the swimming pool (main and teaching pool), village changing areas, sauna/steam room and plant room.  Whilst the work was being carried out, a temporary pool facility would be provided on the north elevation of the car park for the duration of the refurbishment works. Regarding publicity, it was stated that the Council and Leisure Centre would be working together on their communication plans, with joint press releases, information provided on the Council’s website and on social media etc.   The refurbishment project is due to start on 1 April 2014 and last approximately 6 months.  Upon completion, it was intended that the new facilities would be officially re-launched with an opening ceremony.  

It was AGREED that:-

(a)            Mr Cook and Mr Grant be thanked for their informative presentation about the refurbishment project; and

(b)            the Panel acknowledges and supports the achievements of Fareham Leisure Centre and requests that thanks be passed to all Leisure Centre staff.

To receive a presentation by the Community Development  Manager  which reviews Fareham Savers Credit Union.

The Panel received a joint presentation by the Community Development Manager, Fareham Borough Council and Geoff Phillpotts, Regeneration Manager, First Wessex, which provided information about the purpose and operation of Fareham Community Savers (Fareham Savers Credit Union).

It was reported that the three key funding partners are Fareham Borough Council, First Wessex and Southern Co-operative.  Support is also provided by United Savings and Loans (USAL) and the Fareham Citizens Advice Bureau. The project was launched in Fareham in 2011 with a commitment to  3 years funding, to be extended by a further 2 years if successful. The  funding supports the employment of a Fareham Community Savers Development Worker for 12 hours per week.  Currently there are 3 local drop-in centres at Broadlaw Walk, Highlands Hub and the Civic Offices, Fareham. 

The Panel was informed that there was a significant increase in membership in 2013, and loan applications had also increased. At present the total membership of Fareham Community Savers is 202.   Current  trends show  an increased demand for help and advice on budgeting and money management.  it was anticipated that demand was likely to grow as a consequence of the impact of welfare reforms and the introduction of Universal Credit.

Members considered possible ways in which the scheme could be promoted/advertised, bearing in mind that it is a small scale project. Questions were asked on various matters covered in the presentation.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Mrs Hockley addressed the Panel during discussion on this item.

It was AGREED that the Community Development Manager and Mr Phillpotts be thanked for a very interesting and informative presentation.

To consider a report by the Director of Community which presents the outcome of the needs assessment for those wards in the Titchfield CATs area and Western Wards CATs area and recommends that a master plan to deliver the identified needs be prepared.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which detailed the outcome of the needs assessment for wards in the Titchfield CATs area and Western Wards CATs area and recommended the preparation of a master plan to deliver the identified needs.

The Panel discussed the information detailed in the report and made the following comments:-

·       Abshot Community Centre -  it was noted that there was a need for substantial repairs to the Centre as only responsive maintenance had been carried out since 2008 when a condition survey had highlighted the need for significant remedial works particularly to the roof structure;

·       Victory Hall in Warsash  - it was also noted the 2008 building condition survey had also identified the need for significant remedial works to this building particularly to the roof structure, windows and doors.   Although  the Council does not own the building and is not responsible for its maintenance, it was acknowledged  that the building is a key community facility in the Western Wards and would therefore be beneficial to have the necessary work done ; 

·       it was suggested that there may be an opportunity for representatives of each of the above facilities to make an application for  financial assistance in the form of matched funding;

·       Councillor Knight reported that Crofton Community Centre has a problem with leakage from the roof and suggested that winter maintenance be carried out at there and at other centres/buildings where there is an on-going problem with the roof structure;

·        Reference was made to paragraph 11 of the report regarding the decision by Titchfield Community Centre not to distribute the questionnaire to their user groups.  It was explained that Titchfield Community Association complete their own annual survey and are not obliged to share the information they had obtained with the Council.  However, officers agreed to try to obtain a copy of the Community Centre’s own survey;

·       It was acknowledged that the poor design of some community buildings had, in some cases, contributed to roof drainage problems.   The Head of Leisure and Community informed members that a planned preventative maintenance programme would commence this year to carry out roof structure repairs, clear drains, etc, at the community centres where the Council is responsible for these works.

At the invitation of the Chairman Councillor Mrs Hockley addressed the Panel during consideration of this matter.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)            the outcomes from the Titchfield and Western Wards Needs Assessments detailed in the report be noted;

(b)             officers be authorised to prepare a master plan to meet the identified needs; and

(c)            that the need for building repairs to Abshot Community Centre and Victory Hall, Warsash in particular, be noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Community which reviews the Panel’s work programme for 2013/14 and considers a draft programme for 2014/15.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which gave initial consideration to the Panel’s work programme for the current year, 2013/14 and preparation of a draft programme for 2014/15. Members’ attention was drawn to paragraph 3 of the report detailing revisions to the current work programme.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)               the updated work programme for 2013/14, attached as Appendix A to the report be approved; and

(b)               further consideration be given to the preparation of a draft work programme for the municipal year 2014/15, at the next meeting on 5 March 2014.