Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies of absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 3 September 2014.

Councillor Knight asked for an update on Minute 6 – Open Spaces Improvement Programme – Play Areas and Other (non-sport) Recreational Facilities in regards to the Planning Consent for Fragorum Fields. The Director of Community addressed the Panel to explain that at present he still does not have this information but as soon as it is available he will circulate it to all members of the Panel.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 3 September 2014 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman announced that the funding stream for the Youth and Community Roots Funding Applications closed on 31 October and that the Council had received a very positive response with 24 applications in total.

Of these 24 applications, 19 will be put forward to the next round, which is the public vote.

4 were declined as they did not meet the criteria and 1 was passed on to the Matched Funding pot as it was felt more relevant to their requirements.

The Public Vote for Youth and Community Roots will open on 14 November 2014 and close on 28 November 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.

In accordance with the Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct, Councillor Miss Bell declared a non-pecuniary interest for minute 7 – Citizens Advice Bureau Service Level Agreement – Update as she is a Trustee of Portchester Parish Hall who have recently provided funding for an Outreach Worker for the Citizen Advice Bureau.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive a presentation from First Wessex on the Broadlaw Walk Community Space.

The Panel received a presentation by Matt Smith from First Wessex and Maria Ganderton, South East Hampshire Community Outlook (SEHCO) the charitable role of the Housing Association, on the Broadlaw Walk Community Centre and the work undertaken by the volunteers.

The presentation outlined the progress made with the Community Centre since it opened in 2013. Details were given on the facilities that have been provided such as fully equipped kitchen, private meeting rooms and an internet café. It was explained to the Panel that the Community Centre has been established to provide a service to all ages and offers a variety of services, these include:

Veggie Boxes

Drop in

Internet café free Wi Fi

Fareham Community Savers

Money and Benefit Advice

Job Club

Crafts

Training

Fun Days

Summer Fairs

Christmas Bazars

Brendon Care Social Club

Youth activities for local young people

Councillor Bryant suggested that other areas within the Borough could benefit from a similar type of project, which provide opportunities for local people.

All members commented on the success of the project and the hard work that has gone into it. Recognition was given to all of the volunteers who give up their time to run several of the initiatives discussed.

It was AGREED that Maria Ganderton and Matt Smith be thanked for their presentation, and thanks be passed to all those involved with the Community Centre for the success they have achieved through all of their hard work.

To receive a presentation by the Community Development Manager on an update on the Citizens Advice Bureau Service Level Agreement.

The Panel received a presentation by Kevin Williamson and Kate Rayner on the Service Level Agreement for Community Action Fareham.

Councillor Miss Bell declared a Non-Pecuniary interest on this item as she is a Trustee of Portchester Parish Hall who have recently provided funding for an Outreach Worker for the Citizen Advice Bureau.

At the invitation of the Chairman Councillor Mrs Hockley, Executive Member for Leisure and Community addressed the Panel on this item.

Kevin Williamson started the presentation by passing his thanks onto the Director of Community, the Community Development Manager and Councillors Mrs Hockley, Howard and Keeble for all of their help and support.

The presentation gave details of the current financial situation of the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the challenges facing them in the coming years. It also provided details on the pilot currently being trialled in Portchester with the CAB Outreach Worker working from Portchester Library. The Panel were informed that this has been a great success and has allowed many older people who are unable to get into Fareham to have access to support and advice.

The presentation also provided information on the success of the joint working with the CAB and Fareham Borough Council. Quarterly meetings are held to ensure that both parties have current and up to date information. The CAB has also started working more closely with the Gosport CAB.

The presentation also gave examples of cases where they have provided assistances to customers, and have had successful outcomes.

Councillor Price addressed the Panel to comment that he felt the CAB was one of the best recognised organisations who provide free and impartial advice, and he feels that Fareham Borough Council should continue to provide support to them. He also requested whether the Executive could find a little more funding to assist the CAB with their way forward.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)  Kevin Williamson and Kate Rayner be thanked for their presentation; and

(b)  The Executive notes the comments made by Councillor Price.

To receive a verbal presentation by the Director of Community on an update on the Western Wards Swimming Pool.

The Panel received a verbal update by the Head of Leisure and Community on the progress made to the Western Wards Swimming Pool.

He informed the Panel that good progress has been made with the development of the plans and design, and the design has now been finalised.

The development is to be submitted for planning approval in three stages. The first application will be submitted shortly and will be for the leisure centre and car park, the second application will be submitted in December and this will be for the sports pitches and play area. The last application to be submitted will be submitted in January 2015 and this will be concerning the cemetery and allotments.

The intention is to start works on the site in April 2015, with a hope for the Development to be finished Spring/Summer 2016.

Councillors Ford and Mrs Pankhurst have both stated that they had received a lot of positive feedback from residents, and that residents feel that the facilities are extremely impressive.

The Head of Leisure and Community was thanked for his verbal update.

To receive a presentation by the Countryside Rangers on the Coldeast Open Space Management Arrangements.

The Panel received a presentation from the Countryside Ranger on the Coldeast Open Space Management Arrangements.

Members were informed that 18 hectares of the 33 hectare Coldeast site are green space and woodland. The Key habitats for the site are; Community Woodland & Conservation, An Orchard with Bee Keeping and Meadows.

Members were informed that there would be a 10 year management for the project. This would focus on protection of the wildlife, enhancing the ecological value and community participation.

Members agreed that they feel the project will be a successful and will an asset to the new facilities being provided there.

It was AGREED that the Countryside Ranger be thanked for their presentation.

To consider a report by the Director of Community which reviews the Panel’s Work Programme for 2014/15.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which reviewed the Panel’s Work Programme for 2014/15.

Members were asked to note the revisions to the Work Programme as set out in paragraph 2 of the report.

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