Agenda and minutes

An apology of absence was received from Mrs P M Bryant.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 29 July 2015.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 29 July 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s annoucements.

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 interests made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To discuss with the Head of Leisure and Community the new priorities that have arisen from the meeting of the Leisure and Community Panel held on 29 July 2015,in which minute item 7 - Open discussion about other potential leisure and community projects and policies refers to.

The Panel received a verbal update from the Head of Leisure and Community on the progress made on reviewing the new priorities that we identified at the previous meeting. These priorities were:

·         Revenue funding for Youth Provisions

·         Sponsorship to help reduce budget pressures

·         External funding to provide new activities and facilities

·         Volunteers to assist with the delivery of the service

·         Additional Countryside Ranger

·         Future budget for maintenance of leisure and community facilities

Members were informed that the Panel will be discussing these issues at a future meeting. Members were also informed that the biggest challenge will be funding for the on-going maintenance and provision of the leisure facilities that are currently available to the Borough; and that new ways to provide some of these services will need to be explored.

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

To receive a presentation by the Countryside Ranger on the proposals for the new Titchfield Country Park.

The Panel received a presentation by the Countryside Officer on the Titchfield Country Park.

The presentation gave an outline of the proposed facilities which include; a natural play area, footpath with guided walks, a car park and zoned ecological area.

The presentation also provided information on the other potential facilities that could be provided on this site, these included an outdoor education facility and a visitor centre. Other opportunities that will be explored include a dedicated volunteer group, external grant funding and a management partnership with HIOW Wildlife Trust.

The Panel were informed the plans for the first 6 months are to install the play area and car park as well as guided walks for people to get them familiar with the site. The first year targets include collating breeding bird data, soil preparations for the first meadow grasslands and to develop the volunteer group.

Councillor Price raised concern over the lack of fencing surrounding the children’s play area and how people will be prevented from allowing their dogs in the play area. The Countryside Officer explained that they feel that the more open plan look to the play area will help it to fit into its surroundings and therefore they are not keen to fence it off. In regards to the issue of dogs, he suggested that signs will be erected stating that dogs will not be allowed in the play area, and that dogs must remain on leads whilst in that area. The Chairman also expressed her concern over dogs being able to access the child’s play area and suggested that natural ways be investigated to tackle these concerns. The Head of Leisure and Community addressed the Panel and explained that they are looking at providing these facilities in a different way from other similar facilities within the Borough, but assured members that their concerns would be taken on board and considered in the design of the facilities.

Councillor Knight enquired as to whether there was going to be any provision for toilets on the site as he felt that it was an essential facility to have. The Countryside Officer explained that the toilets would be incorporated into the proposed visitor centre.

The Head of Leisure and Community addressed the Panel further regarding the Panels request to employ an additional ranger. He explained that two of the ranger posts are currently being funded from developer contributions. Going forward the preference is not to employ another full time Countryside Ranger. Instead they are looking to better use the resources they have and employ temporary Rangers when needed to enable the available funding to last longer.

Lastly several members requested that a more natural material be used when designing the car park, no tarmac, as so as to be in keeping with the natural surroundings.

It was AGREED that the Countryside Officer be thanked for his presentation.

To receive a presentation by the Director of Community on an update on the progress of the Western Wards Leisure Centre.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Leisure Development Manager on the progress made on the Western Wards Leisure Centre.

The Panel was informed that construction on the site commenced in June 2015 and that works to the swimming pool and new junction are the first to be done.

All works are progressing well, with the pool being constructed and soon to be tested for water retention.

Councillor Trott enquired as to whether local schools would be consulted with regards to the development of the new play area. The Leisure Projects Officer confirmed that 3 local schools have been involved with the consultations on the naming of this facility and will be consulted, on the design of the new play area.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, passed on her thanks to all Officers that have been involved with this project, and stated that she was delighted with its progress.

The Leisure Development Manager was thanked for his verbal update.

To consider a report by the Director of Community which reviews the Panel’s proposed Work Programme for 2015/16.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which reviewed the Work Programme for 2015/16.

It was AGREED that the work programme, as set out in Appendix A of the report, be approved.