Agenda and minutes

Apologies of absence were received from Councillors Mrs S Pankhurst and M J Ford JP.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 4 November 2015.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 4 November 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman welcomed Andy and Maria Kennedy of Y-Services to the 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.

To receive a presentation from Y-Services on the support they provide to Youth Groups in the Borough.

The Panel received a presentation from Andy Kennedy of Y-Services on the current delivery of Youth Services they provide within the Borough.

The presentation began with a video that had been made by volunteers and Fareham young people promoting some of the activities they are involved with.

The remaining presentation outlined details of the evening and daytime activities currently provided by Y-Services across the Borough.

This included:-

(a)  the Y-Cat meeting in November where over 65 young people from across the Borough attended a question and answer session with Councillor Woodward;

(b)  Play Ranger sessions and the challenge of securing funding when the contract funding arrangements expire in March 2016; and

(c)  Y-Services new venture at Frosthole Close where they are seeking to lease the building from the Council to set up a scrap store.

Andy Kennedy confirmed that the charity had reached a crossroads with the funding they receive due to the imminent cuts to Youth Services by Hampshire County Council. It is believed that Y-Services funding would be secure until September 2016. Councillor Price enquired as to how much funding Y-Services currently receive from Hampshire County Council and what they’re expecting the funding cuts to be. Andy Kennedy was not able to confirm figures at this time as Y-Service don’t know the extent of the cuts. Councillor Price enquired as to whether any assistance could be provided from the Community Safety Partnership as the Panel agreed there is great concern over how these cuts will affect young people in Fareham. The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services agreed to make the Community Safety Partnership aware of the need for funding and to advise on any opportunities that may arise.

Councillor G Fazackarley left the meeting during this item at 6.35pm.

It was AGREED that:

(a)  Andy Kennedy from Y-Services be thanked for his informative presentation;

(b)  the Council look into the possibility of sourcing additional funding for youth services; and

(c)  the content of the presentation be noted.

To receive a presentation by the Head of Leisure and Environmental Services on Play and Recreational Facilities.

The Panel received a presentation from the Leisure Events Manager on the Play and Recreational Facilities in the Borough.

The presentation gave details of the 62 items of equipment which make up the Councils Play and Recreational Facilities for ages 13 and above; including:-

·         Skate Parks

·         Football Goals

·         Teen Shelters

·         Multi-Use Games Areas

·         Outdoor Gyms

·         Basketball Hoops

·         Football/Basketball Combos

The Leisure Events Manager outlined the work that had been undertaken to assess the equipment, including how it had been categorised as; good, average or poor and then how these results are used to identify the improvement works that are required. The Panel were shown examples of existing equipment to highlight the challenges faced with undertaking the improvements and examples of that work has already been carried out.

The improvement programme will be reported to the 11 March Executive with implementation in autumn 2016.

The Chairman invited Councillor D L Steadman to address the Panel on this item.

Councillor D L Steadman expressed his concerns relating the Crossfell Walk Play area to the Panel and how there was only one play area in the whole of the Fareham South Ward and that this had not been refurbished since 2012. He explained that the feedback that the Council had received from residents is that Crossfell Walk Play Area does not provide enough equipment for the number of children and young people using it and that residents would like to see additional items installed.

The Chairman agreed that Councillor D L Steadman’s comments be considered by the Panel and that they would see what could be done to assist with this project going forward.

It was AGREED that:

(a)  the Leisure Events Manager be thanked for their informative presentation; and

(b)  the content of the presentation be noted.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Operations on an update on the Western Wards Leisure Centre Progress.

The Panel received a presentation from the Leisure Development Manager updating them on the progress on the construction of the Holly Hill Leisure Centre, which has now passed the half way stage. The project is on target to complete in early July 2016.

It was AGREED that:

(a)  the Leisure Development Manager be thanked for his informative presentation; and

(b)  the content of the presentation be noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Operations which gives a preliminary overall review of the Panel’s work programme 2015/16 and the draft work programme 2016/17.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Operations which reviewed the Work Programme for 2015/16 and the draft work programme for 2016/17.

At the invitation of the Chairman, the Head of Leisure and Environmental Services addressed the Panel and suggested a list of items for them to consider before the March meeting where they will need to agree the final work programme for 2016/17, the Chairman then invited members to bring any suggestions forward for next year’s work programme. Councillor T G Knight requested an item outlining facilities for the older population. Councillor R H Price also suggested that the new Holly Leisure Centre updates be included into the Fareham Leisure Centre as they will both be managed by Everyone Active. The Chairman proposed that a presentation by One Community be added along with a Members Tour.

At the suggestion of the Chairman members also agreed to move the Open Spaces Improvement Programme item from the March meeting into 2016/17 programme and requested that the Cams Alders Vision Presentation be brought to the March meeting instead.

It was AGREED that, subject to the amendments above and items suggested by members for the 2016/17, the work programme for 2015/16, as set in Appendix A to the report be approved.