Agenda and minutes

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

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 02 March 2016.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on the 02 March 2016 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements received at this 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 by the Head of Leisure and Environmental Services providing an overview of the Leisure and Community Portfolio Services.

The Panel received a presentation from the Head of Leisure and Environmental Service on an overview of the Leisure and Community Portfolio Services.

The Presentation highlighted the many areas that the service is responsible for, including; sports and recreation facilities, play areas and equipment, community buildings, leisure events, countryside and the foreshore. The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services also gave details to the Panel on the recent achievements and the priorities for the Leisure and Community team for 2016/17.

The Panel were also asked to note that the community grant funding scheme has recently been brought under the responsibility of the Leisure and Community Portfolio and that revenue funding is now also available for start-up projects as well as capital purchases for community groups.

The Chairman thanked Officers for a very informative presentation and asked that some of the new facilities highlighted in the presentation be added to the Members tour in September.

It was AGREED that, the Panel note the contents of the presentation.

To receive a presentation by the Head of Leisure and Environmental Services on the proposed re-modelling of Westbury Manor Museum.

The Panel received a presentation from The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services on the proposed re-modelling plans for Westbury Manor Museum.

The presentation highlighted to the Panel the reasons for re-modelling giving details about the background to the museum and its vision that was approved by the Executive in May 2015, which included:-

·         Re-invention of Westbury manor Museum as a vibrant ‘culture stop’ in the high street.

·         Improve programming and financial sustainability

·         Reduce subsidy by 40%

·         Improving access and landscaping of the gardens

The Panel were shown images giving visualization of how the re-modelling might look; with improved, interactive exhibition space, a contemporary café and an idea of how the external space may be landscaped to improve access to the gardens and front entrance.

The Panel were also informed that the Miss Winifred Nellie Cocks bequest would be used to assist with the funding of the project.

Members raised a few concerns with regards to security and the Head of Leisure and Environmental Services informed the Panel that they will be liaising with the Community Safety Team and the Police before finalising designs.

The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services asked members to note that a report will be received by the Executive on the 06 June 2016 and if approved the hope is for work to be completed in May 2017.

The Chairman asked that an update on the proposals and finalised plans be brought back to the Panel later in the year.

It was AGREED that, the Panel note the content of the presentation.

To consider a report by the Director of Operations which reviews the Panel’s proposed Work Programme for 2016/17.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Operations which reviews the Panels proposed Work Programme for 2016/17.

Members requested that a verbal update on the progress of the Westbury Manor Re-Modelling be brought back to the Panel at the 07 September 2016 meeting.

It was AGREED that, with the addition of an update on the Westbury Manor Re-Modelling being added to the 07 September 2016 meeting, the Panel approve the current Work Programme for 2016/17.