Issue - meetings

Report by the Corporate Director of Neighbourhood Services

Public Participation:

Mr Mike Barrett, Bursar of Carne Leisure Centre presented a statement and question as circulated to which Cllr Wheeler as Cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture replied.

Mr Mike Parker of Westbury explained that he had written to Cabinet members on concerns he outlined to the meeting and that he would respond to the consultation exercise.

Mr Gary Walker of Cricklade Leisure Centre spoke in support of the proposals.

Declarations of interest

Cllrs Tony Trotman, John Noeken, Bridget Wayman and Tony Deane declared their interest in this item as detailed at minute no. 114 above. 

Cllr Stuart Wheeler, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture gave a comprehensive presentation on proposals to review leisure provision within the Council’s area. Cabinet’s views were sought on the proposals which were indicative at this stage with a view to commencing a full consultation exercise. The results of the consultation would then be reported back to Cabinet to take into account in its determination of the review.

It was noted that the Council financially contributed towards 23 leisure facilities which offered varying levels of service due to various factors such as age, condition, design and range of facilities. In November, 2009, the Council resolved to carry out a review of the facilities and develop a Leisure Facilities Strategy to include a replacement, refurbishment and devolvement programme.

The report presented reviewed the strategic need for leisure facilities in Wiltshire. It provided indicative proposals which would enable the Council to deliver a sustainable, cost effective, high quality leisure facility service for the foreseeable future. The report also included proposals for the potential devolvement of suitable facilities to local communities as part of the Council’s aspirations around devolvement of services and transfer of assets. Cllr Wheeler explained that the purpose of the review was to achieve a sustainable, high quality desirable service which would be attractive to users and would remove barriers of accessibility and meet the Council’s target of being the healthiest County by 2014.

The proposals were an intrinsic part of the Workplace Transformation programme and fundamental to the delivery of campuses in key strategic locations. The programme would include the provision of at least three leisure centres based at Trowbridge, Melksham and Warminster.

The likely financial implications of the indicative proposals were outlined and it was noted that the financial information would be firmed up on completion of the review following the consultation exercise. Any effects on the Council’s approved Capital Programme would require approval of Council.

From the Communications Strategy presented, it was noted that the consultation period would run between August – October 2010 and would include Area Boards, displays at schools, libraries and leisure centres, briefing updates for Councillors and use of the Parish Newsletter and Wiltshire Magazine. Information presented to Area Boards would be tailored to the proposals affecting the area concerned and be linked to information from the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Cllr Wheeler agreed that Wiltshire Councillors would be briefed on proposals affecting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117