Agenda item

To consider reports from the following task groups and make any necessary decisions:

      i.        Community Area Transport Group

    ii.        Cricklade Shadow Community Operations Board

   iii.        Royal Wootton Bassett Shadow Community Operations Board.

The Chairman announced that a late report had been presented to the Area Board regarding the proposed reinstatement of swimming facilities at the Lime Kiln Leisure Centre. A report was distributed to everyone at the meeting.

In December 2010 a fire at Lime Kiln Leisure Centre caused significant damage to some parts of the building, including the health suite, changing rooms and some of the pool plant infrastructure.  In the early part of 2011 limited work was carried out on site to make the building safe and to prevent further damage pending the development of campus facilities to meet the future needs of the wider community in Royal Wootton Bassett.

The expenditure required for a full and modernised reinstatement of the pool would require significant capital sums.  Given the recognised limitations and lifespan of the existing building this cannot be justified at this time against the background of a prospective new campus facility with significantly improved swimming provision. 

The Royal Wootton Bassett Shadow Community Operations Board (Shadow COB) had proposed an ambitious split-site campus for the Community Area, and Wiltshire Council was currently in talks with partners regarding potential joint funding of the proposed facility.

However, the importance of public swimming facilities has always been recognised.  Minimal expenditure to provide this on an initial basis can now be justified when considered alongside the ongoing progression of partner negotiations.

The following comments and issues arose following receipt of the report: 

·        It was noted that members of the Shadow COB were all volunteers and had been working hard for the benefit of the community.

·        Individuals were welcome to make representations to the local Member of Parliament if they wished to, but it was felt that there was no lack of engagement between Wiltshire Council and its partners on this issue; it was more a case of the time it took to undertake such negotiations.

·        The reinstatement of the swimming pool was a short-term solution and would alleviate some pressure; however the community was still committed to, and happy to wait for, a modern, state-of-the-art campus facility that would serve the needs and aspirations of local people.

·        If the Area Board approved the recommendations in the report, then works to reinstate swimming facilities at the Lime Kiln Leisure Centre, on a temporary basis, would be commissioned immediately. Subject to the approval of the Area Board, it was hoped that swimming provision would be reinstated during the summer of 2012 and hopefully in time for the school holidays.

·        Reinstatement of facilities would be restricted to the swimming pool and the provision of basic changing facilities. The steam room and jacuzzi would not be reinstated as they were located close to the seat of the fire where the damage had been greatest.

·        The planned works to provide a temporary swimming facility would be minimal in nature and at the least cost possible, pending the proposed delivery of the Shadow COB’s preferred campus option which included a new purpose-built campus facility to replace the existing Lime Kiln Centre, alongside the retention of the library in the town centre.

·        It was noted that the facilities at Hobart and Tidworth were excellent examples and were worth looking at.

Decision

The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board:

      i.        Noted and welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Wiltshire Council and partners regarding improvements to local infrastructure associated with the Shadow COB’s campus vision and establishment of the Defence Technical Training Centre at Lyneham

    ii.        Approved the reinstatement of the Lime Kiln swimming facility to a minimal standard, and at least cost, pending ongoing work to progress the delivery of the Shadow COB’s proposed campus option for the Royal Wootton Bassett area.

   iii.        Approved the Head of Campus and Operational Delivery Models to work with DC Leisure to ensure that the revised programme of availability of the pool maximised its use by members of the local community.

Thanks were extended from the Shadow COB to Wiltshire Council members and officers who had supported the Shadow COB to date.