Minutes:
Before opening the matter for discussion, the Chairman advised the Committee that her preference would be for Members to focus on reviewing progress on those areas and issues raised previously, but would be guided by Members.
At the request of the Chairman, noting the change in Membership since the last visit, the Democratic Officer, supporting the meeting, summarised briefly the matters which had been raised, as follows: -
· Cleanliness of wet side change rooms: - on 29 March Members were advised that drainage issues in the wet-side changing rooms, had been recognised by the company and there was an agreed list of works and remedial action to begin addressing these areas. A full site inspection had been undertaken, with weekly and monthly walk-arounds also being implemented.
· Review of Suppliers: - on 29 March Members were advised a review of suppliers had begun recognising the preference to use local services but needing to balance that with improving standards which could result in using outside contractors, for example for cleaning and maintenance.
· Pool Experience and length of time to resolve issues – having raised personal experiences of the using the swimming pool – assurances were given that the scheduled repairs, servicing, maintenance and ad hoc works would be prioritised in order to improve the facilities for users.
· User Numbers and Improving Access to Facilities – On 29 March Members were advised, it was recognised that there was scope for the use of, for example the sports hall or pitches, to be reviewed, in light of specific examples provided by Members.
· Future Engagement Work - On 29 March Members were advised, focus for future work was to engage with community groups, sports clubs, volunteer activity groups and find a way to enable people to participate at whichever level they felt comfortable. Improving access to activities for all, and working with local groups to increase availability of services, was the priority for improving overall wellbeing as the district, and country, emerged post-pandemic.
Members indicated they were in agreement for all of the above items highlighted to be re-raised as part of any presentation.
Members also suggested the following areas: -
· An update on the outreach service
· Recent complaints regarding water temperatures and cleanliness
· Lack of improvements to wet-side
In concluding, Members were in agreement for the discussions to be summarised and shared with the Everyone Active and relevant Officers, in order to inform their presentation to the Committee at the November meeting.
It was respectfully requested that those presenting be in a position to answer questions posed, that there be clarity in the information and that sufficient time be allowed for questions and follow ups.
Members also indicated it would be useful to understand the limits of the contract, to enable Members to understand what they could and could not affect with the remit of the contract.
Before bringing the discussion session to an end, a Member raised a wider issue related to community involvement and participation, and which related to the Council’s funding of facilities on Roses in Gainsborough. The Member sought indication as to whether this could be a future topic for this Committee, to understand community usage and whether the funding had offered value for money. Officers undertook to take the question raised away and consider where best it may be addressed.