| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| LAA 11/035 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made. |
| LAA 11/036 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board held on 23 May 2011 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| LAA 11/037 |
Kent County Council - Youth Service Review Decision Notice D110119MEM |
The Chief Leisure Officer introduced Mr John Turner, the Assistant Director of Kent Youth Service, who reported the proposed changes to the delivery of youth services within the County currently the subject of a consultation exercise by Kent County Council. Members' attention was also drawn to a letter tabled at the meeting from Tracey Crouch, Member of Parliament for Chatham and Aylesford, in response to the consultation exercise and which set out her opposition to the proposals. An information sheet provided by the County Council summarising the main points of the review was attached at Annex 1 to the report. It was explained that the proposed new model combined direct delivery with commissioning local providers to deliver opportunities for young people in the local community. The Service Transformation Proposal being put forward by the County Council proposed that the Avebury Avenue Adult Education Centre in Tonbridge be the new hub for the borough. The future of SAMAYS Youth Centre in Snodland was threatened as it would no longer be required for direct delivery purposes and this was a major cause of concern to the Borough Council. In its proposals the County Council suggested that under its commissioning model those wishing to offer youth work in the locality could, subject to agreement, use the existing building. Members challenged the County proposals, particularly the proposal to withdraw direct service delivery at SAMAYS Youth Centre, and expressed serious concern that these did not represent or support youth provision in the most deprived part of the Borough. In addition, it was difficult to understand the motivation behind the proposal as this facility was a well attended, valued and successful community project. The inadequate public transport links to other parts of the Borough also made it difficult for young people to access the alternative proposal in Tonbridge. There was also serious concern regarding the proposed reduction in youth support resources generally and how this would impact on the amount and quality of youth outreach work in all parts of the Borough, including the rural areas. Members questioned whether the service delivery model proposed was appropriate for Tonbridge and Malling and whether assumptions had been made without proper needs based analysis, especially in Tonbridge. Concern was expressed that a service model was being imposed on the Borough Council without any evidence to support it. Kent County Council was invited to reconsider the proposals put forward in liaison with the Borough Council. Finally, Members remained unconvinced that the same or an improved level of service could be achieved by the proposed commissioning from the voluntary sector and external providers. RECOMMENDED: That a formal response to Kent County Council's review of its Youth Service be prepared in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts and the Chairman of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board. |
| LAA 11/038 |
Grounds Maintenance Contract Decision Notice D110120MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts recommended a two year extension to the Council's current Grounds Maintenance Contract in accordance with the conditions of the contract. It was noted that at the current time there were no objections to the contract being extended. RECOMMENDED: That the option to extend the existing Grounds Maintenance Contract for a further two years through to 31 December 2014 be approved. |
| LAA 11/039 |
Leybourne Lakes Country Park Management Plan Decision Notice D110121MEM |
Further to Decision No D110056MEM, the report brought forward comments received as part of the public consultation exercise on the draft Leybourne Lakes Country Park Management Plan and recommended its final approval. A summary of the comments received and proposed amendments were set out in Annex 1 of the report. The proposal to develop and annex a more detailed strategy for wildlife management to the main site Management Plan was noted. RECOMMENDED: That the proposed amendments to the Leybourne Lakes Country Park Management Plan, highlighted at Annex 1 to the report, be formally adopted. |
| LAA 11/040 |
Leybourne Lakes Country Park - Water Sports Concession Decision Notice D110122MEM |
Consideration was given to the proposed terms and conditions of the lease for the Water Sports Concession at Leybourne Lakes Country Park set out in the joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts. Particular reference was made to the intention of increasing the lease term to ten years, with a mutual break clause on 6 months prior written notice from year five. Members requested that consideration be given to a rent review during the contract term. RECOMMENDED: That the proposed terms and conditions for the Leybourne Lakes Country Park Water Sports Concession as outlined in the report be agreed. |
| LAA 11/041 |
Public Open Space - Access Audits Decision Notice D110123MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts sought approval of a draft Access Audit for Leybourne Lakes Country Park and recommended that an access audit be undertaken at Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground in 2012. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the draft Access Audit and Improvement Plan for Leybourne Lakes Country Park, as shown at Annex 1 to the report, be approved; (2) improvement actions be implemented on a prioritised basis and in accordance with existing budgets; and (3) an access audit of Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground be carried out in summer 2012 in liaison with the Council's Access Officer. |
| LAA 11/042 |
Music/Arts Festivals Decision Notice D110124MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts detailed a number of music/arts festivals across the Borough and recommended that in 2012 the Council's Festival of Music at Tonbridge Castle be incorporated within the Tonbridge Arts Festival programme. It was noted that a draft proposal received from Opera Brava for 2012 was currently being considered in liaison with the Tonbridge Arts Festival Committee and the Director of Finance and would be subject to a detailed financial appraisal, particularly relating to the management of financial risk. Members expressed disappointment at the low number of tickets sold for the 2011 event and were reassured that financial viability would be assessed as part of the discussions with the Director of Finance. Members welcomed and supported the investment in music and arts as it added value to what was offered to residents, as well as providing a positive investment in youth. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the Council continue to support the Music/Arts Festivals outlined in the report in order to maximise the benefits for the arts through partnerships with others; (2) the Tonbridge Castle Festival of Music be incorporated into the Tonbridge Arts Festival programme as an associated event in 2012; and (3) the proposed partnership with Opera Brava for the 2012 Tonbridge Castle Festival of Music be considered in liaison with Tonbridge Arts Festival Committee and the Director of Finance, and a report be presented to the next meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board. |
| LAA 11/043 |
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons Decision Notice D110125MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts outlined a suggested approach to the Council's involvement in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacon project in June 2012. Members asked that consideration be given to identifying an alternative site for a Jubilee Beacon in case English Heritage refused approval for Tonbridge Castle. RECOMMENDED: That (1) subject to English Heritage approval, a church tower beacon be installed at Tonbridge Castle to help mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations; and (2) local school children be involved in a history based project linked to the historical role and significance of the monarchy. |
| LAA 11/044 |
Holiday Activities for Children and Young People Decision Notice D110126MEM |
Members received an update on activities for children and young people that took place over the summer holidays, including the Summer Playscheme, Activate and Y2 Crew. It was noted that whilst there was a decrease in the number of Summer Playscheme places taken compared to 2010, 80% of all places had been booked. Particular reference was made to the significant variations in the uptake at different venues for the Summer Playscheme. This issue would be carefully reviewed in advance of next year's scheme to ensure it operated as cost effectively as possible and places were provided in accordance with demand. Members also noted the potential loss of a Playscheme venue in Snodland if the Kent County Council proposals regarding youth service provision went ahead. RECOMMENDED: That the outcome of the Council's 2011 Summer Activity Programmes for young people be noted and a review report be submitted to the next meeting of the Advisory Board. |
| LAA 11/045 |
Young Achievers Award Decision Notice D110127MEM |
The report gave details of nominations for the Council's Young Achievers Award for consideration. RECOMMENDED: That the Young Achiever Awards be made to Jack Green and Robbie Farnham-Rose for their outstanding achievements in athletics. |
| LAA 11/046 |
Leisure Facilities - Christmas Closure Arrangements Decision Notice D110128MEM |
The proposed Christmas closure arrangements for the Council's leisure facilities were considered following consultation with the Buildings and Facilities Manager, and took into account essential maintenance works at individual sites. The overall approach generally followed the principles adopted for each facility in recent years. Attention was drawn to an anticipated delay in progressing a Capital Plan project at Tonbridge Swimming Pool. Due to difficulties with the procurement process the replacement of the existing ozone generator was not likely to take place over the Christmas period but early the following year. RECOMMENDED: That the Christmas closure arrangements for the Council's leisure and customer services facilities, as detailed in the report, be agreed and publicised in the December edition of Here and Now and other appropriate outlets. |
| LAA 11/047 |
Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse Charges Decision Notice D110129MEM |
The joint report of the Central Services Director and the Director of Finance presented proposed revised charges for the Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse tourist attraction for implementation from 1 April 2012. It was noted that the proposed charges had been brought forward to reflect the current market conditions. The proposal was supported in principle, although it was requested that a further review be done to ensure that there was a consistency and rationale to the proposals. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the proposed charges for Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse, as outlined in the report, be agreed for implementation from 1 April 2012; and (2) these charges be reflected in the appropriate tourism marketing material. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| LAA 11/048 |
Leisure Facilities - Financial Performance |
The Chief Leisure Officer presented management information summaries for Larkfield Leisure Centre, Angel Centre, Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Poult Wood Golf Centre, Tonbridge Castle/Customer Services, Tonbridge Cemetery, Country Parks Car Park income and Poult Wood Grounds maintenance. Particular reference was made to the Leisure Services Business Unit's overall financial position to the end of July 2011 which was below profile by £251,662. It was noted that this deficit was offset by the corporate economic adjustment and reserve funding and was, therefore, reduced to £138,544. Members received a verbal update of the financial position up to the end of August and were pleased to note a slightly improving trend with the actual deficit reduced to £130K below profile. However, Members were warned that a deficit at year end was still anticipated. The financial performance was closely monitored throughout the year in liaison with the Director of Finance and Management Team. |
| LAA 11/049 |
Capital Plan |
Members were advised of progress with schemes contained in the Leisure Services section of the Capital Plan. |
| LAA 11/050 |
Public Open Spaces - Externally Funded Improvements |
The Chief Leisure Officer informed Members of improvements on areas of the Council's Public Open Space, utilising funding from external sources. In relation to the projects outlined in the report over £50,000 of external funding had been achieved. It was noted that without this funding, the improvements would not have been able to be progressed. |
| LAA 11/051 |
Catalyst Arts |
The report of the Chief Leisure Officer updated Members on a new Government funding opportunity available to help build the long-term resilience of arts organisations by increasing their fundraising potential. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| LAA 11/052 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
No items were considered in private. |