Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board held on 8 December 2014

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board held on 8 December 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Decision Notice D150018MEM

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts brought forward a review of core charges for each facility managed on the Council’s behalf by the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust together with the Trust’s draft Annual Service Delivery Plan (2015/16) for consideration and approval.

Members asked a number of detailed questions on the proposed core charges and it was noted that both they and the content of the draft Service Delivery Plan took account of the criteria set out in the Management Agreement between the Council and the Trust.

RECOMMENDED:   That

(1)                 the proposed Leisure Trust Core Charges outlined in Annex 1 to the report be approved and implemented from 1 April 2015; and

(2)                 the draft Leisure Trust Annual Service Delivery Plan for 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016, as set out at Annex 2 to the report, be approved.

Decision Notice D150019MEM

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts presented details of the recent performance of the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust set out in the latest Annual Service Delivery Plan – Cumulative Quarterly Monitoring Report for Quarter 3 covering the period 1 October to 31 December 2014.  Reference was made to the appointment of a new catering services contractor at Poult Wood Golf Centre and the generally positive results achieved from mystery visits in December 2014.

RECOMMENDED:  That the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust Annual Service Delivery Plan – Cumulative Quarterly Monitoring Report for 1 October to 31 December 2014 be noted.

Decision Notice D150020MEM

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts gave details of the results of the 2014 user survey carried out at Tonbridge Farm Sportsground together with potential improvements which would be brought forward for consideration in due course.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)               the 2014 market survey results for Tonbridge Farm Sportsground User Survey be noted; and

(2)               improvements be considered and brought forward within the consultation draft of the new Tonbridge Farm Sportsground Management Plan 2016-2020.

Decision Notice D150021MEM

A Capital Plan Post Implementation Review was brought forward for consideration in respect of Hill Top/Priory Wood Children’s Play Equipment.  It was noted that due to technical difficulties relating to the site the original scheme could not be progressed and alternative works were agreed in liaison with local Members.

RECOMMENDED:  That the Post Implementation Review outlined in the report be endorsed.

The report provided an update on progress with work undertaken in the Borough by the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership in 2014/15.  Particular attention was drawn to the Clare Lake Enhancement Project where total external funding of £32,000 had been secured for restoration works in partnership with the school, East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council and local residents.

The report gave details of progress with schemes contained in the Leisure Services section of the Capital Plan including a revised scheme for refurbishment of the Health Suite and a new scheme for pool disinfection and back washing at Larkfield Leisure Centre.

Members were updated on key areas of the children and young people work programme including Activate, the Summer Playscheme, Y2 Crew, the Children’s Operational Group and Youth Forum.  It was reported that the Easter Activate programme was already 25% booked and details given of a change in one Tonbridge Playscheme venue.  The Youth Forum had recently received a presentation promoting dementia awareness and undertaken a litter pick on the Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground.

The report provided an update on proposed events in the Borough in 2015, some delivered directly and others by community groups with support/assistance of the Council.  Particular attention was drawn to negotiations to host open air cinema at Tonbridge Castle.  In addition, Members received a schedule of local events notified by parish and town councils.

As this was the last meeting of the Advisory Board in the current municipal year and before the elections, the Chairman thanked the officers for their help and advice and Members for their support during her chairmanship.  She was in turn congratulated on the manner in which she had chaired meetings of the Advisory Board.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.