Agenda item

Notice of Motion - Pavilions in Sports Grounds

At the meeting of the Council held on 20 March 2017 (minute 152 (2) refers), the attached Notice of Motion, ‘Pavilions in Sports Grounds’ proposed by Councillor Paul Hayes and seconded by Councillor Bruce Berry was referred by the Civic Mayor to the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration.

 

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (6), Councillor Hayes has been invited to attend the meeting in order for him to be given an opportunity to explain the Motion.

 

Minutes:

Having previously declared a prejudicial interest in the item by virtue of being a Member of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Bruce Berry introduced the item but took no part in the discussion or voted thereon.

 

The Chair reported that at the meeting of the Council held on 20 March 2017 (minute 152 (2) refers) the following Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Paul Hayes and seconded by Councillor Bruce Berry was referred by the Civic Mayor to this Committee for consideration -

 

PAVILIONS IN SPORTS GROUNDS

 

“Council notes that, among the 2020 Pledges, is a commitment to ensure ‘leisure and cultural opportunities for all’. 

 

Council is therefore concerned with the poor condition of many of the sports pavilions and changing rooms within our parks, sports grounds and open spaces.

 

Council requests that a review of provision be undertaken by the Environment Scrutiny Committee, including visits to sites and evidence from sports clubs, football teams and other users, to enable a full assessment of the condition to take place and to explore opportunities for attracting external funding for refurbishment and repair.”

 

In accordance with Standing Order 7(6), Councillor Bruce Berry had been invited to attend the meeting in order for him to explain the Motion

 

Councillor Berry elaborated on the Motion and highlighted the appalling condition of sports grounds and inadequate facilities within the Borough. He reiterated that this encompassed one of the Council’s 2020 Pledges and required the Council’s urgent attention.

 

Prior to the discussion on the item, Councillor Leech declared a personal interest by virtue of her grandson who played for a Wirral School Football Club.

 

Members echoed the comments made by Councillor Berry and highlighted that due to poor facilities football teams had been forced outside of the borough to train and play matches at alternative venues due to the lack of adequate facilities.

 

Members suggested that meetings be held with service users to see what improvements could be made and it was further suggested that local businesses be approached to sponsor facilities.

 

A Member commented that this issue should be looked at as part of the ongoing leisure review and form part of the commercialisation agenda in relation to income maximisation.

 

It was suggested that Members undertake a “mystery shopper” exercise to fully understand the issues concerning the borough’s pavilions. It was further suggested that a task and finish group be undertaken to allow further work to be carried out.

 

Members requested that further reports from officers be submitted to the Committee for discussion and it was further suggested that a site visit be undertaken.

 

In response to Members, the scrutiny support officer indicated the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee had previously undertaken “reality check visits” which could be arranged for Members to look at facilities.

 

On a motion proposed by Councillor I Lewis, seconded by Councillor M Sullivan, it was -

 

RESOLVED: (unanimously) That 

 

(1)  the ongoing review be noted and the Strategic Commissioner – Environment be requested to provide an officer report in relation to the specific issues raised by Members to a future meeting of the Committee; and

 

(2)  the Scrutiny Support officer be requested to arrange site visits for  Members of the Committee to undertake a review of the Borough’s facilities.

 

 

 

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