Agenda item

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a report on the sixth annual review of the Council’s leisure contract with Sport and Leisure Management Limited (SLM).  The Leisure Services Manager provided a summary of the contract in terms of performance in relation to the contract specification and qualitative successes and improvements, the detail of which was set out in the report now submitted. 

The Leisure Services Manager outlined future opportunities to ensure that the Council’s leisure centre assets were maintained effectively, improvements to environmental performance secured and carbon emissions reduced. 

Councillor S Bull referred to the low satisfaction figures in relation to Ward Freman swimming pool in Buntingford, and of parents’ dissatisfaction with the viewing area.  He referred to the substantial increases in planning development now and planned for the next 10 years and the impact this would have on leisure demand.  

The Head of Environmental Services referred to an extensive debate at a recent joint meeting of Scrutiny Committees during which, a number of Members had expressed a need to improve leisure provision, particularly in relation to football pitches and swimming.  The Executive had subsequently agreed to a 2015/16 Service Plan Action to develop a strategy to improve leisure services in the context of sustainability.  The Head of Environmental Services stated that there had been a national decline in swimming and that provision in East Herts was over-supplied when compared to most other Councils.

Councillor J Jones echoed Councillor Bull’s concerns adding that Ward Freman had been neglected and needed financial investment.  He supported the development of a proper strategy.

Councillor N Symonds was pleased to see that steps had been added to the Grange Paddocks swimming pool.  She expressed concern at the increase in the price of private swimming lessons.  Councillor N Symonds also referred to the fact that swimming teachers wore T-shirts in the pool and stated that people with poor body image and those from different cultural backgrounds be allowed to wear clothing in the pool.   Mathew Nicholson explained that specific body costumes were available for particular groups of people and that the 1:1 swimming sessions had increased from £19.00 to £21.00.  Mr Nicholson undertook to provide Members with a written explanation regarding the use of body suits. 

In response to a query from Councillor G Cutting regarding the unhealthy snacks in vending machines at leisure centres, Mr Nicholson undertook to review this and provide an update on what could be done to produce a healthy alternative.

Councillor M Wood stated that during the budget process, it had been suggested that Hartham Leisure Centre might be getting a 3G Football Pitch and queried whether this might be possible for Bishop’s Stortford.  The Head of Environmental Services confirmed that a pitch was planned for Hartham but that this had been delayed.  It was hoped that one would also be provided at Grange Paddocks once the pitch at Hartham had been fully evaluated.

The Chairman, on behalf of Members, thanked representatives of SLM Leisure for attending the meeting.

The Committee received the report.

RESOLVED – that the annual review of its sixth year’s performance by the Council’s leisure contactor Sport and Leisure Management, be received.