To receive a presentation by SLM Limited
Minutes:
The Chairman welcomed Mathew Nicolson from SLM to the meeting. It was noted that apologies had been submitted from Duncan Jefford. The Chairman referred Members to the agenda where further information concerning SLM’s performance was set out in a number of Essential Reference Papers attached to the report now submitted.
Mathew Nicholson gave a presentation on the progress made so far. Members were reminded that the contract had commenced on 1 January 2009 following a £3.58M investment by the Council. Hartham Leisure Centre had been re-launched on 30 January and Grange Paddocks on 6 February 2010.
In terms of key performance indicators in relation to gym membership:-
Fanshawe (998) December 2009 compared to (850) December 2010
Grange Paddocks (1382) December 2009 compared to (2676) December 2010
Hartham (1920) December 2009 compared to (2328) December 2010
Leventhorpe (141) December 2009 compared to (150) December 2010.
In summary, there had been a total of 1563 new members overall with membership at all centres totalling 6004. Key performance indicators were provided in relation to the swim scheme.
Mathew Nicholson referred to the customer satisfaction surveys which had been carried out covering five key areas: swimming lessons, group exercise classes, fitness, reception and cleanliness. In summary, 80% + of respondents to the survey overall had rated the centres positively. The results were broken down on individual centre basis with issues of cleanliness being highlighted at Leventhorpe and Ward Freman. It was suggested that, as these centres were used by a lot of school children and were not as aesthetically as up to date as the other fitness centres, this might contribute to the overall perception of the centres.
SLM managers would be monitoring the situation and take steps as necessary.
Updates were provided in relation to the Presdales development, a modular building comprising changing rooms, officials’ room, toilet and shower rooms. The building was also DDA (Disabilities Discrimination Act) compliant. It was noted that a Clubhouse facility would be started once the lease agreements had been completed with Bury Rangers and Ware Cricket Club. Assurances were provided that local users would not be prejudiced by lease arrangements with other clubs.
Mathew Nicholson reported on the success of community events in 2010 including the Dance in the Park on Hartham Common and the community event in Jackson Square, Bishop’s Stortford.
The Chairman congratulated SLM on their achievements. He appreciated the openness and acknowledgement of any shortfalls. He stated that Grange Paddocks was excellent and welcomed the establishment of crèche facilities at more centres.
Councillor J J Taylor congratulated SLM on their achievements. She was pleased to see the high customer satisfaction rating in relation to Fanshawe and of the efforts which would be made by SLM to increase gym membership.
Councillor Mrs P R Ballam raised the issue of a fitness leaflet which she had received over Christmas. Mathew Nicholson agreed to look into the matter for her. She also raised the issue of the Presdales development and whether Ware teams would be disadvantaged in any way. Assurances were provided that no one would be disadvantaged by the proposal envisaged for the Presdales facility. The Head of Community and Cultural Services added that no users would be disadvantaged. He explained how and who would use the facility.
Councillor G A McAndrew stated that he was impressed with the statistics and to have doubled the gym figures at Grange Paddocks in the current economic climate was an achievement. He commented on the efforts made to keep Leventhorpe afloat and congratulated both staff and SLM on their achievements.
Councillor V Shaw referred to the cleanliness issue at Fanshawe. Mathew Nicolson stated that cleanliness issues could be notorious for getting low scores in a survey. He added that a new contact cleaning company had been employed. He stated that the issues might be around perceptions of cleanliness given the age of the buildings. He referred to the fact that a lot of school children used Leventhorpe and who could create the impression of the facility not being clean in moments. The Director of Customer and Community Services stated that the figures from the survey had collated using Gov.Metric adding that it was not a scientific method of assessment but was a useful indicator of areas which needed further investigation.
Councillor E Buckmaster stated that part of the issues about cleanliness might be because of the design of the area and of children passing through with dirty shoes. SLM accepted that the cleaners needed to get out there quicker to clean when needed.
The Chairman, on behalf of Members, thanked Mathew Nicolson for attending and giving the presentation. He stated that he appreciated the developments and improvements reported by both SLM and Officers and that plans for improvement outlined by SLM would be monitored.
RESOLVED – that (A) the presentation and update be received and noted,
(B) that SLM and officers be congratulated for achieving such positive outcomes and that future plans for improvement be monitored.