Agenda item

(i)            That it be noted that, due to the age and condition of the building it is no longer a viable to operate a service from this facility.

(ii)           That in accordance with the spirit and intent of the District Deal Agreement, Cabinet continue to work closely with Staffordshire County Council to safeguard and secure control of the land that the existing centre occupies to facilitate a replacement sports facility and a joint approach to securing the initial capital investment.

(iii)          That Cabinet prioritises the re-provision in the local area of interim dry-side activities and receives an update report.

(iv)         That the progress made with negotiations with neighbouring local authorities and at its J2 facility for interim swimming pool use be noted and those negotiations continue.

(v)          That the progress made with consulting service users and local residents in respect of re-provision of interim facilities be noted.

(vi)         That subject to the agreement of Full Council to the principle of re-provision of a sports centre in the Kidsgrove area, resources be secured to commission  project support that examines options available and produces a funded business case for an affordable replacement local facility.

(vii)        That should a community trust be successful in acquiring an interest in the building from its owners, it is proposed that the Council engages with the group in a positive and supportive way.

(viii)      That a Stakeholders Consultation Group be established to help shape the planning of replacement facilities in the local area.

On opening this item the Leader addressed the 3 questions submitted to Cabinet on 27 June by Lee Hartshorne together with those submitted to the 19 July meeting by the Kidsgrove Sports Centre Action Group.  The Leader read out the response to each question and a written copy was also circulated.

A report was submitted to Cabinet to consider a range of issues relating to the provision of sporting activities for the Kidsgrove area.

Mr Lee Hartshorne – spokesperson for “Committed to Leisure Facilities in Kidsgrove” addressed the Cabinet.

Councillor Turner – Portfolio Holder for Finance, IT and Customer regretted the closure of the Centre but that was the current situation.  Councillor Turner also stated that the comments being made on social media were not helpful.

An expert in leisure provision was required and also interest from the private sector or charitable trusts for example.

Members were advised that the Council would draw up plans, fully costed for next summer and that the Community Trust needed a business plan and agreement from the County Council.

Councillor Robinson – Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing advised Cabinet of a consultation regarding the interim sports facilities in Kidsgrove and  that as many people as possible were being asked to engage in order that something could be put into place in the interim.  There would be a further consultation on the longer term facilities in the area.

Councillor Robinson also raised the social care aspect.  Keeping our population healthy would be a better outcome and would save money.  The land could be used as a community hub which could include provision of a health centre.

Councillor Ann Beech – Portfolio Holder for Operational Services thanked the Leader, Deputy Leader and Councillor Amelia Rout – Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture for  trying to find a solution.

Resolved:      (i)         That it be noted that, due to the age and condition of the

building it is no longer a viable to operate a service from this facility.

(ii)        That in accordance with the spirit and intent of the District Deal

Agreement, Cabinet continue to work closely with Staffordshire County Council to safeguard and secure control of the land that the existing centre occupies to facilitate a replacement sports facility and a joint approach to securing the initial capital investment.

(iii)          That Cabinet prioritises the re-provision in the local area of interim dry-side activities and receives an update report.

(iv)          That the progress made with negotiations with neighbouring local authorities and at its J2 facility for interim swimming pool use be noted and those negotiations continue.

(v)           That the progress made with consulting service users and local residents in respect of re-provision of interim facilities be noted.

(vi)          That subject to the agreement of Full Council to the principle of re-provision of a sports centre in the Kidsgrove area, resources be secured to commission  project support that examines options available and produces a funded business case for an affordable replacement local facility.

(vii)         That should a community trust be successful in acquiring an interest in the building from its owners, it is proposed that the Council engages with the group in a positive and supportive way.

(viii)       That a Stakeholders Consultation Group be established to help shape the planning of replacement facilities in the local area.