Agenda item

The report of the Leisure Services Team Manager.

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report to members providing an update on the progress of current projects.

It was confirmed that Coalville in Bloom had now been delivered for this year and that the budget next year would be £5,000 as opposed to the £7,500 which had been available this year. Officers agreed with member suggestions that them seeking external funding in order to attempt to bridge some of this shortfall would be an excellent idea.

An update was received on the Thringstone Bowls Pavilion and it was noted that the cost of the repairs to the roof would be £8,500 which had been a budget saving, coming in at less than the anticipated cost.

It was confirmed that play equipment would be replaced at Claremont Drive, Cropston Drive and Sharpley Avenue play areas as all are well used sites. It was noted that the play area at St Faith’s was less well used and that the wooden play equipment had deteriorated more quickly than had been anticipated.  Therefore replacements for the wooden equipment had been budgeted for with works expected to take place in 2025/26. However it was noted that consultation would be undertaken with regards to possible other uses for this area. A member enquired whether it would be preferable to grass over the St Faith’s play area, as this is not well used, which would offer a financial saving and officers confirmed that this would be an option.

A member asked if officers would be applying to the Bardon Aggregate Fund in order to help cover the costs of improving Cropston Drive play area. It was agreed that this would be a potential source of income and that officers would look into this possibility.

Members were assured that the wall at London Road cemetery would continue to be monitored and did not at the current time pose any danger, however that options were being considered for a potential replacement. Members were also assured that the intention would be to retain the trees on the condition that they would not cause damage. It was noted that a report regarding the trees would be produced and brought to the next meeting of the Coalville Special Expenses committee.

Officers also informed members that grant schemes would be looked at in order to offer help in the current cost of living crisis.

With regard to proposed 5 year plans for the district’s sports pavilions, in particular the Scotlands Sports Pavilion, a member enquired whether proposals for a new zero carbon building would be put forward or if elements would just be replaced as and when necessary. Officers responded that a number of pavilions are in need of repair and that although the budget is restrictive, it would need to be considered whether the council are looking to fix things which may be degenerating or if it would be preferable to invest in new buildings with longer lives.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor J Geary and

RESOLVED THAT

1. The progress update on the 2022/23 Capital Projects be noted.
2. The budget allocated to the replacement of play equipment at St Faith’s Play area be brought forward from 2025/26 to 2022/23 be recommended to Cabinet.