Agenda item

Report of the Leisure Services Team Manager

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report to members and provided an update on ongoing projects.

Owen Street Recreation Ground

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that if the lights were upgraded, they would require an upgrade to 180 lux as opposed to the current 120 lux, which meant that it wouldn’t be possible to upgrade them utilising the current lamps as the existing columns and masts would be unable to support the lamps and the electricity supply would be insufficient.  He outlined the current health and safety issues with the floodlights as the glass was falling out and replacement covers were not available.  He highlighted the differing opinions from the contractors as to whether all the columns needed to be replaced or just the base columns, which would have an impact upon the cost of the replacement.  It was anticipated that the cost of refurbishment would be £35,000 - £45,000.  He highlighted the opportunity to replace the existing 6 columns with 4 columns, which would cost an additional £7,000.  He explained that £50,000 was allocated towards this project in the Capital Programme and the football club was prepared to raise funding of £5,000 towards the project.  He reminded members that ultimately the floodlights were the council’s asset and responsibility, and as they were posing a health and safety risk he felt the council was obligated to replace them. 

Councillor M B Wyatt expressed concerns regarding the level of expenditure and added that not everyone in Coalville was a football fan.

The Leisure Services Team Manager emphasised that this issue was more about health and safety and if someone was injured, the cost to the council would be significantly in excess of the cost of replacement.  

In response to questions from Councillor P Purver, the Leisure Services Team Manager advised that the earliest date the football club could apply for funding from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund was 2020 and an upgrade to 180 lux would be sufficient to cover a further two promotions. 

In response to a question from Councillor D Everitt, the Leisure Services Team Manager explained that the increased cost of upgrading to 4 columns rather than 6 was due to the re-siting of the columns and rerouting of cabling. 

Councillor J Legrys stated that he was conscious of the health and safety risks however members did not yet have all the facts and consequently were unable to make a recommendation.  He felt that this needed to be considered as a matter of urgency. 

The Leisure Services Team Manager suggested that members may wish to consider delegating the decision as waiting until the next meeting of the Working Party may prejudice the completion of the works out of season. 

In response to a question from Councillor N Clarke, the Leisure Services Team Manager advised that to upgrade with four columns rather than six would cost an additional £7,000.  Clarification was being sought following the differing views of the contractors and he suggested that if only the base columns needed replacing, upgrading with four columns should not be considered. 

It was agreed that authority be delegated to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman to make a final decision on the works to be undertaken.

The Leisure Services Team Manager advised that as the funding was allocated in the Capital Programme, approval from Cabinet would not be required unless the expenditure exceeded £50,000.

Radio Transmitter

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that the planning application had been approved. 

Thringstone Miners Social Centre Training Pitch

The Leisure Services Team Manager advised that the next meeting of the trustees had now been arranged, and it was hoped that the ongoing issues with the football club would be resolved at that meeting.

Coalville Forest Adventure Park

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that the funding application had been successful.  He thanked Councillor M B Wyatt for his help and support with this.

Mobile Vehicle Activated Signage 

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that the units were in situ and currently being used.

Melrose Road Recreation Ground

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that the new seating had been installed and the shrubbery would be planted in February. 

Melrose Road Play Hub

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that approval had been given by the landowner and Legal Services were drawing up an agreement. 

Coalville Park

The Leisure Services Team Manager explained that quarterly actions had been included in the Council Delivery Plan to work towards achieving Green Flag accreditation.  He sought approval from members that the park be put in trust. 

Councillor J Legrys expressed support for the project and requested as Ward Member he be briefed on the process.

It was agreed that officers proceed with the process of putting the park in trust.

The Leisure Services Team Manager advised that the cost of the associated work was being collated and would be brought to a future meeting.  He added that there may be additional cost implications if improvements were required to the toilets and play area.

Lillehammer Drive

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that a response from Barratts had not been forthcoming and discussions had taken place with the Legal Services Team regarding the next steps and he outlined the options to resolve this issue.

Councillor J Legrys thanked officers for their persistence with this issue.  He stated that he had come to the conclusion that perhaps planning permission should be issued.  He expressed his disgust with Barratts as the site was becoming more and more derelict.  He was concerned that another summer holiday would pass without any action and he would like to see swift action being taken. 

The Chairman endorsed the comments made by Councillor J Legrys.

London Road Cemetery

The Leisure Services Team Manager outlined the works being undertaken and commented that it had been apparent that the area had been neglected.  He felt the proposed works would make a significant improvement to the area however there were other options members may wish to consider to further improve the area.  He added that at the last meeting the possibility of putting the area into trust was raised however as it was a closed church yard the cemetery did not qualify. 

Councillor M B Wyatt stated that this project certainly met the criteria for the Bardon Community Fund due to the environmental improvements and provision of access to the facilities for local people.  He welcomed the proposal and urged officers to apply for funding. 

In response to a question from Councillor P Purver, the Leisure Services Team Manager clarified that Green Flag accreditation could only be sought for parks and did not apply to cemetery improvements.

The Chairman commented that this was an opportunity not to be missed.

It was agreed that members meet at the cemetery at 5.15pm before the next meeting of the Working Party on 24 April and that the local resident who had expressed an interest in the improvements to the cemetery be invited to attend. 

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor R Adams and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)    The progress update on 2017/18 Capital Projects be noted.

b)    Agreement be given in principle to complete the necessary works to Owen Street floodlights, with authority delegated to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman to make a final decision on the works to be undertaken

Officers investigate further the process of placing Coalville Park in trust as a Centenary Field