Leisure and Youth Policy and Review Panel - Monday, 23rd January, 2017 6.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th November, 2016 (copy attached).

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th November, 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

To be given a tour of the Garrison Sports Facilities.

The Panel was welcomed by Garrison Commander McGregor and Mr. James Smee, Aspire Defence Service Manager.

It was reported that Aspire Defence were ten years into a 35 year contract to manage the facilities “outside the wire” within the Garrison area. The facilities managed within the contract included the Army Cricket Club, hockey pitches, the athletics and rugby stadiums, floodlit grass pitches and the sports centre.

The Panel noted that the facilities were utilised by both military personnel and civilians, this was split at a ratio of round 70/30. Several clubs and organisations hired the facilities, including swimming clubs and local schools and they were used for the annual Hampshire Youth Games. All fixtures were booked a year in advance to accommodate any military fixtures, such as the annual Army versus Navy rugby match.

A discussion was held around the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Army in Rushmoor. It was noted that an Engagement Plan was in place and events such as a “Freshers’ Bazaar” had been planned for summer 2017, to which local residents would be invited to try out different sporting activities to encourage active lifestyles and healthy living.

The Chairman thanked the Garrison Commander and Mr. Smee for taking the time to meet with the Panel and guide the tour of the facilities.

After the tour of the facilities, the Panel held a discussion on the comparisons between the Council owned facilities and the Garrison’s sport facilities.  It was noted that, at present, there was over provision of squash courts in the Borough and issues with the availability of 3G pitches. It was noted that there was some demand for more 3G pitches from local clubs and an audit of the pitches was planned to take place at the end of the season.

The Head of Community and Environmental Services, Mr. Peter Amies, advised of the obesity statistics in primary and secondary schools in the Borough. It was reported that during primary school years the number of children classed as obese appeared to increase substantially. The Panel discussed what could be done to encourage more activity in primary schools and requested further information on how the PE and Sports Premium had been spent in local schools. A request was also made for an analysis of comparable data on obesity from other local authorities of a similar size and demographic.

To review the Panel’s current work programme (copy attached), and to agree priorities where necessary.

            The Panel NOTED the current work programme.