Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Humphrey) and Councillor Mallon.

            The minutes of the meeting of 11th November were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st December, subject to the omission of the minute under the heading “Alexandra Park Improvements Programme” which, at the request of Councillor Crozier, was referred back to the Committee for further consideration.

            The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed Councillors S. Corr and J. McVeigh to their first meeting of the Parks and Leisure Committee.

            The Committee considered further the minute of the meeting of 11th November.  An extract of the minute in that regard is set out hereunder:

      “The Committee considered the undernoted report:

‘Purpose of Report

      The purpose of this report is to obtain Council support for enhancements to Alexandra Park.

Relevant Background Information

      The Committee is reminded that at its meeting on 11th June, 2009 it was informed that funding from the Reconciling Communities Through Regeneration (RCTR) programme had been secured in late 2008 and it was agreed that Groundwork NI (GWNI) would work alongside local community representatives and relevant stakeholders in the development of regeneration proposals for Alexandra Park.

      RCTR is ‘a strategic regional programme aimed at improving tolerance and acting as a catalyst for reducing sectarianism and racism.  It aims to achieve this by involving local community and statutory agencies in regenerating local areas, which will eliminate or reduce displays of sectarian and racial aggression.’

      RCTR is scheduled to run from October 2008 to August 2011, and has four key objectives to:

·         develop ‘key skills for peace’ and create opportunities for inter-group dialogue, cross community relationship building and networking;

·         work strategically with the Peace III clusters;

·         build positive relationships at a local level in order to achieve positive change; and

·         begin to address contested physical space issues with the aim of regenerating physical spaces and removing the physical manifestations of segregation.

      Key anticipated outputs are:

·         a ‘shared space’ strategy;

·         networking;

·         development of a skills audit and delivery of training/mentoring; and

·         an ‘iconic’ environmental improvement.

These outputs should lead to the following outcomes:

·         communities, service providers and elected representatives working together to encourage integrated actions and promote shared space and shared services;

·         communities able to take advantage of future opportunities;

·         reduced marginalisation and polarisation;

·         reduced levels of sectarianism and racism; and

·         enhanced skills and experience.

      In conveying its consent to GWNI the Council was supporting an engagement process with communities surrounding Alexandra Park, with the aim of improving community relations, building skills and encouraging cross community dialogue around common concerns.  The budget for the project includes up to £50k per area for physical regeneration works, which addresses the overall aim of the programme.  Within the context of Alexandra Park this would provide an opportunity for some minor investment and regeneration. 

      The RCTR programme in Alexandra Park has, in addition to the involvement of council officers and staff from Groundwork included, the NI Housing Executive, the PSNI, local political representatives, community activists, local schools and residents.

      Current Position

      Since the project was approved by the Parks and Leisure Committee on 11th June, 2009 GWNI has been working alongside a variety of organisations and representatives from the local community to develop proposals for the park on a cross community basis.  While participation has been widely encouraged and sought the main participants have been:

·            Parkside, Newington and Castleton Residents Association

·            Camberwell Terrace Residents Association

·            Residents from Dunmore estate

·            Residents from Alexandra Park Avenue

·            Friends of GrovePark

·            North Belfast Community  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            As part of the Departmental Improvement Programme officers have been examining the role of Parks staff with a view to developing working practices which will provide an improved service and create safer green spaces.

            The report below outlines a proposed ‘Presence in Parks’ Pilot which will operate for a period of 9 months (Jan 2011 – Sept 2011).  The proposed pilot will amalgamate existing ranger and attendant resource into a team of Community Park Wardens and Park Safety Wardens.  All of the wardens will be trained to integrate with and support council warden services and the specialist team of Park Safety Wardens.  They will be mobile and will respond quickly to reports of antisocial behaviour and be trained and authorised to enforce specific bye-laws in support of existing council wardens and PSNI resources.

2.         Key Issues

            The ‘Presence in Parks’ Pilot

            The rationale behind the development of the ‘Presence in Parks’ pilot is to demonstrate the department’s commitment to park users and outside agencies that we will continue to tackle the issue of safety in parks.

      The primary strength of the existing Park Ranger Service is the connection they have with the communities in the city.  The local knowledge and contacts that the Rangers have developed, will be invaluable in the creation of safer green spaces and the provision of quality services to park users.  The ‘Presence in Parks’ pilot will harness the Rangers local knowledge in order to:

·         build feelings of safety within and outside of the park boundaries,

·         increase the capacity of the council to adopt a one council approach, and

·         effectively combine all the warden resources such as the new Park Wardens, Dog Wardens, Litter Wardens and Community Safety Wardens.

            The pilot will introduce two roles, Community Park Warden and Park Safety Warden.

            The role of the CommunityPark Warden will be a development of the role of Park Ranger and Park Attendant. They will be site based across 9 strategic park locations.   Duties will be focused on:

·         opening and closing the site where they are based and opening and closing smaller satellite locations,

·         raising public awareness, delivery of education and provision of quality customer service,

·         recording incidents of damage or antisocial behaviour at the site where they are based and at smaller satellite locations, and

·         assess possible risks and if needed request the assistance of the Park Safety Wardens or PSNI.

      The role of Park Safety Warden will be a development of the role of Park Ranger Team leader. Duties will be focused on:

·         responding to reports of antisocial behaviour across the whole city,

·         enforcement of bye laws and codes regarding Litter, Dog fouling and Alcohol consumption in parks

·         supporting existing council enforcement officers (Litter wardens, Dog fouling Wardens and Community Safety Wardens) and

·         provision of supervision to the CommunityPark Wardens outside core hours (Friday night, Saturday and Sunday).

            All of the wardens will be trained and directed to liaise with existing council resources to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            As part of the process of developing the new Active Belfast and Open Spaces (ABOS) strategy, Members requested continued engagement in considering key issues such as targeted provision, partnerships and alternative business models for delivery. 

            For this purpose, a short study visit was organised to Liverpool, to:

·         view alternative models of leisure provision at city and neighbourhood levels;

·         engage with practitioners and policy-makers experienced in a parks and leisure modernisation programme;

·         consider the challenges and opportunities for future provision in Belfast.

            The 3 day study visit included inputs from LiverpoolCity Council (LCC) elected members, their parks and leisure teams, key external partners and regeneration site visits. 

            At a follow-up meeting held on 11 November with those who participated on the visit, a number of key themes were highlighted as relevant to the development of the Active Belfast and Open Spaces Strategy.

2.         Key Issues

            The paper proposes a series of areas to be considered as part of the development of the Active Belfast and Open Spaces Strategy. 

            It was recognised that some of the initiatives examined already happen in Belfast, including work with the health sector.  There are also differences between Belfast and Liverpool; for example, Belfast has more green space.  However, Members were impressed by the overall scale and approach in Liverpool.

            The resulting discussion within the Belfast delegation centred on a set of core ideas:

            1.  Visionary leadership and a lateral strategy

            The ActiveCity Partnership in Liverpool, sponsored by the Council and the Primary Care Trust, worked across all sectors in the city, identifying multiple opportunities to maximise the city as an active and healthy city.  This included the private sector, emphasising the importance of health and well-being in a competitive city.

            A lateral strategy stretched across sectors to improve health and well-being, emphasising that money spent on parks and leisure services was saving the health trust money in the longer term.  The city’s transport strategy was also included, promoting all opportunities for activity.

            Liverpool’s ActiveCity Partnership also worked with the universities in the city to develop a comprehensive performance management system which demonstrated the social and economic value of using this integrated approach.  Likewise, citizens were involved in large-scale targets (‘Liverpool’s Challenge’) and the ‘co-production’ of health outcomes in the city.

            Members have already recognised that partnership working is a core principle for the new ABOS strategy.  It is recommended that any proposed Active Belfast Partnership would adopt a lateral approach, similar to that in Liverpool. 

            As a new partnership develops, it is important to facilitate the continued evolution of the ABOS strategy and its objectives, in order that other organisations have the opportunity to buy into the vision and objectives.  It was suggested that this might be facilitated through a large-scale conference to scope all activities and resources related to promoting activity, health and well-being.  This would allow the city to assess the baseline  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

(Ms. J. Wilson, Business Support Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant background information

            The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed at on 18 June 2010 that:

·         the council would produce financial reporting packs for the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and each Standing Committee on a quarterly basis

·         the Budget and Transformation Panel would also receive monthly financial updates if there were any significant issues to report.

            The reporting pack contains a summary dashboard of the financial indicators and an executive summary explaining the financial performance of Parks and Leisure Committee in the context of the financial performance of the overall council.  It also provides a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant indicators covering the year to date and the year end forecast position.

            As we previously advised the committee, we will continue to develop the style and contents of the reports in liaison with members. In particular, the members’ financial training at the end of September 2010 provided a good opportunity for discussion and feedback on the reports. It is therefore intended to make some amendments to style and layout for the quarter 3 financial reports.

            Central finance and our departmental management team have worked together to develop the information within this financial reporting pack.  

2.   Key issues

      Current and forecast financial position 2010/11

      The current year to date financial position as at quarter 2 for Parks and Leisure Committee is an over-spend of some £0.2m, or 2% of budget (quarter one: £0.2m), with a forecast end of year over-spend of some £0.19m, or 0.9% of budget (quarter 1: £0.3m).  The reasons for this over-spend relate to:

1.      An overall employee budget over-spend at quarter two.  As reported last quarter, operational reviews are underway within the department and recommendations will be presented to committee over the next number of months to finalise structures and methods of working to help reduce the need for agency and overtime.  The reduction from quarter one in the forecast end-of-year over-spend takes account of the impact of these operational reviews.

2.      Utility costs in both Parks and Leisure are over budget.  As reported last quarter, we have disputed bills, specifically for water charges.  We can now report that Northern Ireland Water has confirmed that a refund of £45k will be made and this has been reflected in the year end forecast.

3.      Income from services within the department is under pressure.  Income from fees and charges is down at leisure centres, the Zoo, especially in shop sales, Belfast Castle and Malone House.  Managers are reviewing the uptake of their services and generating options to retain customers and promote their services to new customers to improve this situation.

      However it should be noted that income from events and Belfast in Bloom, cemeteries and crematorium is up 8% on budget. 

      The financial reporting, a copy of which had been circulated, pack contains more detail on both the overall council position and the financial performance in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

       (Ms. J. Wilson, Business Support Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee agreed to defer for a period of one month consideration of a report in relation to the charges associated with the Council’s Bereavement Services provision.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure reported that the rents payable on Parks Dwellings had been revised with effect from May, 2010 and had been based on equivalent Housing Executive rents for houses with similar facilities. In addition, rents had been adjusted by the Estates Management Unit to take account of such factors as location, the condition of the dwelling and the fact that they had been offered to Council employees only, under agreements which could be terminated at short notice. 

            The Director pointed out that the occupiers had to undertake certain security duties in relation to adjoining Council properties and that there were currently three houses available to let within the Parks and Leisure Department. Accordingly, an advertisement seeking expressions of interest had been circulated throughout the Council during September. The criteria had stipulated that applicants must be permanent employees and had to be bound by a tenancy agreement which was linked to their employment with the Council.  In addition, certain responsibilities specific to the property, such as opening and closing of gates, reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour to the Police and some minor maintenance of the gardens had to be undertaken. 

            He reported that a number of staff had applied for the tenancy of vacant properties at 125 Ballygowan Road, 2 Park Road and 743 Upper Newtownards Road, which had become vacant due to the previous tenants leaving the Council.  A process of random selection had been carried out on 18th October 2010 and all interested parties had been invited to view that process.  The Director advised the Committee that the proposed revised rent would provide the Department with approximately £7,500 per annum of rental income.  Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee agree that, subject to the completion of appropriate tenancy agreements, the three vacant Parks properties be allocated as follows:

(i)                  743 Upper Newtownards Road (Dundonald Cemetery) to Mr. R. Martin;

(ii)                125 Ballygowan Road (Roselawn Gate Lodge) to Ms. M. Brehart; and

(iii)               2 Park Road (City of Belfast Playing Fields) to Mr. D. Butler

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.

            The Committee agreed to note the contents of a report regarding the progress which had been achieved in relation to the development of an Outdoor Urban Sports Facility, which was located between Little Patrick Street and Corporation Street. It was anticipated that construction would commence during December, 2010 and that the Park would be operational approximately 20 weeks after the start of construction. The project was funded by the Council, the Brighter Belfast Landfill Tax Credits Scheme and the Special European Union Programmes Body.

            The Committee agreed to note the contents of a report in relation to the existing Facilities Management Agreement at the City of Belfast Golf Club and agreed that a special meeting be held in order to consider the future of the facility.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Purpose of Report

      The purpose of this report is to establish a position regarding the future potential development of the Gate Lodge at the City Cemetery. 

Relevant Background Information

      Committee is being asked to consider the terms of a Development Brief for the rejuvenation of the Council’s Gate Lodge which lies at the edge of the City Cemetery and fronts on to the Whiterock Road opposite Britton’s Parade.  The development of the building has been considered and discussed on several occasions.  It had also been previously exposed to the market by way of a Development Brief.  One of the key elements of the previous Brief was that the project should focus on the historical significance of the City Cemetery and the genealogy of the area.

      The successful proposal at that time was from the Whiterock/Westrock Residents’ Association.  Unfortunately the Association was unable to finalise the arrangement and the former Head of Parks and Cemeteries Services reported this to the former

Community and Recreation (Parks and Cemeteries Services) Sub?Committee on 28 November 2005.  The Sub-Committee at that time also agreed the preparation of an amended Development Brief

which would have as its principal objective the restoration of the Gate Lodge in a sensitive manner which respected the nature of the immediate surroundings.  While this allowed submission of proposals focussing on the historical significance of the City Cemetery and the genealogy of the area, it allowed for consideration of a wider range of proposals and types of appropriate development.

      Following a further interim report to Committee a revised Development Brief was brought to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.  Following representations from a Member the Committee determined to refer the matter back to the Parks and Leisure Committee for further consideration. 

      The attached revised draft Development Brief is now being presented to Members for consideration.  This seeks to preserve the flexibility incorporated in the 2008 proposal but leaves the way open for interaction (if required) between the proposed development and the Cemetery.  This could include uses which focus on historical and genealogical elements.

Key Issues

      The issues for Committee to consider are:

·         This issue has been under consideration for a significant period of time without significant progress;

·         The revised Development Brief aims to address previous concerns regarding restoration of the Gate lodge (Fox’s Lodge) while preserving flexibility of potential use so as to attract maximum interest in the property;

·         The current difficulties in the property market and a potential squeeze on grant aid make appropriate timing of release of the Development Brief to the market, difficult to judge. 

Options

      The Committee has several options:

Option 1 is to issue a revised development brief in line with appendix 3;

Option 2 is to amend the draft brief outlined

Option 3 is to instruct Officers not to issue a brief at this time owing to market conditions; and

Option 4 is to instruct Officers to have the building de-listed and demolished which would have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

            (Councillor J. Rodgers declared an interest in this item in that he was a member of the Board of Sport Northern Ireland and Councillor Maskey declared an interest in that he was a member of the North Queen Street Residents’ Association.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      The Committee will be aware that Sport NI operates a range of programmes and initiatives in line with its vision and strategic objectives to increase participation in sport and physical recreation, to improve sporting performance and to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of sport.  Sport NI has recently opened its Community Capital Programme.  The anticipated budget will be £1.5m for the period 2011/12.  The maximum award will be £245,000, with a small contribution expected from partner organisations. 

      It is anticipated that 6 projects across NI will be awarded grant.  A preliminary application is due to be completed by 1 December 2010 and it is anticipated that successful schemes will be announced in March 2011, a ‘call off’ list will be retained for two years, although there is no commitment on the part of Sport NI to fund any project on the ‘call off’ list.   If the application is successful additional information will be required by 15th March 2011, this would include. Security of tenure and the necessary statutory approvals, where appropriate. 

      The programme is targeted to support the needs of low capacity applicants and areas of historically low uptake of Sport NI funding.  It will also prioritise those organisations and clubs who have not received Sport NI capital funding in the past 10 years. 

      More comprehensive information on this programme and other Sport NI initiatives can be found at www.sportni.net

Key Issues

      Council Officers have received several requests from a community organisation (North Queen St. Residents Association and the Ashton Centre), a sporting club (Shankill United Football Club) and a school (Aquinas Grammar) seeking Council support in respect of their proposed applications under this programme.  Protocol requires that Council support requires Committee approval, however, owing to the time scales a preliminary and qualified letter of support from a Council Officer has been provided at this time. 

      In two instances the requests for support are in respect of Council facilities, at North queen Street and at the Hammer Open Space.  In both instances it is anticipated that if successful the applicant will require security of tenure on the site which normally means a 20-25 year lease and it may require some capital funding from BCC to meet the short fall. 

      In each case it is the view of Officers that these projects will potentially benefit the local community in terms of improved facilities and increased participation levels.  However, the committee is asked to note that:

1.      the business case has not yet been established;

2.      there are no technical drawings at this time;

3.      statutory approvals where required have not yet been sought;

4.      the estimated cost is not yet known and consequently the potential  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1. Relevant Background Information

      Committee will recall that in February 2010 it approved a request from an organisation to create a community garden in the Waterworks.

      Grow is a non- profit organisation which has a mission to build community partnerships by increasing and enhancing community gardening.  Grow works to promote and support all aspects of community food and gardening to improve people’s lives by providing a catalyst for neighbourhood and community development and stimulating social interaction.

2.   Key Issues

      With support from Council officers and with funding from the Peace III programme, Grow successfully established the community garden, recruited participants and sustained participation.  This has included support from a part-time community gardener, trained in community development and the Grow co-ordinator.

      To date, officers are satisfied that the garden has been well-managed and has further opportunity to develop its links in the local area. 

      The group are now preparing for next year’s growing season and is seeking support from the Council.  It has made an application to the Good Relations Partnership for support on the good relations workshops as part of the programme.  However, this will not cover running costs, some of the community engagement activity, the sessional costs for the community gardener and some co-ordination costs for Grow.

      Committee will be aware that work is ongoing to develop a strategy for allotments and community gardens.  This is due to be presented to Committee in March 2011.

In advance of this, it is proposed that interim one-off support is offered to Grow to sustain and further develop the community garden in the Waterworks.  Given existing relationships and management arrangements, Grow is in a unique position to offer these services in the Waterworks on the basis of their track record in this particular community garden.  Any future support will only be made in the context of the new strategy.

      As part of this, it is also recommended that Grow is requested to facilitate some training for Council officers on the principles of community gardening, in order to build the internal capacity for this area of work.  Another suggested condition of the financial support is that Grow extends its community reach to work with young people in the area.  An appropriate target on this can be negotiated with Grow and Council officers.

      Similar to the evaluation and reporting procedures of the Good Relations Partnership, Grow will be asked to demonstrate the impact of the support in an evaluation report and account for the financial support to Committee, following the programme.

3.   Resource Implications

      Financial

      Total: up to £12,000.  This is covered in revenue estimates for 2011/12.

·         Contribution to running costs (inc. insurance) £1,500

·         Contribution to community engagement activities £2,000

·         Sessional community garden costs £4,000

·         Grow co-ordination costs (inc. Council training workshops) £4,500

Subject to:

·         2 workshop sessions for Council staff on community gardening principles and techniques by October 2011;

·         Increased participation by local young people; and

·         An evaluation report to be completed by November 2011.

      As  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1. Relevant Background Information

      The Committee is asked to note that the Council has received a request for the use of Lower Botanic Gardens for a concert in June 2011, with an audience of approximately 20,000 people per day, from Eddie Wray, Director of PLM Promotions, Unit 11, Blaris Industrial Estate, Lisburn.

2.   Key Issues

      The key issues for the Committee to note are:

1.      The Council wishes to promote the use of its parks and open spaces and where appropriate the use of these facilities for large events and concerts is permitted in line with the agreed events policy.      

2.      In this instance the Council has received a request for the use of Botanic Gardens on 11 June 2011.  The actual date remains to be finalised and there may be need for flexibility for an additional performance possibly on 10 June.

3.      The concert promoter is aware of the scale of charges for a concert. i.e. £2 per person for the first 11,000 and £3 for each person thereafter.

4.      The concert promoter is aware of the need for the payment of a Bond of Intent which must be completed prior to confirmation that the venue is available

5.      The event would be subject to the preparation of an event management plan which would cover all aspects of management including health and safety, access and shall comply with the current Events Policy

6.      The promoter will be required to ensure that the genre of the music shall be compatible with the locality prior to final agreement.

7.      A legal Agreement will be provided by the Assistant Chief Executive and Town Solicitor.

8.      The Concert promoter will be required to consult with local stakeholders such as Queens University, Lyric Theatre, etc.

3.   Resource Implications

      Financial

      Bonds of Intent shall be paid to the Council before approval is given. The Scale of Charges shall be applied to the size of audience.

      Human Resources

      There may be overtime required by staff to assist with the management of the proposed event which would need to be met from the fee charged.

      Asset and Other Implications

      The promoter will ensure all minimal impact on Council property and they shall provide a Bond of Reinstatement prior to the event.

4.   Equality and Good Relations Considerations

      None.

5.         Recommendations

      It is recommended that the Committee grant permission to PLM Promotions to hold a concert in Botanic Gardens over two days in June 2011 subject to satisfactory terms, as discussed in this report, being agreed with the Director of Parks and Leisure and on condition that:

(i)                 the event organisers resolve all operational issues to the council’s satisfaction;

(ii)               an appropriate legal agreement is completed; and

(iii)             the event organisers meet all statutory requirements including entertainment licences.

6.   Decision Tracking

      All actions will be completed by the Area Manager (East) by July 2011.”

            Arising from discussion in the matter, the Head of Parks and Leisure reported that prior  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

            The Director reported that the Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association had submitted a request to the Council to hold the quarter finals of the Northern Ireland Schools Cup at the Mallusk Playing Fields.  It was anticipated that the event would attract approximately six hundred participants, aged between 12 and 18 years, from twenty-five schools across Northern Ireland. The organisation had indicated that, although a definite date had not yet been agreed, it was proposed that the event would take place during the week commencing 24th January, 2011.

            He pointed out that this was the first time the quarter finals would be held at the location and it was envisaged that this would enhance and promote cross-community participation and engagement in the sport. He outlined for the information of the Members the media coverage which would be associated with the event and stated that the event organisers had agreed to the completion of an event management plan and to address all relevant issues, including health and safety to the satisfaction of the Council.  Each participating school would cover the costs of its transport and sponsorship of the Northern Ireland Schools Cup would cover the cost of referees.  The potential revenue to be derived for the Council for the use of the pitches would be approximately £327 and the additional staffing costs of facilitating the event had been estimated at £138. However, the organisers had submitted an application for the free use of both the pitches and ancillary facilities.

            The Director stated that, as the event would be held mid-week, there would be no displacement of regular users.  Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee agree to the holding of the quarter finals of the Schools’ Cup and approve the free use of the facilities at the City of Belfast Playing Fields by the Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association, subject to the completion of an appropriate event management plan to the satisfaction of the Council.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Director reported that the swimming pool at the Shankill Leisure Centre  was in need of essential maintenance and would be required to close for a period of five days.  He pointed out that the Centre was due to be closed for annual staff refresher training on 21st December and it was therefore proposed that, in order to minimise disruption, the Centre be closed for repairs during the period from the 20th till 24th December.  He stated that the lead up to Christmas was traditionally a time when Leisure Centres undertook such repairs and it was anticipated that, should the Committee agree to the Centre’s closure, the swimming pool would re-open on Wednesday, 29th December. Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee approve the closure of the swimming pool at the Shankill Leisure Centre during the period from 20th till 24th December in order to enable essential maintenance to be undertaken.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee noted a Schedule for Sport applications in relation to Small Development and Hospitality grants which had been approved by the Director of Parks and Leisure in accordance with the authority delegated to him.  A copy of the Schedule was available on the Modern.gov website.

            Arising from discussion in the matter, the Director sought and was granted authority to organise an Information Day for Members in relation to the Support for Sport Scheme.