Issue - meetings

Briefing and answers to questions from Councillor Basu, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Lifelong Learning.

The Committee received the briefing from Councillor Dhiren Basu(Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Lifelong Learning) and advance questions and responses.

The Committee enquired about Risley Avenue allotments and was informed by John Morris (Assistant Director - Recreation Services) that the Department was working closely with the Housing Service to create sufficient community interest and agree how the site could be resourced.

The Committee requested a briefing note on the progress of the Cultural Strategy and a review of the timelines in which the Council aimed to produce a final draft of the Strategy; mid-November had been proposed, which members did not feel was realistic.

The Committee was informed of the People Network initiative (lead by the Library department in partnership with the IT department) to install the internet in all public libraries for community use.  A procurement exercise was taking place.  The PCT were funding well-being suites for libraries and there were also discussions taking place with the Primary Care Trust (PCT) about the possibility of health-check clinics in libraries.

In response to the Committee’s questions the Assistant Director – Recreation Services informed members that all emergency services had access to the locks on park gates and the order in which parks were locked was flexible. 

The Committee noted Councillor Egan’s concern that residents over 60 were required to register for an Active Card in order to take advantage of the free swimming offered and emphasised that access should be made easier. 

RESOLVED

That the briefing be noted.