Agenda item

The Commissioner for Community & Leisure gave the Panel an update on the progress of implementing the Slough Leisure Strategy, “Get Active Slough” that was designed to get “more people, more active, more often”.  The report provided further information on the investment in major capital development of core facilities – a new leisure centre to replace Montem Leisure Centre, refurbishment of the ice arena and the Arbour Park community sports facility – however, the main focus was on progress of the ‘Get Active’ targeted activity programme and the neighbourhood capital programme.

The cost of physical activity in Slough was estimated to be £24m per annum and was a major contributing factor in a range of health conditions contributing to premature death.  Activity was also recognised to have major social and economic benefits and could contribute to community safety.  Promoting activity could play a major role in achieving a wide range of strategic objectives and the Commissioner stated that 2016 would be the ‘year of delivery’ to make a major step forward in implementing the strategy.  Examples included five multi-use games areas that had been developed so far in strategic locations and capital funding had been committed to provide a series of new outdoor gyms, trim trails and improvements to existing sports provision in parks and neighbourhoods.  The early evidence from the ‘Get Active’ programme and Active People Survey was that there had been a decrease in inactivity levels and an increase in participation.  The Commissioner emphasised the importance of raising awareness of the opportunities for people to become more active in neighbourhoods across Slough and he invited the Panel to submit their ideas to him about how to most effectively communicate the key message and engage local residents in Members’ wards.

The Panel were very supportive of the work being done to implement the strategy at a local and neighbourhood level.  Members raised the following points during the discussion:

·  Attitudes and behaviours were formed early, so what work was being done with schools and in early years settings?  It had been initially difficult to engage schools, but the team were working with the School Sports Network and advising on the most effective use of the premium available to primary schools for PE.  Links were also being made with Public Health on childhood obesity programmes.

·  A Member expressed the view that the cycle hire scheme had primarily been targeted at commuters and businesses rather than residents.  It was suggest siting stations in neighbourhoods with links and routes to the Jubilee River and Burnham Beeches.  The Commissioner agreed that more could be done to extend and promote the scheme to residents in this way to take advantage of the excellent provision of cycle routes available locally.

·  Was support to access leisure facilities available to Looked After Children?  A scheme was in place previously to provide free access to leisure facilities for Looked After Children but the scheme had not been well used.  However, it could be reconsidered in the future and promoted to ensure it was effective.

·  What role could councillors play in promoting neighbourhood level activity?  The Panel felt that ward Members were well placed to support and raise awareness of local leisure opportunities.  A number of suggestions about how this could be done were discussed and it was agreed ward Members would be provided with further information on the facilities and activities in their areas to promote appropriately.  A communications plan was suggested for each councillor to help them promote the fun and engaging activities available in their ward.  Members were encouraged to provide their views to the Commissioner on how such opportunities could be effectively communicated.  The Panel felt more generally that more visible and proactive communications activity led by the communications team would assist in promoting the key messages of the campaign.

·  A Member expressed disappointment that the play park in Bloom Park had recently been lost and residents were concerned about anti-social behaviour.  It was noted that there was a trim trail in Bloom Park and emerging proposals for a football pitch and walking track.  The leisure strategy therefore needed to be closely linked to other services such as parks and community safety.  Issues were also highlighted at other local facilities such as the play area in the Lynch Hill area.  The Commissioner commented that barriers to using particular play areas, parks and open spaces for informal activity often needed to be addressed locally by involving ward members, residents etc. to find the right solution.

·  Would the increase in pitch fees negatively impact on levels of activity?  The Commissioner explained the rationale for the change and commented that at a time of significant pressure on the revenue budget it was important to strike a balance that still made pitches available at with attractive fees.  Pitch fees in Slough had previously been very low compared to neighbouring areas.  There was also an important role for the CCG, police and other public sector partners with an interest in promoting healthy lifestyles to actively support the strategy.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Panel expressed its support for the aims of the community leisure strategy and noted the progress that had been made.

Resolved –

(a)  That the progress report on the implementation of the Leisure Strategy, ‘Get Active Slough’, be noted.

(b)  That communication plan including a list of events, activities and programmes in each ward across the Borough be provided to each councillor to enable them take ownership in promoting local opportunities through surgeries, canvassing and general engagement with residents.

(c)  That Members of the Panel submit any further ideas to the Commissioner for Community & Leisure on how local activity could be delivered and communicated to Slough residents.

(d)  That the communications department take an active role in promoting the ‘Get Active Slough’ programme to help raise awareness in the local media and publications.