Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – PLACE

To provide an update on our major leisure facilities and confirm the opening of both Letchworth and Hitchin outdoor pools this summer season. The report also includes a proposal to extend the outdoor pool season by a further one or two weeks.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the decision to open both Letchworth and Hitchin outdoor pools this summer season be supported:

(2)       That, subject to usage, Covid-19 restrictions and affordability. the extension of the opening season and the extension of opening hours by 2 hours on one evening a week for a period of 2 months for each outdoor pool be supported;

(3)       That Cabinet delegate authority to the Service Director Place to take decisions regarding the extension period of the outdoor pools, which will be dependent upon Covid-19 restrictions and affordability, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, the Service Director Resources and Executive Member for Finance an IT so that a timely decision can be made.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure the Council continues to deliver leisure services that support the health and wellbeing of our residents throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Audio recording – 2 hours 6 minutes 58 seconds

The Executive Member for Environment and Leisure presented the report entitled Update on Our Major Leisure Facilities and drew attention to the following:

·                The costs were likely to be less than had been previously expected;

·                The Council had been successful in applying for a Government grant;

·                It was planned that the outdoor pools be opened on the last weekend of May 2021;

·                It was currently unclear as to how and when  theses pools may be used;

·                On a sunny day the pools covered their costs, on a wet day they cost a lot of money to keep open;

·                Delegation of the decision regarding extending the season would enable the Council to consider the extent of use and any regulations/guidance;

·                Consideration had been given to extending opening hours and it could be feasibile to extend hours by 2 hours on 1 evening a week for each pool for a period of 2 months.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Ian Albert;

·                Councillor Paul Clark.

Member comments included:

·                That SLL be thanked for their openness regarding finances;

·                That the Council needed to be careful not to direct swimmers later in the evening to a multi-storey car park that may be closed.

Councillor Steve Jarvis proposed, Councillor Ian Albert seconded and it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the decision to open both Letchworth and Hitchin outdoor pools this summer season be supported:

(2)       That, subject to usage, Covid-19 restrictions and affordability. the extension of the opening season and the extension of opening hours by 2 hours on one evening a week for a period of 2 months for each outdoor pool be supported;

(3)       That Cabinet delegate authority to the Service Director Place to take decisions regarding the extension period of the outdoor pools, which will be dependent upon Covid-19 restrictions and affordability, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, the Service Director Resources and Executive Member for Finance an IT so that a timely decision can be made.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure the Council continues to deliver leisure services that support the health and wellbeing of our residents throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.