Agenda item

To consider the presentation from the Board Chairman (WLCL) and Contracts Manager (SERCO).

Consideration was given to the presentation by Joan McNally, Chairman and Mark Snaylam, Contracts Manager of West Lancashire Community Leisure (WLCL), supported by a series of slides as contained on pages 189 to 200 of the Book of Reports.

In her presentation the Chairman of the Leisure Trust acknowledged the good work undertaken by the Trust Members throughout the year and included reference to:

·         Charitable Status obtained.

·         Success of 6^th Triathlon – participation by 800 plus school aged youth.

·         Community Engagement/participation – GP Referral scheme; Chairman’s Cup; Schools Triathlon; Outreach Work.

Reference was also made to the Active West Lancs scheme, a partnership initiative with West Lancashire Borough Council, The Schools Sports Partnership, Skelmersdale Community Fund Initiative (SCFI) and CVS Community Food Growing Initiative to help get people fitter across the Borough.

In relation to operations over the previous 12 months, the Contracts Manager referred to the following:

·         Funding of the ‘Welcome to Health Project’ in collaboration with Edge Hill University and the School Sports Partnership.

·         Increased patronage (Wetside visits).

·         Income generated in 2015 (Wetside; Dryside; Health & Fitness; F & B and operational.)

·         Beacon Park – changes at the Golf Club (redevelopment of footgolf course); update on land reprofiling; continued investment in the site, despite drop in operational income; new park design “Pirates of the Carribeacon”

·         Burscough, Nye Bevan & Park Pools – Gymnasium refurbishments; upgrade of football pitches; introduction of Walking Football (Burscough); improvements to infrastructure (filter system Park Pool); main sports hall refurbishment (Burscough).

The Contracts Manager went on to highlight the opportunities and challenges for the group, emphasising that Serco Leisure is not for sale and will remain part of the Serco Group of companies.

In conclusion of the review, the way forward for the coming year was featured which included:  reference to the challenges to increase patronage; growth of the business; diversification / further development of Beacon Park; increasing swimming lesson usage; continuous improvement of facilities and development of staff; working with partners and community groups to offer more participation opportunities.

Comment and questions were raised in respect of the following:

·         Equipment available at Banks Leisure Centre – refurbishment plans.

·         ‘Welcome to Health Project’ – possible extension to include secondary school age children.

·         Pricing bands of activities across the Centres.

·         Upgrade of football pitches – commercial benefits.

·         Park Pool Ormskirk – long term future of the facility.

·         Beacon Golf Course – decline in golf usage; broadening demographic usage; opportunities for diversification.

The Contracts Manager of WLCL contributed to the discussion and responded to questions.  He made an undertaking to take away points made, particularly in relation to possible extension into secondary schools, of the initiative being undertaken in partnership with Edge Hill University in primary schools, on children fitness. 

The Chairman of WLCL also contributed to the discussion and provided further clarification on the vision for the future at the Beacon to encourage more footfall in the former ‘hub’ through the provision of refreshments for the park users, including dog walkers and bike clubs.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman thanked the representatives from the Leisure Trust for their attendance, the informative presentation and contribution to the discussion.

RESOLVED:  That the performance of West Lancashire Leisure/Serco for the previous 12 months, be noted and the representatives be thanked for their presentation and attendance. 

(Note:  Following consideration of this item, the Chairman varied the order of business to allow Agenda Item 13 ‘Flooding of the Highways Drainage’ to be considered next (Minute 28 refers).  The minutes follow the order as set down in the agenda.)