To consider a presentation from the Board Chairman (WLCL) and Contracts Manager (SERCO).
Minutes:
Consideration was given to the presentation by Mr Jason Grice, Chairman of West Lancashire Community Leisure Trust which was supported by a series of slides as contained on pages 203 to 28 of the Book of Reports.
The Chairman of the Leisure Trust acknowledged the good work undertaken by the Trust Members throughout the year. The presentation included reference to the:
· Vision of WLCL to provide a range of healthy and recreational activities to the community of West Lancashire.
· Trust’s Charitable Status – First report to Charities Commission completed.
· Facilities – Burscough Sports and Fitness Centre; Park Pool (Ormskirk); Nye Bevan Pool (Skelmersdale); Banks Leisure Centre and Beacon Park Golf Course.
· Community Engagement and Participation – Chairman’s Cup (football event); Schools Triathlon; service provision / activities on offer to all age groups.
· Delivery and Partnership Working – Active West Lancs; Active Schools in Skelmersdale; School Sports Partnership; Beacon Play Area.
In relation to the operation over the previous 12 months, the Chairman made reference to:
· Income generation in 2016 (Wetside; Dryside; Health & Fitness; F & B and operational)
· Increased patronage (Wetside and Dryside Visits)
He then went on to provide details of the highlights in 2016 that included:
· Recognition of a staff member by SERCO for their swift actions assisting two leisure users in a medical emergency.
· The re-opening, following refurbishment, of Nye Bevan, Burscough and Park Pool Gyms.
· Opening of 3G Pitch at Burscough.
In conclusion of the review, reference was made to the opportunities, challenges and the way forward for the coming year that included: reference to the challenge to increase patronage; growth of the business; diversification / further development of Beacon Park; continuous improvement of leisure facilities and development of staff and working with partners and community groups to offer more participation opportunities.
The Chairman emphasised the importance of the community based facilities and its economic value of the Leisure Trust in the local community.
Comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:
· Competition from other sport facilities providers – Edge Hill University; gyms in neighbouring authorities (Southport)
· Pricing bands of activities across the Centres.
· Promotion and advertisement of the sporting facilities – targeting users (web-based advertisement; leaflet dropping)
· Negative publicity – impact on facilities
· Staffing at busy times – Park Pool
· Charitable Status – benefit to users; impact on service delivery
· Staffing levels – Park Pool; reductions.
· Trust Board – governance and membership.
The Contracts Manager of WLCL contributed to the discussion and responded to questions. He provided additional information in relation to investment in staff; percentage of employees who live and work locally and flexible working arrangements.
The Chairman provided further clarification on the vision of WLCL going forward and emphasised the strong core membership of the Trust, who are volunteers, the skills they brought to the role and the education programme for trustees.
On behalf of the Committee, the Vice-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: The Chairman, who had declared a pecuniary interest in this item, left the meeting room whereupon the Vice-Chairman chaired the meeting for this item of business.)