The Sports & Leisure Policy & Development Manager introduced the report which gave Members an update of the work undertaken so far and the key findings.  The Committee heard that further updates would be brought back as the Strategy evolved.

The Chair referred to the open space assessment in terms of the progress of the Local Plan and highlighted that residents were, quite rightly, protective of the open spaces within the borough.  He hoped there would be some commentary on how open spaces might be protected with the Local Plan and future development plans.  The Committee was advised that a key issue within the Local Plan was maintaining open spaces, both in terms of green belt and the urban environment.

Councillor Piccolo noted that there was no mention in the report of facilities for off-road bikes, scrambles and the like.  This had become a major issue within Thurrock, with two serious accidents and a fatality within the past six months and he felt there should be a suitable place for a bike track identified and put forward within the Local Plan, even as a commercial venture.  The idea would be taken on board and the Planning Department were already looking at finding a suitable task.  There were issues however as it was considered that many of these individuals who were currently riding these bikes across fields did not have suitable bikes, the appropriate safety equipment or access to trailers to access a commercial site. 

The Vice-Chair hoped more footpaths which had become overgrown would be opened up and perhaps the new development at Stanford-le-Hope would allow for these paths to join up to the Country Park.  Similarly motorbikes should be kept off these paths to ensure safety.  The Vice-Chair also highlighted that boxing was not mentioned within the report.  There was a very successful boxing club in Chadwell-St-Mary which was struggling to stay open and he asked whether the Council might support it.  The Committee heard that Thurrock Sports Council ran sessions regarding fundraising and there was also the Amateur Boys’ Boxing Association, the Sports & Leisure Policy & Development Manager would happily put the boxing club in contact with the necessary organisations.

Councillor Collins noted his surprise that the twenty-five year lease was coming to an end for Thurrock Harriers and asked whether there were likely to be any problems regarding renewal.  Members heard that the Council was working closely with the Harriers to ensure a lease which suited both parties.  The bigger issue would be the plan for the Blackshots site as a whole moving forward; but the Council had every intention of supporting athletics moving forward.

Councillor Jones asked what more could be done to encourage communities to transfer assets to charities, and what measures were in place with regards to the future of swimming pools within Thurrock.  There was a long and proud tradition of clubs being run by volunteers within Thurrock, but with any volunteer opportunity these volunteers would need support and it was essential to ensure the transition from Local Authority management was as smooth as possible.  There was also a need to ensure that if assets were transferred it would not be in favour of one sport to the exclusion of another.  The matter of swimming pools within the borough was a far bigger issue; Blackshots pool was fifty years old, and Belhus and Corringham were forty years old.  Looking to the future, they would no longer be the type of facilities which encouraged increased participation for families and residents.  Swimming pools were a big investment, a 25m, six-lane pool, sports hall and fitness facility would cost in the region of £15,000,000 to build.

Councillor Stone expressed his alarm that Thurrock was in need of swimming pool provisions and could be left with none in the borough.  Members were advised that the plan ran until 2035, and there was therefore a need to be looking to the long-term future, to promote and develop facilities.  The Active Place Strategy was a real opportunity for step change, whilst the Local Plan was one route for development items would be brought back to Overview and Scrutiny Committees, particularly around the issue of swimming pools in the borough.

The Chair agreed that high aspirations for the borough in the future were important and would welcome reports moving forward.

RESOLVED:

The Committee noted progress on the Active Place Strategy.