Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

At this point Members must declare whether they have an interest, whether personal or prejudical, in any of the items on the agenda. Members must also declare if they are subject to their party group whip in relation to any item under consideration.

There were no declarations of interest or whipping declarations.

The minutes of the meeting held 15 January 2009 were approved as a true and accurate record.

The Panel received a report on the provision of formal play and recreation facilities in the city. The Head of Operations outlined the changes over the last couple of years in relation to the provision of play facilities within the city.

The Panel made the following comments

• Clarification as to why European Standards were being used instead of British Standards. Officers confirmed that the European Standards had been adopted by the British Parliament as British Standards.
• Cllr Fox asked whether it would be possible for the upgrade of the Werrington Skate Park to be funded through the capital programme. Officers confirmed that whilst this was a possibility other funding opportunities would be sought to maximise the opportunities. Cllr Fox also requested a breakdown of the funding arrangement for all completed, and projected projects.
• Cllr Thacker sought clarification on the timescales for the provision of a new play facility in South Werrington/North Gunthorpe. Officers confirmed that a new facility was planned during phase 2 of the play builder scheme (April 2009-March 2010), although it was noted that it was hoped to complete the bulk of the works prior to the summer holidays.
• Clarification was sought on the susceptibility of the facilities to litigation as a result of accidents. Officers advised that there is a rigorous inspection regime, and that the number of claims was very low.  

The Panel noted Cllr Day’s ongoing concerns with regards to the increased levels of traffic that would be generated by the PREL application.

The Panel noted the forward plan.

The Panel noted the Agenda Plan