Issue - meetings

This report highlights steps that the Council can take to ensure that FDC plans for the future of the 3 elderly leisure centres that will require significant investment in the near term. Chatteris Leisure has not been considered as it is a modern building with expected ongoing maintenance costs for the next decade to be limited. 

Members considered the Leisure Centres report presented by Councillor Miscandlon. 

Councillor Mrs French asked Councillor Miscandlon if there is any intention to provide these buildings with solar panels in the future. Councillor Miscandlon replied that it is proposed to provide solar panels on at least two, if not three of the leisure centres, and a generous contribution has been received from Sport England to do that.

Councillor Tierney said he is pleased that this is being considered ahead of time, it is hard to overestimate the importance of leisure centres to local people, particularly in respect of swimming provision where there is no competition. Keeping ahead of the game on planning to keep the centres maintained, operational and effective is a good idea.

Proposed by Councillor Miscandlon, seconded by Councillor Wallwork and AGREED to authorise officers to proceed to procure the services required to develop the information detailed in 6.1 and to delegate to the Leader of the Council and Section 151 Officer to determine the funding source for these works which will cost approximately £100,000.