Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) and a presentation which provides the Committee with a report from Finesse Leisure detailing its performance against target for Quarter 2.

Members received a report of the Executive Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services), which formed part of the current client monitoring framework with Finesse Leisure, together with a presentation, which provided information on the current services and performance at the Hatfield Leisure Centre.

Members received the visitor numbers on the managed sites and sought clarification on the changes reported and the lower than expected membership growth at the Hatfield Swim Centre this year following the gym refurbishment. 

In terms of the membership at the Panshanger Golf Club, Members enquired whether it would be possible to include additional facilities to host weddings in order to improve numbers. Finesse replied they do work in partnership with the operator of the Fairway Tavern to make use of its facilities but, as this is separately leased on a commercial basis by the Council, it is not in their direct control.

King George V (KGV) Playing Fields car park was noted as having a water leak which has been resolved.  However, a request was made to consider a subsequent repair the visitor car park as parts of the tarmac had been damaged in places, which causes a problem for vehicles when entering and leaving it.  It was agreed that this would be referred to the Council’s Corporate Property Team, as this is a landlord responsibility on those sites managed by Finesse, and information would be provided to Members following this.

Members asked about what measures were in place to entice old members to return to the 3G pitches at the Hatfield Leisure Centre since the playing surfaces had been refurbished following their relocation from the KGV Playing Fields.  It was noted that previous members were contacted and every effort had been made to encourage people to register, with new teams and hirers coming forward over the past six months since this work was done.

Previously there had been concern in respect of some flooding in heavy rain and the condition of the bunkers at the Panshanger Golf Course. Members were advised that two of the former 3G pitches at the KGV Playing Fields were now stored at the golf course, and the artificial surface is being cut up and used to support the tees, bunkers and greens across the course as needed.

Members were pleased to learn about the completion of the gym refurbishment project at both the Hatfield Centres, Green Flag Awards for KGV Playing Fields and Stanborough Park and the continuation of the Health Walks in Stanborough Park, as these all contributed to healthy living lifestyle.

The Committee raised concerns in respect of the dog mess problems at Moneyhole Lane Park, which had recently been reported in the press.  Anti-social behaviour has also been a recent problem with cars having been reported on the playing pitches on at least one occasion.  Members were advised that CCTV was being considered for the car park area as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour along with a more visible policing presence.

The accompanying presentation on the work of the Hatfield Leisure Centre was received and Members raised questions in terms of the new national funding for the development of Archery, which was reported as a grant from the ‘New Places for Target Faces’.  Further consideration was given to the work Finesse does in support of the Macmillan Partnership and the development of disability sport at this venue.  It was felt that this facility needed more publicity to promote awareness of its various activities.

RESOLVED

            That the Finesse monitoring information be noted.