Belfast City Council Client Services (Community and Leisure Services) Sub-Committee Minutes 25 February 2005
From Nigov
C3422
Thursday, 24th February, 2005
MEETING OF CLIENT SERVICES (COMMUNITY AND LEISURE SERVICES) SUB-COMMITTEE
Members present: Councillor Cush (Chairman); the High Sheriff (Councillor D. Browne); and Councillors Convery, Lavery, Patterson, Stoker, Walsh and Wilson.
In attendance: Mr. M. Elder, Director of Client Services; Mr. P. Lucas, Head of Recreation and Community Development; Ms. S. Moore, Community Services Manager; Mr. P. Kelly, Recreation Services Manager; and Mr. N. Malcolm, Committee Administrator.
Apology
An apology for inability to attend was reported from Councillor McCann.
Minutes
The minutes of the meetings of 27th January (Belfast City Council Client Services (2), which had been printed and circulated, were taken as read and signed as correct.
Travellers’ Issues
(Mr. F. O’Hagan, Travellers’ Liaison Officer, attended in connection with this item.)
Management and Status of Travellers’ Sites
The Sub-Committee considered the contents of a report which had been prepared by the Travellers’ Liaison Officer in relation to the management and status of Travellers’ Sites and appropriated land in Belfast and noted that operational requirements in respect of appropriated land were being implemented by the Development Department.
Unauthorised Encampments
The Travellers’ Liaison Officer informed the Sub-Committee that a large unauthorised Traveller encampment had been set up at the City of Belfast Playing Fields on 6th February. The Travellers had claimed that they had nowhere else to locate to and this information had been forwarded to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. He pointed out that this family group, which comprised seven families, had encamped previously at the same location in 2004 and the Council on that occasion had recovered possession of the lands by way of a Court Order. The Director of Legal Services had indicated that the Order was still operational. Accordingly, the Order had been re-issued on 10th February to those Travellers present on the City of Belfast Playing Fields. As a result, the location had been vacated the following day. The Sub Committee was informed also that Extra Injunctive Relief was being sought by the Director of Legal Services in order to protect Council property from being subjected to unauthorised encampments by this group.
The Travellers’ Liaison Officer reported that this extended Traveller family had been involved in numerous unauthorised encampments over a long period of time and had requested him to bring the position in which they found themselves to the attention of the appropriate authorities. Accordingly, he had reported the matter to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and had been advised that it would be raised at the next meeting of the Executive’s Transit Site Steering Group. It had also been pointed out that this family group had been offered three locations by the Housing Executive but that each had been rejected. However, he was assisting the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in its endeavours to resolve this matter.
The Travellers’ Liaison Officer informed the Sub-Committee also that the Glen Road Heights site had been illegally occupied recently by seven or eight Traveller families and that this matter was being dealt with by the Housing Executive. He pointed out that the site was not suitable for occupation as it had been vandalised and stated that a report thereon would be provided at the Sub-Committee’s next monthly meeting.
The Sub-Committee noted the information which had been provided.
Traveller Community House
The Sub-Committee was reminded that the Council had been asked by the Traveller support organisations to relocate the proposed Community House from the Glen Road Group Housing Scheme to a more neutral location in order to make the facility more accessible to the Belfast Traveller community.
The Travellers’ Liaison Officer reported that the Development Department’s Urban Development Unit had accordingly undertaken a land search in an attempt to identify an alternative location and had held discussions with representatives of Saint Teresa’s Gaelic Athletic Association Club with a view to accessing a portion of land which fronted the Glen Road. Unfortunately, the discussions had not proved fruitful. If no other suitable location became available then the Community House would be built within the Glen Road Group Housing Scheme. The Council’s current commitment to the provision of office accommodation and play facilities at the Glen Road site would continue within the portacabin building.
Noted.
Local Government Partnership on Traveller Issues
The Sub-Committee was informed that the next meeting of the Local Government Partnership on Traveller Issues would take place in Downpatrick at 10.30 a.m. on Friday, 4th March.
Noted.
Inter-Departmental Traveller Liaison Group
The Sub-Committee noted that the next meeting of the Inter-Departmental Traveller Liaison Group would be held in The Cecil Ward Building at 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 1st March.
Housing Liaison Committee
The Sub-Committee was advised that officers of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive would be addressing the Housing Liaison Committee at its meeting on 22nd March in respect of Travellers’ Issues. Given the relevance of this subject to the Community and Leisure Services Sub-Committee, a Member suggested that those Members of the Sub-Committee who were not Members of the Housing Liaison Committee be authorised to attend that meeting, together with the Travellers’ Liaison Officer.
The Sub-Committee agreed with the foregoing suggestion and agreed further that attendance at the meeting be considered as an approved duty.
60th Anniversary of the Ending of the Second World War - Small Scale Community Events
The Sub-Committee considered a report in relation to the provision of financial assistance for the holding of community events to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the ending of the Second World War. A copy of the report, with the exception of the appendix referred to therein, is set out hereunder.
The Sub-Committee approved funding up to a maximum of £30,000 in respect of events to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of V.E./V.J. Day, on the basis detailed within the foregoing report and adopted the recommendations contained therein.
Refurbishment of Play Centres
The Community Services Manager reminded the Sub-Committee that, in recent years, the Council had been undertaking work on its buildings to ensure that they were compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and also general building and refurbishment work. She pointed out that, whilst the programme of works in connection with the directly-managed Community Centres was nearing completion, the Avoniel, Loop River and North Queen Street Play Centres had not been included within the programme of works. Accordingly, the Centres were being assessed to ascertain the minimum work which would be required to ensure that they could continue operating. She indicated that, when this assessment had been completed and costed, a report would be submitted to the April meeting.
Noted.
Staff Issue – Community Centres
The Head of Recreation and Community Development informed the Sub Committee of the arrangements which had been put in place in respect of the recording of information relating to the usage of Community Centres. He advised the Sub-Committee that many staff, supported by their Trade Unions, had refused to undertake the work. This had resulted in meetings with representatives of several Trade Unions and a provisional agreement being reached. Under the agreement, the work would be undertaken as required by management.
The Sub-Committee noted the information which had been provided by the Head of Recreation and Community Development.
Denmark Street Community Centre
The Sub-Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 25th November, 2004, the Community Services Manager had undertaken to seek clarification from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive as to whether it had submitted a planning application for the construction of a community centre adjacent to the Denmark Street Community Centre.
The Community Services Manager informed the Members that the Housing Executive had advised that it had no knowledge of such plans and had no intention of building such a facility. However, it had submitted a planning application in respect of the change of use of a hostel located at Boundary Way/Boundary Street. This property had been used for a period of time as a community facility and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive needed, for rates purposes, to regularise the situation. This facility was not a community centre and therefore could not provide the full range of centre based activities.
The Sub-Committee noted the information which had been provided.
Capital Schemes – Ardoyne and Woodvale Community Centres
The Sub-Committee was reminded that the Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 4th February, when considering the Draft Capital Programme 2005/06 and Future Years, had agreed that the Ardoyne Community Centre New Build Scheme be retained within the Capital Programme and included as an item on the agenda of the Client Services (Community and Leisure Services) Sub-Committee to ascertain why it had been included in the Programme.
The Head of Recreation and Community Development accordingly submitted the undernoted report.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed that the Ardoyne and Woodvale capital schemes be progressed.
Electoral Identity Cards – Use of Community and Leisure Centres
The Head of Recreation and Community Development advised the Sub Committee that he had given permission to the Electoral Office to use areas within a number of Community and Leisure Centres to enable electors to apply for an Electoral Identity Card.
Noted.
Review of Indoor Pricing Policy
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed to defer consideration of a report in respect of a review of the Indoor Pricing Policy to enable further information to be obtained and requested that all Members of the Sub-Committee be circulated with the papers which had been considered by the Cross-Party Working Group which was examining this matter.
Use of Facilities by Persons Aged Over Sixty Years
Arising from discussion in the foregoing matter, the Sub-Committee agreed that the hours during which persons aged over sixty years were entitled to obtain free use of the Council’s leisure facilities be lengthened by thirty minutes to enable such users to gain access from 9.00 a.m.
Shaftesbury Recreation Centre; and Leisure and Recreation Centre Upgrading/Maintenance
The Sub-Committee considered a report in relation to the Shaftesbury Recreation Centre and options which were available regarding the building upgrade programme for the Council’s Leisure and Recreation Centres. A copy of the report, with the exception of the appendices referred to therein, is set out hereunder.
The Head of Recreation and Community Development answered Members’ questions and indicated that the “part B swap” suggested in the foregoing report could not take place unless the Policy and Resources Committee and the Committee whose expenditure would require to be “capitalised” agreed to this course of action. He assured the Sub-Committee that the upgrading work was not betterment of the facilities but rather work which would ensure that the Centres could remain operational. He made the point that the associated high costs had arisen as a result of maintenance works not having been undertaken in recent years due to the ongoing review of leisure facilities. He indicated that a copy of the Condition Survey Report relating to each Leisure Centre could be made available for those Members who so wished.
After further discussion, the Sub-Committee adopted the recommendations contained within the foregoing report.
South Belfast Leisure Centre
The Sub-Committee deferred consideration of a report regarding the provision of a leisure centre in South Belfast to enable a report to be provided containing comparison costings for the provision of full leisure and reduced leisure facilities at both the Maysfield and Ormeau Park sites, together with a current valuation of the Maysfield Site undertaken by an independent valuer.
Falls Leisure Centre
Language Options for Welcome Sign
The Sub-Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 27th January, it had deferred consideration of a report in respect of the languages to be displayed on the welcome sign within the reception area of the Falls Leisure Centre.
The Head of Recreation and Community Development submitted a further report, a copy of which is set out hereunder, containing a number of options regarding the languages to be used on the sign. After discussion, it was
Moved by Councillor O’Neill, Seconded by Councillor Walsh,
That the languages to be used on the welcome sign within the reception area of the Falls Leisure Centre be as follows:
Arabic, Bisaya, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindu, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovac, Spanish, Tagalog, Turkish, Ulster Scots, Urdu and Welsh.
On a vote by show of hands, four Members for the proposal and three against and it was accordingly declared carried.
Official Opening of Centre
The Sub-Committee considered the undernoted report in respect of the opening of the Falls Leisure Centre and arrangements for the Official Opening of the facility.
Month in which Official Opening is to be held
Moved by Councillor Wilson, Seconded by Councillor Patterson,
That the Falls Leisure Centre be officially opened in September, 2005.
On a vote by show of hands, two Members voted for the proposal and five against and it was accordingly declared lost.
Further Proposal
Moved by Councillor Lavery, Seconded by Councillor Walsh,
That the Falls Leisure Centre be opened in June, 2005.
On a vote by show of hands, five Members voted for the proposal and none against and it was accordingly declared carried.
Arrangements for Opening of Centre
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed that:
(i) invited groups be requested to use the facilities within the Falls Leisure Centre prior to the Centre’s being opened to enable the staff to test the systems; and that all Members of the Council be invited to the Centre between 9.00 and 10.00 a.m. on 16th March, the first day on which it would be opened, to view the Leisure Centre and its facilities; and that the media be invited to attend at 10.00 a.m.;
(ii) the Falls Leisure Centre be officially opened at 12.00 noon on Wednesday, 22nd June;
(iii) the Official Opening ceremony be held at the Falls Leisure Centre and that hospitality, preferably in the form of a hot finger buffet, be provided;
(iv) the Centre be closed to the public for the duration of the Official Opening and for the time required to facilitate the setting-up and breaking-down of equipment required for the Opening;
(v) the Centre be officially opened by the Chairman of the Client Services (Community and Leisure Services) Sub-Committee (or his/her nominee);
(vi) the Lord Mayor, the Chairman of the Community and Leisure Services Sub-Committee and a representative of the Falls Steering Group constitute the official party and they alone deliver speeches to mark the Official Opening of the facility;
(vii) the programme of events be as outlined within option 2 sub-section (v) of the foregoing report, with the times being amended to take account of the 12.00 noon start;
(viii) the guest list include those persons and representatives of the organisations detailed in the foregoing report and that Councillors representing the District Electoral Area could suggest further names to the Head of Recreation and Community Development, with a report thereon being submitted to a future meeting; and
(ix) a range of activities available within the Centre be demonstrated during the Official Opening.
Grove Wellbeing Centre
The Head of Recreation and Community Development informed the Sub Committee that it was anticipated that the sewer diversion element of the above mentioned project would be completed by early May and that tenders for the main construction project were due to be returned on 21st March. He reported that it was envisaged that the tender amounts received would be greater than the £10.356 million, which the Council had approved for the project, as the tendered project included elements, such as a full landscaping scheme, which were not included in the approved budget but which could proceed in the event of funding being secured. Accordingly, an application, in the sum of £1.2 million, for the funding of external elements of the scheme had been submitted to the Belfast Regeneration Office.
The Head of Recreation and Community Development recommended, in order to ensure that the successful contractor could commence work as soon as possible, that the report on the tenders received in connection with the construction of the Grove Wellbeing Centre be submitted to the Client Services Committee at its meeting on 19th April.
After discussion, during which a Member expressed concern at the delay in the work commencing on the Wellbeing Centre, the Sub-Committee noted the comments of the Head of Recreation and Community Development and agreed that the report on the tenders for the construction of the Centre be submitted to the Client Services Committee at its meeting on 19th April.
Hammer Football Pitch
The Head of Recreation and Community Development informed the Sub Committee that, whilst the Client Services (Parks and Amenities) Sub-Committee was responsible for the Council’s football pitches, responsibility for the management of the Hammer Football Pitch remained with the Client Services (Community and Leisure Services) Sub-Committee. Accordingly, he recommended, in order to regularise the situation, that, with effect from 1st April, 2005, responsibility for the Hammer Football Pitch be transferred to the Parks and Amenities Sub-Committee.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
Free Out-of-Hours Pool Usage
The Recreation Services Manager reminded the Sub-Committee that, at its meeting on 17th December, 2002, it had agreed to offer until 31st March, 2004 free out of-hours pool usage to those water-based clubs which already used the Council’s leisure facilities. This arrangement had been extended until 31st March, 2005 by the Sub Committee at its meeting on 3rd August, 2004. He pointed out that several clubs availed of this service in Andersonstown, Avoniel and Grove Leisure Centres. He reminded the Sub-Committee further that a fundamental review of Leisure Centre charges was currently being undertaken and that it was anticipated that new charges would come into effect during the period between September, 2005 and April, 2006. Given this review, he believed that it would be appropriate to extend the free out of hours scheme on a temporary basis and that it be considered in line with the overall review of charges.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
Public Holiday Arrangements 2005/2006 in respect of Leisure Centres
The Recreation Services Manager outlined for the information of the Members proposals in respect of public holiday arrangements during the forthcoming financial year for Council-owned Leisure Centres. He stated that the proposals reflected the historic customer usage patterns in each Centre and that additional closures might be required should equipment or plant breakdown.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee approved the closing arrangements in respect of public holidays and authorised the relevant Centre Manager, in consultation with the Head of Recreation of Community Development, to sanction further closures which might be considered necessary due to issues such as equipment or plant breakdowns.
Chairman
