Agenda Item No

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment): 8th March, 2011

Report of the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services

Request for Consideration - Provision for Penarth Boxing Club and Penarth Gymnastics Club at St. Paul's Community Centre

Purpose of the Report

1.             To apprise Members of a Request for Consideration by Councillor Mark Wilson in respect of St. Paul's Community Centre.

Recommendation

1.     To respond to the request for consideration from Councillor M. Wilson.

Reason for Recommendation

1.     To respond to the request.

Background

2.             Councillor Wilson has requested that the Scrutiny Committee consider the provision for Penarth Boxing Club and Penarth Gymnastics Club at St. Paul's Community Centre as detailed below:

'As a Member of the Vale of Glamorgan Council I am concerned with the issuing of a notice to quit for Penarth Boxing Club and also the state of St. Paul's Community Centre where they are currently based.

I would like an extensive report on the physical condition of St. Paul's Community Centre and what the Council can do to alleviate the situation regarding the condition of the hall.

Also, as the boxing club has over a number of years helped encourage people to deal with aggression in a disciplined manner, I wondered what help if any has the Council given to the boxing club to find an alternative suitable venue.

Moreover, I am also concerned over the future of Penarth Gymnastics Club who were supposed to be leaving the Pier Pavilion, ironically, it was hoped to move to the St. Paul's Centre as its new venue for the club.  This organisation also now seems in jeopardy.

I am also concerned about the Pier Pavilion Bid, if there is no home found for the Gymnastics Club and they have to remain there.

Further to that its is rumoured that St. Paul's is destined to become yet another Arts Centre on top of the Washington Gallery, the Turner Gallery and the Pier Pavilion, when it comes to fruition.  If the rumour is founded, do we really need a fourth Arts Centre, when these two sports organisations are to be made homeless.  Surely the priority should be to house these sporting facilities and continue their good work.

I would like you to invite Neil Munn and Gwyneth Lingard to give evidence to the Committee along with Councillor Ernest.'

Members are advised that invitations have been extended as requested.

Relevant Issues and Options

3.             The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee requested that a site visit be arranged for  Wednesday, 2nd March, 2011 at 4.30 p.m. at the Community Centre prior to the matter being discussed by the Committee in order that Members can be provided with an opportunity to view the premises.  Councillor Wilson has also requested that a copy of the surveyors report, details of costings for work required and work that has been undertaken to date at the premises be made available for Members at the site visit and the Scrutiny Committee meeting.  The Operational Manager for Leisure and Tourism has confirmed that these will be available and that a verbal report on the current position will also be provided.

4.             Councillor A.M. Ernest (Cabinet Member Tourism and Leisure) and Mrs. G. Lingard  (Gymnastics Club) have indicated that they will be in attendance at the Scrutiny Committee on 8th March.  Mr. Munn, however, has informed the Scrutiny and Committee Services officer that as a result of a previous commitment he is unable to attend but has provided the officer with the names of two other members of the Boxing Club who have been duly invited.  

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

5.             There are no direct financial implications arising from this report however, the Operational Manager will advise Members at the site visit and the Scrutiny Committee of the resource implications in respect of the Community Centre.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

6.             None as a direct result of this report.

Crime and Disorder Implications

7.             None as a direct result of this report.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

8.             None as a direct result of this report.

Corporate/Service Objectives

9.             The Council's vision for the Vale is that it is a place that is safe, clean and attractive with individuals and communities of sustainable opportunities to improve their health, learning and skills, prosperity and wellbeing.

Policy Framework and Budget

10.        The report is in accordance with the Council's Constitution.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

11.        The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

12.        Economy and Environment.

Background Papers

Request for Consideration of Matter submitted by Councillor Mark Wilson.

Council Constitution

Contact Officer

Karen Bowen, Scrutiny and Committee Services Officer

(tel: 01446 709856)

Officers Consulted

Dave Knevett ( Operational Manager Leisure and Tourism)

Responsible Officer:

Peter H. Evans, Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services