Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to an update of the work carried out to review Leisure Services and to an overview of the outcomes of the comprehensive consultation process that was conducted between 2 November and 20 December.

Representations were heard and questions responded to from campaigners against the Review proposals.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That public consultation to inform the review be re-opened for a period of at least three months, during which any new representations will be invited, particularly from the Birtley and Lamesley community and users of Birtley Swimming Centre.

(ii)

That over this period the viability of the potential to transfer the management of any of Dunston Leisure Centre, Gateshead Leisure Centre, Birtley Sports Hall and Birtley Swimming Centre on a Community Asset Transfer basis will be explored.

(iii)

That a further report be submitted to Cabinet following this further period of consultation with the final outcome of the Review, including any proposals for Community Asset Transfer of one or more of the facilities referred to at (ii) above.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To enable additional views of residents/stakeholders, particularly in the Birtley and Lamesley area, to be considered in light of the proposal for Birtley Swimming Centre, which emerged from the consultation and further evaluation and assessment process undertaken between November and January.

(B)

To enable time for discussions on Community Asset Transfers to progress and viability to be determined.