To adopt the Watford Sports Facilities Strategy

A report was received from the Environmental Services Client Manager (Parks and Streets) which presented the final version of a Sports Facilities Strategy as well as a number of strategic goals and an action plan.  Consultation had been carried out internally and externally and Cabinet was asked to approve the new 10 year strategy.

Councillor Scudder introduced the Sports Strategy which identified gaps in existing provision and the need for strategic development.  The action plan would be implemented over the next 10 years.  Consultation had taken place using three strands: face to face with groups and clubs during an event at Watford Football Club, an online survey and through individual feedback.  At the consultation the strategy was well received, there was good feedback which had been incorporated into the strategy. 

The Environmental Services Client Manager (Parks and Streets) explained that a key message from the strategy was ‘surviving and thriving’.  Whilst numbers of people playing football and the quantity of teams had decreased, rugby and hockey were strong in the town.  The bowls clubs were also doing reasonably well.  There was a positive reaction during the consultation and those who attended the meeting welcomed the Council’s strategic approach.

The Head of Corporate Strategy and Client Services commented that the strategy would include collaborative work with stakeholders to attract investment into the town.  The strategy would be a long term plan for sports facilities.

The Chair drew attention to the facilities in the proposed strategic sports sites.  As an example, the Chair noted the recent relocation of the boxing club which she considered fitted the new approach; she commended Veolia’s work to provide new facilities.  The Council needed to be strategic about residents’ participation in sport and how to encourage more people to be active.

Following questions from the Chair, the Environmental Services Client Manager (Parks and Streets) commented that traditional timings for playing football were difficult for people’s changing leisure patterns.  They would also be looking at emerging sports such as BMX.

The Chair described working with other Councils in order to deliver the strategy, for example the Watford Fencing Club which was located in Three Rivers district.  The action plan needed to have annual activities and timescales which could be monitored.

Councillor Bell welcomed the review and commented on how sports sites could be protected through planning.  He welcomed the hubs and co-operation across Boroughs, Hertfordshire County Council and with private companies.

Councillor Crout said that it came out through the consultation event that there could be a link between the number of people not playing sport and the amount of live sport on television and increased demands on family life.  The consultation raised the issue of greater use of school facilities particularly during the week in the evening.  The majority of people at the consultation welcomed the proposed hubs but there was some concern that the hubs could be dominated by one group.  Councillor Crout commented that there needed to be continued engagement on a regular basis to encourage co-operation between groups.

The Environmental Services Client Manager (Parks and Streets) responded that some schools did engage with regards to use of their facilities, however, others have lost their own facilities and there were licensed agreements for them to use the Council owned pitches,  With regards to the hubs, clubs wished to retain their own identities, which the Council understood and would not look to dilute through use of the hubs.  In addition to the hubs there were other satellite sites for example at Leggatts field which also needed investment for new changing facilities etc.

The Chair thanked the Environmental Services Client Manager (Parks and Streets), Head of Corporate and Client Services and their team for the Sports Strategy.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

• Approves the Final Sports Facilities Strategy
• Receives regular updates on the Sports Facilities Strategy progress and Action Plan.