Cabinet received a report of the Project Manager setting out details of the procurement exemption for a learn to ride facility at King George V playing fields.

The Mayor invited Councillor Williams, Portfolio for Neighbourhood Services, to introduce the report.

Councillor Williams said that this was an exciting project and would be a great asset for the town.  The learn to ride facility would encourage children to learn to ride in a safe setting.  It was hoped that the facility would be up and running by next spring.

Councillor Williams explained that there were a limited number of contractors able to provide the type of facility proposed.  The approved contractor, Play Scheme Ltd, had created other bespoke schemes across the country, including Gravesend and Nottingham.  The other schemes had also received financial support from Sports England.

The Mayor noted that the facility would be free to use and was to be located next to the Watford Cycle Hub.

In response to members’ questions, Councillor Williams confirmed that the facility would be fully accessible enabling all to use it.  Schools would be able to use the facility and Watford Cycle Hub had a great reputation for working with schools training children to ride.  It would be a permanent facility for Watford.

RESOLVED –

That Cabinet notes the approved exemption to the Council’s Procurement Procedure rules in relation to the appointment of Play Scheme Ltd for the KGV Learn to Ride contract.