Issue - meetings

To receive questions from members of the public, of which prior notification in writing has been received (no later than noon on the Tuesday prior to the day of the meeting).

In accordance with Procedure Rule 1(3)(e) and the Council’s Public Question Time and Participation at Council and Committee Meetings Scheme, the Chairman of the Council referred to two questions from Mr Tom Kelly of which prior notification had been given.  A copy of the questions and the prepared response from the Leader of the Council was circulated prior to the meeting.

Mr Kelly was in attendance at the meeting and read out his questions, set out below along with the responses from the Leader of the Council.

Question One:

“As a member of the Barracudas Swimming Club for the Disabled, may I ask as to exactly when the 100 + members can expect the deficiencies currently experienced at Blackwater Leisure Centre, from a Health and Safety aspect in particular, are to be remedied, bearing in mind that the Club activities assist members' health, and reduced demand on both the NHS and Social Services?

1.         Replacement of the 'one armed' poolside shower chair (Transports users to shower facilities etc etc)

2          Poolside rail by the steps requires extending to assist getting out of Pool (There is a gap making things difficult)

3          16 Months + waiting for the larger changing room with wheelchair access to be completed--Doorways too narrow to allow wheelchair access.”

Response:

1          Places Leisure have been assisting the Barracuda’s Club with replacement options for their wet chair.  In view of recent comments Places Leisure have directly funded a chair that will be received on site towards the end of September 2019.  Places Leisure will continue to support the Barracudas Club in replacing the chair and as such having a second option for future use on site.

2          Places Leisure where made aware of this request on 6 September 2019 for the first time and as such will be reviewing this with the Council, as facility owners, through the Partnership agreement.

3          Places Leisure have provided layout and designs to both the Council and the Barracudas Club and await final agreement for funding, prior to commencement of works.

Question Two:

What steps have been taken, in conjunction with NHS England, Govt Depts, local NHS organisations, and Developers to ensure that 'Infrastructure Issues; are resolved prior to further housing development, permissions, bearing in mind that the failure to obtain a new Community Hospital under section 106 policies, and the fiasco of lack of a new Electrical sub -station for the Limebrook Way development within Planning Conditions?”

Response:

The Council will continue to ensure that planning applications for new housing are in accordance with the Council’s adopted policies.  This includes ensuring that any detrimental impacts on infrastructure are mitigated through both Section106 contributions and the imposition of relevant planning conditions.