Agenda item

Priscilla Simpson, Sport and Physical Activity Team Manager, and Nicola McDermott, Sports Contract Manager were in attendance to answer clarification questions from Members in relation to the report set out in the agenda pack.

Members raised a question about the funding received for park tennis and why residents were still being charged £5 to use the tennis courts. The 0fficers explained that the funding was a grant issued by the LTA in 2019 to refurbish the courts, which had not been attended to for 10 to 15 years. The LTA recommended a charge for pay and play to ensure upkeep and maintenance. It was confirmed that the income generated from the charges was used to address anti-social behaviour and maintain the courts. Officers also highlighted the introduction of a cloud-operated booking system and the provision of a tennis programme including Tennis for Free and Free Parks Tennis through a tennis coaching company.

Members enquired why free tennis was not being offered in areas with anti-social behaviour, such as Rosedale and Harmondsworth. In response to this, officers responded that different initiatives were in place, including Free Parks Tennis coaching at Rosedale and plans to extend it to other areas. They emphasised the importance of building local community involvement through volunteer park tennis activators and linking in with schools and community groups.

Councillors sought further clarification regarding the usage of sports facilities and changes in demographics. Officers confirmed that they collected data using a tennis tracker on facility usage and demographics, and they aimed to engage and include various communities. They mentioned that most activities, apart from the £5 tennis, were offered for free and promoted through schools, local communities, social media, and Hillingdon People. Efforts to connect with different community groups and GP practices to promote healthier lifestyles were highlighted.

The Select Committee expressed interest in seeing the data on facility usage and engagement, noting that some events did not seem very inclusive. It was agreed that the data would be shared and it was confirmed that officers were committed to reaching hard-to-reach communities and integrating the programme into new developments.

Members requested further information about the 22 graded walks available in the Borough. It was confirmed that the information was available on the Council website and that officers had in the past distributed leaflets in GP practices and libraries. It was acknowledged that stopping some of the production of paper forms might have led to some people not being aware of the programmes. Officers agreed to provide the requested information.

The Select Committee Davis raised concerns about the introduction of fees for using tennis courts and the lack of data on court usage before and after the fee was implemented. Resistance to the fee in areas like Rosedale was noted and free access in such areas was suggested to address the issue. Officers explained that the fee was introduced to cover maintenance costs and that they were working with a tennis coaching company to provide some free tennis opportunities in areas near the tennis courts.

Councillors discussed the promotion of sports activities, noting that physical leaflets were no longer being used and enquired about the use of display boards in town centres. The challenge of promoting activities was noted and officers emphasised the importance of using social media and other digital platforms to reach the community. They highlighted the difficulty of engaging certain demographics, such as the working population, teenage girls, and the older generation, and stressed the need for creative solutions to encourage participation.

Councillors raised questions about outdoor fitness programmes and the use of outdoor gyms in various parks. It was clarified that the outdoor gym facilities were managed by a team and that they were focusing on the most popular locations. Members also raised the issue of space constraints for seated exercise classes and the possibility of using facilities at Botwell Leisure Centre. Officers explained that they were working closely with the commissioned instructors of seated exercises and noted that there were some sessions that were less well attended and some that had increased attendance and that they were monitoring attendance and adjusting programmes as needed.  Officers explained they were working closely with the Hillingdon Hospital and physiotherapy services to provide strength and balance classes in the community for residents.

In response to queries about the status of family fishing days, which had previously been managed by the Green Spaces team, it was confirmed that the Public Health team had not been historically involved in this activity.

Councillors offered their support in promoting activities within their wards, suggesting the use of social media and community spaces to raise awareness. Officers welcomed the offer and highlighted the importance of visibility and community engagement. They mentioned the success of the Parkrun initiative in Hayes and the Couch to 5K programme, which aimed to encourage more families, particularly black and minority ethnic groups, to participate in running and walking activities.

RESOLVED: That the Residents’ Services Select Committee noted the content of the report and asked any clarification questions as necessary.