Agenda item

Following a meeting of the Cabinet Member, Lifelong Learning, Culture and Leisure held on 3^rd October 2006, consideration was given to a progress report of the Head of Culture and Leisure as a result of work carried out to pursue appropriate leisure provision for young people on the Wentworth Meadows estate, Brampton, as an alternative to evening use of the play area at Leewood Close with attendant problems of nuisance to local residents.

It was resolved at this meeting that officers should pursue the provision of sheltered seating, possibly using a mobile shelter, in a green space at the south corner of the estate.  It was noted that the land in question is owned by St. Paul’s Developments, and consequently it was also resolved that the Head of Culture and Leisure should open a dialogue with them to establish whether they would give permission for such a development.   It was also agreed that the views of local young people should be sought to inform any such scheme.  Progress with these actions was outlined.

It is estimated that the approximate cost of providing a temporary shelter would be £27,000.  This would allow the installation of lighting and a surfaced path to the shelter.  A bid for this amount was submitted to the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund through the Joint Action Group in October 2006.  Unfortunately, this was not successful.  No other appropriate funding sources have yet been identified.

The report set out the details of initial contact with St. Paul’s Developments and discussions with the Brampton and West Melton Partnership (BWMP) who have revealed that they have also contacted St. Paul’s Developments about the possibility of providing for young people on the same piece of land.

In view of these mostly shared objectives, it was agreed at a meeting on 7^th December, 2006 that a partnership approach be taken in seeking to develop this project.

The following main areas of work have been identified:-

-           confirm land-owner agreement to the proposal, and any associated conditions;

-           continue consultation with young people to develop an agreed scheme;

-           seek support for the scheme from the Area Assembly, Parish Council, Police/SNT, Miners’ Welfare, Community PlanningOfficer and other key stakeholders;

-           consult with local residents;

-           develop cost estimates for the agreed scheme, and seek capital funding/sponsorship to allow the project to proceed;

-           establish what planning consents would be required and obtain as appropriate;

-           establish cost of managing and maintaining site and, subject to confirmation of current landowner’s requirements, investigate possible transfer of ownership and maintenance responsibility to Partnership or some other body (e.g. Parish Council, Rotherham MBC)

Resolved:-  (1)  That progress being made to provide alternative leisure provision for young people at Wentworth Meadows be noted.

(2)   That Ward Members be informed of this progress.

(3)   That a further progress report be submitted to a future meeting at the end of March, 2007.

(4)  That the youth groups be encouraged and advised to explore funding opportunities in their own right.