Agenda item

Further to Minute No. 54 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 18^th February, 2011, consideration was given to a report presented by Andy Lee, Operations Manager, which outlined the results of the consultation on proposals to withdraw maintenance from selected bowling greens and sought approval to implement proposals that have been adjusted following analysis of the consultation.

Since the report regarding consultation on bowling greens maintenance was presented a decision was taken to consider maintenance of bowling greens on land owned by Parish Councils and CISWO separately as part of a wider review of grounds maintenance at such sites and consultation with Parish Councils and CISWO was continuing, led by colleagues in Community Delivery.  The outcome of the review was to be reported separately.

The agreement to maintain the green at Wickersley Christian Institute was unique in that no other agreements existed for similar greens. The green was maintained by the Council on behalf of the Christian Institute Trustees. To rationalise the situation, it was previously agreed that the Council should stop maintaining this green, subject to consultation. However, an agreement was subsequently found to exist between the Council and the Trustees requiring a minimum of six months notice to be given.  Consequently, it is proposed that notice be given that maintenance would cease from 1st January, 2012.

The selection of greens proposed for cessation of maintenance had principally taken into account the availability of other greens within the same geographical area. However, the usage levels at Council-managed greens, the number of greens at each site, the quality of ancillary facilities (such as pavilions) that were available and other factors affecting value for money were also taken into account when identifying where reductions could be made. 

Clubs have been invited to submit expressions of interest should they believe themselves to be in a position to take on responsibility for the maintenance of greens at their own expense. To date no firm expressions of interest have been made, but clubs may still make an expression of interest after confirmation of the greens where the Council would no longer provide maintenance.

The original proposals have changed following the consultation from the previous report which suggested ceasing maintenance at various sites to the ones now recommended.

Discussion ensued on the original savings target from the cessation of maintenance of selected bowling greens, the future of the bowling greens, the ongoing review with Parish Councils and the possibility of a co-operative initiative to share equipment.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the cessation of maintenance of the following Council managed greens be approved from 1st July, 2011:-

·              Two greens at Rawmarsh Leisure (Barbers Avenue).

·              One green at Barkers Park.

·              One green at Boston Park.

·              One green at Wath Park.

·              One green at Rosehill Park.

·              One green at Bradgate Park.

·              One green at Coronation Park.

(2)  That the further maintenance of the bowling green at Greasbrough Park be reviewed in 2012.

(3)  That notice be served regarding the cessation of maintenance of the bowling green at Wickersley Christian Institute from 1st January, 2012.

(4)  That a report be taken by Officers in Community Delivery to the Cabinet Member for Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods which would present proposals regarding Parish Council and Coalfield Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) sites which provide bowling greens that were currently maintained by the Council.