Agenda item

The Chairman stated that currently there were two items on the Work Programme for the meeting scheduled for 3 February 2026:

-                Draft refresh of the Sports and Physical Activity Strategy

-                Visit from Grantham Town FC

Confirmation was sought from the Assistant Director (Leisure, Culture and Place) regarding the visit by Grantham Town FC.  The Assistant Director (Leisure, Culture and Place) stated that she had a meeting with the Chairman and the Deputy Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture on Monday and that agreement in respect of the Heads of Terms was imminent following legal input.  However, she felt that perhaps February was too early and more information would be known after the meeting the following week.

ØAction

That the visit by Grantham Town FC scheduled for February be moved to later in the year.

One Member made reference to the Wellbeing event that had been held at the Meres Leisure Centre in October at which 12-14 independent stalls had been present.  He stated that he was the only Member who had attended the event and asked if the event was to be repeated in January.  The Assistant Director (Leisure, Culture and Place) stated that Beth Goodman was leading on the project and it was expected that events would be repeated in Bourne, Stamford and The Deepings.  As soon as dates had been confirmed they would be circulated to the Committee.  The Member asked if there would be another one at the Meres and it was indicated that this could be factored into the plan as it had worked very well.

The Assistant Director (Leisure, Culture and Place) suggested that an item be included on the Work Programme for February in respect of the £500k reserve that had been put in place for investment in the Leisure Centres to update the Committee on progress and any future funding.  It was proposed that the £500k be replicated in the budget for 2026/27.

The Chairman referred to an email received from Councillor Bailey in respect of the money that had been committed for investment which totalled £1m. He had requested a report which indicated where the money had been invested in leisure within the District as a whole.  The Assistant Director (Leisure, Culture and Place) indicated that it could be incorporate within the report she had proposed.

ØAction

Item to be included on Work Programme for February 2026 on Investment of Leisure Reserve, to include other investments highlighted and where the money had been invested within the district as a whole.

One Member made reference to frustration in respect of certain leisure investments which seemed to be happening “outside” of the Committee to which both the Assistant Director (Leisure, Culture and Place) together with the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture responded.

A question was asked about visiting the refitted gym at the Meres and it was stated that a visit by the Committee would be arranged.

ØAction

That a visit to the refurbished gym at the Meres be arranged for the Committee once completed.