Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Embargo broken by local papers.

You may know that WC has, over several months, been carrying out a review of leisure facilities. The review will be discussed at the Cabinet meeting on 27th July and the report and papers regarding the review and future proposals will be distributed as public documents on Monday 19th July.

A press briefing was held on Tuesday by the Chief Executive of WC, the leader and lead cabinet member to present the review, its findings and future proposals. The briefing took place on the understanding that the information was embargoed until Monday. Unfortunately, the embargo will be breached by the Gazette and Herald and Wiltshire Times and, as a result, the leisure review will be publicised in the papers today and tomorrow.

The review looks at leisure provision for the next 25 years and focuses on a programme of replacement, refurbishment and devolvement of leisure facilities. The proposed plan is in 3 phases starting in 2011 – 2015. Currently, the council would need to spend £93 million to maintain the existing 23 facilities in the next 15 years. This would not include any improvements or new facilities, and in the present financial climate is not affordable or sustainable. The proposal is to look at investment into new facilities, plus improvement and refurbishment to some of the facilities and to devolve some centres to community groups or trusts with support from the council.

WC wants to start consultation now and invite views and comments from local people on future leisure provision. A questionnaire will be available at council offices, libraries, leisure centres and on line.

The full report to Cabinet will also be available on line on Monday.

The closure of Castle Place seems a certainty, whilst the Clarendon swimming pool may close. However, WC is promising Trowbridge a 'Sports Campus' but doesn't actually say what it would be or where it would be situated; perhaps at Clarendon School? I hope that Hilperton residents will take a keen interest in this review and let WC know their opinions.