Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Have you any idea what WC is on about?

You may have heard the term campus being used in the context of the leisure review that is currently being consulted on.

WC is aware that this has caused some confusion and thought it may be helpful to provide some clarity around what a campus is.

"The council is currently asking people for their views on future leisure provision in their local communities. Over the next three months the feedback will be the starting point for looking at creating community campuses. Other services like libraries, internet access, health centres and youth services could also potentially be included in a campus.

Community campuses will be developed through input from local people ensuring each campus is as individual as the community it serves. They will provide the services communities need in one easy-to-access location – placing customers and their needs at the heart of future plans.

These campuses could be new buildings or greatly-improved and developed existing buildings. In other cases the proposal is to look at community-run leisure facilities which could be expanded to accommodate additional services or facilities.

Some campuses would not necessarily be centred on leisure facilities. The aim is to make maximum and efficient use of the council’s buildings – both new and existing – and create campuses that deliver more for local communities.

Wiltshire Council wants to talk to local communities and find out what services and facilities they would like to see in their campuses. The current consultation on leisure is the start of these conversations.

Creating a campus will take time but the proposals for future leisure facilities offer a real opportunity to look at what communities need in terms of public services and voluntary organisations, and plan for the future".