To consider a report on the draft Torbay Swimming Strategy, 2011-2026.

The Board considered a report detailing the draft Torbay Swimming Strategy for the period 2011-2026.  Members were advised that Council support for swimming pools within the Bay had been on an ad hoc basis and that a more strategic approach was required.  The Board was advised that the draft strategy was currently a facilities swimming strategy and that swimming as a whole merited more inclusion.  The Board was informed the final draft strategy would be subject to consultation and would be considered by full Council in December 2011. 

The Board was advised that provision of community swimming facilities within Torbay was greater than many other local authority areas.  Members requested benchmarking information for Torbay against other local authorities and were advised that funding had been provided to benchmark costs per swim against other councils.  In response to questions, the Board was informed that information relating to subsidies for Torbay Leisure Centre and for the Riviera Centre would be provided.

Replying to questions, the Executive Head, Residents and Visitors Services, indicated that Plymouth was the regional swimming facility funded by Sport England and Torbay was designated a local facility.  The Board was advised that the swimming strategy needed to address barriers to a wider take-up of swimming in the Bay.  Members were advised that the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) was helping to improve timetabling in Torbay pools.

Members questioned the progress of preparing the draft strategy and the lack of consultation with users.  The Board was informed that once drafted a core document would be consulted upon.

Resolved:  that the Mayor, the Executive Lead Member for Safer Communities and Transport, and the Executive Lead Member for Tourism and the Environment ensure:

(i)                 that full consultation with users occur in relation to Torbay’s Swimming Strategy, 2011-2026; 

(ii)               that the strategy is owned by the community; and

(iii)             that the strategy include proposals for increasing usage of swimming facilities in the Bay.

(Note:  Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 281, Councillor Addis declared a personal interest as a non-voting Board member of Swim Torbay.)