Agenda item

To receive a verbal update from Officers.

The Committee received a verbal report from the Deputy Town Clerk regarding the splash park operating arrangements for the summer period based on a briefing document from the Head of Estates & Operations which was circulated at the meeting.

Members held a detailed and constructive discussion exploring the most appropriate operating hours, recognising the need to accommodate both pre-school children and families earlier in the day, as well as school-aged children accessing the facility after school.

It was acknowledged that the level of demand would clearly be influenced by weather conditions, which remained uncertain however, members were mindful of the potential additional financial implications of water usage.

Officers advised that, where possible, grey water from the splash park was reused to water areas close to The Leys, although extending this further presented logistical and operational challenges.

A proposal was made by Cllr R Smith, seconded by Cllr R Crouch, to extend operating hours to 10:00am to 5:00pm, with Officers preparing a report for Full Council on 13 July detailing the impact of these extended opening hours on water usage including overall water consumption, the extent of grey water reuse, and the potential offset where grey water replaced freshwater use.

A counter proposal was put forward by Cllr D Edwards-Hughes, seconded by Cllr J Treloar, to amend the operating hours to 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Following a vote, 4 Members voted in favour of the proposal by Cllr Smith and 3 Members in favour of the counter proposal. With five members of the Policy, Governance & finance Committee being present it was further agreed that rather than have to wait for ratification at a future meeting that the changes be applied with immediate effect.

It was therefore:

Resolved:

1. That, the update be noted and;
2. That, splash park operating hours be amended to 10:00am to 5:00pm with immediate effect and;
3. That, an update on water usage and associated costs against budget be presented to the Full Council meeting on 13 July inn order that the Council can review the position and make any necessary adjustments.
4. That, given the quorum of the Policy, Governance and Finance Committee Members present, the revised operating hours be implemented with immediate effect rather than awaiting formal ratification.